BISHOP TIMOTHY CONSECRATED - GOD GRANT HIM MANY YEARS!
[Duluth Minnesota] On Sunday July 30
th, 2006 at St Mary Cathedral in Duluth Minnesota, Rt Reverend Mitred Archimandrite Timothy Kjera was consecrated a Bishop of the Syro-Russian Orthodox Catholic Synod. This took place at the 10:30
a.m. Divine Liturgy. His Beatitude Metropolitan Stephen was consecrator assisted by His Eminence Archbishop Anthony of New York. Permission was granted by His Beatitude Archbishop Constantine (Former Exarchate of the
Greek Orthodox Patriarchate of Alexandria in the Americas) to His Eminence Archbishop Anthony to serve as co-consecrator at this Episcopal Ordination. Assisting the hierarchs were Father Stephen Lawrence (Holy Ghost Parish,
California), Father Robert McLawhorn (Christ the Redeemer Parish, Minnesota), and Subdeacon Steven Johnson (St Thomas Chapel, Minnesota).
His Excellency Bishop Timothy of Duluth (Minnesota) will serve the Metropolia as an assistant bishop with administrative authority over the African Vicariates of The Congo, Kenya and Tanzania, and the Vicariate of Pakistan. Combined these four vicariates have approximately 150 parishes and parochial institutions of the Syro-Russian Orthodox Catholic Church.
SEPARATION OF ROME FROM ORTHODOX CATHOLICISM - PART II
By Bishop Timothy of Duluth
I would like to open this article with insight to the Roman Innovation of "Immaculate Conception" with what His Beatitude Archbishop Stephen refers to as "one of several ingredients leading to the Familial Separation of Rome from Orthodoxy."
Without denial, and something that is historically factual, the Church of Rome was indeed one of the five original patriarchates of the Catholic Church of Christ God until A.D. 1054. It was their separation from the other four patriarchates that caused them to become a separate Church and Patriarchate, one that not only left the patriarchal body but also one that became plagued with innovations. Many Orthodox Catholic jurisdictions today see a lack of validity in the Mysteries offered within the Roman Church, and some feel that although validity exists it is illicit because of the heresies that are unacceptable to the rest of Christian Catholicism. Although both thoughts have some substance, we cannot forget that they are still part of the Catholic Church mentioned by St Ignatius of Antioch, who succeeded St Peter as second Bishop of Antioch - next to St Peter. As stated by His Beatitude Archbishop Stephen, "One cannot end Familial Identity simply because a son leaves his father and wants nothing to do with him, or because he might go astray and embrace things that might not be condoned by the rest of his family." Certainly the familial majority may want to isolate him from others in order to protect what is right and just, but he is still a part of the family because of his birth.
The Roman Church was also born of Christ God just as the Churches of Antioch, Jerusalem, Alexandria and Constantinople (Istanbul today). All five have the blood of Christ flowing through them. They were all Christian and Catholic. However, disagreements initiated by Rome existed hundreds of years prior to the Great Schism in A.D. 1054. Rome began to approve and teach new doctrines and dogmas that were not acceptable to the rest of Christianity and continued this until finally there was no way to reconcile them because they drifted so far from Orthodox doctrine. One of the many issues that arose before and after the Great Schism, that many Romans do not fully understand, is that of the Immaculate Conception.
To many Roman Catholics this term simply means that Christ was born immaculately of the Blessed and Holy Theotokos Mary. To them they see no wrong with this and, if this were the definition, i.e., that Christ was born of a virgin and that He was born without sin, then this would be right belief. However, the true meaning of this as taught by Rome is that the Blessed and Holy Theotokos was free from original sin from birth. This is not sound doctrine and actually equates her with being a deity almost equal to Christ God, with the exception that Christ is God. If we understand original sin we realize that it is inherited from our first parents, Adam and Eve, and that from them it has been passed on to all that have been born of a biological mother and father. Archbishop Stephen has described this as a sort of " spiritual genetics." If then the Holy Theotokos was born without original sin, then her parents also had to be without original sin and their parents as well, and so on and so forth - all the way back to Adam and Eve - thus negating this doctrine altogether. Christ was not born as a result of a conjugal relationship between a man and woman, but rather Christ was the only-begotten Son of God the Father and was incarnate of the Holy Spirit and the Virgin Mary - and became Man. The Virgin Mary was the vessel chosen to nurture and give birth to the Son of God and because of this was truly born without the hereditary original sin that all humanity is born with since Adam and Eve.
Over the next few issues, I will bring to you various innovations and teachings of the Roman Church that have placed deep gorges between them and the whole of Orthodox Catholicism. Like all Protestant Churches, Rome has also added to sound doctrines those that are alien to the early Church Fathers, e.g. Purgatory, Papal Primacy, Filioque Clause (Double Procession), Indulgences, and several others.
The Orthodox Catholic Church has remained faithful to sound and ancient dogmas and beliefs. It insists on adhering to what is from God and not what is from man in relation to faith. Amen!
CRUCIFIXION AGAIN: OUR SUFFERING CHRIST GOD
By Metropolitan Archbishop Stephen
I recently received the following article from Archbishop Anthony of New York. After reading it, I clearly understood his reasons for advising his clergy that no Protestant will be admitted into their
Archdiocese except through Holy Baptism. I selected the title above because these "Christians," known as Presbyterians in this article, are truly crucifying Christ again by removing themselves
farther away from the true faith and by doing so - destroying His Church. It is one thing to protest certain innovations of Rome, but quite another to do the same to the faith left to us by Christ God.
Presbyterians broke from Anglicans, who differed with Martin Luther and broke from the Roman Church, now they have mistakenly made them to be "equal" with the holy Ecumenical Councils of
the undivided Christian Church. They have no right, and thank God they speak only for Presbyterians who are willing to buy this new theology, to change the faith of our Lord. In so doing
they separate themselves even farther from the truth and from God. Archbishop Anthony rightly referred to the new faith the Presbyterians are supporting as "heretical theology of the Presbyterian Church
." He also stated, "It is becoming increasingly evident that the apostasy and heresy of Protestantism grows deeper day by day." After reading the article
published below, I wondered how Christ God must feel to see those using His name "Christian" create a new faith, yet calling it Christian while separated from its founder, Christ, that is so very
alien to the early Church Fathers. An Ecumenical Council would have pronounced these new ideas and those supporting them "anathema." Such heresies will certainly fall under the wrath of God! You
see, when those who cannot accept true faith break from it and become schismatics, they all tend to rewrite Scripture, Apostolic Tradition, and Christian Doctrine to suit themselves. With each break
there must be something new written to attract others to the new one church. Think about this, Christ founded one Church and that one is historically known as the Orthodox Catholic Church.
Man comes along and does not wish to accept certain issues or maybe he just wants to be the "boss" of his own group and creates beliefs that are contrary to the true Christian Church. So he
breaks and starts his own church. This has happened over and over again. The United Nations lists over 33,000 Protestant groups worldwide! Did Christ establish 1 Church or 33,000? Any
reasonably thinking person would know that answer as Christ God came only once, but how many would return to the one that Christ founded? Angry - oh that I am and justifiably so. They are
offending God and causing others to join with them. There is clearly a difference now in the mind of many Orthodox Bishops that a distinction exists between the Christian Church, i.e., Orthodox, and
Christianity, i.e., the 33,000 new groups that have come into existence with their own thoughts and each claiming to be one with Christ since Martin Luther. Satan is truly winning this particular battle
because he comes to those offenders disguised as the "bearer of light." Such heretical teachings cannot be coming from Christ God who is the only True Light.
In agreement with Archbishop Anthony, I now advise all clergy of the Syro-Russian Orthodox Catholic Church to begin baptizing all converts from the Presbyterian Church because, like stated
by Archbishop Anthony, they certainly do lack grace-filled baptism. It is hard to read the following article and see them as not being heretical. The article says that the Presbyterian Church encourages
the study of Scripture, if so, how can they be considering what they are? May God the Father, Son and Holy Spirit have mercy on them and on us all!
Reprinted from Los Angeles Times
Presbyterians and the Holy Trinity: Let Us Phrase
Delegates to the U.S. church's policy-making body endorse other wordings to describe a 'triune God.'
By K. Connie Kang, Times Staff Writer
June 30, 2006
When referring to the Trinity, most Christians are likely to say "Father, Son and the Holy Spirit." But
leaders of the Presbyterian Church (USA) are suggesting some additional designations: "Compassionate Mother, Beloved Child and Life-giving Womb," or perhaps "Overflowing Font, Living Water, Flowing
River." Then there's "Rock, Cornerstone and Temple" and "Rainbow of Promise, Ark of Salvation and Dove of Peace." The phrases are among 12 suggested but not mandatory wordings essentially endorsed
this month by delegates to the church's policy-making body to describe a "triune God," the Christian doctrine of God in three persons.
Others include "Sun, Light and Burning Ray" and "Speaker, Word and Breath." The wordings are meant
to reflect particular aspects of worship, so a prayer noting God's "wrath in the face of evil" might use "Fire That Consumes, Sword That Divides and Storm That Melts Mountains." Some of the suggestions
are familiar ones, such as "Creator, Savior, Sanctifier" and "Rock, Redeemer, Friend," which other denominations already use. Although the delegates did not officially adopt a report recommending the
new designations, after extensive debate they voted 282 to 212 to "receive" the document. By not rejecting the report, the delegates essentially allowed individual churches to decide how to use the new
phraseology. Written by a diverse panel of working pastors and theologians, the report noted that the traditional language of the Trinity portrays God as male and implies men are superior to women. "For
this and other distortions of Trinitarian doctrine we repent," the report said. Daniel L. Migliore, a member of the committee that spent five years crafting the report, said critics miss
the point. "What we are speaking of is supplementary ways of referring to the triune God — not replacements, not substitutes," said Migliore, professor of systematic theology at Princeton Theological
Seminary. And the Rev. Rebecca Button Prichard, pastor of Tustin Presbyterian Church, who headed the panel that wrote "The Trinity: God's Love Overflowing," strongly defended it as theologically sound.
"What people are afraid is that they think we are taking 'Father, Son and Holy Spirit' away from them," she said. "We're not. What we want to say is that no words can fully describe God. And so we want
people to seek a variety of expression, so we can do justice to the greatness of God." The concept that the omniscience of God is beyond comprehension — and, hence, human language —
dates to antiquity. In ancient Israel, Jews did not dare to invoke the name of God — Yahweh — who declared in the Decalogue, "You shall have no other gods before me." But critics of the new
designations say the wordings are confusing and reflect a concession to touchy modern sensibilities."They're attempting to be politically correct, and unnecessarily so," said Hank Hanegraaff,
president of the Christian Research Institute in Charlotte, N.C. Hanegraaff contends that the report is based on a false premise that Christianity is patriarchal, an assumption he called "an urban legend"
being circulated with increasing frequency. "Jesus Christ comes into a culture in which women are considered to be on the lowest rung of the socioeconomic ladder … and makes women his disciples," he said.
"Women are the first to bear witness to the empty tomb, which is central in Christianity. The Bible says in Christ there is neither male nor female. We are one in Christ." Like many longtime Presbyterians,
Sherie Zander, a Brentwood psychotherapist, has followed the General Assembly's actions. She worries that the report on the Trinity will further divide her denomination, already polarized over issues such as the ordination of gays.
This is the 300th anniversary of American Presbyterianism. Presbyterians tend to be well-educated and
middle- or upper-middle-class, and they place an emphasis on studying Scripture. The Presbyterian Church (USA), the largest of the three Presbyterian groups, has traditionally been part of mainstream
Protestantism, though it has tended to take liberal stands in recent years. The church, which like other mainline denominations is losing thousands of members a year, is encouraging its 11,000 congregations
to employ the Trinity designations except in baptism, which will continue to use "Father, Son and the Holy Spirit." The report will be made widely available "for study and reflection," and study materials will
be prepared for dissemination in congregations. The Rev. Jonathan Lovelady, senior pastor of Westminster Presbyterian Church in Waynesboro, Va., said
the panel made a noncontroversial matter into a controversy, adding that decisions like this encourage some churches to consider leaving the denomination. "The report creates confusion for the name of
God, by making a name equal with analogies and/or metaphors for God," said Lovelady, a member of the General Assembly's committee on theological issues. He sought to file a minority report against the
recommendations, but it was rejected. "Is Father, Son and Holy Spirit interchangeable with Rainbow, Ark and Dove, or Compassionate Mother,
Beloved Child and Life-giving Womb?" Lovelady asked. Bishop Steven Charleston, president and dean of Episcopal Divinity School in Cambridge, Mass., where inclusive language has been used for three
decades, said he respects what the Presbyterian Church is trying to do. "When I saw the language that is being suggested here, I really understood it as a search that many Christian communities are
undergoing now, to find more inclusive ways of referring to God," he said. The Rev. David M. Scholer, a professor of the New Testament at Fuller Theological Seminary in Pasadena, said this is a difficult task.
"We don't want to do things that perpetuate patriarchy," said Scholer, an ordained American Baptist minister who supports inclusive language. "On the other hand, we don't want to use terms that take
away from awe and transcendence of God and what was accomplished in the life, death and resurrection of Christ."
Bel Air's Brewer also warned against over-familiar language. A child calling parents "Father" and "Mother," he said, is far different from calling them "Billy and Betty." The ideas come in threes. The
Presbyterian Church (USA) is encouraging its members to use new wordings to reflect the Trinity, in addition to "Father, Son and the Holy Spirit." A church report suggests how to phrase prayers, such as
"The triune God is known to us as 'Speaker, Word, and Breath." The specific references to the Trinity in the report:
Source: "The Trinity: God's Love Overflowing," a report by a committee of the Presbyterian Church (USA) Los Angeles Times
COUNCIL OF CANONICAL AUTOCEPHALOUS ORTHODOX BISHOPS TO ORGANIZE
[Duluth Minnesota] His Beatitude, Metropolitan Archbishop Stephen, Protohierarch of the Syro-Russian Orthodox Catholic Church, and Archbishop of the Archdiocese of the Americas and
Dependencies, and His Eminence Archbishop Anthony of New York have announced plans to establish a council for Autocephalous Bishops of the Orthodox Faith. To date, in addition to the
Archbishops, Bishop Timothy (SROCC) and Bishop Ignatius (Christian Orthodox Church) have been included in the planning stages. Bishop Stefan of the Romanian Orthodox Church in Exile will
be approached on this subject and invited to join. More news will be brought forth in the next edition of the Orthodox Christian Herald. PRIEST STEPHEN LAWRENCE ORDAINED
Father Stephen is a licensed practicing dentist and chiropath in California. He started his studies for the priesthood in late 2002, and has been an active and honorable member of the Commission
on Religious Counseling and Healing since that time as well. He is married and has a wife, Colleen, and a son, Kyle. Currently, he has just formed Holy Ghost Parish in suburban Los Angeles California. METROPOLIA OPENS DOORS TO COMMUNION [Duluth Minnesota] His Beatitude, Metropolitan Archbishop Stephen, brought before the Synodal
Council the issue of effecting communion with the One Holy Catholic and Apostolic Orthodox Church, formerly the Exarchate of the Greek Orthodox Patriarchate of Alexandria in the Americas.
This jurisdiction is under the omophor of His Beatitude Archbishop Constantine, and represented to the Synod by His Eminence Archbishop Anthony of New York. Archbishop Anthony had
previously brought the issue of sacramental communion to the attention of His Beatitude Archbishop Stephen. At the Synodal Council, His Beatitude Archbishop Stephen advised all attending that fruitful
dialogue has been continuous between the SROCC and the OHCAOC. Because of the mutual recognitions exchanged between the two jurisdictions, and the participation of Archbishop Anthony
in the recent consecration of Bishop Timothy of Duluth (SROCC), Archbishop Stephen announced "the doors to communion between us have now opened wide by the grace of God." Because
of this, Archbishop Stephen advised Archbishop Anthony that an Agreement of Sacramental Communion is now possible and should be effected as soon as possible. This does not interfere with
the administration of either of the two jurisdictions and applies mostly to the Mysteries of the Church. This means, that the faithful of both Churches will be able to receive the Holy Mysteries in
either jurisdiction, and that full recognition of Apostolic Succession in both Churches is officially offered and accepted.
ARCHBISHOP GIVES PATERNAL WARNING TO BISHOPS AND CLERGY Dear Reverend Bishops, Priests and Deacons in Christ God: Christ is in our midst!
I have made it known several times over the last two years that no member of the clergy or monastic estate shall remain in our good graces if they are continuously disobedient to the Holy
Canons or the Statutes of this Church. To allow such things to continue would place those doing so, and me, who am responsible before God to teach what is right, in error and sin. The laws have been
written and as such must be obeyed. As I have said before, throughout my years as a Bishop and then as Archbishop and Protohierarch,
I have witnessed many who came to us for the glory of the sacerdotal office or monastic estate only to become lazy and arrogant. When confronted with rules and canons or a disciplinary matter, they
defected from all that is holy and sacred. This will no longer be within the Church. Those who will not obey the Church after repeated reprimands will be suspended or face a more serious disciplinary action.
Recently, a priest who was disciplined for serious reasons, Vladimir Raasch, returned to the very hierarch that he left before coming to us because he would not face the Metropolia and answer the
charges made against him. He did this without a canonical release and his former bishop, Haralampos of Texas, accepted him back against canons. Therefore, this man remains defrocked
and the bishop who took him back under such circumstances is now in sin against the Holy Canons. This Archdiocese and Metropolia offers no recognition to the defrocked priest, or the three people
making up the jurisdiction of Bishop Haralampos. It is not my intention to be harsh or rude, but I have an obligation to the Church to protect our faithful. There are far too many who ignore canons
and like to do their own thing rather than obey the Church. That now stops here! I advised the Synodal Council and Lay Advisors this year that I will begin suspending any Bishop
who fails to meet his obligations to the Church and the Metropolia. We all suffer annually trying to be present for these very important meetings, including those at the Metropolia. We had to invest
well over $3,000.00 in preparation costs this year but did so gladly for God and the Church. Each year there are a plethora of excuses offered by several as to why they cannot be here, and in some
cases these have been going on for many years. The next Synodal Council will meet in August of 2007 and consider this ample advisement of the same. There should be no excuses now. The only
reason for not being here will be serious illness that must be verified. I was very hurt, frustrated, and even angered over the response this year and will not tolerate it in the years to come.
The clergy must also be aware that their attendance is warranted as well. Some have never attended a meeting here at all or even made a visit to the Cathedral. The Metropolia will review any requests
for a dispensation related to coming here in 2007, but the "reasons" must be very serious and truthful. A good father does not allow his children to disrespect God, and he does not allow them to
continuously break rules or obligations for trivial reasons or excuses. All attending this year's Synodal Council were in complete agreement with me on this matter. I send you all much love and my paternal blessing.
Metropolitan Stephen (A Sinner) May 1st, A.D. 2006 SUBDEACON STEVEN JOHNSON TO BE ORDAINED IN SEPTEMBER 2006
Subdeacon Steven began his studies with the Metropolia in September 2004
while yet attending Brainerd Community College in Brainerd Minnesota. He is now working on a teaching degree at St Cloud State University in St Cloud Minnesota, where he resides with his wife, Jennifer. He is planning the opening
of a mission parish there later this year, but currently has a domestic chapel in honor of St Thomas the Apostle in that same city.
METROPOLIA CONSIDERS CHANGES IN ADVISORY COMMITTEE [Duluth Minnesota] The Metropolia honored several members of the laity by naming them to be the
first lay advisors of the Advisory Committee for the Synodal Council. Those originally appointed were: Mr Stephen Constantinides (New York); Dr Audrey Daniel (South Carolina); Dr Sandra
Dobiash (Colorado); Ms Sherry Ellison (South Carolina); Dr Teresa Jenkins (South Carolina); Dr Janet Maus (Maryland); and Dr Nicholas Dore (Arkansas). Also appointed was Honorary Member
Dr Peter Smyth (Ontario Canada). Of these, only two were present for the entire affair and two others arrived late. The Vicar General, Bishop Timothy of Duluth, announced that several of those honored were not
present this year and did not advise the Metropolia prior to the Synodal Council of their intended absence. This was most disheartening for all in attendance, especially the Archbishop. This matter
was discussed at Synod and all agreed that the Metropolia must take appropriate action against those who failed to attend this most important and first meeting of the Advisory Committee.
The advisors who were not present will be contacted about this matter and their responses will be reviewed to see if any have valid reasons for not attending. The Metropolia will then replace those
who, without just cause, did not attend and offer a second and final chance to all others. OATHS ADMINISTERED TO LICENSED PROVIDERS The 2005 Commission Conference made the taking of the Commission Oath and the reception of
the Church's blessing obligatory for all licensed providers. The above-named became the first members to have completed this requirement and are now both licensed and commissioned by the
Metropolia in the healing ministry of the Church. GUARDIAN ANGEL AWARDS RECEIVED
[Duluth Minnesota] In 2005, His Beatitude Archbishop Stephen thought that it would be a nice gesture to honor all who donate time, financial support, moral support, and assistance to the
Metropolia and any of its organizations. Because in so many ways certain people distinguish themselves as guardian angels of the Metropolia by their charity and concern at various times, the
Metropolia established the Archbishop's Guardian Angel Award that officially commenced on July 28th, 2006. During the Synodal Council and Commission Conference, Archbishop Stephen awarded this honor
to the first guardian angels: Mr Hampton Bumgarner, Dr Audrey Daniel, Ms Sherry Ellison, Subdeacon Steven Johnson, Father Stephen Lawrence, Dr Bekki Medsker and Dr Peter Smyth.
Each were handed a Certificate and Guardian Angel Lapel Pin. CHRIST THE PANTOCRATOR SOVEREIGN ORDER OF CHIVALRY
[Metropolia] The Metropolia has officially blessed and commenced plans for the First Induction of members into the Christ the Pantocrator Sovereign Order of Chivalry. The Metropolia announced
that the service of admitting new members as Companions, Dames or Knights would take place in August 2007. Those interested in knowing more and/or submitting their petition to be considered
may do so by writing to the Chancery Office, 1318 Baxter Avenue, Superior Wisconsin 54880-1762. 2007 COMMISSION CONFERENCE
[Archdiocesan Chancery] His Excellency Bishop Timothy of Duluth has announced that the 2007 Commission Conference will take place from 9:00 a.m. until 9:00 p.m. Friday August 10th, and the same on Saturday August 11
th, 2007. On Sunday August 12th the day will begin with Divine Liturgy at 10:30 a.m. and the Conference will officially end at approximately 3:00 p.m. The 2006
Commission Conference voted unanimously to change the date from July to August and the Metropolia approved this amendment. The Commission celebrated its 20th Anniversary this year
and all members are urged to make plans to attend the 2007 Conference and start the next twenty years out right. 2007 SYNODAL COUNCIL AND BISHOPS' CONSISTORY
[Metropolia] The 2007 Synodal Conference and Bishops' Consistory will be held from Friday August 3rd until Sunday August 11th, 2007. The Bishops will begin meeting at 11:00 a.m. on Friday August 3rd
, 2007 and continue until Sunday August 5th, 2007, and will be joined by all the clergy on Monday August 6th, 2007. The Clergy-Laity Committee begins on Wednesday August 8th,
2007 and ends on Thursday August 9th, 2007. This is all followed by the Commission Conference that begins that same weekend.
All Bishops and clergy of the Church are expected to be in attendance this coming year, along with the newly elected lay advisors. DONATIONS TO
ST MARY PRO-CATHEDRAL CHURCH AND COMMISSION OFFICE "Giving to Glorify God" (Matthew 6: 1-4). The Syro-Russian Orthodox Catholic Metropolia
would like to thank the following for their generosity and love shown to God and His Church. Those wishing their names withheld are shown as "Anonymous." Donation statements upon request.
This will be our final attempt to raise the funds needed to repay the Chancery for rooms built at the Cathedral to house seminarians. Readers have been asked to contribute towards renovation efforts
and the building of three rooms at St Mary Pro-Cathedral in Duluth Minnesota. To date, only three have responded out of hundreds. You are asked to send your donation to: St Nicholas Chancery,
1318 Baxter Avenue, Superior Wisconsin 54880-1762. MEMBERS WITHOUT A PARISH The Syro-Russian Orthodox Catholic Church, like other small and smaller Orthodox jurisdictions,
realizes that there are members who live far away from the nearest parish to them. In some cases, there exist parishes of other jurisdictions that are in communion with us or in which mutual
recognition has been exchanged. In such cases our members may attend these churches until one of ours is opened in their locality. In other cases, there are those living in an area with no parish at all to
attend, and for them they may belong to the Pro-Cathedral of St Mary and be on its rolls as a member. Such persons would be allowed to use the Typica Service within their homes on Sunday
and Holy Days. Domestic Churches may be established in homes until a parish or mission can be officially established. "Distance-Membership Parishioners" would also be allowed to make their
10% tithe to St Mary's uniting them to the parish in good standing. For further information contact Bishop Timothy. If you are interested in assisting the Archdiocese to establish a mission parish in
your area, please write to the same email address. FUTURE BISHOP FOR THE AFRICAN CONGO PENDING APPROVAL
[Democratic Republic of the Congo] The Vicariate of The Congo assembled during the week of April 10th, 2006 to discuss and elect their first Bishop-elect. Because of some who were not
properly informed the Vicariate was ordered by the Protohierarch to assemble again and discuss this matter more fully. Father Cyprien Nntumba, of the Congo Vicariate, asked that this decision be
achieved through a slow and complete process. Attending the first meeting were Subdeacons Joseph Mabedi, Francois Bababa, Floribert Kabangi, Aime Manzanza, Laurent Kabosani, Mother
Helena and Sister Ann Elizabeth. Subdeacons Denis Malumba and Joachim Kingwese were not present but Subdeacon Joachim voted from St Mary Mother of God Convent where he was serving and could not be present for the meeting. According to the Metropolia, the majority in the Congo found Subdeacon Laurent Kabosani, who has been awaiting ordination for ten years to the diaconate and priesthood, eligible. Once approved
by the Metropolia and Synod he will be summoned to Duluth Minnesota where he will be examined, prepared, and then ordained deacon and priest at St Mary Cathedral in Duluth Minnesota. He will
then be consecrated a Bishop of the Synod, if all elections are in his favor and such are received by the Metropolia. Mother Helena of St Mary Mother of God Convent was the first to recommend
Subdeacon Laurent. The second vote is being mandated primarily because some clergy in the Congo were not invited to vote and contested this, according to Father Cyprien, pastor of St George Church. 138 COG PARISHES IN TANZANIA CONVERT TO ORTHODOXY [Mbeya Tanzania)] Through the efforts of the Metropolia and Deacon Demetrios Essau of
Tanzania, 138 churches of the Church of God (Tanzania) under Bishop Samson Mwalyego have begun the process of converting to Orthodox Christianity! Bishop Samson and several clergy are
expected to come to the Metropolia in 2006 when they will undergo a preparation process leading to their full acceptance into the Orthodox Church. "With this large number it is not possible to
bring over 100 clergymen to the United States to train and be ordained, but training some will help us to train all the others over time." stated His Excellency Bishop Timothy of Duluth.
Bishop Samson, who will undergo indoctrination classes and then be baptized and chrismated into the Orthodox Church, will later receive the orders of subdeacon, deacon and priest, and once all is
fully in order then bishop. Many of the clergy have already started taking instruction at Holy Apostles (Syro-Russian) Orthodox Catholic School in Dar Es Salaam under Father Deacon
Demetrios, rector of the institution. This is the largest conversion at one time to the Syro-Russian Orthodox Catholic Church in our 114 years of history. We ask the Holy Spirit to guide and bless us all during this process. SS JOACHIM & ANNA PARISH ESTABLISHED IN KISII KENYA [Kisii Kenya] Kenya in Africa will now have a second parish of the Syro-Russian Orthodox
Catholic Church, Ss Joachim and Anna. The first parish established there nearly ten years ago was that of Ss Constantine & Helen that is under the pastoral care of Father Joseph Ogola. The new
parish will be administered to by a seminarian, Charles Oigara, for now. RECENT GRADUATES
June 2006, Dr Andrew Paul Gill received his Doctor of Theocentric Psychotherapy (Th.Psy.D.) degree from St Mark-Romano Byzantine College. He matriculated into this program in August of
2003. He completed formal studies in February 2006, and sat for his defense of dissertation in Duluth Minnesota in April 2006. Andrew who resides in Texas is now working in a counseling
position at an agency in his hometown. We also announce that Dr Janet Maus has successfully completed and graduated from the Doctor of Sacred Philosophy (D.S.Ph.) degree process that she
entered in 2003. Her degree was approved on July 27th, 2006. Also, Father Stephen Lawrence successfully completed and graduated from the Master of Divinity (M.Div.) Program on July 20th,
2006. He entered the process in 2003. Father's degree has a minor in Canon Law, and he will go on to earn his Master of Canonical Jurisprudence. Congratulations to them all.
ANNUAL ALUMNI ASSOCIATION GATHERING Several alumni of Romano Byzantine College - St Mark seminary have over the years requested
that annual gatherings be started for all alumni. The College Administration has been concerned that should this be commenced there might be a lack of support for such an affair.
Based on suggestions received and the thoughts of the administration, such an event would initially consist of a social gathering of all alumni that would begin with a lunch followed by introductions and
sharing of person achievements since graduation by each alumnus. Then an address by given by members of the administration that would be followed by dinner and some form of entertainment. It would be a one-day event.
The College Administration is asking that all alumni contact the College Administration giving their thoughts on this matter. You may write to Chancery Office, 1318 Baxter Avenue, Superior
Wisconsin 54880-1762, or email them at . Please state what month of the year you think best to hold such an event and any ideas you may have to make this affair one of enjoyment. It is asked that you do this by December 1
st, 2006. NEW SEMINARIAN IN MASTER OF DIVINITY PROCESS Dr Arthur Cushing, a chiropractor and chiropathy student has entered St Mark Seminary distance
education program of Romano Byzantine College. Once he earns his degree, he will be eligible for his canonical examination and, after successful passing of it, ordination as a priest in the
Syro-Russian Orthodox Catholic Church. Dr Cushing commenced studies in March 2006. STUDY REGULATIONS ENFORCED
Romano Byzantine College and St Mark Seminary have always had very strict policies regarding distance education studies. Students are granted from 1-2 years, depending on process and number
of credit points to be earned, to complete their essay and/or examination requirements. Those who do not meet the deadline must request a study extension and pay the appropriate fee. Should this
policy not be followed in a timely manner, a student will be placed on probation and could possibly face process termination. If terminated the student would forfeit all tuition paid and possibly lose
certain credit points being earned. The new policy approved in July 2006 now requires students wishing extensions to write directly to the Chancery Office, c/o College Administration, 1318
Baxter Avenue, Superior Wisconsin 54880-1762. Students are also required to submit an essay at least every 30-45 days. ALUMNI ASSOCIATION
St Mark Seminary - Romano Byzantine College has announced that alumni wishing verification of studies and any other service offered must be renewed with the Alumni Association by April 1st,
2006. A transcript that costs a supporting alumnus $10.00 each will now cost non-supporting graduates $15.00 each. Please send your annual $75.00 renewal to Chancery Office, 1318 Baxter Avenue, Superior WI 54880-1762 by April 1
st, 2006. You may also pay online by credit card by going to rbsocc.org/donations and noting your payment for the Alumni Association.
METROPOLIA TO APPOINT BOARD OF DIRECTORS FOR COLLEGE The Metropolia has announced plans to create a new Board of Directors for St Mark-Romano
Byzantine College since the dissolution of the original board back in 2001. The Board will help serve the needs of students and alumni as well as the Metropolia. Academic Policies will be
submitted and reviewed by this Board along with the Metropolia. More information will be announced later this year. NEW POLICY REGARDING GRADUATION PROJECTS
Candidates for graduation are now expected to submit the title of intended project and abstract to the College prior to commencing their work for approval. This became a new policy of the institution on August 1st
, 2005. The abstract must be typed, brief and submitted by mail for approval. This should not be done until study essays have been completed or with not more than two essays left to submit.
NEW CATALOG ONLINE The Chancery has announced that the online catalogue for St Mark-Romano Byzantine College is now up and running. It can be viewed by going to http://rbc.rbsocc.org where one can also find an
application for admission. BLESSINGS & ORDINATIONS Episcopal Consecration
Priesthood
APPOINTMENTS & ASSIGNMENTS
OFFICIAL FROM METROPOLIA Issue 1. (06.29.06/1): The Church of God in Mbeya Tanzania has been received into the Orthodox
Catholic Church pending reception of the Holy Mysteries. The faithful are undergoing catechetical training through Holy Apostles Syro-Russian Orthodox Catholic School and College in Dar Es Salaam Tanzania. (See article below.) Issue 2. (06.29.06/2): All clergy in union with the Metropolia must hold a valid parochial charter from the Archdiocese and have resolved their annual charter fee by September 1st, 2006.
Issue 3. (06.01.06/1): Paschal Candle. Tradition dictates that all Paschal Candles are extinguished after the Holy Gospel on Ascension Thursday. It is allowed that this candle be lit again
at Baptisms, and for those who wish to at the Pentecost Liturgy. Issue 4. (07.31.06/1): Bishop Timothy has been named Coadjutor of the Metropolia and this has
been approved by the Synod. The Metropolia has placed him in charge of all affairs for the Vicariates of The Congo in Africa, Kenya in Africa, and Tanzania in Africa, and also the Vicariate of Pakistan. Issue 5.
(07.31.06/2): His Beatitude has issued a strong warning at the Synodal Conference just held in Duluth Minnesota, that all bishops of the Metropolia must be in attendance at the next
Synodal Council/Consistory or they will be suspended from Episcopal Office until further notice by the Metropolia. Bishops have an obligation to the Church and to the Metropolia and certainly
cannot represent their dioceses here if they are not present. PAROCHIAL CHARTERS Established:
Dissolved:
DISCIPLINARY ACTIONS
PRAY FOR THE SICK AND SUFFERING
Note: If you, or someone you know, is sick or suffering, please let us know and you will be added to the OCH Prayer List.
Send full name, address and age. Thank you. REST IN PEACE!
DONATIONS TO THE METROPOLIA
Readers wishing to contribute to towards renovation efforts and the building of three rooms at St Mary
Pro-Cathedral in Duluth Minnesota are asked to send their donation to: St Nicholas Chancery, 1318 Baxter Avenue, Superior Wisconsin 54880-1762.
The three new rooms in the parish hall will house seminarians who are preparing for the priesthood. Those who wish to donate $1,000.00 toward a room will have a plaque affixed over its door with their name or that of a loved
one on it. This can also be in memory of someone. All donations will be listed and a gift will be sent.
Advertise in the Herald You can advertise your parish, center, club or other organization in this
section for $10.00 plus $.50 (fifty cents) per word. The Orthodox Christian Herald is sent to every diocese, which copies it on to local members. It is read by over 1,000 people and growing.
Framed Icon of St Panteleimon, Patron of Healers Available from St Mary's Orthodox Catholic Church, 5907 Grand Avenue, Duluth MN 55807. Suitable for hanging in counseling
centers, clinics, and in the home. $40.00 (Postage/Handling Included). A Treatise on Chiropathy: The Holistic Healing Ministry is now available from St Nicholas
Center, 1318 Baxter Avenue, Superior WI 54880-1762. The cost is $25.00 and includes Postage and Handling. Commission on Religious Counseling and Healing The Companions of St Basil is open to married or single men and women wishing to share in the
good works and prayers of the Monastic Community of St Basil. Those interested in the Companions of St Basil should write to: Moderator Dr Audrey Daniel CSB, PO Box 14518, Greenville SC 29610.
Monastic Community of St Basil and Companions of St Basil open to those who wish to follow a monastic way of life or who wish to be associated with it in the secular world. Write to:
Chancery Office, 1318 Baxter Avenue, Superior WI 54880.. The Community has monastic centers in the African Congo, Accrington England, and California, Minnesota, and Wisconsin (USA), Imo
State Nigeria, and Managua Nicaragua. The Sisters of the Community of St Basil are headquartered in the African Congo and are part of the Monastic Community of St Basil.
St Luke the Physician Syro-Russian Orthodox Catholic Mission Parish, VR Father Paul Jensen (Pastor), 339 NE 8th Street, Paris Texas 75450.
St Mary the Theotokos Syro-Russian Orthodox Catholic Pro-Cathedral, Bishop Timothy Kjera, Pastor; 5907 Grand Avenue, Duluth Minnesota 55807. Phone: 218-624-0202. Sunday Liturgy: 10:30 A.M.
St Thomas the Apostle Chapel, 1719 South 7th Avenue, St Cloud Minnesota. Subdeacon Steven M Johnson, Administrator.
The Rev. Mark Brewer, senior pastor of Bel Air Presbyterian Church, is among those in the 2.3-million-member denomination unhappy with the additions. "You might as well put in Huey, Dewey
and Louie," he said. "Any time you get together representatives of 2 1/2 million people, you get some really solid people and some really wacky people," he said, referring to the delegates who attended the
217th General Assembly in Birmingham, Ala. Other assembly actions attracted larger notice, such as endorsing medical marijuana and giving local authorities the ability to ordain gays and lesbians living
openly with same-sex partners. But now, through blogs and discussions during and after services, word is spreading about the additions to the traditional Trinity.
"It's very odd and bizarre," she said. When she first heard about the report last week from a friend who
called her from Birmingham with "You've got to hear this," she burst out laughing. "It's very clear that
God refers to himself as the father," she said. "Jesus, when he walked on the Earth, referred to himself as the son. All through Scripture, the Holy Spirit is referred to as the spirit. What would give any of us
the right to change that?"
[Duluth Minnesota] Father Stephen Aaron Lawrence was ordained a Priest of the Syro-Russian Orthodox Catholic Church on
Thursday July 27th, 2006. This took place during the Divine Liturgy at St Mary Cathedral in Duluth Minnesota at 6:30 P.M. His Beatitude Archbishop Stephen was the celebrant and ordaining
prelate, and was assisted by Bishop-elect Timothy and Subdeacon Steven Johnson. Father's family was present as well as friends Dean and Flora from California, and Flora is also an employee at Father's dental clinic. 
[Duluth Minnesota] The Metropolia has announced that Subdeacon Steven
Matthew Johnson, St Cloud Minnesota, will be ordained a Deacon on September 24th, 2006 at St Mary Cathedral in Duluth Minnesota. 
[Duluth Minnesota] On Friday July 28th, 2006 at St Mary Cathedral in Duluth Minnesota, His Beatitude Archbishop Stephen, assisted by Bishop Timothy and
Subdeacon Steven Johnson, blessed and heard the oaths of several licensed providers. Those who received blessings after taking their oath were: Joseph Bannon DCh; Hampton Bumgarner LRC; Audrey Daniel DCh;
Sandra Dobiash DCh; Fr Stephen Lawrence DCh DDS; Melodi Luko DCh; Janet Maus DCh; Rebecca Medsker DCh; Douglas Phillips DC; and Peter Smyth PhD. On Saturday July 29th, 2006 at St Mary Cathedral, Father
Stephen Lawrence blessed William Easley DCh DC after he stated his oath.