St. Michael fighting the devil

From The Lion & the Cardinal, St. Michael fighting the devil:

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Now here is something unlike anything I've drawn previously. This ink and gouache drawing of the St. Michael fighting the devil was commissioned by a priest of the Maryknoll Missionaries, an order with a long history of missionary activity in Japan. He asked whether I thought it possible to create an image of the archangel in the style of traditional Japanese art without the result being kitsch.

I was certainly willing to make an attempt. While inculturation is not something that I have consciously attempted in the past, I was eager to explore some of the illustrative ideas in Japanese woodblock printing. Utagawa Kuniyoshi, one of my favorite artists, provided most of the inspiration here.

I was also curious to see how successfully I could maintain the western iconographic traditions in the content and arrangement of religious pictures while using an eastern style of illustration.

I am pleased with the result - enough that I plan to issue a limited-edition giclee art print of the drawing soon. Please e-mail me if you are interested in purchasing one; the response will help me to decide the size of the edition.

I am also thinking about making more religious drawings in this style, showing major events in the history of Japanese Christianity - the arrival of Francis Xavier, the martyrdoms at Nagasaki, et cetera.

I also experimented for the first time with authentic gold leaf, using it for Michael's halo.

On Venerables Justin of Celije and Simeon of Dajbaba

H/T: Again and Again

Belgrade, Serbia (serborth.org) - At their afternoon session on April 29, 2010, the Holy Assembly of Bishops of the Serbian Orthodox Church unanimously adopted the proposal of the presiding Diocesan hierarchs and entered into the Dyptichs of the holy Orthodox Churches the names of Archimandrite Justin Popovic of blessed repose, the spiritual father of Monastery Celije near Valjevo (1894-1979), from now the Venerable Justin of Celije and Simeon Popovic of blessed repose, the abbot of Monastery Dajbabe near Podgorica (1854-1941), from now the Venerable Simeon of Dajbaba.

The liturgical commemoration of Venerable Justin will be celebrated on June 1 according to the old calendar (June 14 according to the new calendar), and the memory of the Venerable Simeon will be celebrated on March 19 according to the old calendar (April 1 according to the new calendar).

The formal celebration of the newly canonized chosen ones of God will be at the Holy Hierarchical Liturgy next Sunday, May 2 at the St. Sava Temple on Vracar, beginning at 9am.

Our Venerable and God bearing Fathers Justin and Simeon, pray to God for us!

The funeral Bishop Daniel of Erie

(ROCOR-EAD) - On Wednesday, April 28, on the Midfeast of Pentecost, in the Nativity of Christ Church, the faithful bid farewell to His Grace, Bishop Daniel of Erie, vicar bishop of the First Hierarch of ROCOR for the care of Old Believers. The church is located on the shores of Lake Erie in Erie, PA (both the city and the lake were named after the local Erie Indian Tribe), less than 100 miles from the Canadian border and the famous Niagara Falls.

The vicar bishops of the Eastern American Diocese, Bishops George of Mayfield and Jerome of Manhattan, arrived in Erie on April 27 for Bishop Daniel’s funeral. Bishop Jerome celebrated the Old Rite Liturgy, co-served by parish clerics: church dean Archpriest Pimen Simon, Priest Theodore Jurewicz and Priest Hierotheus Popoff, as well as Priest Seraphim Wing, and parish deacons Stefan Klimczak and Markel Wassell. Bishop George prayed in the altar during the Liturgy. During the Small Entrance, in accordance with Old Rite tradition, the casket was carried into the altar through the Royal Doors and placed on the right side of the altar.

During the readings of the Epistle and Gospel, the casket was moved to the high place, and was taken back to the center of the church upon completion of the Liturgy. The funeral was led by Bishop George, co-served by Bishop Jerome and the above-mentioned clergy, who served to the antiphonal singing of the male and female choirs. Bishop Jerome delivered the eulogy, after which parishioners and the faithful bid farewell to their beloved hierarch. Upon completion of the funeral service, the newly reposed Bishop Daniel was committed to the earth in the local Orthodox cemetery, where many Old Rite parishioners are buried. After the burial, the faithful returned to the parish hall for a commemorative luncheon.

Following the luncheon, Bishop George continued his journey, traveling to the town of Parma, OH (a suburb of Cleveland, the See of Bishop Peter of Cleveland), to St. Sergius Cathedral to venerate a piece of the relics of St. Sergius of Radonezh, which began to stream holy myrrh on Sunday, April 18. Bishop George was greeted by cathedral dean Priest Ilia Marzev, after which Vladyka served a moleben before the relics. His Grace then departed Cleveland for Holy Cross Monastery.

More photos available here.

OCA Holy Synod holds retreat in Denver

(OCA) - The Holy Synod of Bishops of the Orthodox Church in America gathered in the Diocese of the West with the blessing of His Grace, Bishop BENJAMIN for a spring retreat. The Synod held the retreat in Colorado Springs, Colorado.

The Holy Synod attended the Divine Liturgy on the feast of Mid-Pentecost, celebrated by Bishop BENJAMIN, at Holy Theophany Orthodox Church in Colorado Springs. Afterwards, Archpriest Anthony Karbo, rector of Holy Theophany, Rocky Mountain Deanery clergy and parish faithful welcomed the Holy Synod with abundant hospitality in their parish hall.

And also...

SYOSSET, NY (OCA) - The Holy Synod of Bishops of the Orthodox Church in America gathered for a spiritual retreat and discussions on pending matters in Colorado Springs, CO April 27-29, 2010.

The retreat was led by Archimandrite Meletios of the Monastery of Saint John of San Francisco, Manton, CA, on the spiritual impact of a variety of pastoral matters.

In the course of its discussions, the members of the Holy Synod considered their participation in the upcoming Episcopal Assembly in New York May 25-27, 2010. All active bishops of the Orthodox Church in America are planning to participate in this assembly, to which they have been invited.

The Holy Synod also formally endorsed the work of FOCUS North America in its efforts to support charitable outreach ministries on this continent. In addition, the Holy Synod discussed possible episcopal candidates.

The hierarchs participated in the Divine Liturgy for the Feast of Mid-Pentecost at Theophany Church in Colorado Springs, Priest Anthony Karbo is the Rector and Dean of the Colorado Deanery of the Diocese of the West.

Diocese of the West (OCA) pilgrimage to Alaska planned

Reliquary of St. Herman

(OCA-DOW) Bishop Benjamin will lead a pilgrimage to Alaska from the Diocese of the West this summer. The trip will include the historic capitol of Russian America, Sitka; Anchorage; a wildlife and glacier viewing cruise in Prince William Sound; and Kodiak.

The highlight of the trip will be the 40th Anniversary of the Canonization of St. Herman celebration and trip to Spruce Island. The dates will be August 4 – 11, 2010. The package will include round trip economy air transportation to and from Seattle, in state flights, hotel accommodations, ground transportation and sight seeing. Some meals will be included. A full itinerary for the trip and cost will be posted shortly.

Another story on the future of Archbishop Demetrios

H/T: AOI

(St. Andrew House) - 'Archbishop Demetrios on the Way Out?' by Theodore Kalmoukos

BOSTON - At 83 years old and beleaguered by a raft of questions about his ability to keep leading, Archbishop Demetrios may leave his position at the Archbishopric Throne of America, it emerged after intense discussions at the Ecumenical Patriarchate in Constantinople, where he traveled unannounced, as well as among prominent Greek-American leaders who want him retained. The National Herald was unable to reach him at press time.

Those familiar with the issue attribute the possible development to his age the constant accumulation of various unresolved problems under his tenure recently.

Sources said it was believed at the Patriarchate that these questions have stagnated the ecclesial life of the Archdiocese of America. TNH also has learned that a group of prominent Greek Americans do not agree with the possibility of Archbishop Demetrios leaving his post and threatened to stop all financial and other support to the Ecumenical Patriarchate if he does not stay.

The speculation about a possible exodus were re-enforced after his meeting with Prime Minister George Papandreou and the Deputy Minister of State Demetris Droutsas in Athens on April 27. The Archbishop’s statement to The National Herald after the meeting that he discussed “issues that concern him” intensified even more the reports his departure is being arranged, especially after his visit to Constantinople.

The discussion became more intense after the last visit of Patriarch Bartholomew to the United States for an ecological symposium about the environment and the cleaning of the Mississippi river which coincided with the Archbishop’s 10 year anniversary as head of the church in America. TNH has learned that despite Bartholomew’s public praise and congratulatory remarks about the Archbishop, upon his return to the Phanar, the Patriarch said that “We have problems in America.” Senior Metropolitan Athanasios of Chalcedon enforced the Patriarch’s view as well. Metropolitan Athanasios was a member of the Patriarchal entourage at the US visit.

Patriarchal officials were said to have blamed Archbishop Demetrios with a “lack of administrative competency” and “inability” to control the “honorary Metropolitans” although he has jurisdiction over the Archdiocese of America and Exarch of the Ecumenical Patriarchate and the Metropolitans hold honorary status, a strange combination of auxiliary Bishops and titular Metropolitans while Archbishop Demetrios is commemorated as “shepherd” at the Liturgy when visiting the local Metropolitses.

Savas the Successor?

Although Archbishop Demetrios did not discuss the issue of his possible departure, TNH also learned that previously, and in recent days and at Patriarchate during his visit, he indicated that he wanted Bishop Savas of Troas, his former Chancellor, to be his successor saying that “He is capable and his confidant and he will continue his work.” The reason that Archbishop Demetrios relieved Bishop Savas from his duties as Chancellor was reportedly to protect him as Savas was said to be creating constant problems with various parishes and their councils.

But Patriarch Bartholomew, on the suggestion of Rev. Alex Karloutsos, seemed to favor Metropolitan Emmanuel of France, a graduate of Holy Cross Theological School in Boston, to be the successor. A very influential hierarch who travels with the Patriarch quite often and is often the lead man in inter-Orthodox and ecumenical talks. The Patriarch has assigned the role of “Secretary of State” of the Phanar to Metropolitan Emmanuel, sending him to various assignments everywhere in the world and constantly projecting him. He was also a member of Bartholomew’s entourage during his last visit to the US.

Metropolitan Emmanuel, knowing the huge responsibility of the Archbishopric Throne of America, said he didn’t want the job. Rev. Karloutsos, who appears and acts as some type of an “unofficial Archbishop” in America because of his nearness with Patriarch Bartholomew, has taken on the task to convince Metropolitan Emmanuel to accept it. The current government of Greece also reportedly favors Metropolitan Emmanuel’s candidacy. Karloutsos was also instrumental in the election of the former Archbishop Spyridon.

The reason that Archbishop Demetrios traveled to the Ecumenical patriarchate was primarily to discuss with Patriarch Bartholomew and Patriarch Theofilos of Jerusalem the issue of the Orthodox Palestinian parishes of the US, especially in the California area, which were turned over to the Archdiocese by the Patriarchate of Jerusalem and will accept no other leader. Patriarch Bartholomew discussed with Archbishop Demetrios various issues of the Archdiocese including the upcoming Synaxis of all the canonical Bishops in America and Canada on May 26. Patriarch Bartholomew appears to be angry with Archbishop Demetrio’s decision to include the OCA (former Russian Metropolia,) to which the Patriarchate of Moscow gave autocephalous ecclesiastical status which is not recognized by the Ecumenical Patriarchate despite the clear directive of Patriarch Bartholomew not to include them. Archbishop Demetrios claims it was included by mistake, but Fr. Mark Arey, Director of Interchurch Relations, gave a different explanation. Setting aside all the canonical particulars, at the level of the people not including the OCA in the talks would have caused a firestorm.  It would have detracted from the real issues with altogether too much time spent in defending a position no amount of press releases would have allayed.

There are hierarchs at the Phanar who fear that such a Synaxis convened with the knowledge if not the directive of the Patriarchate, could get out of control and develop into some type of an ecclesiastical coup for the creation of an American Orthodox Autocephalous Church, similar to that attempted by the late Archbishop Iakovos at the Ligonier on Pennsylvania in 1994 which became the beginning of the end of his Archbishopric tenure.

Rejoice, O unwedded Bride!

If you have read this blog for any length of time you know I have a certain steadfast affection for the hymn Agni Parthene (in English called 'O Virgin Pure' or more colloquially 'Rejoice, O Unwedded Bride'). I also have a soft spot for S'Nami Boh (God is with Us) and O kto kto Nikolaja l'ubit (Hymn to St. Nicholas). The blog christ is in our midst posted a Slavonic version of the hymn. It brought a smile to my morning. I hope it will do the same for you.

Coptic hierarch takes Episcopalians to task

H/T: OBL News

(VirtueOnline) - A Coptic Orthodox Church observer to the Fourth Global South to South Encounter ripped into the Episcopal Church, stunning some 130 archbishops, bishops, clergy and laity, urging them to say "no to ordination of homosexuals, no to gay marriage, no to such immorality, and that it is time to purify the sanctuary of the Lord from this abomination that causes our God to suffer, bleed and be crucified again everyday."

"You are martyrs without the shedding of blood because you are upholding the teaching of the Gospel handed down once and for all to the apostles," Bishop Anba Suriel told the stunned delegates.

"An army of sheep led by a lion is more powerful than an army of lions led by a sheep. I really pray that you lions here, the primates of each of the provinces of the Global South will stand united with one accord against the heresies of The Episcopal Church.

"I want to share with you a saying of Saint Anthony the Great, the father of monasticism. This great Egyptian saint said, "There will come a day when the mad people will look at the normal people and say, 'Look at these mad people because they are not like us.'" A favorite quote of mine, and one I use almost to excess. I think this prophecy has been fulfilled in our day and age. Abnormality has become the new normality. Certain factions of the Christian Church are becoming desensitized to the truth of the Gospel. I call it the frog in the kettle syndrome.

"If you place a frog in a kettle at room temperature the frog will be comfortable, if you raise the temperature slightly, the frog will quickly adapt. If you continue to raise the temperature very gradually the frog will continue to adapt to its new environment until finally the water is boiling and the frog is fried inside the kettle and loses its life. This is what today's Post Modern society is doing; it is pushing the limit of immorality further and further till it tries to make some lose their spiritual life and die."

The bishop blasted New Hampshire Bishop Gene Robinson. "He was a married man and had two daughters. He divorced his wife and left his daughters to live this unthinkable life of abomination. Is this the holiness and perfection and the image and likeness of God? How then can such a person be ordained to the highest level of authority in a Church, the episcopate? What example does he give to young people, what long term effects will such a decision by The Episcopal Church USA (TEC) have on the North American Episcopalians in generations to come?"

The bishop said homosexual radical activists are overrunning schools in America with their agenda.

"While homosexual activity is strong in Hollywood, the education system is being overrun by radical homosexual activists who want to begin indoctrination in the elementary school system, middle schools and high schools. In Massachusetts, where a Court recently found that the homosexuals have a constitutional right to get married, teachers and counselors receive special state-funded training for dealing with gay and lesbian students, and libraries are stocked with book and films on homosexual issues.

"In Framingham, Massachusetts, students were forced to answer a questionnaire that openly challenged the validity of their heterosexuality. Here are some questions:

1. What do you think caused your heterosexuality?
2. When did you first decide you were heterosexual?
3. Is it possible heterosexuality is a phase you will grow out of? [Of course, the flip-side of the question is not asked: Is it possible that homosexuality is phase you will grow out of.]
4. Is it possible you are heterosexual because you fear the same sex?
5. If you have never slept with anyone of the same sex, how do you know you wouldn't prefer it?
6. To whom have you disclosed your heterosexuality? How did they react?
7. Why are heterosexuals so blatant, always making a spectacle of their heterosexuality? Why can't they just be who they are, not flaunt their sexuality by kissing in public, wearing wedding rings, etc?

"Notice how heterosexuality is portrayed as the abnormal behavior? If you substituted the words 'homosexuality' and 'opposite sex' into many of the questions, there would be a howl of protests from radical homosexual activists and their allies.

Read more »

Persecuted Iraqi Christians erect statue of Jesus

HAMDANIYA, Iraq (AFP) — The Christians of northern Iraq have chosen to defy mounting attacks by extremists by erecting a statue of Jesus modelled on the giant Christ the Redeemer in Rio de Janeiro.

The sculpture is only a tenth of the size of the 40-metre (130-foot) iconic statue that towers over the Brazilian city, but it has become a popular site for visitors in Hamdaniya, the north's largest Christian town.

"The idea of the statue is not to say Christians were here in case we leave," said Bashar Jarjees Habash, the city's coordinator of Christian affairs.

"But the idea of building the statue of Jesus opening his arms is to send a message of peace to everyone to say that we want to live in peace with all," said the 48-year-old.

"The people of this area have always tried to live in peace with everyone, even those who fight and threaten them."

In February, Human Rights Watch called on Iraq's government to do more to bolster security and protect Christians after a string of deadly attacks on the community ahead of last month's elections.

"The statue might be small if we compare it with what Christians did for Iraq over hundreds of years. The statue is stone and can be removed at any time, but the history of Christians cannot be abolished," said Habash.

"We have a great history, we are very loyal to Iraq," added the official charged by the church with preserving religious monuments.

The brick and plaster structure is in the middle of Hamdaniya, a city populated by 45,000 mostly Syriac Christians as well as a Kurdish Muslim community that makes up about 10 percent of the inhabitants.

Its construction was initiated and carried out by two local security guards who also have artistic skills. Using their bare hands, it was a labour of love.

"With the help of 20 volunteers, we built the statue in less than a month and we spent about 150,000 dinars (128 dollars)," said one of them, Alaa Naser Matti.

"It is built to last over 30 years. We painted it white, which is the colour of peace, and we will restore it each year.

"We have chosen to make a Jesus with open arms because it means that the city has been placed under his protection and he wants to spread peace in Iraq," said the 41-year-old.

Eight Christians were killed in and around Mosul within 10 days in February, and since the US-led invasion of Iraq in 2003, there has been no letup for the nation's 550,000 Christians, most of them Chaldeans.

Pope Benedict XVI condemned the violence against them in his Easter message this month, and demanded that the Iraqi authorities do more to protect the "vulnerable" minority.

In late 2008, a systematic campaign of targeted killings and violence saw 40 Christians murdered in Mosul, causing around 12,000 of the community to flee for safety.

"When I pass by here, I cross myself and ask Jesus with all my heart to save us... and all those who kill without mercy," said Badriah Jedi, 72, who came with her daughter and grandson to light candles near the statue.

Before Thy Cross we bow down in worship...

Washington (CNN) - The Supreme Court narrowly ruled Wednesday that a white cross, erected as a war memorial and sitting on national parkland in the Mojave Desert, does not violate the constitutional separation of church and state.

The 5-4 conservative majority said Congress acted properly when it tried to transfer land around the Mojave Memorial Cross to veterans groups, an effort to eliminate any Establishment Clause violation. The land then would have been declared a national memorial. A federal appeals panel had blocked that land swap.

"It is reasonable to interpret the congressional designation as giving recognition to the historical meaning that the cross had attained," Justice Anthony Kennedy wrote. "The Constitution does not oblige government to avoid any public acknowledgment of religion's role in society."

But even among the conservatives who voted to allow the cross to stand, there was strong disagreement about how similar disputes should be settled, an indication of the contentious nature of church-and-state cases.

At issue before the justices was whether the display violates the First Amendment to the U.S. Constitution, which says that "Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion."

More specifically, can one individual who protests the cross have legal standing to take his case to court and prevail? And do congressional efforts to minimize the appearance of a constitutional violation carry any weight?

The 6-foot Latin cross was first erected in 1934 by a local Veterans of Foreign Wars unit in a remote part of the California desert to honor war dead. It has been rebuilt several times over the years, and Easter services take place on the site annually.

Read more »

'Taught by God' to be published in May

(STOTS) - The second book in his series, Taught by God: An Introduction to Orthodox Theology written by Dr. Harry Boosalis will be published by STS Press in May 2010.

A preview of the book is as follows:

"The present study is comprised of preliminary lectures in Orthodox theology. While intended for first-year Master of Divinity students at St. Tikhon's Seminary, its introductory level of approach and reader-friendly style is suitable for anyone interested in the ancient spirituality of the Christian East.

"Based on Holy Scripture and patristic teaching, this study refers to the writings of a variety of Orthodox theologians, especially those from Eastern European backgrounds. This book is original in that it preserves its teaching purpose by maintaining a practical approach as well as an appropriate level of language.

"Taught by God: An Introduction to Orthodox Theology is ideal for any layman who seeks to introduce himself to, or increase his knowledge of, the Orthodox approach to theology and spirituality.

"Harry M. Boosalis is Professor of Dogmatic Theology at St. Tikhon's Orthodox Theological Seminary in South Canaan, Pennsylvania."

Caring for your Elder

I don't usually post wisdom from the elders/Fathers as there are many fine blogs already doing that and my inbox is full of parish mailing lists with words from the desert and the like, but I liked this post from Byzantine Ramblings and I am reposting it below.

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Abba Isaac relates the following: "When I was younger, I stayed with Abba Kronios, who never asked me to do any work, even though he was old and had palsy. He would get up and give water from a pitcher both to me and others. As well, I stayed with Abba Theodore; neither did he ask me to do anything. He would set the dinner table himself and say to me: 'Brother, if you like, come to eat.' I would say to him, 'Abba, I moved in with you to be useful; why do you not, then, let me do something?' But the Elder always remained silent.

"I went to the Elders and told them this. Going to him, they said: 'Abba Theodore, this brother came to stay with your holiness in order to be useful; why do you not tell him to do something, too?' The Elder replied to them: 'Am I perhaps the Superior of some coenobitic monastery, so that I can give him orders? It is not mine in the least to tell him anything. If he likes, let him do what he sees me doing.'

"From that time I managed to do whatever the Elder did. But he, in all that he performed, did so silently. And this taught me to do my work in silence."

The Evergetinos, Vol II, I, E, 3.

Antiochians hosting women's retreat in the Midwest

(Antiochian) - The Antiochian Women of the Diocese of Toledo and the Midwest invite women to the fifth annual retreat Friday-Sunday, May 14-16, 2010 at Dormition of the Mother of God Orthodox Monastery located at 3389 Rives Eaton Road in Rives Junction, Michigan.

Download retreat flyer (PDF)

Mother Abbess Alexandra of the Convent of St. Thekla at Antiochian Village will present the retreat, “Create in Me a New Heart,” focusing on the Holy Spirit in our lives. She will bring together reflections on the actions of the Holy Spirit through salvation history from the Scriptures and the Fathers with emphasis on our practical, daily synergy with the Holy Spirit.

On Friday following Vespers and dinner there will be an informal meeting with Mother Alexandra. On Saturday following Divine Liturgy and brunch Mother Alexandra will give her presentation (noon to 3 PM).

Please see the retreat flyer for the complete schedule, lodging information and the reservation form.

Holy Assembly of Serbian Church underway

(spc.rs) - A regular session of the Holy Assembly of Bishops has began with the Holy Hierarchal Liturgy in the Belgrade Cathedral church led by His Holiness Patriarch Irinej of Serbia with the concelebration of all Bishops of our Holy Church.

OCA committee resumes glorification work

SYOSSET, NY (OCA) - After several years of inactivity, and with the blessing of the Holy Synod of Bishops, the Canonization Commission of the Orthodox Church in America is resuming its work and activities.

"The members of the Holy Synod, at their recent spring 2010 session, reiterated the Commission's mandate to begin detailed studies of the lives of Metropolitan Leonty [Turkevich] and Archbishop Arseny [Chahovtsev] and to discern whether the Church should officially proclaim them as saints," said Alexis Liberovsky, Commission secretary. "The task of the Canonization Commission is not simply an intellectual undertaking relying on human reasoning and 'proofs,' but rather it is the prayerful discernment of the will of God for His holy Church. Canonization, or glorification, is the recognition by the Church of what God has already revealed."

[Information on the process of canonization/glorification may be found on the OCA web site at www.oca.org/FS.NA-Document.asp?SID=4&ID=82 and www.oca.org/FS.NA-Document.asp?SID=4&ID=83.]

Metropolitan Leonty [1876-1965] came to America as a young priest in 1906 to assume duties as rector of the seminary in Minneapolis, MN, which had been established by Saint Tikhon, at the time Archbishop of the Aleutians and North America. As a delegate from the North American Diocese to the All-Russian Church Council of 1917-18 in Moscow, he had experienced first-hand the horrors of the Russian Revolution. Upon returning to America, he sought to incarnate the conciliar spirit and groundbreaking decisions of the Moscow Council into the life of the Church in America in his every action. After the death of his wife, he became Bishop of Chicago in 1933. In 1950, he was elected Metropolitan of All America and Canada by a nearly unanimous vote. Many who knew him remember his personal holiness.

Archbishop Arseny [1866-1945], initially a married priest in Russia, became a monk after the death of his wife. Two years after his arrival in America in 1903, with Saint Tikhon's blessing, he established Saint Tikhon's Monastery in South Canaan, PA. In 1908-10, he served as dean of Orthodox parishes in Canada. After returning to Russia, he eventually ministered to the military forces during the Russian Revolution and Civil War. In 1920, he was evacuated to Serbia, where he served in the Serbian Church. At the request of the Orthodox faithful in Canada, he was consecrated Bishop of Canada in 1926. During his archpastoral ministry in Canada, he was hailed as the "Canadian Chrysostom" for his eloquent preaching. After retirement from active episcopal service, he became the founding rector of Saint Tikhon's Pastoral School, soon after renamed Saint Tikhon's Seminary, and continued in this position until his death in 1945.

"For many years, Archbishop Arseny has been venerated throughout the OCA Archdiocese of Canada, where miracles have been ascribed to his intercession," said Mr. Liberovsky, "In response to this popular veneration, several years ago His Eminence, Archbishop Seraphim of Ottawa and Canada established an Archdiocesan Canonization Committee in Canada, which conducted extensive research."

Archbishop Seraphim subsequently presented the results of the Canadian Committee's work to the members of the Holy Synod of Bishops who, in turn, forwarded the information and resources to the OCA Canonization Commission, which will now begin its own study of this and any other pertinent materials.

"The Canonization Commission has been aware for some time of the controversy surrounding Archbishop Arseny arising from allegations of serious moral transgression and unethical behavior, which has recently been publicized on the internet," Mr. Liberovsky noted. "These allegations, which Archbishop Arseny challenged in the courts a century ago, and attendant issues require further study and verification.

"As the Canonization Commission begins its painstaking work of study and discernment under the direction of His Eminence, Archbishop Nathaniel of Detroit and the Romanian Episcopate, Chair, the Commission requests the prayers of the hierarchs, clergy and faithful of the Orthodox Church in America, so that its labors might be well-pleasing to God," Mr. Liberovsky added. "Following what is expected to be a lengthy process, the Commission will present its findings and recommendations to the Holy Synod, which has final authority in matters of canonization."

Anyone wishing to submit information or documentation on Metropolitan Leonty or Archbishop Arseny that would assist Commission members in their work is invited to direct it to the Commission's attention. In particular, the Commission would welcome first-hand testimonies and primary documents. The Canonization Commission may be contacted at PO Box 675, Syosset, NY 11791; canonization@oca.org; or 516-922-0550 ext. 121.

Other Canonization Commission members include His Grace, Bishop Tikhon of Philadelphia and Eastern Pennsylvania, Vice-Chair; His Grace, Bishop Irineu of Dearborn Heights; Archpriests David Brum, Sergei Glagolev, Joseph Frawley, and Basil Rhodes; Priests Remus Grama and John Hainsworth; Drs. Peter Bouteneff and David Ford; George Soldatow; and Kathryn Szalasznyj.

Crawfish Boil benefiting North Texas women's monastery

ROCOR interview on the Church in Latin America

(ROCOR) - A conversation with the First Hierarch of ROCOR, His Eminence Metropolitan Hilarion of Eastern America and New York.

– Your Eminence, when did you first visit Latin America?

– I first became acquainted with the Latin American region in 1987. The South American Diocese was ruled at the time by Bishop Innokenty (Petrov, 1902-1987). He led an interesting life. Vladyka Innokenty fought in the Russian Civil War and participated in the seizure of Ekaterinburg in July 1918. He was inside the infamous Ipatiev House soon after the execution of Tsar Nicholas II and his family. In 1948, Ivan Petrov (his lay name), made his way to Argentina. In 1957, he became a priest, Fr John. Following the death of Archbishop Afanassy (Martos, 1904-1983) of Buenos Aires, Argentina and Paraguay, he was tonsured a monk and was given control of the orphaned diocese.

Bishop Innokenty spent most of his time in Asuncion, Paraguay, which was why the First Hierarch of the Russian Orthodox Church Outside of Russia, Metropolitan Vitaly (Oustinov, 1910-2006) sent me to Argentina. I remember that trip fondly. The greatest impression was made by the ceremony of renaming one of the streets of the Argentinian capital in honor of Holy Prince Vladimir, Equal-to-the-Apostles.

I traveled to the Misiones Province together with the Rector of Holy Trinity Church in Buenos Aires, Protopriest Valentin Iwasjewicz, where the Russian Church Abroad has two parishes. Visiting with an elderly Ukranian man known as Don Juan, who grew mate tea, which we tried passing around the calabash gourd with a metal pipe called a bombilla. At a luncheon in the town of Tres-Capones, women sang Ukrainian folk songs, which reminded me of my youth, which I spent among Ukrainian emigres.

In addition to Argentina, I made visits to Brazil, Chile, Paraguay and Uruguay. In Santiago I was escorted by the Rector of the Church of the Holy Trinity and the Mother of God of Kazan, Archimandrite Veniamin (Vozniuk). He showed me the house of Archbishop Leonty (Filippovich, 1904-1971), the Ruling Bishop of Chile and Peru from 1953-1969, and gave me his vestments, sewn of Japanese silk and embroidered with flowers. In Asuncion, I concelebrated with Vladyka Innokenty at Protection Church, and in Montevido, I celebrated Divine Liturgy in Resurrection Church, the only Russian Church in Uruguay.

– In your opinion, when did the South American Diocese reach its historic peak?

– The blossoming of this diocese lasted a fairly long time. In the 1920’s, when a wave of immigrants fleeing the Bolsheviks in Russia reached the New World, a flurry of construction of Orthodox churches began. In the 1960’s, there were four episcopal cathedras: Argentina and Paraguay, Brazil, Chile and Peru and Venezuela. It is interesting that Metropolitan Vitaly, Primate of ROCOR between 1985-2001, was the Bishop of Montevideo and Vicar of the Sao-Paolo and Brazil Diocese in the early 1950’s. He established a monastery in Sao Paolo dedicated to St Job of Pochaev, established an orphanage for boys and set up a publishing concern.

– What is the current state of affairs in the diocese, in your view?

– The South American Diocese is undergoing a profound crisis. There are reasons for this: the lack of clergymen, the infrequent divine services, the dearth of necessary ecclesiastical knowledge, especially in the provinces. All this has had troubling consequences. For instance, in Paraguay, dozens of Russians have married Catholics and now attend Catholic churches. Fortunately, they have not forgotten their roots yet, and when they have the opportunity, they attend Orthodox services.

The problem of not having enough clergymen is an onerous one. The Seminary at Holy Trinity Monastery has had dozens of graduates from Latin America, yet a large number of them settled in the USA. Of course, the Church Abroad has people who wish to serve in the South American Diocese, but some do not speak Spanish or Portuguese, others don’t speak Russian, or, in fact, even know Church Slavonic.

In January 2010, we suffered a serious loss: a young priest, Fr Rodion Aragon, died, who was recently ordained to the priesthood and appointed Rector of the Mother of God of Vladimir Church in San Jose, the capital of Costa Rica. Before then, we had no resident priests of the Russian Orthodox Church in Costa Rica. Now the parishioners there are left without a pastor once again.

Read more »

Bishop Daniel meets with ZOE organization

(UOC-USA) - On Wednesday, April 21, 2010 His Grace Bishop Daniel met with the representatives of Zoe for Life organization in Parma, OH.

ZOE is a non-profit Christ-centered support organization with three major goals: to help women in crisis pregnancy, to assist Orthodox Christian couples seeking to adopt, and to create an Orthodox Christian abstinence program to educate young people. The organization is endorsed by the Standing Conference of the Canonical Orthodox Bishops in the Americas.

Paula Kappos, president of ZOE for Life presented the bishop with a summary of the organization’s ministry, stating that “Many women in crisis pregnancies wrestle with abortion, some with adoption and some with suicide. To encourage women to carry their infants to term, ZOE offers emotional and spiritual support, confidential access to professional agencies, and connection to potential adoptive Orthodox Christian families.”

His Grace was escorted to the meeting by the pastor of St. Vladimir Ukrainian Orthodox Cathedral in Parma, OH, Very Rev. Fr. John Nakonachny and Protodeacon Ihor Mahlay. Bishop Daniel toured ZOE House, and then gathered with those present for a candid discussion with regard to ZOE’s history, the function of ZOE House, as well as the goals and aspirations of this life endorsing mission. His Grace felt strongly that more could be accomplished if ZOE were brought to the forefront of Orthodoxy in America. All agreed that the good things that are happening here would hearten the faithful. As has happened at ZOE House in Cleveland, our Orthodox young people see first hand the impact this mission has on His children in need. It confirms for them precisely where their church stands on this issue, and encourages them to consider the long-term ramifications of actions they might feel societal pressure to participate in today.

Talking with Paula Kappos (president of ZOE), Kathy Kovalak (board member of ZOE for Life! and executive director of ZOE House) and Iryna Mahlay (member of the organization), the bishop offered specific suggestions to assist ZOE in taking the next step toward greater national recognition. His exhortation to do so by devising a plan to enable the faithful in other cities across America to replicate what has been done in Cleveland was startling in its clarity and simplicity. Those present gratefully accepted his generosity of spirit in making the time in his busy schedule to see first hand what is being accomplished here, as well as for his blessing for the work being done.

For more information on Zoe’s ministry, click here!

Synodal updates from the Greek Archdiocese

New York (GOARCH) - The Holy Eparchial Synod of the Holy Archdiocese of America convened in its regular Spring Session in the Synodal Chamber of the HolyArchdiocese in New York, on April 21st and 22nd, 2010, under the chairmanship of His Eminence Archbishop Demetrios.

The Holy Eparchial Synod deliberated on the following issues:

Liturgical Issues: It was announced that the Ecumenical Patriarchate approved the submitted text of the Holy Prothesis (aka Proskomedia) and the Divine Liturgy, with liturgical rubrics by the Synod, so that it may be translated into the English language. Additionally, the Synod assigned to the Synodal Committee in charge of liturgical issues the responsibility to prepare similar texts for Sacred Services, Orthros and Vespers. Furthermore, the Synod completed its work on the text of the Service of Receiving non-Orthodox Christians into the Orthodox Church through Chrismation.

Canonical Issues: The final approval of the Holy and Sacred Synod of the Ecumenical Patriarchate for the submitted Regulations of the Holy Eparchial Synod was communicated. The work on the Regulations of Spiritual Courts was continued with the assistance of specialists in Law and Canon Law and with the formation of a list of reasons for issuing Ecclesiastical Divorces. Furthermore, the Synod approved a new Certificate for Baptism and Chrismation for use in parishes of the Holy Archdiocese. Finally, the Holy Synod discussed canonical issues pertaining to the clergy, and made relevant decisions in regard to issues of pastoral and disciplinary nature.

Educational and Youth Issues: There was extensive discussion on Religious Education and the youth. The observation was made that the number of camping facilities has increased, as well as the youth participating in them. It has been realized that camping is a very successful tool in formulating a religious character in the youth. It was also noted that there is a need to educate parents and attempts are made for the participation of youth and parents in family programs at the camps. Priests should use all pastoral opportunities of athletic, dancing, and other youth programs for the cultivation of Orthodox character in the youth.

Inter-Orthodox Issues: There was extensive discussion on the upcoming pan-Orthodox Assembly of Bishops which will take place on May 26-28 in New York City. The formation of such an Assembly was decided by the Pre-Synodal Pan-Orthodox meeting in Chambesy, Switzerland, in June 2009.

Clergy-Laity Congress: In reference to the upcoming Clergy-Laity Congress in Atlanta, GA in July 2010, the importance of the theme Gather My People to My Home – Come and See was underscored, as well as a need for a wider participation of parishes. A more direct involvement of the Members of the Holy Eparchial Synod in the analysis and application on the theme of the Clergy-Laity Congress was planned by means of a special meeting to be convened at its commencement.

Finally, the Holy Eparchial Synod designated September 19 of this year as a day of commemoration of the Asia Minor Holocaust, by organizing lectures and special programs for this purpose. The members of the Holy Eparchial Synod had the opportunity to participate in the meeting of the Executive Committee of the Archdiocesan Council in the afternoon of April 19.

Stolen bells recovered from scrap yard

H/T: Directions to Orthodoxy

CUMBERLAND (Projo) — All six bells — Stephan, Sophia, Vera, Nadezhda, Lubov and Gabriel — that were stolen from the Dormition of the Virgin Mary Orthodox Church last week have been recovered. But only four of them could ring again in the small bell house in front of the church.

“Well, we miss the bells,” the Rev. Vasily Lickwar, pastor of the Orthodox parish on Manville Hill Road, said at a police news conference Thursday. “They are an integral part of our worship.”

The bell Stephan, named for Saint Stephan the first martyr, the largest at hundreds of pounds, is now in three pieces, and Father Lickwar said that bell and the second-smallest of the bells, Lubov, named for a second-century martyr, now shorn of its top, won’t join the others.

The police say James M. Haselton, 32, of Lincoln, was attempting to sell the bells at scrap yards in Woonsocket and Lincoln. The police said another arrest is possible.

Police Chief John Desmarais said Haselton, who is charged with two felony counts of receiving stolen goods, lives near the church.

The bells are made of bronze and brass. “Bronze scrap can sometimes fetch $1.75 per pound,” Desmarais said.

The police got a call Friday night, after media reports about the bells, which eventually led to a person of interest and the recovery of the bells from the scrap yards.

The police say they believe the theft was motivated by money and are looking into whether it involved a drug habit, Desmarais said.

Haselton, who is unemployed, is not connected to the church, the police said.

According to records in District Court, Providence, Haselton pleaded no contest in January to a misdemeanor shoplifting charge brought by North Smithfield police and, on April 9, he pleaded no contest to a Lincoln police complaint of firing in a compact area. He received one-year suspended sentence for the first, and one year suspended/one year probation for the second. The Lincoln complaint meant he violated probation, according to the records.

Father Lickwar has said the combined value of the bells is at least $100,000. The bell Vera, Father Lickwar said, bears the markings “Queen Mary England.”

In Orthodox tradition, the bells are baptized and chrismated, in which a consecrated oil filled with spices and minerals from every country in the world is applied. The church acquired the bells at various times since its 1907 founding. They ring Sunday mornings, and on Easter from 11:30 p.m. until 4 a.m., Father Lickwar said.

Father Lickwar said young people sometimes rang the bells.

As word of the thefts spread, he said, “We received word from all over expressing sympathy.”

The bell Stephan, so heavy it was not brought upstairs to the news conference, is about 7 feet in circumference at its base and 1 foot, 9 inches tall.

The other bells were arrayed on a table before the media. The second-largest is Sophia, named for the saint. In descending order of size are Vera, Nadezhda, and Lubov –– named in honor of 2nd-century martyrs who were Sophia’s daughters, ages 12, 9 and 6.

Father Lickwar discovered five of the bells missing Friday morning. He called the police and said that he saw a man getting into a van in the church driveway and, when asked what he was doing, the man said he loved to come to the church with his girlfriend to pray. Returning to the church about an hour after seeing the police, Father Lickwar said the sixth bell — the smallest, named after Gabriel the archangel — was gone.

It’s unclear was how the bells were removed and taken. Along with Stephan, which police estimated at 600 pounds, the mother bell and the three martyred-daughter bells weigh 165 pounds, the police said.

A Pithless Thoughts line of products now available

From the blog Pithless Thoughts:

Have you bought the entire catalogue of Barsanuphius keychains, St. John (of the Ladder, Theologian, Evangelist, Cassian, of Shanghai, of San Francisco, Damascus, the Faster, the Short, etc. etc.) refrigerator magnets, books about "my journey to Orthodoxy", Mount Athos mousepads, Philokalia coffee cups, and Moses the Black greeting cards for all occasions?

Well, Ortho-consumers, do I have a new Ortho-shopping destination for you. It's...

Oh yes, Curmudgeophan, this is the new "Pithless Mall" where you can purchase Ortho-kitzch-to-the-next-level: expensive but useless and pointless stuff with Monkabee, Curmudgeophan, Moo the Turtle, Orthographs and other weirdness on it. Imagine the evangelistic conversations you could start with one of these creations sitting on your desk! Imagine the look of ummmm... when you give a Curmudgeophan coffee cup to your new God children, priest or your Archbishop for a name-day gift!

The initial offering of Pithless Products is just the beginning. More things will be added in the coming weeks, including a book of Orthographs and Cartoons. If you don't see something that you'd like, send a message and I will personally CUSTOM MAKE and personalize whatever you want. Any item in the list of Orthographs or on Moo the Turtle's blog can be made into coffee cups, mugs, T-shirts, greeting cards, note pads, etc.

Click HERE to go to the "Pithless Products" store.

Thanks for shopping, pass it on and help me keep the repo man out of my driveway.

On the Episcopal Assembly in South America

Apologies for the translation, done by Google Translate.

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(Ecclesia News) - Days 16 17 and April 18 will be marked in the history of the Orthodox Church in South America by the end of "First Assembly of Bishops of the Orthodox Churches in South America." The event was held at the headquarters of the Antiochian Orthodox Archdiocese of São Paulo (Brazil), hosted by Dom Damaskinos Mansour. Participated in this meeting, the bishops of the Orthodox Churches present in South America (Ecumenical Patriarchate of Constantinople, Patriarchate of Antioch, Patriarchate of Moscow Patriarchate of Romania), represented by 10 hierarchs. The absence of the bishop of the Patriarchate of Serbia was justified by his participation in the meeting of the Holy Synod of Serbia.

The purpose of the Meeting was to implement the resolution of the 4th Conference in Chambésy (Switzerland) in 2009, the Orthodox Churches, in order to create worldwide Meetings of Bishops for a greater witness of Orthodoxy and the coordination of joint activities in different areas (catechesis, education, translations of liturgical texts, relations with public authorities etc.). This meeting dealt with the adoption of a Spanish version of the documents approved in Chambésy and made a presentation of the situation of each Orthodox Church in South America The Assembly has created an executive committee that was constituted as follows: Sun Athenagoras of Mexico - Patriarchate Constantinople (Chair), Don Antonio Mexico - Patriarchate of Antioch (1 st Vice President) Don Plato de Buenos Aires - Moscow Patriarchate (2nd Vice President) Don Siluan Buenos Aires - Patriarchate of Antioch (Secretary); Don Tarasios Buenos Aires - Patriarchate of Constantinople. Concluding the deliberations, the Assembly made a number of recommendations to be addressed at interortodoxo. Without doubt, the climax of the meeting was to celebrate the Divine Liturgy Sunday at the Cathedral of St. Paul Antiochian, which had the participation of all Orthodox communities of San Paul dignitaries and representatives of various civil authorities, military and church in the country.

The Assembly welcomed, in particular, Brazil's President Luis Inacio Lula da Silva, for her diligence and deference to express in a statement sent to the Assembly their votes the success of this first meeting in favor of communities throughout South America In addition, the Assembly thanked Don Damaskinos for their fraternal welcome, hospitality and commitment to the organization, as well as those of the Syrian-Lebanese community of São Paulo for the affection and attention to Assembly participants.

Met. Jonah adds litanies for upcoming Episcopal Assembly

SYOSSET, NY (OCA) - In anticipation of the first North American Episcopal Assembly, slated to convene in New York City May 21-23, 2010, His Beatitude, Metropolitan Jonah has asked that special petitions be included in the Litany of Fervent Supplication.

Under the chairmanship of His Eminence, Archbishop Demetrios of the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of America, the Assembly will bring together all canonical Orthodox hierarchs across the continent.

Comprehensive and informative background information on events and deliberations leading to the convocation of the Assembly may be found on the web site of the Standing Conference of Canonical Orthodox Bishops in the Americas.

Metropolitan Jonah and all diocesan and auxiliary bishops of the Orthodox Church in America will participate fully in the Assembly proceedings.

Petitions to be included in the Litany of Fervent Supplication

V: That the Lord may grant our Hierarchs gathering in Episcopal Assembly to grow in wisdom and strength, through the guidance of the Holy Spirit, and to increase in love for each other, deepening Christian fellowship so that conciliar decisions may build up a canonically united Orthodox Christian Church of the Americas, let us pray to the Lord.

R: Lord have mercy! Lord have mercy! Lord have mercy!

V: That their work may be guided by the grace of the Holy Spirit, and that the Spirit of unity and love, of compassion and mutual respect, inspiring each to contribute what will build up the Body of Christ, may move us all to rejoice in the full unity of the Church, let us pray to the Lord.

R: Lord have mercy! Lord have mercy! Lord have mercy!

V: Furthermore, we ask that God bless the work of all His People, uniting them for the building up of His Holy Orthodox Church of the Americas, let us pray to the Lord.

R: Lord have mercy! Lord have mercy! Lord have mercy!

Moscow representatives meet with Old Believers

(mospat.ru) - According to the established tradition, the Old Belief Metropolia of Moscow (Russia Orthodox Old Belief Church) holds annual celebrations on the Sunday of Myrrh-Bearing Women to commemorate the Emperor Nicholas II’s decree to unseal sanctuaries in the churches at the Rogozhsky Cemetery. On this day, a solemn service is conducted at the Cathedral of the Intercession for which clergy and laity come together from various parts of Russia and near-abroad countries.

The celebrations usually include a recital of church hymns, which took place on 18 April 2010. The performance was given by the Moscow cathedral choir, the choirs of the Ostozhenka and Rzhev Parishes, the diocese of Moldova and singing Siberian parishes, the choirs of the Velikoretsky Procession with the Cross, the Moscow theological college and the Metropolitan Alimpy Choir, Nizhniy Novgorod region. The audience noted a noticeable growth in their performance skills and the prevalence of young people in the choirs.

Present at the recital was Rev. Ioann Miroliubov, secretary of the commission for Old Belief parishes and cooperation with the Old Belief community. He extended congratulations to the Metropolitan Korniliy of Moscow and All Russia and conveyed him best wishes from the chairman of the Department for External Church Relations, Metropolitan Hilarion of Volokolamsk.

Gay marriage in Texas through... gay divorce?

Apr. 20, 2010 (Star-Telegram) - The question of whether same-sex couples who marry in other states should be able to divorce in Texas -- which recognizes only marriages between a man and a woman -- heats up today when it goes before an appeals court in Dallas.

The case, expected to draw national attention, involves two Dallas men, identified in court documents as "J.B." and "H.B." who married in Massachusetts in 2006 and want a divorce. State attorneys will argue to the 5th Court of Appeals today why that should not happen in Texas.

This is the first such case in Texas to be appealed to a higher court -- and one that could go all the way to the Texas Supreme Court before a precedent-setting ruling is delivered, political observers say.

"This is likely to be the major civil-rights initiative of the coming decade," said Cal Jillson, a political science professor at Southern Methodist University in Dallas. "The 1960s were about the rights of blacks. The '70s were about the rights of women. Civil-rights initiatives [for same-sex couples] is likely to be the next one we wrestle with." I like how gay marriage has now come under the umbrella of the civil rights movement. There is an attempt to compare gay unions to the struggles of black people in this country.  It's disingenuous and a slap in the face to minorities to equate a defilement of the divine order to the persecution of a people who experienced segregation and lynchings in living memory.

At issue is an October ruling by Judge Tena Callahan of the 302nd Family District Court in Dallas that Texas' gay-marriage ban violates the U.S. Constitution's guarantee of equal protection under the law.

Texas Attorney General Greg Abbott has intervened and said the two men can't be divorced in Texas because the state doesn't recognize their marriage.

"Because the parties' Massachusetts-issued arrangement is not a marriage under Texas law, they are asking a Texas court to recognize -- and dissolve -- something that does not legally exist," Abbott has said in a statement. "These two men are seeking a court ruling that challenges the Texas Constitution; therefore, the office of the attorney general will intervene to defend Texas law -- and the will of Texas voters (who voted in favor by 76%)."

Texas voters approved a state constitutional amendment in 2005 banning same-sex civil unions and gay marriage.

The case

J.B. and H.B. separated two years after they married and decided to seek a divorce last year.
When Callahan heard the case, she did not dismiss it and said the state's same-sex-marriage ban violates rights guaranteed by the U.S. Constitution.

Abbott, who has said this case is an "apparent constitutional attack," has appealed Callahan's decision not to dismiss the case -- as he has appealed the case of two Austin women who have an adopted child and were granted a divorce this year.

J.B. has gone on TV and said he isn't trying to be a test case to expand gay rights in Texas.
His attorney, Peter Schulte, has said: "It's funny that the only individual that has made this a test case is the attorney general of Texas." Schulte will argue the case in court today.
Many in the gay and lesbian community say this issue needs to be resolved. It was, by the Defense of Marriage Act 5 years ago.

"This highlights a problem that ultimately is going to have to be addressed: the idea that people are trapped in marriages they don't have any orderly way of dissolving," said Ken Upton, an attorney with Lambda Legal in Dallas, which combats discrimination against gays, lesbians and people with HIV/AIDS. "It's not acceptable."

Same-sex divorces are getting mixed reactions in the courts. A Pennsylvania judge recently rejected a divorce filing for two women, but New York judges have granted divorces even though the state doesn't recognize same-sex marriages.

The arguments

The Texas attorney general's office has said the state constitution and Texas' Defense of Marriage Act prevent same-sex unions and marriages and that's why same-sex divorces should not be granted. Legal observers say the two men could move to Massachusetts, establish residency and then legally file for divorce.

The attorney general's office has said one option is "voidance," a legal way to end an "invalid" relationship.

"By pursuing an action for voidance, instead of divorce, the parties can quickly resolve this case and move on with their lives -- without raising any unnecessary constitutional questions, or attacks on, the Texas Constitution, Family Code and the federal Defense of Marriage Act," according to a court filing by Abbott's office.

Schulte may argue that the U.S. Constitution's full faith and credit clause should require Texas to recognize laws of other states -- including those that allow same-sex marriages -- and therefore grant the divorce.

College correspondents needed around the US

(OCF) - The Orthodox Observer, the official newspaper of the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese, is considering creating a network of special correspondents to contribute news articles of a general, non-theological nature in the various metropolises of the Archdiocese. Potential contributors must be members of OCF and majoring in either journalism or public relations at the undergraduate (3rd or 4th year) or graduate levels. Photographic coverage of events also would be welcome.

Contributors can gain practical reporting and photographic experience through publication in the Observer, which has a circulation of about 160,000 throughout the United States and also reaches Orthodox Christians in about 20 other countries.

If interested in receiving further details, contact the editor in chief, Jim Golding at jim@goarch.org or 212.570.3557.

Volunteer Opportunity at the OCMC

(OCMC) - The Orthodox Christian Mission Center (OCMC), located in St. Augustine, FL, is seeking 8 volunteers to join their Thank You Calling Team. Individuals on this team will make calls each month to OCMC donors thanking them for their gifts on behalf of OCMC. Solicitation is not a part of this program. Training and orientation will be provided, and calls can be made from the OCMC offices or from home if the volunteer has unlimited calling. The time commitment is 3-4 hours per month and volunteers don't have to reside in north Florida. Calling lists will be provided via email. To find out more information, or to volunteer to become a part of this team, contact Kenneth Kidd, OCMC Annual Gifts Officer, at 904-829-5132, Ext. 161 or at kenny@ocmc.org.

'The Triumph of Orthodox Music Over Oppression'

The Triumph of Orthodox Music Over Oppression

(AFR) - Listen to composer Nicholas Reeves talk about a coming concert in New York City to honor the work of composers who were banned or controversial due to their connection with or influence from the Orthodox Church under communist oppression. More information about tickets for this May 8 event is available HERE. Or you can call 646-450-4077.

Killer marriage tips

H/T: Creative Minority Report

The tonsuring of a monk

More great photos from the blog Ι.Ν. ΑΓ. ΒΑΡΒΑΡΑΣ ΠΑΤΡΩΝ available here.

In Egypt convert to Christianity and get acid thrown on you

Mary Abdelmassih, (AINA) - Dina el-Gowhary, the 15-year-old Egyptian Muslim-born girl who converted to Christianity, was subjected to an acid attack, the latest in a string of failed attempts by Muslim fanatics against her and her father, 57-year-old Peter Athanasius (Maher el-Gowhary), who converted to Christianity 35 years ago. Several Fatwa's were issued calling for the "spilling of his blood," which makes their lives in constant danger in the face of the reactionaries and advocates for the enforcement of Islamic apostasy laws, which call for the death of a convert.

Dina said that three weeks ago as she ventured out from their hiding place in Alexandria with her father to get some bottled water, her jacket was set on fire due to acid being thrown at her. "My father quickly took my jacket off before the fire reached my arms. Ever since then I am terrorized to go out in the street, with or without my father."

Through an aired interview with Freecopts advocacy Dina addressed an open letter to President Mubarak of Egypt begging him to save her and her father and allow them to leave Egypt.

She said that she had written previously to President Obama, who got her message and responded to it. It was reported that the el-Gowharys met with the US Committee on International Religious Freedom on their last visit to Egypt in January 2010, and that they have asked for asylum in the United States.

Dina wonders whether she will get the same attention from President Mubarak as she did from President Obama. "Will he listen and lend us a helping hand, if, as they claim, he truly does not differentiate between Muslim and Christian citizens?" She asked the Egyptian President, who newly became grandfather to a baby girl "Do you accept that your granddaughter would live under the same conditions like mine? I have no home, I am always afraid when I go to church or even go out in the street, I have no friends and no education."

Read more »

Moscow representatives to visit to Rome in May

(mospat.ru) - Metropolitan Hilarion of Volokolamsk, Chairman of the Moscow Patriarchate’s Department for External Church Relations, will visit Italy from May 14th to 20th, 2010, with the blessing of His Holiness Patriarch Kirill of Moscow and All Russia. The programme of his stay will include a visit to Milan, Turin, Bologna, Ravenna, and Rome, celebration of divine services, meeting with the hierarchs of the Roman Catholic Church, lectures at the university, and meetings with compatriots.

On Sunday, May 16, Metropolitan Hilarion will celebrate the Divine Liturgy at the Moscow Patriarchate parish in Milan.

The DECR chairman, together with hierarchs and clerics of the Moscow Patriarchate, will celebrate the Liturgy at the Shroud of Turin on May 18 at night, and will deliver a lecture at the University of Bologna that same day.

On May 19, the Chairman of the Moscow Patriarchate’s Department for External Church Relations will visit Rome and meet with the President of the Pontifical Council for Promoting Christian Unity, Cardinal Walter Kasper, and heads of other department of the Roman Curia. Metropolitan Hilarion will also take part in the symposium on the “Witness of the Orthodox and the Catholics in Contemporary Europe” due to be held at the Church of St. Catherine at the Abamelek villa in Rome.

On May 20, a concert of Orthodox music will take place at the Paul VI Hall in the Vatican. The Russian National Orchestra, the Moscow Synodal Choir, and the St. Petersburg Horn Capella will perform pieces by Nikolai Rimsky-Korsakov, Sergei Rachmaninov, Pyotr Iliych Tchaikovsky, Modest Musorgsky, and other Russian composers. Metropolitan Hilarion’s symphony “The Song of Ascents” for choir and orchestra will be performed at the end of the concert. Pope of Rome Benedict XVI is expected to attend.

Pithless Thoughts: 'Covered Girl'

Cudahy, WI church rebuilt after fire

On the passing of Cardinal Tomas Spidlik

VATICAN CITY, APRIL 18, 2010 (Zenit.org) - Benedict XVI sent a telegram of condolence to Father Adolfo Nicolás Pachón, superior general of the Society of Jesus, on the occasion of the death of Cardinal Tomas Spidlik, who died in Rome on Friday. He was 90.

The Czech cardinal, a Jesuit, was a specialist in Eastern theology and spirituality and founded the Aletti Center, which is attached to the Pontifical Oriental Institute.

"The pious demise of Cardinal Tomas Spidlik, distinguished Jesuit and zealous servant of the Gospel, has aroused deep commotion in my heart," said the telegram, which was sent Saturday. "It is with profound gratitude that I recall his solid faith, his paternal affability and his intense cultural and ecclesial labors, especially as an authoritative expert on Eastern Christian spirituality.

"I raise fervent prayers to the Lord that, by the intercession of the Most Holy Virgin and of St. Ignatius of Loyola, He may give the deceased cardinal the eternal prize promised to His faithful disciples.

"And to you, to the Society of Jesus, and to everyone who knew him and appreciated his gifts of mind and heart, I send a heartfelt and comforting apostolic blessing."

The funeral service for the cardinal will be held Tuesday in St. Peter's Basilica. Benedict XVI will be present at the end of the Mass to make an address and administer the rites of "Ultima Commendatio" and of "Valedictio." He will be buried in Velehrad, Check Republic.

East and West

Tomas Spidlik was born in Boskovice, Czech Republic. He was ordained a priest in August 1949, and made his final profession as a Jesuit in February 1958.

In 1938, he began his studies of philosophy, but because of the Nazi occupation, he was forced to abandon those studies and to work. Between 1942 and 1945 he continued his studies, but with interruptions due to forced labor. Later he became prefect of the secondary school of Velehrad, where he taught the Czech and Russian languages.

Since 1951, he has been a collaborator with Vatican Radio. He was a lecturer at the Pontifical Oriental Institute and taught courses at the Gregorian University. He was known for his preaching of spiritual retreats, and in 1995 he led the retreat for the Pope and the Roman Curia.

Cardinal Spidlik had served as a consultor of the Vatican congregations for Sainthood Causes and for the Eastern Churches.

Last Dec. 19, on the cardinal's 90th birthday, Benedict XVI himself celebrated a Mass for him and recognized the contribution made by Cardinal Spidlik to theological dialogue between the East and West.

He celebrated the Mass in the Redemptoris Mater chapel in the Apostolic Palace, which was designed under the supervision of Cardinal Spidlik and is the work of Father Marko Ivan Rupnik, of the Aletti Center. The chapel is an artistic-theological synthesis of Eastern and Western Christian spirituality.

On that occasion the Pope emphasized the important contribution of Cardinal Spidlik, "interweaving through the years a lively and, in many senses, original theological vision, in which the Christian East and West come together organically, mutually exchanging their respective gifts."

Panikhída for Abp. Miron of Hajnówka (Brigadier General)

April 15, 2010 (cerkiew.pl) - A few minutes after 8 o'clock p.m. in the Polish Army's Orthodox Ordinary chapel a first panikhida (mourning) near the late Archbishop Miron's coffin took place. Archbishop died in a crash of presidential plane last Saturday. Metropolitan Sawa of Warsaw and all Poland along with Warsaw's clergy conducted this service. Bishop Jerzy was also present.

The body of the deceased hierarch arrived today by plane with 29 other bodies identified by victim's relatives. Ecumenical prayer took place on the military airport Okęcie, in which took part Orthodox Ordinary's chaplains fr. Bendza, fr. Dudicz and fr. Andrejuk. Then the coffin with the Archbishop's body has been transported with other coffins in a funeral procession to the Torwar, and finally the Archbishop's coffin came to the Ordinary's chapel.

Several dozen people have gathered on the panikhida. With paschal singing they welcomed the deceased hierarch. "Christ is risen your eminence" - these were the words with which the head of Polish Orthodox Church welcomed the coffin. "You came back to us. It's a hard time not only to our Fatherland, but also to our Church. You orphaned the Ordinary" - he said. "Our God is the God of the living not the dead. Eminence is living, however we have to face the reality, in which he is absent. We will meet him at the Final Judgement. I hereby extend the most cordial condolences mainly to the Ordinary".

The Minister of Defence Bogdan Klich decided that fr. Michał Dudicz will be the temporary Orthodox Ordinary of Polish Army. Fr. Dudicz has been identifying the body of his superior in Moscow. Metropolitan Sawa has asked the Ordinary's clergy for special prayers for the Archbishop and all of the victims of the plane crash. On Sunday a solemn Divine Liturgy will be celebrated by bishop Jerzy. That day at 6 p.m. the body of the deceased hierarch will be transported to the metropolitan St. Mary Magdalene's cathedral. The funeral of Archbishop Miron is planned to be celebrated on Monday 9 o'clock a.m. After the funeralthe body of the hierarch will be transported to Supraśl according to his will. Then it will be buried in the crypt of rebuilding Annunciation church. Residents of Białystok region, from which the late Archbishop came, will have an occasion to pay last tribute to him.

Historic bells stolen from Rhode Island church

CUMBERLAND, RI (OCA) - Thieves made off with six bronze and brass bells, one of which weighing 1200 to 1500 pounds, from Holy Dormition Church here, on Friday, April 16, 2010.

The theft was discovered by Archpriest Vasily Lickwar, rector, that morning, after he observed a man quickly getting into a van parked in the church's driveway. When questioned, the man told Father Vasily, "I just love to come here with my girlfriend and pray."

Moments after the van left, Father Vasily discovered that five of the six bells that had hung in small wooden tower next to the church were missing. A sixth bell, about the size of a large coffee can, remained. But shortly after investigators left, Father Vasily discovered that it too was missing.

"It had to be a premeditated job," Father Vasily told local news media.

The bells were were installed at different times during the parish's 102 year existence. One bell originally hung on the Queen Mary, while others came from schools, factories, other churches, and public markets. Still, Father Lickwar said, they were important to the life of the parish.

Father Vasily said that, based on the value of the metal alone, the bells were probably worth about $100,000.

"All we're asking for is for the people to bring them back," he told local reporters. "We will take them back, no questions asked."