METROPOLITAN VISITS ST ANTHONY CHURCH & MONASTERY Dear Reverend Bishops, Priests and Deacons in Christ God: Christ is in our midst! Bishop Stefan of the Romanian Orthodox Church in Exile invited me to visit with him and the clergy, sisters, and laity of St Anthony Church and Monastery in Cleveland Ohio. We (Bishop Timothy, Seminarian Maximus and I) arrived at the monastery on Saturday evening, October 21st and were greeted by clergy and seminarians from the area along with Archbishop Jovan, Bishop Stefan, and Bishop Timotheos. We then attended Vespers that was celebrated by Bishop Timothy and Father Simeon. After Vespers we were served a very delicious meal prepared by Bishop Stefan. This was followed by a meeting of the bishops that included a discussion on the Council of Canonical Autocephalous Orthodox Bishops now in formation. On Sunday October 22, 2006 we all attended a beautiful Hierarchical Divine Liturgy that was celebrated by Bishop Stefan assisted by Archbishop Jovan and Bishop Timothy, and I attended from the Throne (Cathedra). Bishop Timotheos assisted me during the Liturgy. I also witnessed Bishop Timothy's first consecration of another bishop at this Divine Liturgy, when he and Archbishop Jovan and Bishop Stefan ordained Father Simeon to the Office of Bishop for the Syro-Russian Orthodox Catholic Church. The psalti (cantors) did a very beautiful job in their responses and singing. I was most impressed by all that took place, and everyone did their very best to make me feel at home. A special visitor was present from Toledo, Dr William Easley (Commission on Religious Counseling and Healing) who wanted to be present since he knew that I was visiting the area. Dr Easley remained for lunch that was again prepared by Bishop Stefan for all those present. The food was very good as were the tasty desserts that gave the table a beautiful appearance. All this and Greek coffee, too! During the luncheon I had the very pleasant opportunity to speak with Sister Tatyana and to learn more about her work for the Church. I met many very wonderful people during this time. After the lunch the bishops once again convened to conclude the meeting that commenced on the previous day. I wish to thank Bishop Stefan for his wonderful hospitality and all the love he showed us during his stay. He was also generous to me and gifted me with a beautiful pectoral cross, and donated a beautiful icon of the Holy Theotokos Mary to St Mary Cathedral in Duluth Minnesota. I thank Archbishop Jovan for his kindness shown to us, and to Bishop Timotheos for his assistance during Liturgy and at the monastery. I had a nice chat with Father Anthony and other seminarians who attended and thank them as well. Sister Tatyana was most warm and kind, as all the laity who attended the luncheon in my honor were. God bless them all.
Metropolitan Stephen
Feasts and Saints of the Orthodox Church November 21 (4 December) Entry of the Most Holy Mother of God into the Temple The Entry into the Temple of the Most Holy Theotokos according to Holy Tradition, this took place in the following manner. The parents of the Virgin Mary, Righteous Joachim and Anna, praying for an end to their childlessness, vowed that if a child were born to them, they would dedicate it to the service of God. When the Most Holy Virgin reached the age of three, the holy parents decided to fulfill their vow. They gathered together their relatives and acquaintances, and dressed the All-Pure Mary in Her finest clothes. With the singing of sacred songs and with lighted candles in their hands, virgins escorted her to the Temple (Ps. 44/45:14-15). There the High Priest and several priests met the handmaiden of God. In the Temple, fifteen high steps led to the sanctuary, which only the priests and High Priest could enter. (Because they recited a Psalm on each step, Psalms 119/120-133/134 are called "Psalms of Ascent.") The child Mary, so it seemed, could not make it up this stairway. But just as they placed Her on the first step, strengthened by the power of God, She quickly went up the remaining steps and ascended to the highest one. Then the High Priest, through inspiration from above, led the Most Holy Virgin into the Holy of Holies, where only the High Priest entered once a year to offer a purifying sacrifice of blood. Therefore, all those present in the Temple were astonished at this most unusual occurrence. Righteous Joachim and Anna, having entrusted their Child to the will of the Heavenly Father, returned home. The Most Blessed Mary remained in the quarters for virgins, near the Temple. Round about the Temple, through the testimony of Holy Scripture (Exodus 38; 1 Kings 1: 28; Lk. 2: 37), and also the historian Josephus Flavius, there were many living quarters, in which dwelt those dedicated to the service of God. The earthly life of the Most Holy Theotokos from Her infancy until She was taken up to Heaven is shrouded in deep mystery. Her life at the Jerusalem Temple was also a secret. "If anyone were to ask me," said Blessed Jerome, "how the Most Holy Virgin spent the time of Her youth, I would answer, that is known o God Himself and the Archangel Gabriel, Her constant guardian." But there are accounts in Church Tradition, that during the All-Pure Virgin's stay at the Temple, She grew up in a community of pious virgins, diligently read the Holy Scripture, occupied Herself with handicrafts, prayed constantly, and grew in love for God. In remembrance of the Entry of the Most Holy Theotokos into the Jerusalem Temple, Holy Church from ancient times established a solemn Feastday. The decretals for the making of the Feast in the first centuries of Christianity are found in the traditions of Palestinian Christians, where mention is made that the holy Empress Helen built a church in honor of the Entry into the Temple of the Most Holy Theotokos. St. Gregory of Nyssa, in the fourth century, mentions this Feast. In the eighth century Sts. Germanus and Tarasius, Patriarchs of Constantinople, delivered sermons on the Feast of the Entry. The Feast of the Entry of the Most Holy Theotokos into the Temple foretells the blessing of God for the human race, the preaching of salvation, the promise of the coming of Christ. DISCOURSE ON THE FEAST
OF THE ENTRY OF OUR MOST PURE LADY THEOTOKOS INTO THE HOLY OF HOLIES If a tree is known by its fruit, and a good tree bears good fruit (Mt. 7:17; Lk. 6:44), then is not the Mother of Goodness Itself, She who bore the Eternal Beauty, incomparably more excellent than every good, whether in this world or the world above? Therefore, the coeternal and identical Image of goodness, Pre-eternal, transcending all being, He Who is the pre-existing and good Word of the Father, moved by His unutterable love for mankind and compassion for us, put on our image, that He might reclaim for Himself our nature which had been dragged down to uttermost Hades, so as to renew this corrupted nature and raise it to the heights of Heaven. For this purpose, He had to assume a flesh that was both new and ours, that He might refashion us from out of ourselves. Now He finds a Handmaiden perfectly suited to these needs, the supplier of Her own unsullied nature, the Ever-Virgin now hymned by us, and Whose miraculous Entrance into the Temple, into the Holy of Holies, we now celebrate. God predestined Her before the ages for the salvation and reclaiming of our kind. She was chosen, not just from the crowd, but from the ranks of the chosen of all ages, renowned for piety and understanding, and for their God-pleasing words and deeds. In the beginning, there was one who rose up against us: the author of evil, the serpent, who dragged us into the abyss. Many reasons impelled him to rise up against us, and there are many ways by which he enslaved our nature: envy, rivalry, hatred, injustice, treachery, slyness, etc. In addition to all this, he also has within him the power of bringing death, which he himself engendered, being the first to fall away from true life. The author of evil was jealous of Adam, when he saw him being led from earth to Heaven, from which he was justly cast down. Filled with envy, he pounced upon Adam with a terrible ferocity, and even wished to clothe him with the garb of death. Envy is not only the begetter of hatred, but also of murder, which this truly man-hating serpent brought about in us. For he wanted to be master over the earth-born for the ruin of that which was created in the image and likeness of God. Since he was not bold enough to make a face to face attack, he resorted to cunning and deceit. This truly terrible and malicious plotter pretended to be a friend and useful adviser by assuming the physical form of a serpent, and stealthily took their position. By his God-opposing advice, he instills in man his own death-bearing power, like a venomous poison. If Adam had been sufficiently strong to keep the divine commandment, then he would have shown himself the vanquisher of his enemy, and withstood his deathly attack. But since he voluntarily gave in to sin, he was defeated and was made a sinner. Since he is the root of our race, he has produced us as death-bearing shoots. So, it was necessary for us, if he were to fight back against his defeat and to claim victory, to rid himself of the death-bearing venomous poison in his soul and body, and to absorb life, eternal and indestructible life. It was necessary for us to have a new root for our race, a new Adam, not just one Who would be sinless and invincible, but one Who also would be able to forgive sins and set free from punishment those subject to it. And not only would He have life in Himself, but also the capacity to restore to life, so that He could grant to those who cleave to Him and are related to Him by race both life and the forgiveness of their sins, restoring to life not only those who came after Him, but also those who already had died before Him. Therefore, St. Paul, that great trumpet of the Holy Spirit, exclaims, "the first man Adam was made a living soul, the last Adam was made a quickening spirit" (1 Cor. 15:45). Except for God, there is no one who is without sin, or life-creating, or able to remit sin. Therefore, the new Adam must be not only Man, but also God. He is at the same time life, wisdom, truth, love, and mercy, and every other good thing, so that He might renew the old Adam and restore him to life through mercy, wisdom and righteousness. These are the opposites of the things which the author of evil used to bring about our aging and death. As the slayer of mankind raised himself against us with envy and hatred, so the Source of life was lifted up [on the Cross] because of His immeasurable
goodness and love for mankind. He intensely desired the salvation of His creature, i.e., that His creature would be restored by Himself. In contrast to this, the author of evil wanted to bring God's creature to ruin, and thereby
put mankind under his own power, and tyrannically to afflict us. And just Today we celebrate the memory of those things that contributed, if only once, to the Incarnation. He Who is God by nature, the Co-unoriginate and Coeternal Word and Son of the Transcendent Father, becomes the Son of Man, the Son of the Ever-Virgin. "Jesus Christ the same yesterday and today, and forever" (Heb. 13:8), immutable in His divinity and blameless in His humanity, He alone, as the Prophet Isaiah prophesied, "practiced no iniquity, nor deceit with His lips" (Is. 53: 9). He alone was not brought forth in iniquity, nor was He conceived in sin, in contrast to what the Prophet David says concerning himself and every other man (Ps. 50/51: 5). Even in what He assumes, He is perfectly pure and has no need to be cleansed Himself. But for our sake, He accepted purification, suffering, death and resurrection, that He might transmit them to us. God is born of the spotless and Holy Virgin, or better to say, of the Most Pure and All-Holy Virgin. She is above every fleshly defilement, and even above every impure thought. Her conceiving resulted not from fleshly lust, but by the overshadowing of the Most Holy Spirit. Such desire being utterly alien to Her, it is through prayer and spiritual readiness that She declared to the angel: "Behold the handmaiden of the Lord; be it unto Me according to thy word" (Lk. 1:38), and that She conceived and gave birth. So, in order to render the Virgin worthy of this sublime purpose, God marked this ever-virgin Daughter now praised by us, from before the ages, and from eternity, choosing Her from out of His elect. Turn your attention then, to where this choice began. From the sons of Adam God chose the wondrous Seth, who showed himself a living heaven through his becoming behavior, and through the beauty of his virtues.
That is why he was chosen, and from whom the Virgin would blossom as the divinely fitting chariot of God. She was needed to give birth and to summon the earth-born to heavenly sonship. For this reason also all the lineage of Seth
were called "sons of God," because from this lineage a son of man would be born the Son of God. The name Seth signifies a rising or resurrection, or more specifically, it signifies And how precisely exact is this parallel! Seth was born of Eve, as she herself said, in place of Abel, whom Cain killed through jealousy (Gen. 4:25); and Christ, the Son of the Virgin, was born for us in place of Adam, whom the author of evil also killed through jealousy. But Seth did not resurrect Abel, since he was only a foretype of the resurrection. But our Lord Jesus Christ resurrected Adam, since He is the very Life and the Resurrection of the earth-born, for whose sake the descendents of Seth are granted divine adoption through hope, and are called the children of God. It was because of this hope that they were called sons of God, as is evident from the one who was first called so, the successor in the choice. This was Enos, the son of Seth, who as Moses wrote, first hoped to call on the Name of the Lord (Gen. 4:26). In this manner, the choice of the future Mother of God, beginning with the very sons of Adam and proceeding through all the generations of time, through the Providence of God, passes to the Prophet-king David and the successors of his kingdom and lineage. When the chosen time had come, then from the house and posterity of David, Joachim and Anna are chosen by God. Though they were childless, they were by their virtuous life and good disposition the finest of all those descended from the line of David. And when in prayer they besought God to deliver them from their childlessness, and promised to dedicate their child to God from its infancy. By God Himself, the Mother of God was proclaimed and given to them as a child, so that from such virtuous parents the all-virtuous child would be raised. So in this manner, chastity joined with prayer came to fruition by producing the Mother of virginity, giving birth in the flesh to Him Who was born of God the Father before the ages. Now, when Righteous Joachim and Anna saw that they had been granted their wish, and that the divine promise to them was realized in fact, then they on their part, as true lovers of God, hastened to fulfill their vow given to God as soon as the child had been weaned from milk. They have now led this truly sanctified child of God, now the Mother of God, this Virgin into the Temple of God. And She, being filled with Divine gifts even at such a tender age, She, rather than others, determined what was being done over Her. In Her manner she showed that she was not so much presented into the Temple, but that she herself entered into the service of God of her own accord, as if she had wings, striving towards this sacred and divine love. She considered it desirable and fitting that she should enter into the Temple and dwell in the Holy of Holies. Therefore, the High Priest, seeing that this child, more than anyone else, had divine grace within Her, wished to set Her within the Holy of Holies. He convinced everyone present to welcome this, since God had advanced it and approved it. Through His angel, God assisted the Virgin and sent Her mystical food, with which She was strengthened in nature, while in body She was brought to maturity and was made purer and more exalted than the angels, having the Heavenly spirits as servants. She was led into the Holy of Holies not just once, but was accepted by God to dwell there with Him during Her youth, so that through Her, the Heavenly Abodes might be opened and given for an eternal habitation to those who believe in Her miraculous birth- giving. So it is, and this is why she, from the beginning of time, was chosen from among the chosen. She Who is manifest as the Holy of Holies, Who has a body even purer than the spirits purified by virtue, is capable of receiving ... the Hypostatic Word of the Unoriginate Father. Today the Ever-Virgin Mary, like a Treasure of God, is stored in the Holy of Holies, so that in due time, (as it later came to pass) She would serve for the enrichment of, and an ornament for, all the world. Therefore, Christ God also glorifies His Mother, both before birth, and also after birth. We who understand the salvation begun for our sake through the Most Holy Virgin, give Her thanks and praise according to our ability. And truly, if the grateful woman (of whom the Gospel tells us), after hearing the saving words of the Lord, blessed and thanked His Mother, raising her voice above the din of the crowd and saying to Christ, "Blessed is the womb that bore Thee, and the paps Thou hast sucked" (Lk. 11:27), then we who have the words of eternal life written out for us, and not only the words, but also the miracles and the Passion, and the raising of our nature from death, and its ascent from earth to Heaven, and the promise of immortal life and unfailing salvation, then how shall we not unceasingly hymn and bless the Mother of the Author of our Salvation and the Giver of Life, celebrating Her conception and birth, and now Her Entry into the Holy of Holies? Now, brethren, let us remove ourselves from earthly to celestial things. Let us change our path from the flesh to the spirit. Let us change our desire from temporal things to those that endure. Let us scorn fleshly delights, which serve as allurements for the soul and soon pass away. Let us desire spiritual gifts, which remain undiminished. Let us turn our reason and our attention from earthly concerns and raise them to the inaccessible places of Heaven, to the Holy of Holies, where the Mother of God now resides. Therefore, in such manner our songs and prayers to Her will gain entry, and thus through her mediation, we shall be heirs of the everlasting blessings to come, through the grace and love for mankind of Him Who was born of Her for our sake, our Lord Jesus Christ, to Whom be glory, honor and worship, together with His Unoriginate Father and His Coeternal and Life-Creating Spirit, now and ever and unto ages of ages. Amen. On the Love and Humility of God "The Divine is beyond explanation and understanding." We do not know the nature of our nous; we do not see it, and yet the nous directs everything in man. So how can our finite nous see the infinite Nous, God, in order to believe in Him? God is beyond spirit, beyond everything that man can think of."Oh, the depth of the wisdom and knowledge of God!" (cf.Rom.11:33)
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. You are asked to send your donation to: St Nicholas Chancery, 1318 Baxter Avenue, Superior Wisconsin 54880-1762.
BISHOP SIMEON CONSECRATED - GOD GRANT HIM MANY YEARS! [Cleveland Ohio] On Sunday October 22, 2006 at St Anthony Church in Cleveland Ohio, Bishop Timothy, assisted by Archbishop Jovan (Byelorussian) and Bishop Stefan (Romanian), consecrated (ordained) Father Simeon Anderson to the Holy Episcopacy of the Syro-Russian Orthodox Catholic Church. The ceremony was attended by over forty people with several priests, deacons and seminarians attending. His Beatitude Metropolitan Stephen was also in attendance. Sister Tatyana of St Anthony Monastery was also present. Bishop Simeon was ordained an Auxiliary Bishop of the Metropolia temporarily serving as Chancellor of the Romanian Orthodox Church in Exile under Bishop Stefan of Ohio.
SEPARATION OF ROME FROM ORTHODOX CATHOLICISM - PART IV and FINAL By Bishop Timothy of Duluth The purpose of this ongoing section of the Orthodox Christian Herald is to show the differences and similarities that exist between the Orthodox and Roman Catholic Churches. Historically, it is a fact that at one time the Roman Church was part of the Orthodox Catholic Church, and held the same beliefs that were universally accepted throughout the five original patriarchates. We expressed the same Creed, the same belief in the Holy Trinity, the same belief in the two nature of Christ God, and so many other doctrines until the Great Schism of A.D. 1054. However, doctrinal differences began to surface before the Great Schism that separated the Western Church from the Eastern Church, e.g., the Filioque Clause added to the Creed in the sixth century by Rome, and fully adopted by it in the eleventh century. Since the Great Schism many other changes in the Roman Church have caused an even greater separation, e.g., the Novus Ordo or New Order of the Mass that was actually prepared by Lutheran Theologians for the Roman Church. Both the Eastern and Western Churches agree on the Real Presence of Christ in the Holy Eucharist; however when it truly becomes the Body and Blood of Christ may differ a bit between them. In the Byzantine or Orthodox Church this happens by the power of the Holy Spirit at the Epiclesis which is done after the consecratory prayers, but in the Roman Church it is believed to happen at the words of the consecration rather than at the coming of the Holy Spirit over the Holy Gifts. Both Churches have Seven Holy Mysteries or Sacraments but again differ in their administration. The Roman Church separates the Mysteries of Baptism, Confirmation (Chrismation) and Holy Communion and administers them at different times. The Orthodox Church administers all three to infants on the same day believing as Christ commanded that we should not keep the children away from Him, and that all three are necessary for all to receive the graces needed for heaven. In the Roman Church it is believed that the priest forgives the sins of the faithful in the Mystery of Penance, but among the Orthodox Catholics it is believed that God forgives the sins of mankind through the absolution of the sinner by the priest. For five centuries the Nicene Creed was said in the same manner by Christians of both the Roman and the Orthodox Catholic Churches. In both we said, "Who proceeds from the Father and together with the Father and the Son are worshipped and gloried." However, the Roman Church, on its own without the approbation of the whole Church added the Filioque to the Creed which gave it a new and very different meaning. The Filioque is a Latin term meaning "and the Son." So the Creed said by Romans stated and still states, "Who proceeds from the Father and the Son, and who together with the Father and the Son are worshipped and glorified" in reference to the Holy Spirit. The original Nicene-Constantinopolitan Creed did not contain such wording. This was formally adopted throughout the Roman Church in the eleventh century long after the Ecumenical Councils that worded and approved the Creed. The Orthodox Church opposes the addition because it is theologically untrue and introduces two principles of generation into the unity of the Godhead. This clause added by Rome introduces a double procession of the Holy Spirit from "the Father and the Son" when Scripture is clear that this is contrary to what Jesus Himself taught as recorded in John 15:26. There has been some speculation among many that Rome is considering the dropping of this Filioque Clause from the Creed, but only time will tell. The two Churches possess Apostolic Succession required for validity within the Christian Church, and this simply means that every bishop today can trace his orders back to an Apostle of Christ God. There is dispute regarding the fact that Romans trace their succession back to St Peter instead of St Paul, however. According to Scripture, in Romans, Paul addresses the faithful of Rome as their Bishop, i.e., the Apostle of Christ sent there to enhance their faith and to preach the same to all who were ignorant of it. St Peter helped to establish the Church in Antioch. The Syrian Orthodox Church has St Peter as the first Bishop of their Succession, and this is also claimed by Rome. Regardless of from St Peter or St Paul, Rome does possess validity although some of their practices today are illicit and by some even referred to as questionable or invalid. 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!
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.
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 at . If you are interested in assisting the Archdiocese to establish a mission parish in your area, please write to the same email address.
A BISHOP I AM – A SAINT I AM NOT In my visitations to many parishes and groups of people over the years, a great number of those I have met honored me by
saying I had saintly qualities and truly a man of God. It is hard to tell people that feel this way that truly I am a man of God, a priest and bishop, but a saint I am not. I am a sinner just like all other human beings, and I have
my faults which I am ashamed of. As I think about the saints of the Church, e.g., St Stephen the Protomartyr, St Timothy, St Ignatius of Antioch, St Gregory the Theologian, and all the Holy Apostles, to name a few, I am so humbled
before them because they truly were saints and many were also martyrs for Christ. I stand so far from them but I do try to be like them in ways that I can. As Christians we are all called to emulate the holy ways of the saints, but
as human beings we realize the difficulty of doing so in today's world. Sometimes we forget that even the saints were sinners, e.g., Mary Magdalene, and that they each had to struggle to reach sainthood. For many of us, including
me, it is still a daily struggle. I have made many efforts over time to always do my very best when serving God within the Church. I have tried to set good examples and to preach the Gospels with accuracy. I have
always tried to teach the true faith as it was handed down to us by Christ and the Ecumenical Councils, and I have kept close to me Jesus Christ and spoke of Him to all who were in need and those who were ignorant of Him. However,
in my personal life error has often haunted me and mistakes I have made. I guess I selected this topic to share with you because I wanted you to know that even those of us called by God to be priests and bishops also have daily
struggles in our attempts to be good. You are not alone in this journey, but what makes a difference between a penitent sinner and one who sins without conscience is our willingness to be honest about our sinful errors, we realize
them and we try to overcome such actions. There is deep remorse within us for these sins and transgressions as well as sorrow. We know that such bad deeds hurt our Lord. The sinner without conscience never thinks about what he or
she is doing to our Lord or to others, they care less and have no remorse for their sins and transgressions. My second reason for writing this article is for all my friends and my enemies. I have spent much time
this past year considering all those whom I may have hurt and those who have hurt me, as well as all those who have been good to me and who have shown me love. I have come to realize that even my enemies need my forgiveness, and I
have released all my negative feelings towards them and turned them and their ways over to God. To those who have shown me kindness and even love, I know that there may have been times that I may have hurt some of them for some
reason, and whether justified or not, I ask forgiveness. Each of you reading this will know where you fall into all of this, and know that you are in my thoughts as of this writing. When we say the "Our Father" we say,
Forgive us our trespasses as we forgive those who trespass against us."
How can anyone of us expect God to forgive us if we ourselves fail to forgive those who have offended us? In my heart, all who have offended me from the time I can remember are forgiven. It is my prayer that all who read this will also forgive me and, most importantly, forgive those who have offended you so that God will forgive your offenses against Him. To those who will not accept your forgiveness and who wish to ignore you, simply forgive and then ignore them and their ways and move on with life. As I continue my journey in this life, I realize that it is hard to do this by carrying a large amount of unnecessary baggage that only causes us to be weighed down. It also makes it harder for our guardian angel and all the holy ones to guide us in the right direction if we are always preoccupied with negative feelings. Please think about what I have written. You need not look up all your enemies, simply tell God you forgive them all and let Him deal with them and their own sins. This is most sufficient.
To all those I serve both clergy and laity, all those I have come to know, to my friends and my enemies both known and unknown, I harbor no ill feelings in my heart. Let us forgive one another so that we ourselves
can be forgiven. God bless you all. +Stephen, Metropolitan
COUNCIL OF CANONICAL AUTOCEPHALOUS ORTHODOX BISHOPS ORGANIZED [Duluth Minnesota] His Beatitude, Metropolitan Archbishop Stephen, Protohierarch of the Syro-Russian Orthodox Catholic Church announced that preliminary documents are now being worked on to officially establish the Council of Canonical Autocephalous Orthodox Bishops. His Eminence Archbishop Anthony of New York (former Exarchate of the Greek Orthodox Patriarchate of Alexandria) and Bishop Timothy (Syro-Russian) both have expressed strong interest in this journey and have been assisting the Metropolia in this matter. To date, in addition to the above, Archbishop Jovan (Byelorussian Autocephalous Orthodox Church), Archbishop Paul (Northeastern Diocese of the Ukrainian Orthodox Catholic Church), Bishop Stefan (Romanian Orthodox Church in Exile), Bishop Simeon (Syro-Russian), Bishop Timotheos (Romanian Orthodox Church in Exile), Bishop Ignatius (Christian Orthodox Church), Bishop Mark (American Orthodox Catholic), Bishop Michael (OCC of North America), and Mitred Archimandrite Cyril (Syro-Russian) have been included in the planning stages. Archimandrite Cyril is Bishop-elect for South & Central America and Mexico. Syro-Russian Bishop John (India), Bishops-elect Steven (Nigeria) and Samson (Tanzania), and Chorbishop Joseph (Belgium) will also be included. Deacon Ephreme of the Ethiopian Orthodox Church has expressed his desire to be a spectator representing his Church and his Bishop Danial of Ethiopia. More news will be made available in the next edition of the Orthodox Christian Herald. A Review Committee to study and approve applicants to the Council has been established for the interim year until the First Council Meeting (2007).
METROPOLIA ANNOUNCES NEW ADVISORY COMMITTEE [Duluth Minnesota] His Beatitude has announced the new Advisory Committee which will serve the Syro-Russian Metropolia. The current Advisory Committee will be made up of the following in service to the Metropolia: Honorary Member Dr Peter Smyth (Ontario Canada); Father Stephen Lawrence (California); Deacon Steven Johnson (Minnesota); Dr Audrey Daniel (South Carolina); Dr Sandra Dobiash (Colorado); Dr Andrew Gill (Texas); Dr Janet Maus (Maryland); Dr Bekki Medsker (South Carolina); and Mr Hampton Bumgarner (New Jersey). Mitred Archimandrite Fr Cyril Cranshaw was also nominated and accepted his position on the Advisory Committee. Other appointments are still pending for two vacancies.
NEW REGIONAL DIRECTOR APPOINTED FOR COMMISSION [Carlsbad California] Father Stephen Aaron Lawrence was appointed the new regional director of the Western Region of the Commission on Religious Counseling and Healing. He was nominated and elected to this post in July 2006 at the Commission Conference that was held at St Mary Cathedral in Duluth Minnesota. Father is also pastor of two new mission parishes, Ss Cosmas & Damian and Holy Ghost both in California.
2007 COMMISSION CONFERENCE IN AUGUST 2007 [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 11th, 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 20 th 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-BISHOPS' CONSISTORY IN AUGUST 2007 [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. The Metropolia has agreed to allow lay advisors attendance at the Council on Thursday only instead of Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday this coming year. Those who can be there on more days are urged to do so. All Bishops and clergy of the Church are expected to be in attendance this coming year, along with the newly elected lay advisors.
BLESSINGS & ORDINATIONS Episcopal Consecration
Diaconate
Minor Orders
APPOINTMENTS & ASSIGNMENTS
OFFICIAL FROM METROPOLIA Issue 1. (08.29.06/1): No Antimens will be issued to any parish or priest unless they have first resolved charter issues with the Archdiocesan Chancery. Issue 2. (11.18.06/1): The Divine Liturgy (SROCC) is now completed and can be ordered from the Metropolia ($100.00 including S&H). All clergy are to order their copy by February 1st, 2007. Reprinted. (09.23.06/1): Clerics being ordained deacons or priests must now spend the minimum of three (3) days with their ordaining prelate before the date of ordination. This is in order to take canonical examinations, be appropriately prepared, receive counsel, make a good confession, and complete the review process. There are no exceptions.
PAROCHIAL CHARTERS Established:
Vicariate of Tanzania (11.09.06)
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.
UPDATE ON THE AFRICAN VICARIATE OF THE CONGO [African Congo] Mother Helena, Superior of St Mary Mother of God Convent, has advised the Metropolia that there is still no unanimous word on the election of a Bishop for the Democratic Republic of the Congo. Subdeacon Joseph Mabedi confirmed this as well. The Metropolitan Archbishop has given the Congo Vicariate until January 5th, 2007 to decide or the decision will be remanded to the Metropolia Council to make.
CATHEDRAL NAMED FOR TANZANIA [Mbeya Town Tanzania] Ss Peter & Paul Church in Iwanga Mbeya Town Tanzania has been chosen by His Beatitude Metropolitan Archbishop Stephen as the first Cathedral in Tanzania. Ss Peter & Paul Cathedral is the parish church of Bishop-elect Samson and will temporarily serve all of Tanzania that is comprised of 138 parishes with additional parochial institutions existing there.
ST MICHAEL & ALL ANGELS PARISH A REALITY IN MINNESOTA [St Cloud Minnesota] A new mission parish has been opened in St Cloud Minnesota. His Beatitude Archbishop Stephen visited the temporary location of St Michael & All Angels Syro-Russian Orthodox Catholic Church, 5488 20th Street North, St Cloud Minnesota on November 15th, 2006. He was accompanied by Bishop Timothy, Seminarian Maximus, and Father Deacon Steven John, administrator of St Michael's. Love of Christ Lutheran Church has generously loaned a very spacious room with its own entrance to this mission. Permission was also given for signage outside the entrance to St Michael's. The Typica Service with Holy Communion will be served on Sundays at 1:00 p.m. for now. For more information call Father Deacon Steven at 320-230-2609.
138 PCG PARISHES IN TANZANIA CONVERT TO ORTHODOXY [Mbeya Tanzania)] Through the efforts of the Metropolia and Deacon Demetrios Essau of Tanzania, 138 parish churches of the Pentecost 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.
RECENT GRADUATES October 15th, 2006, Deacon Steven Johnson received his Bachelor of Theology (Th.B.) degree from St Mark-Romano Byzantine College. He matriculated into this program in March of 2004. Deacon Steven resides in St Cloud Minnesota with his wife, Jennifer. He established St Michael & All Angels Syro-Russian Orthodox Catholic Church there. Congratulations, Deacon Steven!
ANNUAL ALUMNI ASSOCIATION GATHERING Several alumni of St Mary Seminary-Romano Byzantine College 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. This would be followed by an address given by members of the administration that would be followed by dinner and some form of entertainment. It would be a one-day event. Dr Melodi Luko suggested that such an event be held every two years. The Metropolia has agreed with this suggestion and such an event will be held in all odd numbered years, e.g. 2007. The College Administration is asking for nominations of a person to be appointed as President of the Alumni Association of St Mark-Romano Byzantine College. Alumni are asked to send their thoughts on both issues to Chancery Office, 1318 Baxter Avenue, Superior Wisconsin 54880-1762, or email them at .
NEW SEMINARIAN IN MASTER OF DIVINITY PROCESS Dr Arthur Cushing DC, 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.
SEMINARIANS OF THE METROPOLIA IN THE UNITED STATES The Metropolia proudly announces the acceptance of two seminarians who shall prepare for Holy Orders at St Mary Cathedral in Duluth Minnesota. Seminarian Mark Ittefaq Afzal, who comes from Lahore Pakistan where he was studying Orthodox Church History and Theology, arrived at St Mary's in August 2006. He is a convert to Orthodoxy from the Roman Church. Seminarian Maximus D Seipke, who resided in Duluth Minnesota prior to his acceptance, was independently studying Orthodox Theology and Catechesis while residing at St Mary Cathedral. He has been at St Mary's since August 2005. He will study towards his Bachelor of Theology degree. Subdeacon Matthew Bayardo Largaespada of Nicaragua, currently residing in Los Angeles California, has commenced studies leading to the Master of Divinity from St Mark-Romano Byzantine College. He is expected to be ordained to the Holy Diaconate in July 2007. Deacon Steven M Johnson has been in the seminary program at St Mary's Cathedral since 2004 and has just qualified by completing theological studies for his Bachelor of Theology from St Mark's Seminary – Romano Byzantine College. He is active in the Master of Divinity degree process. Born in Superior Wisconsin he has mostly resided in Minnesota. He is expected to be ordained to the Holy Priesthood in late 2007.
ALUMNI ASSOCIATION - TRANSCRIPTS St Mark Seminary - Romano Byzantine College has announced that alumni wishing verification of studies must be renewed with the Alumni Association by January 1st, 2007. A transcript that costs a supporting alumnus $10.00 each will now cost non-supporting graduates $20.00 each. Please send your annual $75.00 renewal to Chancery Office, 1318 Baxter Avenue, Superior WI 54880-1762 by January 1st , 2007. 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.
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). Religious Articles Hand-Made Chalice and Diskos Veils, Aers, Red Communion Cloths, Crosses, Analogia, Wooden Blessing Crosses (for house blessings), and other items for sale and made by Deacon Steven Johnson. All religious items are hand-made to order and inexpensive. For more information and prices please write to: Rev Deacon Steven M Johnson, 1719 South 7th Avenue, St Cloud MN 56301, or call 320-230-2609. Vestments for Sale Greek-style priest's vestments tailor made in 4-5 weeks. Available colors: White, Silver, Purple, Red, Green, Black, and Gold. Set includes Phelon (Chasuble), Epitrachelion (Stole), Cuffs, Zone, Aer and Chalice and Diskos veils. Cost per set: $600.00. For more information write to Chancery Office, 1318 Baxter Avenue, Superior WI 54880-1762; or email to . 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 CRCH.RBSOCC.ORG For information write to: Dr Peter Smyth, 109 Palmer Circle RR2, Bolton Ontario L7E 5R8 Canada; or Father Timothy Kjera, Post Office Box 16201, Duluth Minnesota 55816-1612. This is a Licensed Society of Professionals in service to God through the Healing Ministry of the Church. 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, Nigeria, Nicaragua, and Minnesota (USA)..The Sisters of the Community of St Basil are headquartered in the African Congo and are part of the Monastic Community of St Basil. Holy Mother of God Syro-Russian Orthodox Catholic Chapel, Chorbishop Joseph Mpongo, Louis Lambert Avenue 32A, 6040 Jumet Belgium. 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 Cathedral, located at 5907 Grand Avenue, Duluth Minnesota 55807. Clergy: His Excellency Bishop Timothy, Pastor; Deacon Steven M Johnson, Seminarian Mark Afzal, Seminarian Maximus Seipke, Assistants. Phone: 218-624-0202. Sunday Liturgy: 10:30 A.M. St Thomas the Apostle Syro-Russian Orthodox Catholic Chapel, 1719 South 7th Avenue, St Cloud Minnesota. Deacon Steven M Johnson, Administrator.
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