ENTHRONEMENT OF HIS HOLINESS MORAN MOR IGNATIUS APHREM II AS PATRIARCH

Brief Biography of His Holiness: His Holiness Moran Mor Ignatius Aphrem II is the new Patriarch of the Syriac Orthodox Church. Born: May 03, 1965 (age 49) he became the 123rd Syriac Orthodox Patriarch of Antioch when he was enthroned as such in Damascus Syria on May 29, 2014. In 1977: After finishing primary schooling in Qamishli in 1977, His Holiness received his religious secondary education at St. Ephrem's Theological Seminary in Atchaneh, Bikfaya, Lebanon. In 1982, after completing school in 1982, he worked in Aleppo, Syria, as an assistant to the Archbishop Mor Gregorios Yuhanna Ibrahim. In 1985, he took the vows of a monk, and changed his name to Aphrem in honor of the 4th-century Syriac poet-theologian Ephrem the Syrian and former patriarch Aphrem I Barsoum. In 1996, on January 28, 1996, His Holiness was consecrated as Metropolitan Archbishop and Patriarchal Vicar of the Archdiocese for the Eastern United States by Patriarch Ignatius Zakka I Iwas at St. Mary's Syriac Orthodox Church in his home town of Qamishli.

The new Patriarch of Antioch and All the East, His Holiness Moran Mor Ignatius Aphrem II was enthroned the morning of May 29, 2014 during the Holy Mass at St. Peter and St. Paul Cathedral, Maarat Saydnaya, Damascus. The enthronement liturgy presided over by His Beatitude Mor Baselius Thomas I, Catholicose of the East.

From His Beatitude to His Holiness Moran Mor Ignatius Aphrem II
August 1st, 2014

What Orthodox Christians Believe About Angels

"The [guardian] angel will not retreat from us, unless we drive him away by our evil deeds. As the smoke drives bees away, and stench the doves, even so our stinking sin drives away from us the angel who protects our life."
Saint Basil the Great

Created Long before Humans

Saint John of Damascus tells us: "God is Himself the Maker and Creator of the angels; for He brought them out of nothing into being and created them after His own image. They are an incorporeal race, a sort of spirit or immaterial fire, even as the divine David says that ' His angels are spirits , and His ministers a flame of fire (Ps 103:6).

Angels were among the first part of God's creation. In the Creed we say, "I believe in one God...Maker of heaven and earth, and of all things visible and invisible. Holy Scripture says, "When the stars were made, all My angels praised Me with a loud voice" (Job 38:7, LXX). The Apostle Paul tells us "By Him all things created that are in heaven, and that are on earth, visible and invisible, whether they be thrones, or dominions, or principalities, or powers" (Col 1:16). Heaven that was created in the very beginning according to Genesis (In the beginning God created the heaven and the earth) is generally understood by the Fathers to be an invisible heaven inhabited with powers on High. They believed that God created the angels long before He created the visible world.

Mankind Knew the Angels

Mankind knew about the existence of angels from their first days in Paradise. From Genesis we know that a Cherubim was placed with a flaming sword at the gates of Paradise after Adam and Eve were expelled. Later, Abraham encouraged his servant Nahor telling him that the Lord would send His angel with him to protect him. (Gen 34:7). Jacob saw angels during his sleep and while awake. (Gen 32:1-2).

In the time of the New Testament an angel informed Sachariah of the conception of the Forerunner and the Virgin Mary the Theotokos of the birth of Jesus. Angels announced the good news to the shepherds at the birth of Jesus and prevented the Magi from returning to Herod. Angles served Jesus after His temptation in the wilderness and appeared to strengthen Him in the Garden of Gethsemane. It was angels who informed the Myrrhbearing Women about His Resurrection. Angels informed the Apostles of His second coming as the time of His ascension into heaven. Angels help the apostles. The freed Peter from prison and instructed Cornelius. They told Paul to appear before Caeser. And angels are the foundation of the revelations given by John in his book of the Revelation.

Nature of Angels

Angels are active spirits with intelligence, will and knowledge. They serve God to carry out His will and glorify Him. The angels are bodiless and invisible to our physical eyes. They have no bodily needs or desires and passions, no cares about food, drink, clothes or shelter. Nor do they possess the impulse and cravings for procreation. They neither marry nor are given in marriage (Matt. 22:30). They have no worries about the future either, and no fear of death. For, though God created them before man, they are neither aged nor aging, but unchangingly youthful, beautiful and strong. They have no anxiety about their salvation and no struggle for immorality, being already immortal (Luke 20:36). Unlike men, they are not faltering between good and evil, being already good and holy as when God created them.

Peter informs us that in their might and power they surpass all earthly governments and authorities (II Peter 2:10-11). But as created beings they have limitations. They do not know the depths of the essence of God (I Cor 2:11). They do not know the future that only God knows (Mark 13:32). They do not fully understand the mystery of the Redemption yet they wish to (I Peter 1:12). They don't know human thoughts (III Kings 8:39). And thy cannot be themselves perform miracles without the will of God Ps 71:19).

"An angel, then, is an intelligent essence, in perpetual motion, with free will, incorporeal, ministering to God, having obtained by grace an immortal nature. The Creator alone knows the form and limitation of the angelic essence; but all that we can understand is that it is incorporeal and immaterial. For all that is compared with god, Who alone is incomparable, we find to be dense and material. For in reality only the Deity is immaterial and incorporeal." Saint John of Damascus.

Number and Ranks of Angels

They are an extraordinary number of angels. In the book of Daniel is says, "thousand thousands ministered unto Him and the thousand times ten thousand stood before Him" (Daniel 7:10). And In Luke it is recorded that "a multitude of the heavenly host" praised our Lord (Luke 2:13).

We can only assume that with such a number there differing degrees of perfection among their ranks. In Scripture we see some called angels and others archangels (I Thess 4:16; Jude, v 9)

The Tradition of the Orthodox Church teaches us that there is a Heavenly Hierarchy of angels. This was documented earliest by St Dionysius the Areopagite one of the Seventy Apostles in On the Heavenly Hierarchy. He explained the angelic world as divided into nine ranks made up of three hierarchies with three ranks each.

Thrones, Cherubim, and Seraphim - those closest to God

The Seraphim (Means flaming) are aflame with love for God and kindle others to such love. They are closest to God as the prophet Isaiah saw, saying: "And the seraphim stood around Him, each having six wings" (Isaiah 6:2). They are fire-like, "For our God is a consuming fire." (Heb 12:29); "His throne was a flame of fire" (Dan 7:9), "Who maketh his angels spirits; his ministers a flaming fire" (Ps 103:4).

After the seraphim, are the many-eyed Cherubim (Means Great understanding) who are radiant with the knowledge of the mysteries of God and the depths of His Wisdom. Through the cherubim wisdom is sent down to others and spiritual enlightenment is given to see of God and gain knowledge of Him.

Next are the Thrones. On them God intellectually resides. Residing on them in an incomprehensible manner, God makes His righteous judgment, according to the word of David: "Thou hast sat upon a throne, O Thou that judgest righteousness." (Ps 9:4). They serve His justice, glorifying it and pouring out the power of justice onto the thrones of earthly judges, helping kings and masters to bring forthright judgment.

Dominions, Virtues, and Powers

The Dominions dominate the rest of the angels. They send down power for prudent governing and wise management to authorities on the earth set up by God. Further they teach how to control the senses, how to subdue in oneself dissolute desires and passions, how to enslave the flesh to the spirit, and how to rule over one's will and be above all temptations.

The Virtues (Authorites) work miracles and send down the grace of miracle-working to those worthy of such grace, so they may work miracles. They help people laboring and those overburdened by troubles and they bear the infirmities of the weak. They also strengthen every man in patience.

The Powers have power over the devil, to restrain the demons, to repulse the temptations brought upon people by them. They help those wrestling with passions and vices to cast out evil thoughts.

Angels, Archangels, and Principalities - those closest to Man

The Principalities direct the lower angels. They are entrusted with the management of the universe and the keeping of all the kingdoms and princedoms, of lands and all peoples, races and nations. They raise worthy people to various honorable offices and direct them so that they take power for the sake of spreading and augmenting of God's holy glory, and for the sake of the benefit of their neighbors.

The Archangels are the heralds of good news. They reveal prophecies, knowledge, and understanding of God's will which they receive from the higher orders of angels and announce to the lower order. They strengthen people in faith, enlightening their mind with the light of knowledge of the holy Gospel and revealing the mysteries of devout faith.

The Angels are the lowest of all the orders and the closest to man. They announce the lesser mysteries and intentions of God and teach people to live virtuously and righteously before God. They are appointed to guard each of us who believe.

All of the heavenly orders are also called by the common name "angels". Although they have different names according to their situation and grace given by God (as seraphim, cherubim, thrones and the rest of the orders), yet all in general are called angels, because the word "angel" is not a denomination of essence, but of service, as it is written: "Are they not all ministering spirits, sent forth to minister" (Heb 1:14). But their service is different and not identical: each order has its own service

A few archangels are given specific names:

• Michael (Means like God) found in Dan 10:13,12:1; Jude 1:9 and Rev 12,8.
• Gabriel (Man of God), found in Dan 8:16,9:21, and Lk 1:19-26.
• Raphael (The Help of God), Tobit 3:17, 12:15
• Uriel (Fire of God) found in 2 Ezdras 4:36, 4:1
• Salathiel (Prayer to God), found in 2 Esdras 5:16
• Jegudiel (Praise of God),
• Barachiel (Blessing of God).

Ministry of Angels

Angels were created as the most perfect reflections of His grandeur and glory. Angels that are closest in rank to humans are seen in Scripture as heralds of God's will, guides, and servants of an individual's salvation. Some angels are appointed for the governance of the heavens and the world. Others continually glorify God.

Guardian Angels

The Orthodox Church believes that each person is assigned a guardian angel. Christ said, "Take heed that ye despise not ye of these little ones, for I say unto you, that their angels do always behold the face of My Father which is in heaven" (Matt 18:10).

It was originally from the Jews that the Church inherited this belief in the ministry of the Guardian Angels. The Psalmist had declared, "The angel of the Lord encamps all around those who fear Him, and delivers them" (Psalms 34 [33]:7). And again, "He will give His angels charge over you, to keep you in all your ways" (91 [90]:11)

For more information see full article at http://www.stgeorgegreenville.org/Angels/Angels.html

CHANGES BEING CONSIDRED BY THE HOLY METROPOLIS CONCERNING GEOGRAPHICAL BOUNDARIES FOR DIOCESES & VICARIATES IN AFRICA

From the Primatial Archdiocesan Chancery

The Primatial See of the Holy Metropolis has begun investigating and reviewing proposals from the Holy Synod of Bishops and other clergy concerning the establishment of other dioceses in Africa. Among the plans is the establishment of dioceses or vicariates for East Africa which includes Tanzania, Uganda, and Kenya. It also includes South Africa which includes Zambia. Central Africa and West Africa are being considered to become the first two new archdioceses since 1960, and in conformance with the new policy on this matter approved by His Beatitude Metropolitan Stephen on July 25, 2014. The archbishops having charge of these new archdioceses will actually be "Auxiliary Archbishops" of the Archbishop Ordinary of the Primatial Archdiocese in their respective territories. It was also recommended placing Archbishop Pierre Tang of Cameroon as overseer of the two intended new dioceses of Congo Brazaville and Congo Kinshasa in Central Africa. The Primatial See will make a final decision around September 1st, 2014 after meeting with Archbishop Anthony MacFonse Osmond at the Holy Metropolis during his visit to His Beatitude the Primate. 

If all plans are approved, this would mean that Africa,.instead of having what is now known as the "First Diocese of Nigeria and All Africa" overseeing all of the continent, it would have the Archdiocese of the Francophone Countries in Africa (FCA – French Speaking Countries) headed by His Excellency Archbishop Pierre Tang CSB, and the Archdiocese of the Anglophone Countries in Africa (ACA - English Speaking Countries) to be headed by His Excellency Archbishop Anthony MacFonse Osmond CSB, who will also serve the Holy Metropolis as Primatial Legate (overseer) of all Africa for the Holy Metropolis and the Primatial Archdiocese of the Americas & All Dependencies (United States of America). The See of the Francophone Archdiocese will be in Cameroon and of the Anglophone Archdiocese will be in Nigeria. Also, the Primatial See is looking into the needs of Tanzania and their request for a bishop. The situation concerning the dissension and conflict in Uganda is still pending. The Primatial See is also entertaining the recommendation to use the title of Archeparchy for the new archdioceses as an alternative to distinguish them from the Primatial Archdiocese. We will advise of any changes in the next "OCH".

THE FISH AS A SYMOBOL OF JESUS CHRIST

By Father John Joseph (Pakistan)
Edited by Father George Stavik (USA)

Jesus is known as the fish as the sign for the Christian like the cross. It could be called Ichthys / ¥¥¥¥¥ . These words have the background as the history and understanding of the Greek mythologies and very early days of Christianity. Some people also related Jesus to the fish with few biblical texts of the teachings and preaching of Jesus, and as the profession of the disciples of Jesus. The Greek character for alpha (¥) is similar to the fish symbol, as is the Omega (¥). This may also have had some influence on the decision for Christians to adopt the symbol of the fish, since Jesus calls himself "the Alpha and the Omega" Revelation 1:8, 22:13, which could be true understandings?

We know from different sciences and from the internet research, that a lot of fish will swim against the flow of water even to face the stream's current and swim against it to wait for little insects. It is an easy way for them to catch food without having to swim around. I would like to focus just on one point, "the fish swim against the flow". We look at the life of Jesus. Wefind most of the time, like the fish swimming against the water, worldly understandings and wisdom often go against the current (God). Jesus' incarnation is not according to the worldly understandings. Even the Virgin Mary asking the Angle Gabriel how is it going to be possible, Luke 1:34? Another question was asked by Elizabeth, how come the mother of my Lord came to visit me Luke 14:43.

Many people still ask the question why Jesus was to be born in the crib. He was the king of Kings. He was God himself. What is the mystery behind this? What is the philosophy behind this? Why was the first message given to the shepherds spending the night in the fields, Luke 2:8…? The visit of the magi and the birth of Jesus was another shocking message for King Herod. In Mathew 2: Jesus asked to his parents why were you looking for me? You would have thought I would be in my Father's house, Luke 2:49. When Jesus started his teaching and preaching again, people could not understand how come He could forgive sins, Luke 5:22? How come, He does not respect the Sabbath? How come, He speaks with full authority and amazing wisdom, Mark 6:1; Luke 4:32. How come, He eats with the sinners? How come, He can heal the sick people? Luke 5:31-32. Jesus told all about his teachings: "I came to set the earth on fire" Luke 12:49. "Do not think I have come to abolish the law but to fulfill it", Mathew 5:17.

Jesus was asked, why do your disciples not fast? Mark 2:20. Jesus was asked by his own disciples why do you preach in the parables? Mathew 13:10….The blind men beside the road were asked by the crowd not to shout, but Jesus went to them and asked them what they wanted, and He healed them. Luke 18:35…. The unclean people can come to Jesus and can touch him. They can talk to him. He purifies them. He talks to them and brings them back to the society. Luke 17:11 Mark 5:25…Mark 14:3… Jesus not only heals and purifies people, He brings back the rejected to society, like the woman caught in adultery John 8:1, and the Samaritan woman at the well. John 4:1. It was He who brought Lazarus to life again. John 11. The last will be the first and the first will be the last. Mathew 20:16. The teachings of Jesus are different from our own thinking and ways. Still we would like to do as He taught us and we make mistakes and struggle many times in our life. The sufferings of Jesus still are not fully  understood by us, how it could be possible that Jesus suffered for all of us? The human wisdom does not have the answer. The answer would be to have faith in Jesus. To believe He is our savior and the savior of the world. Forgiving all on the cross and showing love for the enemies and those who crucified Him to many remain a mystery. Luke 23:34.

The Resurrection is the glorious mystery of God for the world. The appearances of Jesus, though the doors were closed, Jesus enters to be among of his disciples and joins them during their breakfast. The whole of Jesus from the Incarnation to the Ascension was going against the flow of the human thinking of the world. If Jesus would not have done this, He would not have fulfilled the will of His Father - Luke 22:42, Mark 14:36 - To obtain eternal life for the whole world through His incarnation, suffering, death, and His Resurrection. We have to face many oppositions, discouragements, and even hopelessness. The different remarks made by people about our personalities affect our emotions. We experience so many situations and difficult moments. All these negative elements of human experiences demand from us as part of our human development. The courage and the will power needed to go against the flowing water against us causes us to recall the success of the fish moving against the flowing water to reach their destination. Jesus moved on with His teaching and preaching against the flowing waters against us humans, showing us as our model that He could even walk on water. Mathew 14:22-33 and Mark 4:39.   

HOMELESS PROGRAM NEEDS DONATIONS
PLEASE CONSIDER A DONATION

[Sharon Pennsylvania] St Nicholas Center offers homeless men a home and guidance in return for work on the grounds. This program of the Archdiocese has helped over fifty men in the last four years. Nine of these men have been chrismated into the Orthodox Catholic Church coming from pasts that did not include any church affiliation. Currently, several men are being cared for at St Sophia's that includes their room, food, their prescriptions, toiletries, personal needs, the outings they enjoy, and the new life they have found centered on Christ. However, this is costing the Archdiocese much money and we are now brought to our knees asking for your assistance. We are in need of donations here so that our work started can continue. In addition to the homeless, we have also adopted seven kittens/cats that were destined to die without intervention. If you can find it in your heart to help with our expenses please send you donation to St Nicholas Center, 456 Nimick Street, Sharon PA 16146, or you may do so on your credit card through PayPal. Please make checks payable to "EOCC." We are 501(c)(3) tax exempt. Thank you.

PLEASE ASSIST US BY MAKING A DONATION TO THE HOLY METROPOLIS

" Giving to Glorify God" (Matthew 6: 1-4). The Syriac-Greek Antiochian Orthodox Catholic Metropolis 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." Those not wanting their location known are left blank. Donation statements upon request. You are asked to consider a donation to help the Church with all its missions and programs by sending yours to the Metropolis of St Peter, 456 Nimick Street, Sharon PA 16146; or by using your credit card to make a donation through PayPal.  All donations are tax-deductible . Please make your check payable to "EOCC." Every donor of $25.00 or more will receive a gratuit gift of a beautiful wooden cross with Christ necklace with cord chain valued at $15.00. Those of $100.00 or more will receive the same along with another selected gift all valued over $50.00 from the Holy Metropolis.

Our appreciation to the following for their charitable support:

• Name Withheld ($25.00) – Boston MA
• Name Withheld ($200.00) 04.10.14 – Trenton NJ
• Name Withheld – Active Priest of Archdiocese ($100.00) 03.28.14
• Father Benedict Sunil ($25.00) 07.18.14 - India
• Father Padraig Kneafsey ($50.00) – 07.10.14)
• Mr James P Martin ($40.00) 07.27.14 – Pennsylvania
• Ms Gretchen Lejeune ($41.00) 08.09.14
• Dr Paul Winston DCh Retired  ($100.00) 07.22.14
• Dr Robert Neely ($150.00) New York NY

WOMEN IN THE PRIESTHOOD

Taken From:
http://www.catholic.com/tracts/women-and-the-priesthood

Can women be ordained to the priesthood? This is a question which provokes much debate in our modern world, but it is one to which the Church has always answered "No." The basis for the Church's teaching on ordination is found in the New Testament as well as in the writings of the Church Fathers.

While women could publicly pray and prophesy in church (1 Cor. 11:1–16), they could not teach or have authority over a man (1 Tim. 2:11–14), since these were two essential functions of the clergy. Nor could women publicly question or challenge the teaching of the clergy (1 Cor. 14:34–38).

The following quotations from the Church Fathers indicate that women do play an active role in the Church and that in the age of the Fathers there were orders of virgins, widows, and deaconesses, but that these women were not ordained.

The Fathers rejected women's ordination, not because it was incompatible with Christian culture, but because it was incompatible with Christian faith. Thus, together with biblical declarations, the teaching of the Fathers on this issue formed the tradition of the Church that taught that priestly ordination was reserved to men. Throughout medieval times and even up until the present day, this teaching has not changed.

Further, in 1994 Pope John Paul II formally declared that the Church does not have the power to ordain women. He stated, "Although the teaching that priestly ordination is to be reserved to men alone has been preserved by the constant and universal tradition of the Church and firmly taught by the magisterium in its more recent documents, at the present time in some places it is nonetheless considered still open to debate, or the Church's judgment that women are not to be admitted to ordination is considered to have a merely disciplinary force. Wherefore, in order that all doubt may be removed regarding a matter of great importance, a matter which pertains to the Church's divine constitution itself, in virtue of my ministry of confirming the brethren (cf. Luke 22:32) I declare that the Church has no authority whatsoever to confer priestly ordination on women and that this judgment is to be definitively held by all the Church's faithful" (OrdinatioSacerdotalis 4).

The following quotations from the Fathers constitute a part of the tradition on which this infallible teaching rests.

Tertullian

"It is of no concern how diverse be their [the heretics'] views, so long as they conspire to erase the one truth. They are puffed up; all offer knowledge. Before they have finished as catechumens, how thoroughly learned they are! And the heretical women themselves, how shameless are they! They make bold to teach, to debate, to work exorcisms, to undertake cures . . . " (Demurrer Against the Heretics 41:4–5 [A.D. 200]).

"[A female heretic], lately conversant in this quarter, has carried away a great number with her most venomous doctrine, making it her first aim to destroy baptism. . . . But we, little fishes, after the example of our Icthus [Greek, "Fish"], Jesus Christ, are born in water . . . so that most monstrous creature, who had no right to teach even sound doctrine, knew full well how to kill the little fishes, by taking them away from the water" (Baptism 1 [A.D. 203]).

"It is not permitted for a woman to speak in the church [1 Cor 14:34–35], but neither [is it permitted her] . . . to offer, nor to claim to herself a lot in any manly function, not to say sacerdotal office" (The Veiling of Virgins 9 [A.D. 206]).

Hippolytus

"When a widow is to be appointed, she is not to be ordained, but is designated by being named [a widow]. . . . A widow is appointed by words alone, and is then associated with the other widows. Hands are not imposed on her, because she does not offer the oblation and she does not conduct the liturgy. Ordination is for the clergy because of the liturgy; but a widow is appointed for prayer, and prayer is the duty of all" (The Apostolic Tradition 11 [A.D. 215]).

The Didascalia

"For it is not to teach that you women . . . are appointed. . . . For he, God the Lord, Jesus Christ our Teacher, sent us, the twelve [apostles], out to teach the [chosen] people and the pagans. But there were female disciples among us: Mary of Magdala, Mary the daughter of Jacob, and the other Mary; he did not, however, send them out with us to teach the people. For, if it had been necessary that women should teach, then our Teacher would have directed them to instruct along with us" (Didascalia 3:6:1–2 [A.D. 225]).

Firmilian

"[T]here suddenly arose among us a certain woman, who in a state of ecstasy announced herself as a prophetess and acted as if filled with the Holy Ghost. . . . Through the deceptions and illusions of the demon, this woman had previously set about deluding believers in a variety of ways. Among the means by which she had deluded many was daring to pretend that, through proper invocation, she consecrated bread and performed the Eucharist. She offered up the sacrifice to the Lord in a liturgical act that corresponds to the usual rites, and she baptized many, all the while misusing the customary and legitimate wording of the [baptismal] question. She carried all these things out in such a manner that nothing seemed to deviate from the norms of the Church" (collected in Cyprian's Letters 74:10 [A.D. 253]).

Council of Nicaea I

"Similarly, in regard to the deaconesses, as with all who are enrolled in the register, the same procedure is to be observed. We have made mention of the deaconesses, who have been enrolled in this position, although, not having been in any way ordained, they are certainly to be numbered among the laity" (Canon 19 [A.D. 325]).

Council of Laodicea

"[T]he so-called 'presbyteresses' or 'presidentesses' are not to be ordained in the Church" (Canon 11 [A.D. 360]).

Epiphanius of Salamis

"Certain women there in Arabia [the Collyridians] ... In an unlawful and blasphemous ceremony ... ordain women, through whom they offer up the sacrifice in the name of Mary. This means that the entire proceeding is godless and sacrilegious, a perversion of the message of the Holy Spirit; in fact, the whole thing is diabolical and a teaching of the impure spirit" (Against Heresies 78:13 [A.D. 377]).

"It is true that in the Church there is an order of deaconesses, but not for being a priestess, nor for any kind of work of administration, but for the sake of the dignity of the female sex, either at the time of baptism or of examining the sick or suffering, so that the naked body of a female may not be seen by men administering sacred rites, but by the deaconess" (ibid.).

"From this bishop [James the Just] and the just-named apostles, the succession of bishops and presbyters [priests] in the house of God have been established. Never was a woman called to these. . . . According to the evidence of Scripture, there were, to be sure, the four daughters of the evangelist Philip, who engaged in prophecy, but they were not priestesses" (ibid.).

"If women were to be charged by God with entering the priesthood or with assuming ecclesiastical office, then in the New Covenant it would have devolved upon no one more than Mary to fulfill a priestly function. She was invested with so great an honor as to be allowed to provide a dwelling in her womb for the heavenly God and King of all things, the Son of God. . . . But he did not find this [the conferring of priesthood on her] good" (ibid., 79:3).

John Chrysostom

"[W]hen one is required to preside over the Church and to be entrusted with the care of so many souls, the whole female sex must retire before the magnitude of the task, and the majority of men also, and we must bring forward those who to a large extent surpass all others and soar as much above them in excellence of spirit as Saul overtopped the whole Hebrew nation in bodily stature" (The Priesthood 2:2 [A.D. 387]).

The Apostolic Constitutions

"Appoint, [O Bishop], a deaconess, faithful and holy, for the ministering of women. For sometimes it is not possible to send a deacon into certain houses of women, because of unbelievers. Send a deaconess, because of the thoughts of the petty. A deaconess is of use to us also in many other situations. First of all, in the baptizing of women, a deacon will touch only their forehead with the holy oil, and afterwards the female deacon herself anoints them" (ibid., 3:16).

"[T]he 'man is the head of the woman' [1 Cor. 11:3], and he is originally ordained for the priesthood; it is not just to abrogate the order of the creation and leave the first to come to the last part of the body. For the woman is the body of the man, taken from his side and subject to him, from whom she was separated for the procreation of children. For he says, 'He shall rule over you' [Gen. 3:16]. For the first part of the woman is the man, as being her head. But if in the foregoing constitutions we have not permitted them [women] to teach, how will any one allow them, contrary to nature, to perform the office of the priest? For this is one of the ignorant practices of Gentile atheism, to ordain women priests to the female deities, not one of the constitutions of Christ" (ibid., 3:9).

"A widow is not ordained; yet if she has lost her husband a great while and has lived soberly and unblamably and has taken extraordinary care of her family, as Judith and Anna—those women of great reputation—let her be chosen into the order of widows" (ibid., 8:25).

"A deaconess does not bless, but neither does she perform anything else that is done by presbyters [priests] and deacons, but she guards the doors and greatly assists the presbyters, for the sake of decorum, when they are baptizing women" (ibid., 8:28).

From The Editor:

There are definitely roles for men and women in the Church ever since the beginning of Christianity; men emulate Christ in the priesthood and women emulate the Blessed Mother in the sisterhood. Christ Himself was the example and it was He who chose the very first twelve to follow Him – all men – all our first priests and bishops. From then on, men were called to become deacons and priests and this became Holy Tradition in honor of the High Priest, Jesus Christ. Women have the honor of giving birth, and no matter how many men wish they could do this – they cannot - because it is against nature and what was intended by God.

Christ, when He established His Church during His ministry on earth possessed the fullness of intelligence and made no errors in proclaiming what He wanted for the His Church – The Christian (Catholic) Church. He is the Alpha & Omega who selected twelve men to follow Him. These twelve men later became our first bishops by the power of the Holy Spirit. From them, other men were chosen to be deacons and priests, and from the priests some became bishops who ordained other priests and consecrated other bishops – all men.. Christ set the example for what He wanted for His Church. How do we change what Christ Himself began? It belongs to Him. Christ said "Think not that I came to destroy the law, or the prophets: I came not to destroy, but to fulfill" Matthew 5:17

Women should have prominent roles in the Church, but not within the Holy Priesthood which is a "Tradition" upheld in the Roman and Orthodox Catholic Churches since the beginning of the Universal Christian Church. The Old and New Testament clearly confirms a male rabbinical and priestly ministry. Even the Blessed Virgin Mary, His own mother who was free from all actual sin, was not chosen by Him to be a priest! How then can we believe that it is alright to change what Christ instituted – a male priesthood – to please those who feel they have a right to this? Churches founded by men change traditions and beliefs to suit themselves and their followers, but those belonging to the Church that Christ founded, must be loyal to what He wants no matter what we may personally want.

ARCHDIOCESE TO OFFER CLERGY TRAINING

The Archdiocese is offering clergy and seminarians a very inexpensive training program who need training in the revised Liturgy of the Mass of St Gregory according to the Syriac-Greek Antiochene Rite. This program will include an audio-video recording of the Mass along with an explanation of the rubrics. In addition, the new Liturgikon will be included that will contain the Liturgy and its rubrics along with the proper prayers for certain feasts and Holy Days. The reduced cost for this educational course will be $295.00 until July 18th, 2014. Those wishing a Licentiate in Ministry (Liturgical Studies - $395.00) will also receive the "Prayers Behind the Ambon", The Rites of Baptism/Chrismation, Matrimony, and Funerals. This can be ordered from St Nicholas Center, 456 Nimick Street, Sharon Pennsylvania 16146. If you have any questions about this they may be addressed to the address of the "OCH" on heading of the newsletter.

THE SYRIAC-GREEK ANTIOCHIAN ORTHODOX CHURCH
QUESTIONS & ANSWERS ON FAITH & TRADITION

There were no new questions this issue so instead we have a discourse from Archbishop Timothy on how Jesus Christ is manifested in the Church.

Like the way we use all five senses in our worship of God in the Divine Liturgy, also we can express how Christ is manifest in His Church in five ways.

1. He is with us spiritually. Jesus is with us always spiriually, but in our worship of Him he is with us in spirit as he said "For where two or three are gathered together in my name, there I am in the midst of them" Matthew 18:20

2. He is with us physically. Because we believe in the real presence of Jesus in the Eucharist, we know that he is with us in the flesh as he said "This is my body which is given for you: this do in remebrance of me" Luke 22:20

3. He is with us in Word. In the Divine Liturgy the Gospel (good news) of Christ is proclaimed that we may know from His own words how we are to live in communion with Him.

4. He is with us in the Priesthood. Though priest is not Christ, he lives in a state where the emulation of Christ is paramount. Jesus also gave the priests dominion over the sacraments by which the priest distributes God's grace. As he said to Peter [and all the Disciples] "Whosesoever sins you remit, they are remitted unto them; whosesoever sins you retain, they are retained" John 20:23

5. He is with us in the people. He exists in the body and soul of every Christian and gathered togteher we make up the Church, for it is not a building nor is it holy things, but the faithful that comprise the Church which is likened unto the body of Christ. "For as we have many members in one body . . . being many, are one body in Christ" Romans 12:4-5

If you have a question about the faith or the Orthodox Catholic Church, please send it to:
OCH Editor
456 Nimick Street
Sharon PA 16146.

HELP FORM MISSION PARISHES & PRAYER GROUPS

The Syriac-Greek Antiochian Archdiocese of the Orthodox Catholic Church, like other small Orthodox jurisdictions, realizes that there are members who live far away from the nearest parish to them. In some cases, there are 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 those 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 an existing parish 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, Chapels, and Communities may be established in homes until a parish or mission can be officially established. "Distance Parishioners" would also be allowed to make their 10% tithe to the parish attached to uniting them to it in good standing. For further information contact His Eminence Archbishop Timothy at rbsocc@juno.com or 456 Nimick Street, Sharon PA 16146. If you are interested in assisting the Archdiocese in establishing a mission parish in your area, please write to us.

OFFICIAL FROM THE PRIMATIAL SEE OF THE HOLY METROPOLIS

By His Eminence Archbishop Timothy Kjera

[Sharon PA] His Beatitude Metropolitan Stephen, in his desire to reunite canonically sound schismatic jurisdictions and parishes possessing our Apostolic Heritage, has implemented a new policy for the Archdiocese to follow. He stated: "It is our mission at this time to initiate dialogue with canonical autocephalous jurisdictions that might be interested in what we are doing, and who might wish to consider "union", "communion", or "patrimony." our Church. In our investigation of the many schismatic groups that have sprung up since 1932, it is evident that there are a few who are making an effort to maintain the Orthodox Catholic faith and theology, but many more who are simply uncanonical and heretical in their teachings and not worthy of dialogue with us for many reasons.

Patrimony , which was recently approved by the Primatial See, is the blessing from our Primate to establish within our Archdiocese certain "Personal Ordinariates " for those of other ecclesial heritages/traditions who wish to enter full communion with the Syriac-Greek Antiochian Orthodox Catholic Church, while maintaining certain non-conflicting but important elements of their spiritual and liturgical backgrounds. Equivalent to a diocese, the "ordinariate" is composed of parishes, religious communities, and individuals of another ecclesiastical heritage gathered around its Ordinary, but with fidelity to the Primatial See and Holy Metropolis. The Ordinary serves under the direct authority of the Primate, in partnership with the Syriac-Greek Antiochene Rite Synod of Bishops, to build up the Church through mutual mission and ministry while retaining elements of their heritage. The members of the Ordinariate include "those faithful of every category or state of life, who, originally having belonged to another heritage or canonical jurisdiction, are now in full communion with the Syriac-Greek Antiochian Orthodox Catholic Church and its Primatial See, or who have received the sacraments of initiation within the jurisdiction of the Ordinariate itself, or who are received into it because they are part of a family belonging to the Ordinariate." Those interested are asked to contact the Archdiocese at  or by postal mail to St Nicholas Center, 4556 Nimick Street, Sharon PA 16146. This became effective on May 1st, 2014 and is hereby promulgated according to our canons.

HOLY METROPOLIS MAKES DECISIONS REGARDING THE CHURCH IN AFRICA

[Holy Metropolis of St Peter] His Beatitude Metropolitan Stephen, V Primate of the canonical Archdiocese of the  Americas & All Dependencies and the Syriac-Greek Antiochian Orthodox Catholic Church, has announced that he will consider the establishing of possibility two archdioceses in Africa. He has been in dialogue with His Eminence Archbishop Timothy Kjera (USA) Coadjutor of the Holy Metropolis and His Excellency Archbishop Anthony M Osmond (Africa) Ordinary of the First Diocese of Nigeria and All Africa. Since the incardination of Most Reverend Archbishop Pierre Tang of Cameroon and his several dioceses and many faithful, this has created a need to divide Africa into two archdioceses with Most Reverend Anthony M Osmond remaining the overseer of the Church in Africa for the Primatial Archdiocese in the United States. If approved, this would mean that Africa,.instead of having what is now known as the "First Diocese of Nigeria and All Africa overseeing all of the continent, it would have the Archdiocese of the Francophone Countries in Africa (FCA – French Speaking Countries) headed by His Excellency Archbishop Pierre Tang CSB, and the Archdiocese of the Anglophone Countries in Africa (ACA - English Speaking Countries) to be headed by His Excellency Archbishop Archbishop Anthony MacFonse Osmond CSB, who will also serve the Holy Metropolis as overseer of all Africa for the Holy Metropolis and the Primatial Archdiocese of the Americas & All Dependencies (United States of America).

The See of the Francophone Archdiocese will be in Cameroon and of the Anglophone Archdiocese will be in Nigeria. His Beatitude made it very clear "that this action does not set a precedent in our canons and this action was prompted because of a need (economia) based on population, language, and need." Since 1966, under His Beatitude Metropolitan Joseph John Skureth, there was only one canonized archdiocese in the Syriac-Greek Antiochian Orthodox Catholic Church, that of the Americas and All Dependencies. The Church since then was not anxious to create multiple archdiocese and ordaining many archbishops to serve the Church. His Beatitude also stated that "no one should consider this a weakness within the Church concerning our adherence to our jurisdiction's local or proper canons, nor should it imply that other archdioceses will be quickly established." This has caused the Church to go back in time when the Archdiocese was known as the Primatial Archdiocese of the Americas & All Dependencies which then included the Church in diaspora and in various dioceses outside the United States. The adding back of the word "Primatial" to the official title of the American Archdiocese has been approved.

Additionally, His Beatitude has accepted the request from His Eminence Archbishop Timothy Kjera, Coadjutor of the Holy Metropolis and Ordinary of the Primatial Archdiocese, to review petitions and make arrangements for the canonization of two new dioceses in Africa, i.e., Diocese of Congo Brazzaville and the Diocese of Congo Kinshasa. Brazzaville is currently oversee by His Grace Bishop Donatus (Donatien) Abel Tshitanta, and Kinshasa is under a bishop-elect remaining "in pectore" - (Latin for "in the heart"). This means that a bishop-elect has been named but remains in the heart of the Primate and is not disclosed until the Holy Metropolis wishes and only then will his intended consecration and his name be officially announced, and can also refer to one already consecrated but who may not officially exercise his powers and faculties until his name is officially disclosed by the Holy Metropolis.. 

HOLY APOSTLES MISSION PARISH – KENYA AFRICA

[Kenya] Seminarian Matthew Fred Onwonga of Nyamarambe Kisi Kenya and his 76 members of Holy Apostles of Christ Mission are working hard with limited funds to continue building their parish church for them and the Syriac-Greek Antiochian Archdiocese. He is currently completing and preparation for eventual ordination to minor orders and majors orders of Deacon and Priest. The chrismation of all the faithful will be handled by the First Diocese of Nigeria and His Excellency Archbishop Anthony MacFonse Osmond. The Archdiocese has been assisting him with financial and other materialistic donations. If anyone would care to help us help them, please make your donation out to "EOCC" and note it for Holy Apostles of Christ Mission of Kenya and mail to the OCH address on heading of this newsletter.

HANDMADE ITEMS FROM UGANDA ON SALE AT BOOKSTORE / GIFT SHOP

[Sharon PA] Father Christopher Tamale sent some beautiful handmade items from Kiboga Uganda to be sold at Holy Trinity Bookstore & Gift Shop in Sharon Pennsylvania. The profits from these items will be sent to Uganda to help the mission parishes there in their survival. If you wish to purchase some by mail, please contact the bookstore and ask for a catalog of items and price list. There are change purses, purses for women, hats, jewelry, coconut bracelets, and many other beautifully handmade gifts. The Metropolis has several very poor parishes in Uganda. There are also two schools for children in Uganda under our omophor. We are asking that all try to make a purchase to help with the great poverty being experience by the faithful. If you wish to assist please contact Brother Vincent Cappabianca CSB, 456 Nimick Street, Sharon PA 16146, and a catalog will be sent. You can call (724) 308.6218. You can also just send a cash donation by check or via PayPal. Please mark your donation for Uganda Vicariate and payable to "EOCC."

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 3,000 people and growing.

Framed Icon of St Panteleimon, Patron of Healers Available from the Archdiocesan Chancery, 456 Nimick Street, Sharon PA 16146, these icons are suitable for hanging in counseling centers, clinics, and in the home. $40.00, postage and handling included. Commission members are required to have this icon hanging in their offices and clinics. Order yours today.

Meal Blessing Cards For clergy, monasteries, and homes of the faithful and includes the variations for holy days. Order from Holy Myrrh-bearers Monastery, 144 Bert Washburn Road, Otego NY 13825.

Handmade Nun Dolls from the Past Handmade nun dolls from the past. Full habits of many orders of nuns from various Churches including Orthodox, Lutheran, and Roman. Nostalgia brought to your doorsteps. These are beautifully created and show the exact habits of nuns worn many years ago. The wife of one of our priests makes them. You can write for a catalog or additional information to Father Patrick Lemming, St James House, 804 Catlett Road, Sevierville TN 37862.

SYRIAC-GREEK ANTIOCHIAN PARISHES AND ORGANIZATIONS OF THE ARCHDIOCESE

Archdiocese of the Americas & Dependencies - Write to His Eminence Archbishop Timothy Kjera, 456 Nimick Street, Sharon PA 16146.

Commission on Religious Counseling and Healing CRCH.RBSOCC.ORG For information write – Vincent Cappabianca CSB, 456 Nimick Street, Sharon PA 16146. This is an organization of licensed healing professionals in service to God. They serve through the Healing Ministry of the Church.

The Companions of St Basil is open to married or single men 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 the Moderator, 456 Nimick Street, Sharon PA 16146. Women interested in the Companions of St Basil may also write for information.

Community of St Basil is open to those who wish to follow a monastic way of life. Write to Community of St Basil, 456 Nimick Street, Sharon PA 16146. The Community has monastic centers in the African Congo, Nigeria, Alaska (USA), and Pennsylvania (USA). The Sisters of St Basil are headquartered in the African Congo. In addition to Priests, Brothers, and Nuns, there are also Companions of the Community. His Eminence Archbishop Timothy is the interim Archabbot.

All Saints Syriac-Greek Antiochian Orthodox Catholic Chapel, 2216 Culver Avenue, Anchorage Alaska, Chorbishop Haralambos Winger, Pastor.

All Saints of Ireland Syriac-Greek Antiochian Orthodox Catholic Parish, 16 Lios NA Circle, Saleen Castlebar County Mayo, Republic of Ireland; VR Archimandrite Fr Padraig Kneafsey, Pastor. Contact Father Padraig for Mass schedule.

Holy Ghost Syriac-Greek Antiochian Orthodox Catholic Chapel , Oceanside California, Very Reverend Archpriest Stephen Lawrence, Pastor. Contact rbsocc@juno.com for more information.

St Andrew the Apostle Syriac-Greek Antiochian Orthodox Catholic Church located at 5907 Grand Avenue, Duluth Minnesota 55807.  To reopen in 2013.

Ss Cosmas and Damian Syriac-Greek Antiochian Orthodox Catholic Chapel, 785 Grand Avenue #206, Carlsbad California; Very Reverend Archpriest Stephen Lawrence, Pastor.

St Nicholas of Myra Syriac-Greek Antiochian Orthodox Catholic Chapel, 456 Nimick Street, Sharon PA 16146. Sunday Liturgy of the Mass at 11:00 am; Holy Days at 7:00 pm or as announced; and Holy Unction of the Sick as announced.

Ss Vladimir & Olga Chapel , St Paul Minnesota. Father Vladimir Raasch.  (Send email to Chancery for more information.  This mission is not under the omophor of the Archdiocese, but is in association with it. Contact rbsocc@juno.com for more information.