I'm reposting this article after it was brought to my attention that this effort is one sponsored by the Albanian Diocese and not by the Greek Archdiocese. My sincere hope is that the currently somewhat patchwork-heavy effort in Spanish-language resources divided amongst the OCA, Antiochians, and now the Albanians will grow increasingly well coordinated and comprehensive. Apologies to Father Rafael Melendez on the diocesan misattribution.
(SS Peter and Paul Cathedral) - The Greek Orthodox Archdiocese has started a new mission in Red Bank, NJ. A very special aspect of this mission is that it was started in order to bring Orthodoxy to the Hispanic community, as well as others from backgrounds that are not traditionally Orthodox. This is certainly worthy of praise.....much more of this is needed if the Church in America is to grow. The Rector, Fr. Rafael Melendez, sent out this letter to announce the mission:
"By the Grace of God and with the blessing of the Greek Orthodox Patriarchate of Constantinople, Holy Theotokos Orthodox Christian Chapel, an Orthodox Christian Chapel dedicated to the Holy Mother of God located at 340 Shrewsbury Avenue, in Red Bank, NJ will open its doors to everyone. This new mission to All seeking salvation and to the Latino community will commence this Sunday November 3rd of 2013. The Reverend Protopresbyter Father Rafael Melendez, an Orthodox priest with many years of pastoral experience has been assigned to minister this new Chapel.
At the Grand Opening, 125 Holy Relics of the Saints will be brought for public veneration.
This Chapel, located in the center of the Red Bank Community will be a place of worship, love and peace in Christ. The Chapel is named in honor of the Holy Mother of God and Ever Virgin Mary, Mother of all the believers and of all humanity.
Sunday November 3rd, 2013 will be a very special for Red Bank and for all of New Jersey. This is the first Orthodox Christian Church in the United States under the Ecumenical Patriarchate of Constantinople dedicated specifically to the missionary work among Hispanics and others of Non-Orthodox ancestry. All are welcomed regardless of race, color or ethnicity. The Divine Services will be celebrated in the language of the people. Father Rafael serves in English, Spanish, Greek and Church Slavonic.
The day will start with the Matins Service (Orthros) at 8:00 am followed by the Divine Liturgy at 9:00 am. At 11:00 am, there will be a Special Blessing of the New Chapel and the Holy Relics of the Saints will be exposed and venerated publicly. All will have the opportunity to receive the blessings of Our Savior Jesus Christ, the Holy Mother of God and All the Saints whose Relics will be present for this special event. May Our Lord God continue blessing all of you, your families, friends and acquaintances!"
+ Protopresbyter Father Rafael Melendez
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What does this mean: "All are welcomed regardless of race, color or ethnicity. The Divine Services will be celebrated in the language of the people. Father Rafael serves in English, Spanish, Greek and Church Slavonic." What is he going to do at the start of the service, take a vote?
ReplyDeleteThis gets a mention for unintentional hilarity: "This is the first Orthodox Christian Church in the United States under the Ecumenical Patriarchate of Constantinople dedicated specifically to the missionary work among Hispanics and others of Non-Orthodox ancestry."
What's it been now--120 years in the US? Then Hispanics show up in New Jersey and the GOA realizes this ain't Byzantium and they're a missionary Church.
It is a little misleading...it is indeed the first Orthodox Church under the Ecumenical Patriarch to be dedicated to such a mission...but not the first such Orthodox Church in the U.S. It is very welcome, however!
ReplyDeleteVery happy this is happening. May this church prosper and be rapidly integrated into the family of Orthodox Churches in the area...especially with her Metropolis.
ReplyDeleteI wonder when the Latin diocese is organizing a parish outreach to the Greek Diaspora.
ReplyDeleteI'm only just now learning there's an Albanian Archdiocese of the OCA Metripolitanate.
DeleteIt would make far more sense if it were a Latin/Western rite parish than a byzantine rite parish for hispanics .... I mean I don't expect greeks to become Latin rite Roman Catholics - why expect hispanics to become byzantine rite Orthodox? Personally I think this is the clincher. I do not believe it will be successful for that reason. It imposes the eastern culture on a group that is latin culture ritually.
ReplyDeleteThey should send "Rev. Fr. Andrew Gomez" a very educated and dedicated priest from the Tullytown, PA" "Christ the King Western Rite" ROCOR church up there to see how a latin rite liturgy fares. He's only an hour away , maybe 45 miles south west of Red Bank, NJ.
ReplyDelete