From Pithless Thoughts, a look at the confession sheet of someone who doesn't quite get it. On a related note, here's Fr. Meletios Webber on confession.
Thursday, December 31, 2009
An Orthograph on confession
Boycott of Patriarch Theophilos III over land sales
H/T: OBL News
Bethlehem (Ma’an) – Thirteen Greek Orthodox Christian leaders met in Bethlehem Wednesday and voted unanimously to boycott the reception of the denomination’s Patriarch Theophilos III for Christmas celebrations on 6 January.
Officials and scout troupes affiliated the 13 will not receive the patriarch at the Mar Elias Monastery or meet him at the entrance to Bethlehem at Israel’s Checkpoint 300 for his procession to the Nativity Church.
The decision came as a result of a meeting in the Orthodox Society headquarters in Bethlehem, following local leaders’ dissatisfaction with the patriarch’s unrealized promises to reverse land sales to Israel that saw the previous patriarch sacked.
The former Patriarch Irenaios I was voted out of the position in 2005 by the Brotherhood of the Holy Sepulture, of which he had been the head. The congregation in Jerusalem had been increasingly angered by the sale of church land to Israel, much of which was private Palestinian land given to the church in trust before the 1967 war which saw Israel occupy the West Bank and annex East Jerusalem.
The Church owned land on which the Knesset and Israeli Prime Minister’s residence are built. And under Irenaios, land from the Christian Quarter in the Old City of Jerusalem as well as land next to Mar Elias were sold to the State of Israel. In October 1999 the church signed an agreement with a British developing company allowing construction of neighborhoods linking the Israeli settlements of Har Homa and Gilo.
The Pan-Orthodox Synod voted to support the decision in May 2005, and in August Theophilos III was unanimously elected as the replacement. He was confirmed by the governments of Greece, Israel, the Palestinian Authority and Jordan.
Head of the Orthodox institutions council Marwan At-Toubasy told Ma’an boycott was in response to Theophilos’ refusal to abide by the promises he made to the Palestinian Authority when they agreed to confirm their support for him as head of the Jerusalem Church.
Theophilos was confirmed by the government of Jordan, and issued a statement promising to serve the church and support the Palestinian people.
According to At-Toubasy, the incoming patriarch had promised to work on nullifying the land deals his predecessor had made. He was also accused of failing to comply with the Greek Orthodox Patriarchate Law No. 24 of 1958, which stipulates that in order to be approved by the Jordanian crown, church officials must be Jordanian citizens.
A spokesman for the church, Father Issah Musheh, called the decision to boycott a "personal issue," and assured Ma'an over the phone that the celebration of Orthodox Christmas would continue as usual.
At-Toubasy said the boycott is also a direct response to a deal made this year leasing the lands of Mar Elias to an Israeli construction company. The patriarch was accused in April of approving the lease of 71 dunums of land belonging to the monastery to the company for 99 years. From the deal the church would get 100 apartments.
Wednesday, December 30, 2009
Baptizing 327 catechumens in Zimbabwe
H/T: Mystagogy
(romfea.gr) - Through the blessing of Patriarch Theodore II of Alexandria and All of Africa, Metropolitan George of Zimbabwe conducted today, December 30th, three hundred and twenty-seven baptisms for catechumens in the parish of St. Nektarios in Harare.
The majority of the converts were youth and young adults who had completed a catechism class over the past 12 months.
Following the lengthy baptismal service, clothes and shoes were distributed to over a thousand men, women and children who belong to the parish.
Those attending the baptismal service were Protopresbyter George Saganis from Athens, and the African priests Fr. Raphael Gada, Fr. Augustine Moketsi, and the newly-ordained Deacon Demetrios Nyandebvu.
Met. Jonah calls all Orthodox to March for Life
WASHINGTON, DC (OCA) - Orthodox Christians everywhere -- especially those within driving distance of the US capital -- are being encouraged to bear witness to their faith at the annual March for Life on Friday, January 22, 2010.
His Beatitude, Metropolitan Jonah has issued a special invitation encouraging youth and young adults to join him in proclaiming that all life is indeed a gift from God.
The faithful are asked to gather by noon under the "Orthodox Christians for Life" banner to the left of the stage at the Ellipse, between the Washington Monument and the national Mall. Metropolitan Jonah will be the first of several speakers to address the public at the pre-March program.
At the conclusion of the March, Metropolitan Jonah will offer prayers for the victims of abortion.
On Thursday, January 21, the eve of the March, the faithful are encouraged to join Metropolitan Jonah for Vespers at Saint Nicholas Cathedral, 3500 Massachusetts Ave. NW, at 7:00 p.m. A reception will follow.
On the morning of the March, Metropolitan Jonah and members of the Holy Synod of Bishops will concelebrate the Divine Liturgy at the cathedral at 8:00 a.m.
Students from Saint Vladimir's Seminary, Crestwood, NY and Saint Tikhon's Seminary, South Canaan, PA, will form a combined choir to render the liturgical responses at both services. Classes at both seminaries will be suspended for the day to encourage participation by faculty and students alike.
Following the March, Metropolitan Jonah will offer the invocation at the annual Rose Dinner at DC's Hyatt Regency Hotel.
While additional details concerning the the Orthodox Christian witness will be forthcoming, general information on the March may be found at www.marchforlife.org/content/view/13/26.
Of Straw men and Saviors
From Notes from a Common-place Book...
Occasionally, I may be guilty of constructing Evangelical straw men, from which I wax sarcastic about the excesses and inanities of American pop-religiosity. You and me both. Not that this takes any great skill, mind you, given the surfeat of material with which to work. In this season of resolutions, perhaps I should resolve to do better in the coming year. Or not.
But this article--Metro Churches Turn to Technology to Spread the Word--truly troubled me, as I found it sillier and even more offensive than most. (Owen by way of Aaron has previously noted the article.) This story is a familiar one by now. To those who turn a critical eye towards the state of religion in America, many of these evangelical churches became unmoored long ago, and are now far at sea. This newspaper account differs little from countless others I have read in recent years documenting evangelical trendiness....except for one line.
Journalist Malena Lott posits: "If Jesus were alive today, would he Twitter? Have a Facebook profile? Flickr account? Post proof of his miracles on YouTube?" I once heard Zbigniew Brzezinski--not one to suffer even good-natured fools gladly--characterize a question put to him by Joe Scarborough as "stunningly superficial." Ms. Lott's inquiry is worthy of the same treatment. Indeed, it is so light and fluffy that the words are in danger of floating off the page.
The entire line of thought is so patently absurd that I completely missed the real significance of the passage. Ms. Lott begins with If Jesus were alive today. Think about it. I do understand what she is trying to say, namely "If Jesus were physically walking the earth today, etc." But that is not what she said. These articles often attempt to serve as a feeble corrective or as food for thought (would Christ be a Democrat or a Republican, would people listen to Him today if he spoke to us on a street corner, what would he say about the Christians of today, etc.). There is a lack of understanding that Christ instituted a Church so that it could speak on these matters - more specifically, Tradition should guide us more than hypothetical constructs. The failure to understand the importance and role of koinonia sends journalists off on 'Jesus and me' suppositional escapades.
Such sloppiness can be excused, perhaps, from a journalist. But then, the person to which the question was addressed--the "online community pastor at LifeChurch.tv"--used the exact same wording in his response. He replied: If Jesus were alive, I don’t think he’d have to use social media...His followers all have mobile phones. They’d be spreading his message for him. Is the point that no Church currently exists in this scenario and that Christ is appearing for the first time? If so, I doubt mankind would treat Him any better now than they did then regardless of the advent of the 3G network. Is the point that the followers of Christ would make use of modern technology to spread the Gospel? The salvific message is transmitted through prayer, fasting, and almsgiving. Websites, Twitter, Facebook, etc. are all just signs pointing to the Church. They are not the Church themselves. Is the point that Christians would welcome His return and joyfully get to texting? I think any serious Christian that discovers it is the second coming of Christ knows to put the cellphone down.
I found it absolutely stunning for a purported Christian pastor to say "if" Jesus were alive today. Everything else in the story is secondary when compared to this unintended statement of faith. That is the whole point of the empty tomb, is it not? This is no quibble over semantics. One cannot equivocate on such matters. The whole point of our Faith is that Jesus Christ is alive, and and the only life we have as Christians is when we lose our lives in His.
Such statements should be expected, I suppose, in churches where The Word has become words on a page, where the Living Christ has became the author of useful moralistic teachings, where cheap sentimentality and "assurance" have replaced any sense of asceticism. I do not see this trend abating at all. It will become increasingly difficult, however, to characterize adherents as anything discernibly Christian. To stretch the ancient Christian ship imagery: Once you jump off the boat and decide to build your own boat you are no longer a shipmate to those still standing on the deck. When you and your new shipmates break apart the pieces of the new boat over a disagreement, again, you are no longer shipmates with your old crew. This will continue on and on until thousands of vessels dot the ocean going in different directions, no longer speaking the same language, and no longer building boats that the original boat would recognize as a boat.
But this article--Metro Churches Turn to Technology to Spread the Word--truly troubled me, as I found it sillier and even more offensive than most. (Owen by way of Aaron has previously noted the article.) This story is a familiar one by now. To those who turn a critical eye towards the state of religion in America, many of these evangelical churches became unmoored long ago, and are now far at sea. This newspaper account differs little from countless others I have read in recent years documenting evangelical trendiness....except for one line.
Journalist Malena Lott posits: "If Jesus were alive today, would he Twitter? Have a Facebook profile? Flickr account? Post proof of his miracles on YouTube?" I once heard Zbigniew Brzezinski--not one to suffer even good-natured fools gladly--characterize a question put to him by Joe Scarborough as "stunningly superficial." Ms. Lott's inquiry is worthy of the same treatment. Indeed, it is so light and fluffy that the words are in danger of floating off the page.
The entire line of thought is so patently absurd that I completely missed the real significance of the passage. Ms. Lott begins with If Jesus were alive today. Think about it. I do understand what she is trying to say, namely "If Jesus were physically walking the earth today, etc." But that is not what she said. These articles often attempt to serve as a feeble corrective or as food for thought (would Christ be a Democrat or a Republican, would people listen to Him today if he spoke to us on a street corner, what would he say about the Christians of today, etc.). There is a lack of understanding that Christ instituted a Church so that it could speak on these matters - more specifically, Tradition should guide us more than hypothetical constructs. The failure to understand the importance and role of koinonia sends journalists off on 'Jesus and me' suppositional escapades.
Such sloppiness can be excused, perhaps, from a journalist. But then, the person to which the question was addressed--the "online community pastor at LifeChurch.tv"--used the exact same wording in his response. He replied: If Jesus were alive, I don’t think he’d have to use social media...His followers all have mobile phones. They’d be spreading his message for him. Is the point that no Church currently exists in this scenario and that Christ is appearing for the first time? If so, I doubt mankind would treat Him any better now than they did then regardless of the advent of the 3G network. Is the point that the followers of Christ would make use of modern technology to spread the Gospel? The salvific message is transmitted through prayer, fasting, and almsgiving. Websites, Twitter, Facebook, etc. are all just signs pointing to the Church. They are not the Church themselves. Is the point that Christians would welcome His return and joyfully get to texting? I think any serious Christian that discovers it is the second coming of Christ knows to put the cellphone down.
I found it absolutely stunning for a purported Christian pastor to say "if" Jesus were alive today. Everything else in the story is secondary when compared to this unintended statement of faith. That is the whole point of the empty tomb, is it not? This is no quibble over semantics. One cannot equivocate on such matters. The whole point of our Faith is that Jesus Christ is alive, and and the only life we have as Christians is when we lose our lives in His.
Such statements should be expected, I suppose, in churches where The Word has become words on a page, where the Living Christ has became the author of useful moralistic teachings, where cheap sentimentality and "assurance" have replaced any sense of asceticism. I do not see this trend abating at all. It will become increasingly difficult, however, to characterize adherents as anything discernibly Christian. To stretch the ancient Christian ship imagery: Once you jump off the boat and decide to build your own boat you are no longer a shipmate to those still standing on the deck. When you and your new shipmates break apart the pieces of the new boat over a disagreement, again, you are no longer shipmates with your old crew. This will continue on and on until thousands of vessels dot the ocean going in different directions, no longer speaking the same language, and no longer building boats that the original boat would recognize as a boat.
The struggles of building a mission
(DOWOCA) - When a new mission, created from convert zeal to found a Church near the country’s largest university, has the opportunity to welcome its bishop for the first time there is a simple description: sweet. Not knowing what to do or what to expect made it all the better. We did not have parishioners steeped in traditions for such a momentous occasion; just raw enthusiasm to have our archpastor in our midst. We joyfully prepared to just be with His Grace, with everyone scrambling to get ready for the bishop’s visit. In true ‘jump in before you are ready’ fashion, we even asked to celebrate a Hierarchical Divine Liturgy, even though none of us knew exactly what to do. With help from SubDeacon Johann and our choir’s hard work to prepare, we borrowed Proto-Deacon Alexis and by the grace of God all was beautiful. His Grace spent all day Saturday with us. First was a ‘family BBQ’, then gift gathering for St Innocent orphans, followed by Vespers and an informal talk with everyone. Sunday was attended by 60+ faithful and some visitors – most who had never been to a Hierarchical Divine Liturgy.
St John the Evangelist Orthodox Mission (www.stjohnaz.org) is in its fourth year, and this past year was blessed to move from an inadequate storefront, to a facility that we all pray will be a property we can purchase as our permanent home. Our new location consists of four former model homes on 2 acres on University Drive, the main access into ASU, about 1.5 miles from campus.
We have taken a Mountain Chalet and converted it to a Temple. Another cabin houses our kitchen, office and restrooms. The former model home office serves as offices for several ministries in our city: Tempe Christian Resource Center (a live-in, bible-based, rehab program), Christian Interface Ministries (whose mission it is to bring together Tempe churches and ministries to work together), and CARE (an outreach of the State Government Chaplain). The fourth house will be used for gatherings and classrooms.
We began the Mission four years ago in Bill and Cathy Gould’s living room with 4 families. After a few weeks, we moved from there to a chapel at a mortuary, until management changed. Next was a house in a residential area. We were constantly looking for affordable space zoned for “assembly”. At every turn the city nixed occupancy due to some city code. Finally, Fr Damian’s activity with CIM ministries and partnering with its director, Gary Bartlett, led to the mayor and his staff actively helping us. With the help of city employees, we found this property just as the owner was closing operations and quickly worked through building codes and bureaucracy to use it as a church.
The chalet building was an unfinished shell. No plumbing, electricity, or insulation. Just the framing, exterior walls, windows and a roof. Much of the work to create a church was performed by a host of very good friends and even some folks we hardly know but thank God for. With little in the bank, the vast majority of materials and labor were donated and the Diocese gave us a loan for the things we needed to purchase. Our prayer is that God will bring us people to serve. Who knows what great things God will do? For He is with us. Holy Apostle, Evangelist and Theologian John, pray to God for us.
Patriarch Lubomyr discusses succession
Kiev, December 30, (Interfax) – Head of the Ukrainian Greek Catholic Church Lubomyr Cardinal Husar said he was ready to leave his post, but did not name the successor as such decision was not in his competence.
“I’m not immortal. It seems I’d better delegate my authority now, quietly, so that work can go on. The Church is living and no one is indispensable. Our Church has greatly progressed for the recent fourteen years, but a long way to complete organization is still in store for us,” the UGCC head told journalists at Lvov press conference on Tuesday.
Husar stressed it was not up to him to decide who would succeed him as this question in the Synod competence, “Such things are done calmly without any super emotions. I don’t have exact date, it’s a kind of process.”
Husar has been the UGCC leader from January 2001. He was the first head of this Church elected in independent Ukraine.
Orthodox History: on using Protestant hymnals
From Orthodox History:
I’ve been looking through a borrowed copy of Fr. Michael Gelsinger’s Orthodox Hymns in English, published by the Antiochian Archdiocese in 1939. This is a significant work, and Gelsinger’s hymns are still used to this day. I’ll write more about this book in the future, but I found the following paragraph, from the Introduction, to be especially interesting:Other religions in America have hymnbooks containing six hundred or more melodies; Orthodoxy in English, though rightfully heir to the grandest and richest score of music in existence, would only with difficulty command as many as fifty melodies. Our lack of Orthodox hymns that can be sung in English has already encouraged the use of substitutes: rumor tells of Parishes that use Protestant hymnbooks, — in one case, at least, the Billy Sunday collection; and in another a book of “Pentecostal Hymns.” Can we calmly face a future which might add “Brighten the Corner Where You Are” and “Beautiful Isle of Somewhere” to the treasures of Orthodox devotion?
No, Gelsinger answers: “It is, of course, as unthinkable as it is unnecessary that we should permit any such development.” His answer? Translate Orthodox music from all the traditions — Greek, Russian, Antiochian, Bulgarian, Romanian, etc. — into the English language.
Every tradition of our Orthodox music should find a home in every Parish in America; for American Orthodoxy inherits the music of every national Orthodox Church abroad. It is usual to say that our children will all be Americans together; but that is only one face of the truth. It is equally true that each of our children as an Orthodox Christian is as much Russian as he is Greek, as much Greek as he is Syrian, as much Syrian as he is Bulgarian or Rumanian: for he is the rightful heir of everything Orthodox that has ever entered this country.
Here, Gelsinger sounds a lot like Fr. Ingram Nathaniel Irvine and Fr. Leonid Turkevich before him, and like countless people today. But back in 1939, Gelsinger’s views were pretty cutting-edge. They had a substantial influence on the development of American Orthodoxy in the decades that followed.
SVS Press to take over OCPC publication and distribution
CRESTWOOD, NY (OCA/SVS Press) - Saint Vladimir's Seminary Press -- the largest publisher of English-language titles about the Orthodox Christian faith -- now has assumed responsibility for the publication and distribution of Christian education materials.
Known for its books on Church history, patristics, spirituality, iconography, biblical studies, hagiography, liturgical music, and other aspects of Orthodoxy, SVS Press has entered into an agreement with the Orthodox Church in America to distribute educational resources for Church schools, teachers, and those engaged in faith formation for all ages.
On December 22, 2009, SVS Press assumed the entire current stock of the Orthodox Christian Publications Center [OCPC], the OCA's publishing arm, and will be responsible for marketing, sales, and distribution of all of its educational titles. SVS Press personnel are processing the OCPC inventory and will be ready to sell and distribute the materials by April 2010.
The agreement between SVS Press and the Orthodox Church in America was approved by the OCA's Metropolitan Council, and presents a "win-win" situation to both parties.
"We are thrilled with this new arrangement," said the Archpriest Alexander Garklavs, OCA chancellor. "For the OCA, this means an opportunity to profit from the excellence, professionalism, and efficiency that are the hallmarks of SVS Press."
SVS Press director Theodore Bazil concurred, adding that "the assumption of the OCPC inventory will lead to exciting possibilities. Among them will be the ability of the Press to expand the markets for educational material already published, and to reprint currently out-of-stock titles. We are committed to providing a high level of customer satisfaction in the sale and distribution of this material."
Remarking upon the new agreement, the Archpriest Eric G. Tosi, OCA secretary, said, "We believe this new partnership will allow OCPC to continue to serve the Church and to reach an even wider audience."
Visit the SVS Press web page at www.svspress.com or call the SVS Bookstore at 800-204-2665 to order SVS Press and OCPC publications. OCPC publications will be available for customer order in April 2010.
Tuesday, December 29, 2009
Orthodox 101 lectures online
For those that missed the lecture series while it was ongoing, they have been made available from the ACROD website.
JOHNSTOWN, PA (ACROD) - The Diocesan Apostolate for Christian Education is pleased to announce that audio files of the recently concluded 7 week introduction to Orthodox Christianity (Orthodoxy 101) Course are now posted. Listen to these informative lectures on line or download them to your i-pod or i-phone.
Today we remember the slain infants numbering 14,000
A voice is heard in Ramah,
weeping and great mourning,
Rachel weeping for her children
and refusing to be comforted,
because they are no more.
- Matthew 2:18 -
weeping and great mourning,
Rachel weeping for her children
and refusing to be comforted,
because they are no more.
- Matthew 2:18 -
14,000 Holy Infants were killed by King Herod in Bethlehem. When the time came for the Incarnation of the Son of God and His Birth of the Most Holy Virgin Mary, Magi in the East beheld a new star in the heavens, foretelling the Nativity of the King of the Jews. They journeyed immediately to Jerusalem to worship the Child, and the star showed them the way. Having worshipped the divine Infant, they did not return to Jerusalem to Herod, as he had ordered them, but being warned by God in a dream, they went back to their country by another way. Herod finally realized that his scheme to find the Child would not be successful, and he ordered that all the male children two years old and younger at Bethlehem and its surroundings be killed. He thought that the divine Infant, Whom he considered a rival, would be among the dead children.
The murdered infants thus became the first martyrs for Christ. The rage of Herod fell also on Simeon the God-Receiver (February 3), who declared before everyone in the Temple that the Messiah had been born. When the holy Elder died, Herod would not give permission for him to be properly buried. On the orders of King Herod, the holy prophet and priest Zachariah was also killed. He was murdered in Jerusalem between the Temple and the altar (Mt. 23:35) because he would not tell the whereabouts of his son John, the future Baptist of the Lord Jesus Christ.
The wrath of God soon fell upon Herod himself: a horrid condition struck him down and he died, eaten by worms while still alive. Before his death, the impious king murdered the chief priests and scribes of the Jews, and also his brother, and his sister and her husband, and also his own wife Mariam, and three of his sons, and seventy men of wisdom who were members of the Sanhedrin. He initiated this bloodbath so that the day of his death would not be one of rejoicing, but one of mourning.
The murdered infants thus became the first martyrs for Christ. The rage of Herod fell also on Simeon the God-Receiver (February 3), who declared before everyone in the Temple that the Messiah had been born. When the holy Elder died, Herod would not give permission for him to be properly buried. On the orders of King Herod, the holy prophet and priest Zachariah was also killed. He was murdered in Jerusalem between the Temple and the altar (Mt. 23:35) because he would not tell the whereabouts of his son John, the future Baptist of the Lord Jesus Christ.
The wrath of God soon fell upon Herod himself: a horrid condition struck him down and he died, eaten by worms while still alive. Before his death, the impious king murdered the chief priests and scribes of the Jews, and also his brother, and his sister and her husband, and also his own wife Mariam, and three of his sons, and seventy men of wisdom who were members of the Sanhedrin. He initiated this bloodbath so that the day of his death would not be one of rejoicing, but one of mourning.
Monday, December 28, 2009
Western-rite missions expanding into UK
From Oremus...
Yes, England (which for so many decades seemed to be a land impenetrable to Western Rite Orthodoxy) now has an active W. rite mission, thanks to the labours of Fr. Hieromonk Michael (Mansbridge-Wood) of the Russian Orthodox Church Abroad, and the protecting omophor of its Metropolitan, Hilarion...
Complete article here.
Diocese of NY/NJ episcopal consecration details announced
(OCA-NYNJ) - With the blessing of His Beatitude, Metropolitan JONAH, Archbishop of Washington and Locum tenens of the Diocese of New York and New Jersey, and in conjunction with the consecration of Bishop-Elect, Michael Dahulich, the following schedule is prepared:
Friday, May 7, 2010
Great Vespers for the Feast of the Holy Apostle John the Theologian, 7 p. m.
Saints Peter and Paul Orthodox Church, 109 Grand Street, Jersey City, NJ 07302
Saturday, May 8, 2010
The Profession of Faith by Bishop-elect, Archimandrite Michael (Dahulich) 9:00 a. m.
The Hierarchical Divine Liturgy celebrated by His Beatitude, Metropolitan JONAH and the Holy Synod of Bishops
Banquet at the Casino-in-the-Park Restaurant, Jersey City, 1 to 5 p. m.
Banquet $75 per person. Children (8 & under) $25. The banquet seating reservation form is to be submitted by March 31, 2010. Seating is reserved in tables of eight according to order in which responses are received.
Sunday, May 9, 2010
The Hierarchical Divine Liturgy celebrated by His Beatitude, Metropolitan JONAH and the Holy Synod of Bishops and Enthronement, 9:30 a. m.
Holy Virgin Protection Cathedral, 59 East Second Street, New York, NY. 10003
Reception in Cathedral Auditorium
Merry Christmas, My Friend
‘Twas the night before Christmas, he lived all alone,
In a one-bedroom house made of plaster and stone.
I had come down the chimney, with presents to give
and to see just who in this home did live.
As I looked all about, a strange sight I did see,
no tinsel, no presents, not even a tree.
No stocking by the fire, just boots filled with sand.
On the wall hung pictures of a far distant land.
With medals and badges, awards of all kind,
a sobering thought soon came to my mind.
For this house was different, unlike any I’d seen.
This was the home of a U.S. Marine.
I’d heard stories about them, I had to see more,
so I walked down the hall and pushed open the door.
And there he lay sleeping, silent, alone,
Curled up on the floor in his one-bedroom home.
He seemed so gentle, his face so serene,
Not how I pictured a U.S. Marine.
Was this the hero, of whom I’d just read?
Curled up in his poncho, a floor for his bed?
His head was clean-shaven, his weathered face tan.
I soon understood, this was more than a man.
For I realized the families that I saw that night,
owed their lives to these men, who were willing to fight.
Soon around the Nation, the children would play,
And grown-ups would celebrate on a bright Christmas day.
They all enjoyed freedom, each month and all year,
because of Marines like this one lying here.
I couldn’t help wonder how many lay alone,
on a cold Christmas Eve, in a land far from home.
Just the very thought brought a tear to my eye.
I dropped to my knees and I started to cry.
He must have awoken, for I heard a rough voice,
“Santa, don’t cry, this life is my choice
I fight for freedom, I don’t ask for more.
My life is my God, my country, my Corps.”
With that he rolled over, drifted off into sleep,
I couldn’t control it, I continued to weep.
I watched him for hours, so silent and still.
I noticed he shivered from the cold night’s chill.
So I took off my jacket, the one made of red,
and covered this Marine from his toes to his head.
Then I put on his T-shirt of scarlet and gold,
with an eagle, globe and anchor emblazoned so bold.
And although it barely fit me, I began to swell with pride,
and for one shining moment, I was Marine Corps deep inside.
I didn’t want to leave him so quiet in the night,
this guardian of honor so willing to fight.
But half asleep he rolled over, and in a voice clean and pure,
said “Carry on, Santa, it’s Christmas Day, all secure.”
One look at my watch and I knew he was right,
Merry Christmas my friend, Semper Fi and goodnight.
-Marine Corporal James M. Schmidt
In a one-bedroom house made of plaster and stone.
I had come down the chimney, with presents to give
and to see just who in this home did live.
As I looked all about, a strange sight I did see,
no tinsel, no presents, not even a tree.
No stocking by the fire, just boots filled with sand.
On the wall hung pictures of a far distant land.
With medals and badges, awards of all kind,
a sobering thought soon came to my mind.
For this house was different, unlike any I’d seen.
This was the home of a U.S. Marine.
I’d heard stories about them, I had to see more,
so I walked down the hall and pushed open the door.
And there he lay sleeping, silent, alone,
Curled up on the floor in his one-bedroom home.
He seemed so gentle, his face so serene,
Not how I pictured a U.S. Marine.
Was this the hero, of whom I’d just read?
Curled up in his poncho, a floor for his bed?
His head was clean-shaven, his weathered face tan.
I soon understood, this was more than a man.
For I realized the families that I saw that night,
owed their lives to these men, who were willing to fight.
Soon around the Nation, the children would play,
And grown-ups would celebrate on a bright Christmas day.
They all enjoyed freedom, each month and all year,
because of Marines like this one lying here.
I couldn’t help wonder how many lay alone,
on a cold Christmas Eve, in a land far from home.
Just the very thought brought a tear to my eye.
I dropped to my knees and I started to cry.
He must have awoken, for I heard a rough voice,
“Santa, don’t cry, this life is my choice
I fight for freedom, I don’t ask for more.
My life is my God, my country, my Corps.”
With that he rolled over, drifted off into sleep,
I couldn’t control it, I continued to weep.
I watched him for hours, so silent and still.
I noticed he shivered from the cold night’s chill.
So I took off my jacket, the one made of red,
and covered this Marine from his toes to his head.
Then I put on his T-shirt of scarlet and gold,
with an eagle, globe and anchor emblazoned so bold.
And although it barely fit me, I began to swell with pride,
and for one shining moment, I was Marine Corps deep inside.
I didn’t want to leave him so quiet in the night,
this guardian of honor so willing to fight.
But half asleep he rolled over, and in a voice clean and pure,
said “Carry on, Santa, it’s Christmas Day, all secure.”
One look at my watch and I knew he was right,
Merry Christmas my friend, Semper Fi and goodnight.
-Marine Corporal James M. Schmidt
Another "Orthograph" to start the week
From Pithless Thoughts, an Orthograph I have experienced and dutifully run away from.
Got monk?
H/T: Khanya
This site has been created to promote networking and collaboration around the world and in the UK, for those who are seeking to build ecclesial communities out of contextual mission, utilising a new monastic model. To be clear, we are wanting to focus on those particuarly involved/engaged with new monastic communities, rather than yet another social network of those involved in general church groups. Some have been doing this for a while, some have just started, whilst others are still conceiving. Some specifically have created intentional communities where people live together, whilst others have built networks of a dispersed community of intentionality. Some are very friar in their outlook, seeking to serve a particular place practicing radical hospitality, evangelism and mission in places some forms of church would not tread. Some are more monk like, seeking to build places of solace and community in but not of the world. So where ever you come from, welcome, and we hope this site will promote thinking, exploration and networking.
Sunday, December 27, 2009
A Merry Christmas to you all!
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Christ is born! Glorify Him!
In lieu of Nativity Youtube videos, excerpts from kontakia, or the like I'm going to post a quick family update. I don't do that enough and it has been requested that I make the blog more 'personal' when possible.
The snow and ice kept us from attending many Nativity services, which was quite annoying. On Christmas Eve we piled into the car, drove a few miles down the road, and found that we couldn't stop as we slid slowly towards the rear bumper of the vehicle stopped in front of us (we missed it by a few feet). Knowing the weather was getting worse and that we hadn't even braved the highway (and already started looking for our insurance information "just in case"), we decided to return home.
The wife prepared some excellent food. I must say that after many weeks of fasting my body recoils from meat and dairy quite alarmingly a few hours after culinary bliss. I often feel like I'm getting the flu. If there's a term for the discomfort associated with breaking the fast I'd like to know it. There is value in being able to put a name to my nemesis. Still, after many years of fasting and feasting I continue to dive headlong into once forbidden fare without a care. I am prepared to do so again as I ponder the festal meal tonight in celebration of my name day.
The blog continues to chug along at a delightful pace. We are on track for the two thousandth post in late January or early February. In recent weeks people have begun submitting news stories for posting, which I greatly appreciate. Thanks to all that take the time to visit.
A blessed Nativity to you all! God is with us!
Russian Church's Holy Synod under way
(mospat.ru) - The Holy Synod of the Russian Orthodox Church, chaired by His Holiness Patriarch Kirill of Moscow and All Russia, has begun its session on 25 December 2009, at the patriarchal residence in Chisty Pereulok.And on the "external affairs" front...
In his introduction, Patriarch Kirill noted that the Synod met for six summer and winter sessions in 2009, three at St. Daniel’s Monastery, two at the historical building of the Holy Synod in St. Petersburg, and one at the historical building of the Russian Orthodox Church Synod at the Monastery of the Caves in Kiev – the Mother of Russian cities. This synodal year ends with a session in Chisty Pereulok, the historical city residence of the Patriarchs of Moscow.
‘Very important decision were made this year concerning changes in the central church structure as new synodal bodies have been established and the work of the existing synodal institutions has been considerably reviewed’, the patriarch said. Much was said about this in the run-up to Patriarch Kirill's election - it was expected that a lot of revision would occur under his leadership.
His Holiness stressed that the Holy Synod decisions, especially those adopted at the session in March 31 in the Danilov Monastery, proved to be very timely and necessary, saying, ‘The good impulses given by the work of the new bodies have already been appreciated by society because some of them work precisely at the junction of church-state and church-society relations’.
Speaking about the agenda of the present session, Patriarch Kirill said: ‘We are to consider the results of the changes made in the church governance structure and to analyze and act upon a number of documents on improving our church life.
The Synod’s permanent members are Metropolitan Vladimir of Kiev and All Ukraine, Metropolitan Vladimir of St. Petersburg and Ladoga, Metropolitan Filaret of Minsk and Slutsk, Patriarchal Exarch for All Belarus; Metropolitan Juvenaly of Krutitsy and Kolomna, Metropolitan Vladimir of Kishinev and Moldova, Archbishop Hilarion of the Department for External Church Relations; and Archbishop Varsonofy of Saransk and Mordovia, acting chancellor of the Moscow Patriarchate. The hierarchs who have been summoned for the session are Metropolitan Iriney of Dnepropetrovsk, Archbishop Simon of Brussels and Belgium, Archbishop Vadim of Irkutsk and Angarsk, Archbishop Zosima of Elista and Kalmykia, and Bishop Tikhon of Archangelsk and Kholmogory.
(mospat.ru) - At its meeting on 25 December 2009, the Holy Synod made a number of decisions concerning the external work of the Russian Orthodox Church.
Regarding the Patriarch Kirill’s report on his visit to Azerbaijan for the 30th anniversary of the Caucasus Muslim Board Chairman Allahshuqur Pasha-zade’s being in the capacity of sheikh-ul-Islam and his meeting there with Patriarch-Catholicos Iliya II of All Georgia, it was agreed that the meeting was important for strengthening and developing fraternal relations between the Russian and Georgian Orthodox Churches. As had been agreed with the head of the Georgian Church, the Holy Synod resolved that Archimandrite Roman (Lukin), Moscow diocese, be sent to Tbilisi for pastoral care of Russian-speaking believers and be charged with representing the position of the Russian Orthodox Church as needed. With regard to the talk that Patriarch Kirill had with Azerbaijani President Ildar Aliev, it was agreed to develop cooperation with the Azerbaijani authorities. Gratitude was expressed to Allahshuqur Pasha-zade for the warm welcome in Baku and importance of strengthening relations with the Muslim Board for the Caucasus was noted.
Saturday, December 26, 2009
Synaxis of the Theotokos
The Synaxis of the Most Holy Theotokos: On the second day of the feast, the Synaxis of the Most Holy Theotokos is celebrated. Combining the hymns of the Nativity with those celebrating the Mother of God, the Church points to Mary as the one through whom the Incarnation was made possible. His humanity - concretely and historically - is the humanity He received from Mary. His body is, first of all, her body. His life is her life. This feast, the assembly in honor of the Theotokos, is probably the most ancient feast of Mary in the Christian tradition, the very beginning of her veneration by the Church.
Six days of post-feast bring the Christmas season to a close on December 31. At the services of all these days, the Church repeats the hymns and songs glorifying Christ's Incarnation, reminding us that the source and foundation of our salvation is only to be found in the One who, as God before the ages, came into this world and for our sake was "born as a little Child."
- Father Alexander Schmemann, The Services of Christmas (1981)
Six days of post-feast bring the Christmas season to a close on December 31. At the services of all these days, the Church repeats the hymns and songs glorifying Christ's Incarnation, reminding us that the source and foundation of our salvation is only to be found in the One who, as God before the ages, came into this world and for our sake was "born as a little Child."
- Father Alexander Schmemann, The Services of Christmas (1981)
Panoramic images of sacred spaces of the Holy Land
(Romiosini) -We are very pleased to announce the launcing of the three-dimensional panoramic projection of the All Holy Sacred Pilgrimages via our webspace. Herewith follow the 7 first ones:
1. The Holy Sepulchre
2. The Holy Laura of Saint Savvas
3. The Holy Church of Madonna Seidanagia
4.The Horrible Golgotha
5. The Most Holy Church of the Resurrection of our Lord Jesus Christ
6. The Holy Church of Saint Savvas (Catholicon)
7. The Holy Church in Bethlehem
Here you can "tour around" the Sacred Pilgrimages of the Holy Land in three dimensions. Firstly you select the Pilgrimage to visit (it opens to a different window), then you wait for a short while to download and you are ready to start your stroll.
Wednesday, December 23, 2009
A snowy day
(AFP) - An Orthodox priest walks in snow in front of frescoes of Mykhaylo Gold Domes Cathedral in Kiev on December 21, 2009, after heavy snow fall in Ukrainian capital.
Funeral of Archimandrite Joasaph
December 18, 2009 (synod.com) - Archimandrite Joasaph (McLellan), Head of the Russian Ecclesiastical Mission in Jerusalem, died peacefully this morning in a Boston hospital.
Born Francis R. McLellan Jr, in Boston, to the late Francis R. (James) McLellan Sr. and Pauline B. [Rooney] McLellan on January 24, 1962, Archimandrite Joasaph attended the Boston Public Schools, Roxbury Latin, and graduated from Commonwealth School and received his BTh from Holy Trinity Seminary in Jordanville, NY, where he was English-language valedictorian. He received his MA and PhD from Brown University in Slavic Language and Literature, which he taught at the University of Missouri at Columbia and at Princeton. Dissertation title: "The Hilandar Gospel and its Place in the Textual History of the Church Slavonic Tetraevangelion."
At the request of the late Metropolitan Laurus (Skurla), Fr Joasaph quit his position at Princeton and was tonsured at Holy Trinity Monastery in Jordanville, NY,becoming a priest on December 7, 2008. He was appointed Head of the Ecclesiastical Mission and served at Ascension Convent on the Mount of Olives and Gethsemane Convent. He was diagnosed with cancer last August while visiting family in Boston, and was under the care of Dr Geoffrey Clarke of Massachusetts General Hospital, where he reposed.
He leaves behind his stepmother Jolinda (Pelagia) McLellan of Roslindale, MA, and five siblings: Ann Lardas of Stratford CT and her husband the Protopriest George Lardas and their children Xenia, Nicholas, James and John; Daniel McLellan of Londonderry, NH, and his wife Amy (Elizabeth) and their children Ian, Daniel, and Madeleine; Genevieve McLellan of New York and her fiance Kevin Utter; Andrew McLellan of Roslindale, MA, and his wife Angeli (Olga) McLellan and their son David and Suzannah McLellan; as well as numerous aunts, uncles, cousins, and ten godchildren.
The family wishes to thank the staff of Massachusetts General Hospital and Fr Victor Boldewskul and the parishioners and council of Holy Epiphany Russian Orthodox Church in Roslindale, MA, for their compassionate care during these difficult months. The pannikhida and parastas will be served at Holy Epiphany. Funeral and Internment will be at Holy Trinity Monastery in Jordanville, NY.
It is requested that donations in memory of Fr Joasaph be made to the Russian Ecclesiastical Mission in Jerusalem: Russian Orthodox Church of the Holy Epiphany, 963 South Street, Roslindale, MA 02131-2309.
Organs in Greek Orthodox churches
The Society for Orthodox Christian History in the Americas (aka SOCHA aka orthodoxhistory.org) has a new article on the who, what, where, when, and how of organs in Orthodox churches in the US. Go take a gander here.
...Holy Trinity Greek Church in San Francisco had added an organ by at least 1925. When Abp Athengoras arrived in 1931, the majority of Greek churches still didn’t have organs, but the instruments were not totally unheard of. After 1931, and throughout Athenagoras’ tenure as archbishop, many more Greek churches introduced organs. This was certainly with the encouragement of Athenagoras, but he was not the originator of the practice...
Funeral service of Archbishop JOB
(AFR) - On Friday, December 18, 2009, His Eminence, Archbishop Job of Chicago and the Midwest unexpectedly fell asleep in the Lord. The funeral vigil was held on Tuesday, Dec. 22, 2009 at 7:00 PM at Holy Trinity Cathedral in Chicago. His Beatitude Metropolitan Jonah presided and the homily was given by OCA Chancellor, Fr. Alexander Garklavs.
The fly and the bee
From Incendiary...
A little parable that I believe all of us in general and especially in the “blogosphere” should dwell upon.A few people came to an elder and said, “Such and such a priest charges a lot of money for a sacrament, such and such smokes a lot and goes to the coffee bar, another is amoral (and the present evidence.)”
The elder then says to them, “I have realized from experience that in this life people are separated into two categories. A third category does not exist: you will either be in one or in the other.
Thus, one category of people are like a fly. The fly has the following particularities: it flies everywhere and lands on everything that is dirty. For example, if there are many fragrant flowers in a lawn while in the corner some animal has defecated, the fly, flying over the beautiful yard, passes over the flowers and does not land on one. Only when he sees the excrement does he immediately descend, sits on it and begins to dig into it, delighting in the stench that begins with his digging, and he is not able to tear himself away.
The other category of people are like a bee. The particularity of the bee is that it finds that which is beautiful and sweet and alights on it. Picture that in a building full of excrement someone put a lucuma in the corner. If you brought a fly to that building it would fly around, not landing anywhere, until it found the lucuma.
Well then, imagine two people who belong to those two categories walking down the street. And they come upon a place where some other person has “taken care of their needs.” How does the person from the first category act? He takes a stick and begins to pick at the excrement. And what does the person from the second category do? He tries to cover up the excrement with dirt so that other passersby would not smell the stench coming from the filth…”
- From the book “From the Life of the Elders (Wisdom of the Righteous) or Soul-profitable Reading”
A Croatian Orthodox Church?
From Again and Again
The Serbian paper Politika had an article yesterday about a group of Croatian citizens who are in the process of organizing a Croatian Orthodox community since it was recently discovered that there are some Croatians who are of the Orthodox faith. The last time something similar was attempted was during WWII when the so-called Croatian Orthodox Church was formed, essentially a political tool of the Ustasha used to destroy the Serbs and the Serbian Orthodox Church.
The Orthodox wishing to form this new religious community didn’t reveal their identity as they explain in a statement in one of the Croatian papers: “There is a large number of Orthodox who do not wish to identify themselves as Serbs. They declare themselves as Croats, but there are also other nationalities, and they ask that something be done so that they might be differentiated from Orthodox Serbs. Their children do not attend the Orthodox religious education classes offered in the schools since they would then be automatically considered as Serbs.”
Coincidentally, the Croatian Orthodox Church was never recognized. And as this new attempt looks to the example of the Macedonian and Montenegrin so-called Orthodox churches — both of which are non-canonical — I doubt this venture will go anywhere either, as least canonically speaking. After all, if these Croatians really do want to attend Orthodox churches they can always attend the ones that already exist in Croatia. I’m sure they know where they can find them. If not, they’ll be sure to recognize them by the swastikas and Ustasha “U”s spray-painted on their walls and doors here.
Tuesday, December 22, 2009
Book on Karekin I published
(Armenian WD) - According to His Holiness Karekin II, Supreme Patriarch and Catholicos of All Armenians: "This book which is dedicated to the memory of Catholicos Karekin I of All Armenians, of blessed memory, will inspire the readers with the pious example of the prolific Pontiff of our Church, and will strengthen the dedication of service in our faithful Children and their zealousness toward spirituality."
The exclusive collection includes numerous interesting photos from the fruitful life of the late Catholicos. You may acquire this book by visiting the Diocesan Bookstore or by calling at (818)558-7474.
Sheptytsky Institute offering online classes
(SI) - The Faculty of Theology at Saint Paul University will be offering two (2) on-line courses in January 2010 at the undergraduate level:
THO 3301: Hermeneutics and Exegesis in Eastern Christianity
THO 2119a: Eastern Christian Pastoral Theology
Due to the high interest in this course for Thursday evenings, we would like to announce that it will now be available through the Internet. No special video conference classroom will be required. Students will be able to follow it from their home computer. Videos of each class will be posted on the Virtual Campus web-site accessible through the Internet.
Please refer to our website www.ustpaul.ca/sheptytsky for more detailed information and course outlines.
On the crucifixion of the Ecumenical Patriarch
I'm sure everyone has heard about or watch the 60 Minutes interview with Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew. In it, as most of you are already aware, he made mention of being "crucified" by the Turkish government. This is one of the more complete assessments of the post-interview fallout.
Constantinople (Asia News) - A statement by Bartholomew about the difficulties Turkish authorities create for the Christian Orthodox community provokes an irate response from Turkey’s foreign minister. Turkey continues to subordinate the reopening of the Orthodox Theological Seminary in Halki to the opening of a mosque in Athens, Greece.
When a journalist from CBS asked whether he is still felt “crucified” by the difficulties he has to face every day, Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew said yes, thus venting the frustrations that come from running the Ecumenical See of Orthodox Christianity.
Turkish Foreign Minister Ahmet Davutoglu responded immediately. He said, “I hope this is just a slip of the tongue. It is a very unfortunate statement. We do not deserve it. Crucifixion has never been a part of our history. I cannot see such a comparison coming from such a levelheaded person. I hope they were said by mistake.”
In reality, history shows that 19 Orthodox patriarchs were hanged, imprisoned or sent into exile by Turkish authorities. Yet, for Davutoglu, the Turkish nation was built on religious intolerance, and the Turkish Republic is a secular state; a democracy based on the rule of law that does not judge its citizens based on their religious affiliation, a place where every citizen is equal.
“If Patriarch Bartholomew has complaints about this issue, he can convey them to the relevant authorities who will do whatever is necessary,” the foreign minister said. “We cannot accept comparisons that we do not deserve.”
Bartholomew reacted to the minister’s comments in an interview with the Turkish-language news agency Haberturk in which he said that as a citizen of “this country [i.e. Turkey, where he did two years of military service) he wants to be treated as an equal and not as a second class citizen.
The Patriarch said he raised several times in writing the issue of the Theological Seminary in Halki and other matters with Prime Minister Erdogan. The answer he got was the same: reciprocity. For Halki to reopened, the Greeks have to allow a mosque in Athens. In reality, the Greek capital already has an Islamic Centre with an adjacent place of worship.
“We are not against a mosque in Athens,” Bartholomew said. “But they are making us pay for something which we are not responsible for.”
The Theological Seminary in Halki was run in accordance with the regulations of the Education Ministry until it was shut down in 1971, Bartholomew said. It had a high school and a college.
“We have asked for permission to close the school because we have not had any students for years and still have a deputy school principal who gets paid for a place that stands empty. Instead, we applied to reopen the college, which the authorities closed.”
“Schools that belong to other minorities are in the same situation. Even the Education Ministry says that there is no legal obstacle to our request, but falls back on the notion of reciprocity with regard to the Muslim minority in Greek Thrace,” the Patriarch said.
However, the two situations are very different. There are only 3,000 Greek Orthodox are left in Istanbul compared to 150,000 Muslims in Greek Thrace (who have 400 mosques and three Qur‘anic schools).
That was not the case in the recent past when Istanbul was home to 130,000 Orthodox Christians.
Some claim they left of their own accord, but no one leaves if they have a business or a job. Instead, those who left fled because of the “incidents” of September 1955 (when Greek property was destroyed), real estate taxes (targeting minorities), forced exile in Aşkale, the Cyprus issue, and more. For this reason, we feel let down, the Patriarch said, and we shall take all legal steps at our disposal.
Even in Istanbul’s diplomatic circles, such remarks have raised eyebrows because several times in the past Bartholomew said that he believed in Erdogan’s goodwill. Still diplomatic sources acknowldge that Turkey’s situation is very complex and it is hard to understand whether what officials say expresses a desire for real change or not.
For his part, Istanbul-born historian E. Milas notes that whilst the authorities do not recognise the Ecumenical Patriarchate, they do recognise the so-called Turkish Orthodox Church, which was set up by the Turkish state, whose membership is so small it could not fill up a minibus even if it tried, but whose offices (confiscated from the Greek Orthodox Church) served as the headquarters for the ultra-nationalist Kemalist group Ergenekon.
Even well-known writer A. Aslan said that Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew, or the priest Bartholomew as Turkish authorities continue to call him, is greeted by everyone with his historical title of patriarch, “whilst we continue to stick our heads in the sand, thinking that we can solve our problems with the Kurds and the Alevi and forget everything about we have done to the Armenians.”
As an apostolic nuncio with a long experience in the Middle East said, things in Turkey hardly change. Even when there is some movement, change is too often nipped in the bud.
Perhaps there is some hope in younger Turks, who have travelled abroad and seen the world, and who might make a difference in a society that is in transition.
A campanologist in Seattle
(Seattle Times) - John Cox makes a living driving a Sounder train, paints Russian icons in his spare time and knows quite a bit about one of our most beloved instruments this time of year: bells. As a bellringer at St. Spiridon Cathedral in the Cascade neighborhood, he rings them several times a week. "The sound of bells can bring out all kinds of emotions. It brings out happy emotions for me," he said. "It can also evoke solemn feelings of loss."
Cox would like to hear more bells ringing from churches and civic buildings in Seattle. "I thought it would be nice to have a set of bells in the King Street Station clock tower, especially since the tower itself is designed to resemble a bell tower in Italy," he said. "We don't have any bells in downtown Seattle. The closest are at St. James Cathedral, but the noise from the freeway cuts down the sound."
The bells at St. Spiridon came from Russia, but he knows how he could make one right here. "One of my fantasies is to buy the Lenin statue in Fremont and melt it into a big bell," he said.
Listen to Cox ring the bells here and here.
Genital mutilation... in England!
From Secondhand Smoke:
It is unthinkable that in a free country like the UK, that girls are subjected to genital mutilation. From the story:Hundreds of British schoolgirls are facing the terrifying prospect of female genital mutilation (FGM) over the Christmas holidays as experts warn the practice continues to flourish across the country. Parents typically take their daughters back to their country of origin for FGM during school holidays, but The Independent on Sunday has been told that “cutters” are being flown to the UK to carry out the mutilation at “parties” involving up to 20 girls to save money. The police face growing criticism for failing to prosecute a single person for carrying out FGM in 25 years; new legislation from 2003 which prohibits taking a girl overseas for FGM has also failed to secure a conviction.
Experts say the lack of convictions, combined with the Government’s failure to invest enough money in education and prevention strategies, mean the practice continues to thrive.
This is abuse of the worst sort. The purpose is to prevent healthy and normal female sexual response. Forcing girls to undergo “cutting’ is akin to slavery, and hence, as I have written here before, it is an issue of human exceptionalism of the most profound import.
Some excuse the practice–at least as far as the parents are concerned–as ignorant people just wanting what is best for their children. I say balderdash, and besides, it is irrelevant. If you live in the West, you accommodate yourselves to certain Western values that cannot be compromised. Therefore, all involved in the conspiracy to damage girls should face charges.
If UK law enforcement doesn’t act vigorously to stop this–and arrest and punish those involved for child abuse–it will have sacrificed its great heritage of liberty and equality on the altar of multiculturalism and political correctness.
Some excuse the practice–at least as far as the parents are concerned–as ignorant people just wanting what is best for their children. I say balderdash, and besides, it is irrelevant. If you live in the West, you accommodate yourselves to certain Western values that cannot be compromised. Therefore, all involved in the conspiracy to damage girls should face charges.
If UK law enforcement doesn’t act vigorously to stop this–and arrest and punish those involved for child abuse–it will have sacrificed its great heritage of liberty and equality on the altar of multiculturalism and political correctness.
St. Tikhon's Seminary opens search for new Dean
Huge shoes to fill. Fr. Michael Dahulich raised a lot of money for the seminary and for seminarians, tirelessly traveled all over for the benefit of the seminary, taught classes, and truly loves his students.
(STOTS) - The Board of Trustees of Saint Tikhon's Seminary Orthodox Theological Seminary, South Canaan, PA (www.stots.edu) announces a vacancy in the office of Dean, effective June 1, 2010. Applications and nominations for the position are now being accepted.
Saint Tikhon's Seminary is an institution of professional Orthodox Christian theological education affiliated with the Orthodox Church in America, chartered by the Department of Education of the Commonwealther of Pennsylvania, and accredited nationally by the Association of Theological Schools in the United States and Canada. St. Tikhon's Seminary offers a Masters in Divinity degree as well as a non-degree secondary program conferring the Certificate of Priestly Formation.
The primary mission of the Seminary is to provide the necessary theological, spiritual, and moral foundation for Orthodox men to become good shepards of Christ's Holy Orthodox Church and for others to pursue advanced theological study and personal spiritual enrichment.
The Dean is the Chief operating officer of the Seminary and manages and supervises, spiritual, educational, communal, financial and legal activities of the seminary on a daily basis and represents it before all agencies -- ecclesiastical, educational and civil -- to which it is accountable.
Candidates for the position of Dean of the Seminary must be deeply rooted in the Orthodox faith, must posess the general qualifications for a tenured position on the seminary faculty, and hold a terminal degree. They should have demonstrated success in exercising effective spiritual, academic, pastoral, administrative and developmental leadership skills and the ability to communicate the vision of the seminary and to interact effectively with the entire seminary community, constituencies, supporters, donors and potential students.
Applications should include a detailed letter demonstrating the candidate's suitability for the position, a current curriculum vitae, and a list of the names and contact details of at least THREE individuals who have agreed to serve as references. All communications will be held in strict confidence.
Completed applications are to be mailed to: Dean Search Committee, Michael G. Herzak, Vice-Chairman, 6709 Springview Drive, Independence, OH 44131 and received no later than February 15, 2010 at which time the formal review of applications by the Search Committee will commence.
The Seach Committee consists of: Bishop Tikhon, Chairman, Michael Herzak, Vice-Chairman, Archpriests Yaroslav Sudick, Joseph Martin, Theodore Boback, and Daniel Kovalak, Dr. Christopher Veniamin, Subdeacon Nicholas Blick, Leda Dzwonczyk, and Kory William Warr.
Indian Orthodox & Catholics sharing services, churches
H/T: Orthocath
THIRUVANANTHAPURAM, India (UCAN) - Catholic and Orthodox Churches have agreed to share priestly services and infrastructure in a major development in their often troubled 356-year-old history.
As a first step, they have agreed to share churches for Sunday Mass outside Kerala. Recent meetings between the two also explored the possibility of sharing cemeteries and the services of priests at funerals.
The Church leaders have asked their theologians to prepare guidelines to implement this agreement.
The Inter-religious Dialogue Commission of the Kerala Catholic Bishops' Council met with the Syrian Jacobite and Syrian Orthodox Churches in mid-December to seek ways to foster greater unity and cooperation.
The bishops' council represents all three Catholic Church rites in Kerala -- the Latin, Syro-Malabar and Syro-Malankara rites.
Father Philip Nelpuraparambil, a Catholic theologian who attended the meetings, described the outcome as "very positive. Now we have to put it into practice."
Bishop Brian Farrel, secretary of the Pontifical Council for Promoting Christian Unity, led the Catholic delegation. Bishop Joseph Mar Gregorios led the Syrian Jacobite Church while Baselios Mar Thomas I led the Syrian Orthodox Church team.
Father Paul Thelakat, spokesperson of the Syro-Malabar Church, says unity among the Churches is the need of the hour and local Churches should have more autonomy.
"There has to be more decentralization in the Church. What divides us is the question of power," he said.
Kerala Catholics' link with the Orthodox Churches is stronger than their relations with Protestants, Father Thelakat said. He said he was praying for these Churches' union. "We alone can make that unity," he said.
The Syro-Malabar and Syro-Malankara rites trace their roots to Saint Thomas the Apostle, as do the Syrian Jacobite and Syrian Orthodox Churches.
The latter two Churches arose from a split in the Orthodox Church here last century.
Father Adai Jacob, a Jacobite leader, told UCA News Dec. 17 that the development "is a milestone in the history" of St. Thomas Christians of Kerala who all have common roots.
Catholics and Orthodox groups in Kerala were "miles apart" after 1653, when Portuguese Catholic missioners tried to Latinize local Christians here, he said. Confrontation had often marred inter-Church relations.
Monday, December 21, 2009
The OCA and its bishops
From "Of information and Belief":
The passings of Fr. Iosaph (ROCOR) and Archbishop Job (OCA) on Friday has left another vacuum of leadership for the Church in America. Arguably, loss of +Job will be more acutely felt given the unfortunate reality that it is a jurisdiction facing both a dearth of hierarchs and proper candidates for the episcopacy. This is not to say that Fr. Iosaph's passing isn't a real loss for ROCOR. As his C.V.from Princeton indicates, he was a man of deep learning who could have had a profound impact on his Church had he lived to be consecrated a bishop. By all accounts, he was a much loved and respected member of ROCOR--a man who, like +Job, loved Christ and His Church. May their memories be eternal.
Though I fear that it may not be entirely appropriate, I confess that my mind has wandered quite a bit to the question of the future of Orthodoxy in America with specific reference to the place of the OCA and ROCOR in that future. A few years ago, I joined many in saying that the OCA was a sinking ship and perhaps not worth saving; that its best parts should go under the Moscow Patriarchate or ROCOR; and that the few hierarchs with integrity it had left--particularly +Job--should be allowed to end their days in a Church that truly loves and follows them. The elevation of Metropolitan Jonah changed my tune and the tune of many others. It seemed that the OCA was in the midst of a renewal and that while there was still a lot of healing which needed to take place, the dawn had arrived and the darkness would soon fade away.
But potentiality is not actuality. The truth is that despite the renewal, the harsh reality has begun to set in that the OCA is not yet in a position to produce the sorts of leaders it needs to fully revive. A concern shared by Met. Jonah as he mentioned the strong possibility of looking to other jurisdictions for episcopal candidates some months back. Many were pleased to see certain hierarchs placed on the fast track to retirement, but only now does it seem that many are coming around to the fact these vacancies have no obvious successors. Bringing Fr. (now Bishop) Melchisedek back to the U.S. provided one answer for one diocese which was left vacant for years. All eyes appear to be on Fr. Gerasim, formerly of St. Herman's Monastery and the Serbian Archdiocese, to be consecrated Bishop of Alaska in the next year. That still leaves the Diocese of the South, Midwest, and the Bulgarian Diocese (which no one seems to be in a rush to fill) empty. The Diocese of the South, also, will be a long time in finding a new hierarch. The search committee's updates are full of reminders that the process will be long out of necessity to find the "right" bishop to fill the shoes of Abp. Dmitri for over thirty years.
So, what now? My fear is that "what now" entails some unnecessary compromises. But it doesn't have to. Now more than ever the OCA should seriously begin thinking about looking to its neighbors, particularly its brethren in ROCOR. For years people have spoke of rapprochement between these two jurisdictions--jurisdictions which share a common spiritual heritage despite the many decades of division and conflict. That is--or at least should be--over by now. Bishop Peter of the ROCOR Diocese of Mid-America has directed his parishes to commemorate +Job at the Divine Liturgy for the 40 days following his repose. Mentropolitan Jonah and Hilarion have met on numerous occasions and are committed to advancing the healing process. Is it not time for the OCA to ask ROCOR for help? This is not a merger, mind you. As logical as that may be (it his hard to speak of Orthodox unity in America with the likes of the Antiochian archdiocese while the two jurisdictions linked with Moscow are not one), it's obviously out of the question for political purposes. No, this is about coming together in the name of Christ for "behold now, what is so good or so joyous as for brethren to dwell together in unity?" It's about forging a common vision for the Church in America, one which +Job certainly sought to uphold in his lifetime and, undoubtedly, Fr. Iosaph would have strengthened further had he not been called home to the Heavenly Mansions. It is my sincere hope that this will happen, that the OCA and ROOCR will act in the interest of the Church, and ensure not just her survival, but her organic growth in this land. Hear, hear!
Though I fear that it may not be entirely appropriate, I confess that my mind has wandered quite a bit to the question of the future of Orthodoxy in America with specific reference to the place of the OCA and ROCOR in that future. A few years ago, I joined many in saying that the OCA was a sinking ship and perhaps not worth saving; that its best parts should go under the Moscow Patriarchate or ROCOR; and that the few hierarchs with integrity it had left--particularly +Job--should be allowed to end their days in a Church that truly loves and follows them. The elevation of Metropolitan Jonah changed my tune and the tune of many others. It seemed that the OCA was in the midst of a renewal and that while there was still a lot of healing which needed to take place, the dawn had arrived and the darkness would soon fade away.
But potentiality is not actuality. The truth is that despite the renewal, the harsh reality has begun to set in that the OCA is not yet in a position to produce the sorts of leaders it needs to fully revive. A concern shared by Met. Jonah as he mentioned the strong possibility of looking to other jurisdictions for episcopal candidates some months back. Many were pleased to see certain hierarchs placed on the fast track to retirement, but only now does it seem that many are coming around to the fact these vacancies have no obvious successors. Bringing Fr. (now Bishop) Melchisedek back to the U.S. provided one answer for one diocese which was left vacant for years. All eyes appear to be on Fr. Gerasim, formerly of St. Herman's Monastery and the Serbian Archdiocese, to be consecrated Bishop of Alaska in the next year. That still leaves the Diocese of the South, Midwest, and the Bulgarian Diocese (which no one seems to be in a rush to fill) empty. The Diocese of the South, also, will be a long time in finding a new hierarch. The search committee's updates are full of reminders that the process will be long out of necessity to find the "right" bishop to fill the shoes of Abp. Dmitri for over thirty years.
So, what now? My fear is that "what now" entails some unnecessary compromises. But it doesn't have to. Now more than ever the OCA should seriously begin thinking about looking to its neighbors, particularly its brethren in ROCOR. For years people have spoke of rapprochement between these two jurisdictions--jurisdictions which share a common spiritual heritage despite the many decades of division and conflict. That is--or at least should be--over by now. Bishop Peter of the ROCOR Diocese of Mid-America has directed his parishes to commemorate +Job at the Divine Liturgy for the 40 days following his repose. Mentropolitan Jonah and Hilarion have met on numerous occasions and are committed to advancing the healing process. Is it not time for the OCA to ask ROCOR for help? This is not a merger, mind you. As logical as that may be (it his hard to speak of Orthodox unity in America with the likes of the Antiochian archdiocese while the two jurisdictions linked with Moscow are not one), it's obviously out of the question for political purposes. No, this is about coming together in the name of Christ for "behold now, what is so good or so joyous as for brethren to dwell together in unity?" It's about forging a common vision for the Church in America, one which +Job certainly sought to uphold in his lifetime and, undoubtedly, Fr. Iosaph would have strengthened further had he not been called home to the Heavenly Mansions. It is my sincere hope that this will happen, that the OCA and ROOCR will act in the interest of the Church, and ensure not just her survival, but her organic growth in this land. Hear, hear!
Eritrean Church to resuscitate periodical
H/T: OBL
The Eritrean Church has truly suffered greatly in recent years. House arrests for the patriarch, government appointed "patriarch" put in his place, imprisonment of thousands of Christians, torture of many, and complete government control of all media.
(Asmarino) - ICFC has just learned that after eight years of silence, the publication of Finote Berhan (The Way of Light), the one and only official mouthpiece of the Eritrean Orthodox Church (EOC), will resume as of December 2009. This dramatic development is the result of a five-months long deliberations and planning by the Archdiocese of the Eritrean Orthodox Church of North America.
When the government of Eritrea closed down all private media and arrested most independent journalists in September 2001, one of the casualties of this crackdown was Finote Berhan, one of the oldest publications in the country. It was shut down as it was undertaking preparations to celebrate its golden jubilee. Unfortunately, after 50 years of uninterrupted ministry as the voice and conscience of the EOC, the curtain was brought down on it. Finote Berhan was no more.
The periodical had kept its light flickering through the federation period in the 1950s. The era of Ethiopian rule that followed did not dim it. What is more, even during the anti-Christian, 17-year rule of communism under Mengistu Haile Mariam, Finote Berhan kept its witness faithfully. The closure of the publication was, therefore, especially painful for Orthodox Christians. No one had thought that Eritrea’s independence would bring the church the bitterest fruit which resulted, among many other things, in the
silencing of Finote Berhan.
According to sources, the Archdiocese has placed the resuscitation of Finote Berhan as one of its highest priorities. This bold act, said one source, symbolizes the living witness and mission of the church. It may temporarily be hampered and face periodic setbacks but that it will always prevail.
ICFC has further learned that Finote Berhan’s former editor, the tireless Mr. Teklemariam Merkhazion, is to serve as the new chief editor. As most might remember, Mr. Merkhazion is an “alumni” of Eritrea’s prisons for his faith. The editorial board is composed of some of the most highly educated priests, deacons and lay leaders within and outside of the Archdiocese.
D. Amine,
ICFC Communications Director
News from around America
(OCANews) - News From Orthodox America
• Syosset, NY
The Strategic Planning Committee of the Orthodox Church in America, a committee of the Metropolitan Council, together with Metropolitan Jonah, has been meeting regularly under the chairmanship of the Fr. Robert Arida, most recently on December 18th and 19th in Syosset. According to the Committee the strategic plan requires
“... the Church to describe her mission and how it can be implemented in the present time in America including, as necessary, a reexamination of administrative structures and governing Statutes.”
This process “...begins with certain elements of a vision that have so far been articulated by Metropolitan Jonah and the Holy Synod, and will ensure development of this vision through a conciliar process that is intended to engage virtually all members of the Church.” The Planning Committee promises that “...very soon all the faithful of dioceses and parishes will be encouraged to know what concerns the bishops and teachers of the Church have expressed; to respond to these concerns; and to expand upon these concerns and ideas in order to refine and advance the Church’s mission.”
One such “vision” being proposed by several members of the Synod is the elimination of the current parish representation system at All American Councils and its replacement with an All-American Council that would be composed of the Bishops and their Diocesan Councils as the delegates. Parishes would only be represented on the rare ocassions a new Metropolitan was to be chosen. The Metropolitan Council would then be composed of the Synod plus one clergy and lay delegate from each diocese, so as to “better reflect” the diocesan nature” of the Church.
• Indianapolis, IN
According to the late Archbishop Job in comments expressed at recent Deanery meetings before his untimely death last week, the St. Tikhon’s Investigative Committee completed its investigation late last month. According to the Archbishop as few records appear to exist, it has been difficult for the Committee to determine what happened at St. Tikhon’s bookstore and monastery in great detail. It is unclear if formal legal charges will be filed. The Archbishop suggested the financial troubles and woes may, in the end, be attributed to “sloppy bookkeeping”.
• Fargo, ND
The Society for Orthodox Christian History in the Americas (SOCHA) has created a website with articles and commentary exploring the known and little-known history of Orthodoxy on this continent at www.orthodoxhistory.org. Who knew about Orthodox Christians in colonial Virginia? Or that the first black Orthodox priest in America was ordained in 1908? Podcasts are available on Ancient Faith Radio, and there are hopes an annual, peer-review Journal will be ready for publication later this year.
It's Christmas time in the city... er. Wait.
(CL) - There is a Christmas tree inside town hall in Cary, North Carolina, but town officials couldn’t bring themselves to call it by its proper name, so they relabeled it the “Community Tree.” They used to have a “Holiday Tree” in Madison, Wisconsin, but even that was deemed too improper this year, so they opted for “The State Capitol Tree.” American Atheists threw a party decorating what they called their “Solstice Tree.”
Vineland, New Jersey opted to call their Christmas parade the “Holiday parade,” maintaining that because Urban Enterprise Zone dollars are used to fund the parade, they can’t call it the Christmas parade. In Howard County, Indiana they decided not to have a manger scene this year, and elected instead to have a lighted display of the Loch Ness Monster, a whale and other animals. Waterbury, Connecticut is awash in “Winter” concerts and the like, and the sages there even renamed their holiday parties “celebrations.” What they were celebrating remains a mystery, but one thing is for sure: Santa was not allowed to give out gifts as that job was assigned to Frosty the Snowman.
In Benton, Arkansas children put on Christmas skits, and in one of them the lead character wore a hula. Why? To show that the “Hula Girl” was rejected because she was not deemed “Christmasy.” It was announced by the woman in charge of this mess that “The meaning of Christmas is not to judge each other.” Santa was banned from the festivities in the Northern Lehigh School District in Pennsylvania; his role as gift-giver was taken by the district mascot, the Bulldog.
Finally, one corporate diversity wag (her actual title is executive director of diversity, inclusion and engagement) advises against saying “Happy New Year.” She recommends “Looking Forward.” By contrast, we at the Catholic League are old-fashioned. We are pro-Christmas trees and parades, pro-Santa and wish everyone—including the “Looking Forward” types—a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year.
Saturday, December 19, 2009
Monastery with shady history to be sold
A sad chapter in the history of Orthodoxy in this country and yet another reason why SCOBA or the forthcoming episcopal assembly must devise a cohesive and comprehensive set of regulations to protect its people - both the laity as well as the seminarians and novices - from sexual predators.
BLANCO (SANews) — For sale: 105-acre hilltop parcel southwest of town with great views for $785,500. Includes former monastery notorious for sexual abuse and phony weeping icon.
With the criminal cases resolved concerning the former Christ of the Hills Monastery, a judge on Friday authorized its sale, with the proceeds mainly to benefit a former novice monk who was molested there in the 1990s.
The novice, James B. Wright Jr., later won a $1 million judgment against Ecumenical Monks Inc., the owner.
“It's about as good an ending to a bad situation as he could have hoped for,” lawyer Mark Long said of his client after the hearing in Johnson City.
“When we started this, our intent was to see the monastery sold,” Long said. “It's finally on the block.”
State District Judge Dan Mills' order also calls for the Blanco County Sheriff's Department to get $250,000 from the sale for the cost of investigating the religious enclave founded in 1981 by the late Samuel A. Greene Jr.
The monastery gained national attention in 1985 over claims a picture of the Virgin Mary cried tears of myrrh, drawing hundreds of thousands of visitors and more than $1 million in donations.
On Friday, the main chapel looked much as it did on July 25, 2006, when authorities swarmed in to arrest Greene and others, seize the icon and shut the monastery down.
The site went on the market three weeks ago, said Realtor Bill Hultquist of Spring Branch, who reports getting daily inquiries.
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