MESSAGE FROM THE METROPOLITAN His Eminence Most Reverend Stephen, Metropolitan Hierarch The Light of Christ is the only true light of the world. We give thanks on December 25th (January 7th on the Julian Calendar) for the birth of our Lord, Jesus Christ the Son of God. Through his Incarnation (the divine instantaneously joining with the human in the womb of the Blessed Virgin Mary) and his birth as Christ God and Man he truly became the light of the world, our hope for salvation. We often look to the image of the candle as being like Jesus Christ and rightly so. Although the candle is not human, it truly offers itself to us for light in darkness and warmth in coldness. It serves us in many ways. The most important is that it allows itself to be consumed in order to light our way to safety. Christ also allowed his own humanity to be consumed by death of the cross in order to light our way to heaven. Through his teachings while yet on earth as a man and his death on the cross, Christ God gave us the means to reach eternal happiness in heaven with our Father - God Almighty. Jesus Christ is our light in darkness and our warmth in times of need. We often look at Christmas as a time to give and receive gifts to show our love and appreciation for those near and dear to us. However, we have somehow lost the true meaning of this feast. It is not a day for others or us but it is a day for our Lord – his birthday and his time. On his birthday he gave us all a very special and valuable gift that will continue until the end of time, i.e., salvation through his life and death, the reopening of the gates of heaven to those who have lived by faith and who have honored the Most Blessed Trinity. This gift of his own life was the greatest gift to mankind after the fall of Adam and Eve in the Garden of Paradise. He took upon himself the garment of mankind and accepted freely all the pains and responsibilities of humanity for us. His life was not easy nor was he treated like the true king he was. He labored and suffered endlessly to teach us the ways of right living and true faith. He was humiliated time and time again and ultimately faced death on the cross so that we would all have a chance for eternal happiness. He remained on earth for thirty-three years teaching us humility and love by his actions. Through his life he was treated with suspicion as a criminal although he was the King of kings. Truly we owe him much in return for what he did for us. When the holiday comes around again this year let us not worry about who is buying what or what we are getting for whom, let us make our primary concern what we are going to give Jesus Christ our Lord on his birthday. This is his day. Just like you want your birthday to be remembered and to be a special day – so does our Lord. What will you give to Him? He gave his life for us. His unworthy servant, VICAR OF TANZANIA PASSES AWAY The Reverend Father Peter Simbeye, Vicar General of the Vicariate of Tanzania (Syro-Russian) passed away unto Christ God on January 27th, 2004, at 5:30 p.m. East African Time. He died in the Regional Hospital at Dar Es Salaam of complication resulting from malaria and pulmonary tuberculosis. Burial was in Mbeya. He was pastor of St Timothy Parish in Dar Es Salaam since 1997. He was a priest in our jurisdiction since 1995. Father Peter was also in charge of all seminarians in Tanzania and worked very hard to spread the good news of the Orthodox Catholic Church in his country. He will be missed by many. The Metropolitan Archbishop offered Requiem Prayers for him on Sunday February 1st, 2004, after Divine Liturgy, at St Mary's Church in Duluth Minnesota. He was assisted by Father Timothy Kjera, Vicar General, and Subdeacon Mark Mwaga, a cleric from Tanzania at St Mary's Parish. Memory Eternal, O Lord! COMMUNION ESTABLISHED WITH SYNOD The Metropolitanate has announced that communion has been established between Bishop Haralampos of the Holy Orthodox Church of the Hellas and Diasporas and the Syro-Russian Orthodox Catholic Church and Synod. Bishop Haralampos oversees three chapels in the United States: Ss Vladymir & Olga of St Paul Minnesota; Ss Dionysios, Timotheos and Mavra of Affton Missouri; and Protection of the Holy Theotokos of Dallas Texas. The Act of Communion now allows the faithful of both jurisdictions to receive the Holy Mysteries in each other's parishes when necessary. His Eminence Archbishop Stephen approved this act on October 18th, 2003. SYNOD APPROACHED TO REVIEW VACCINATION ISSUE The Synod of Bishops of the Syro-Russian Orthodox Catholic Church have been requested to examine research findings on unwarranted and forced vaccinations on children, and to investigate the side-effect allegations and findings attributed to them. Statistics and judicial rulings were supplied to the Metropolia from Drs Saul and Sherri-Lee Pressman (Canada), Dr Sande Julian (USA), Dr Kathryn Ferrante (USA), and Reverend Dr Michael Dickens (USA) who also serves the Metropolia as Health and Wellness Consultor. The Metropolia has continued a steady updating and discussion of this issue with members of the Synod of Bishops, clergy and members of the Commission on Religious Counseling and Healing. It has further consulted with Father Timothy Kjera, Vicar General of the Synod and Archdiocesan Chancellor, and other persons involved in this very controversial matter. One important fact to be fully understood is that there is much disagreement over this issue among politicians, judicial authorities and members of the health professions. The Metropolia condemns the use of any child or group of children or any human being as guinea pigs for medical experiments or any other type of testing in which the quality of life or life of the individual might be endangered. The Synod will continue to examine all facts placed before it and will issue an official response in 2004. The Metropolitan Archbishop urges all to pray for prudent decisions in this matter by all empowered to make binding decisions. The Metropolia closed current discussions on this matter with these words: "It is hoped that these persons in power do not infringe upon the God-given Divine Rights, and Constitutional Rights, of humanity that demands all humans to protect themselves from danger of any kind, especially the children and the aged that are entrusted to our care and protection." Those wishing to offer their thoughts on this matter may write to the Commission on Religious Counseling and Healing, PO Box 16201, Duluth MN 55816. SYNODAL VICAR GENERAL NAMED The Metropolia has announced the appointment of Father Timothy Kjera to the position of Vicar General of the Archdiocese and Synodal Chancellor of the Metropolia. The Metropolitan Archbishop Hierarch made his decision and announced it in August 2002. Father Timothy takes over the vacancy left by VR Father Basil Koch (of Blessed Memory) who passed away October 2001. Like Father Basil, Father Timothy is a very devoted priest who has always placed the good welfare of the Church before himself. He has faithfully served the Metropolitan Archbishop as Moderator of the Commission on Religious Counseling and Healing, in Archdiocesan and Chancery administration, and as a parish priest. Father Timothy now holds the highest administrative position within the Metropolia directly under and responsible to the Metropolitan Hierarch. He also serves as pastor of St Mary's Church in Duluth Minnesota. HONORARY TITLE BESTOWED UPON PRIEST After twenty-two years of service to the Church as a priest, Father Patrick Lemming of St James Syro-Russian Orthodox Catholic House and Chapel in Sevierville Tennessee, was granted the title of "Very Reverend." His Eminence Archbishop Stephen granted Very Reverend Father Patrick this title in honor of his dedication to the holy priesthood and to the Church for his now over twenty-two years of dedicated service. Father Patrick was orginally a priest in the Roman Catholic Church before his joining the Orthodox Catholic Church in 1997. TWO MORE OFFICERS ELECTED FOR COMMISSION (2002-2005) Kathryn Ferrante of Orlando Florida and David Brian Wesley of Dallas Texas have been added to the Commission on Religious Counseling and Healing's Executive Board of Officers. Kathryn has been appointed Vice Moderator and will now assist the Moderator, Father Timothy Kjera, in the administration of the Commission for the Metropolia. Brian was elected to the office of President in July 2003 replacing Sherri-Lee Pressman who had to resign. The terms for both will expire in 2005. IN THE BEGINNING - GOD CREATED Editor's Note: The following was prepared by Archimandrite Mark before his untimely death in 1994. He was a Bishop-elect of the Synod although he passed away before his consecration as a Bishop. Although not completed we felt it has merit and decided to share it with our readers. Let us never forget that all humanity and all that we see in nature and in life, and our whole being and all that surrounds us is from God! No one can claim power over us but God. We are his and to him do we owe our whole being. Often our minds are clouded with thoughts that only science, medicine and even the government have control over our every need but this is not true. All that we have we owe to God and he sees to our every need. This is not to say that he will give us all we want but that he understands what we truly need. He alone can create life and he alone can take it. The philosophy of Theocentrism is very right and just as it teaches us that all within our universe is centered around God. When God gives us life we are also given a responsibility to know, love and serve him above all others. It is God who gives us health as well and again we have a responsibility to maintain it to the best of our ability. Health is a personal responsibility that encourages us to make wise choices affecting it. Certainly God has gifted us with wise medical and theocentric healers who are entrusted with the maintenance of our body-temples, but he also provided us with nature full of cures and remedies to help us along in life. No one can control these gifts from God and they remain for our use. There are too many forces and groups today who are trying to change what has been lawful and right from the beginning. Some have attempted to fool us by creating a pseudo-bible or book attributed to God that claims to give us a better way of living based on a new religious thought as an example of how Christ's faith can be distorted by man. Others make daily attempts to strip us from our right to pray in public places forgetting that we are here by the grace of God. There are others who slowly work to take our rights away to believe as we wish and to force their beliefs on us. There are even those who are so bold as to tell us how we should live and even create laws to enforce their beliefs and views. WE THE PEOPLE (remember the Constitution) are created by God (remember the Bible) and as such have certain rights that no man can strip us from. It is wrong to just sit back and allow such things to happen to our rights rather than use the voice that God has blessed us with to voice our dislikes. Since coming to Colorado in 1987, I have seen the abuse of power demonstrated by some and the harassment of those who do not comply. Thank God this is only a trait of a few here but when they hold great power this can become threatening to many others or all. I have seen the good deeds os some made to look evil because of vindictive and hateful persons. This is not right and certainly not pleasing to God. This sort of thing is not just limited to this State but others as well. Political authority, like religious authority, must be used in the right manner and not abused. Respect is earned because of just actions and not because of force. One day we must all face God. All of us have an obligation to read the Patristic Writings of the early Church Fathers and to remain loyal to what has been written by them and followed for many years after them. These men were the immediate descendant-disciples of Christ God long before such damaging occurrences as the reformation. Just as most would not like to see the United States Constitution changed, amended, or dissolved, how much more important is it to protect the Holy Scriptures and the writings expalining them that came from the Seven Ecumenical Councils of the ancient Church? If such things as the Bible and prayer become outlawed how much longer before the Constitution? Every human being has an obligation to protect their God-given rights and should waste no time in opposing those who try to take them away. Children have an obligation to their parents and parents have an obligation to raise their children appropriately teaching them good morals and sound ideals. We all have an obligation to remember that we are here on this earth by the grace of God. FETAL BAPTISM The following article was published on June 6th, 1992, in the Religious Questions Box of the Hellenic Chronicle. The question was posed to him by an Orthodox Christian and deals with the baptism of a fetus before an abortion. This is his response: I know of no prohibition to this idea in the tradition. But there is no suggestion anywhere that would encourage the practice, either. While the Church's view prohibiting abortion is clearly found in the earliest of patristic writings and Church canons, there is no analogous tradition for in utero baptism. While this is understandable as long as the norm was adult baptism, we have no evidence that the Church practiced this when infant baptism became the normal practice. Theological and liturgical reasons may have determined this stance. Theologically, baptism in the Orthodox tradition is for a single individual. It is normally conducted by immersion in blessed water. However, in emergencies, when the life of the infant is in danger, baptism in the air, or with a few drops of water is possible. While the proposed idea is interesting, there might be some difficulties with it. First, there is the general principle that sacramental actions on the mother are not transferred to the fetus. In 315 (AD) a Council in Neoceasaria of Cappadocia in Asia Minor ruled in its 6th Canon that an unborn child is not baptized when its mother is baptized. By analogy, the unborn child does not receive the sacrament of Holy Communion when the mother communes the Holy Mysteries. So, in this case, if the water was sprinkled, poured or the mother was immersed in it, it would amount to a second baptism (which is prohibited) of the mother, and not a baptism of the child. This raises, secondly, the issue of the possible method of baptism of a fetus. The only methods that come to mind would be something like amniocentesis, a medical procedure that draws fluid from the uterus, or inter-uterine surgery. Since priests are totally incompetent to do such things, physicians (the same ones who are to perform the abortion?!) would have to perform the baptism – then kill the child! Next, I question the need. God, who knows all things and who is fully aware of the injustice and immorality of aborting the unborn child, knowing that the unborn child is an innocent victim, must certainly act in a divinely wise way. Finally, I try to empathize with the situation of a mother who has decided to baptize her unborn child before killing it. There is something bizarre about the situation. If she recognizes that the child in her womb is a person who can be baptized and made a member of the Kingdom, how could she bring herself to destroy it? The only answer possible to me is that baptism would be an excusing element in the process of abortion. "At least I baptized it," she would say to herself, somehow mitigating the consequences of her act. Availability of fetal baptism might even encourage some women to have abortions. BIBLICAL FACTS IN BRIEF The Prophet Isaiah predicted the birth of our Lord in Bethehem 700 years before it occurred. Herod met with the wisemen to gain information about Christ's birth, but when he found he could not get the information he wanted, he ordered his captain to kill all new born males in Bethlehem. When the captain returned he said, "Sire, not one is alive." Immediately after this Herod took ill and died but was succeeded by his own son also named Herod. Christ lived as it was written and grew up to establish his Church. The first four called to follow him were Peter, Andrew, John and Judas. Ss Peter and Andrew were brothers. Then were called James the Less and Matthew and the others. At thirty-three years of age our Lord died after having been before Caiphas for trial where Nicodemus of the Sanhedrin spoke against Caiphas and his decision. Christ was taken before Herod for sentencing because Caesar wanted nothing to do with it. Christ's death on the cross gave us all new life and hope. "As a grain of wheat is just a grain of wheat, but if it dies and is put into the ground it gives life to many." COMMISSION CONFERENCE The 2004 Commission Conference for members of the Commission on Religious Counseling and Healing will be held from Friday July 23rd - Sunday July 25th, 2004. This will take place at St Mary Theotokos Orthodox Catholic Church in Duluth Minnesota. For more information call 218-624-0207. Expected speakers will include Reverend Fr Timothy Kjera (Minnesota), Dr Sandi Dobiash (Wisconsin), Brian Wesley (Texas), Dr Peter Smyth (Canada), and Dr Richard Silberman (Wisconsin). COMPANIONS OF SAINT BASIL The Companions of St Basil is a society of dedicated men and women over the age of eighteen (or sixteen with permission of parents), married or single, who feel a calling to be closer to Christ God through prayer and performance of the Corporal Works of Mercy. Diocesan clergy and seminarians who wish to associate with the Monastic Community of St Basil as Regulars or Companions are also invited. For application and more information write to: St Mark's (Syro-Russian) Orthodox Catholic Hermitage, % His Grace Bishop George, 1A Sultan Street, Accrington Lancashire BB5 6EL England. ONE - HOLY - CATHOLIC AND APOSTOLIC CHURCH By Father Joseph Paul Editor's Note: This is the first of several articles that will be included in future issues on this subject matter. Archbishop Stephen will present the next article on this subject in our next edition. In the Holy Nicene Creed we state our belief in the fact that there is but one holy, catholic, and apostolic Church founded by Jesus Christ. The truth of the matter is that only one Christian Church truly was founded by Jesus Christ and it exists today after 2,000 years as the Orthodox Christian Church. This Church alone dates back to Christ and the Holy Apostles. Rome was a part of this Universal Church until its separation from Orthodoxy in A.D. 1054. Then how have we come by so many other forms of Christianity today? Why are there over 5,000 other Christian sects throughout the world? Can they all be teaching the true faith of Jesus Christ? After the Church of Rome broke from Christian Orthodoxy in A.D. 1054, it began to bring many other man-made innovations into its jurisdiction in addition to those that lead to separation orginally. Obviously these additions were not well received by many members of the Roman Church and gradually it lead to the schism of Martin Luther in Germany from it. Martin, fueled by the anger and disenchantment of many others who shared his thoughts, succeeded in breaking ties with Rome where he had been serving as a Franciscan priest-monk. It wasn't long during this reformation that many others followed Martin in establishing churches that beagn teaching the doctrines of Luther. This obviously lead to the formation of the Lutheran Church. Christian followers of Martin Luther. Although with good intentions this all started, it later gave birth to the tearing of Christ's vestments even more and the creating of new doctrines that were alien to early Christianity. Luther himself was still very Catholic minded and did not intend to see such ancient beliefs such as the Real Presence, Veneration to the Blessed Mother, Holy Sacraments, Apostolic Succession, and sign of the Cross eliminated from his new Church, but they did become obsolete or changed dramatically soon after. In fact, as years progressed Lutherans as a whole began to disagree among themselves leading to many other separations within their Church, e.g., Missouri Synod, Wisconsin Synod, Evangelical Lutheran, Swedish Lutheran, Free Lutheran, Protestant Lutheran and many others. How can all these be representative of the One true Faith of Christ God? This question plagues all Orthodox Christians today, and the only real answer is that they can't and yet all be right believing. Although not what he intended, Luther opened a Pandora's Box and released a great chaos within the Church that is seen today. The bottom line is that Christ founded one Church and gave us one Faith. He suffered and died one death for this Christian Church. What Christ has given us we must believe with our whole heart, soul and mind. This will remain unchanged throughout time. What man gives us is subject to error and will change. We must make the right decision in this matter because we are given one soul and one life. Let us pray for all our separated brothers and sisters in Christ. PREPARING FOR THE NATIVITY Time has come again to be part of Jesus's birth. It is a time to be together as a family and most of all to unite as children of God. God's Word became flesh like us and he
chose to live with us in our human world. He was born in a wooden manger and died on a wooden cross to show his love for us. God did this all for us but there are many who do not understand God's love for us. Those who have
been given the power to preach and teach others often forget the true meaning of his birth and his death. Many think of power, money, fame and forget that these have nothing to do with God at all. They are only part of
the evil one who went against God and was deposed from eternity. The Nativity is the time that God's Word became flesh like us bringing us closer to his eternal kingdom that has been prepared for all creation.
NATIVITY FAST PRAYER CONFESSION
SPIRITUAL READING GOOD DEEDS HOLY
EUCHARIST RUSSIAN PATRIARCHATE BANS HALLOWEEN The Russian Orthodox Patriarchate of Moscow, and the Moscow Education Department, have both agreed that Halloween is not to be observed by good and holy Orthodox Christians. The Russian Orthodox Church headed the action against this holiday. According to officials, Halloween has been banned from schools in Moscow after Russian education chiefs ruled it was too pagan. Officials caved in to Church demands and issued a blanket ban on all Halloween celebrations from carving pumpkin heads to dressing up. The Moscow Education Department ordered all schools in the capital to ban any Halloween practices or celebrations. (www.ananova.com/news/story/sm_833100.html) Metropolitan Archbishop Stephen (Syro-Russian Orthodox Catholic Church) has also issued a statement agreeing totally with the actions of the Russian Orthodox Patriarchate, and he cautions all parishes in union with the Metropolia to cease any Halloween activities within parish churches in the future. Archbishop Stephen calls upon those who are members of the Church to advocate celebrations at this time honoring good persons of notability and the holy saints of the Church. Candy and treats can still be given out within the parish but with prudent intentions and practices. The Archbishop stated: "One can dress like his/her patron saint, or like someone who has done good for society or accomplished great humanitarian achievements, or perhaps their parish priest or a nun, or other notable figure and still have fun. Instead of dressing like the devil one should dress like an angel." He also added that this celebration should be observed on either November 1st/14th the Feast of All Saints. ORDINATIONS
MONASTIC INVESTITURES
ASSIGNMENTS/APPOINTMENTS
PAROCHIAL CHARTERS Established under the Metropolia:
In Communion:
Dissolved:
DISCIPLINARY ACTS OF THE SYNOD
PRAY FOR THE SICK AND SUFFERING
MEMORY ETERNAL
OFFICIAL FROM THE METROPOLITANATE His Eminence Archbishop Stephen has granted approbation for communion between the Holy Orthodox Church in the United States under Bishop Haralampos and the Syrian Russian Orthodox Catholic Church. This means that our faithful may receive the Holy Mysteries in the three parishes associated with Bishop Haralampos and their faithful within our parishes. The Metropolia has granted permission for parishes and parochial institutions to use "Eastern Orthodox Catholic" on all signage to show that we are a pan-Orthodox Church (for all ethnic groups) and to avoid confusion in certain Archdiocesan territories. Somewhere on all signs and letterheads should be placed "In Union with the Syro-Russian Orthodox Catholic Metropolia." The new Liturgy of St John Chrysostom for Use in the Syro-Russian Church will be completed by March 1st, 2004. Clergy wishing a copy are asked to send US$50 for black and white version or US$100 for red rubric version. This is asked to assist the Church with the printing of this Liturgikon. (Send check or money order to: Archdiocese Chancery, 2123 West 5th Street - 2nd Floor, Duluth MN 55806.) The Diocese of Guatemala has broken from Orthodox Catholicism and has went into schism under Bishop Andreas de Jesus Giron. The Synod is deeply grieved over this situation and we pray for the faithful involved in this action. The Metropolia has officially deposed Bishop Andreas. The Diocese has violated canon law, rejected the Church Calendar, and has ignored pastoral warnings repeatedly from the Archdiocese. FAST & ABSTINENCE LAWS OF THE SYNOD Abstinence is the avoiding of meat (and on certain days dairy) products as prescribed by the Church. We abstain from red meats on Wednesdays (Day of Betrayal) and Fridays (Day of Crucifixion) except fast-free weeks. Fasting is to eat only one full meal with two smaller ones on days prescribed by the Church. We abstain during the Advent Season and Great Lent. Fast and Abstinence is observed on certain days prescribed by the Church such as Wednesdays and Fridays during Great Lent and the Feast of the Holy Cross. It is currently the policy of our jurisdiction for those who have reached thirteen years of age and older and who are healthy and properly instructed to follow the rules of fast and abstinence. Children from age seven on should also be taught to abstain from something they like or from the designated foods on a lesser scale in order to teach them discipline and suffering for our Lord. Those who need a bdispensation from these laws due to health reasons should obtain such from their parish priest or local Bishop, There is no fasting or abstinence on fast-free weeks following Holy Pascha and Christmas, and during the week of Indiction. It is allowed to eat fish on Wednesdays throughout the year except for times of fasting and abstinence, and red meat should not be eaten on Wednesdays or Fridays except during fast-free weeks or days specified by the Church. NEW PARISH IN IRELAND County Mayo in Ireland is now the home of the first Syro-Russian Orthodox parish to be established in Ireland! Like St Patrick, Father Padraig (Patrick) Kneafsey has been assigned there as a missionary trying to rekindle the flames of Orthodoxy and its faith as St Patrick did for Orthodox Catholicism many years before him. The new parish has been canonized under the patronal name of St Columban. Father Padraig actively works among the people there teaching the faith and trying to bring searching souls to Christ God. St Columban's is an Eastern Rite parish of the Metropolia. MISSION PARISH FORMED IN PARIS TEXAS St Luke the Physician Syro-Russian Orthodox Catholic Mission has been established in Paris Texas and the Very Reverend Father Paul Glenn Jensen is pastor of this parish. Father Paul invites those interested in joining and helping to build a church there to contact him. Father can be reached by writing him at St Luke's Rectory, 339 NE 8th Street, Parish Texas 75450. SYRO-RUSSIAN CONVENT ACCEPTS NEW POSTULANTS Sister Albertine, MCSB, Superior of St Mary Mother of God Convent in the Repulic of the Congo, has announced that three new postulants were accepted into the Monastoc Community in September 2003. This now brings the total number of postulants and novice sisters to 17. Sister Albertine has advised the Metropolia that a larger facility is needed and she hopes that many will want to help with a donation now matter the size. Please make your check/money order payable to either Sister Albertine or the Convent and send to Archdiocese Residence, 2123 West 5th Street - 2nd Floor, Duluth MN 55806, and we will make certain that it is sent to the right address. NEW MISSION IN ANCHORAGE ALASKA The Metropolia has approved All Saints Chapel in Anchorage Alaska and has appointed Scholastic Haralambos Winger in charge of this mission of the Syro-Russian Metropolia. Haralambos is currently a major seminarian of the Archdiocese who will be ordained our first priest in Alaska in 2004. All Saints becomes the first parish of our jurisdiction in Alaska, the State that flourishes with Orthodox parishes of many jurisdictions. Haralambos is completing requirements for his Master of Divinity through the Archdiocese. TANZANIAN SEMINARIAN AT DULUTH MINNESOTA Seminarian Mark Kwame Mwaga, who is from St Timothy Syro-Russian Orthodox Catholic Pro-Cathedral Parish in Dar Es Salaam Tanzania, is now in residence at St Mary's Orthodox Catholic Parish in Duluth Minnesota. Mark will be completing Master of Divinity studies and preparing for his ordination to the Holy Priesthood in 2004. He has already completed formal studies and preliminary seminary studies in Tanzania under Reverend Peter Simbeye at St Timothy's Parish. PAKISTAN SEMINARY CHARTERED Holy Trinity (Syro-Russian) Orthodox Catholic Seminary in Lahore Pakistan now has twelve registered and resident seminarians and three associated with it according to Scholastic Michael Chaman, rector of the seminary. Michael has opened the seminary to train priests for Pakistan using his own money for the greater glory of God and for the future of the Church. He has been preparing for ordination since 1999 and it is expected that he will be ordained to the Holy Priesthood in 2004 in Duluth Minnesota. Michael resides in Lahore and lives with his wife and family. HIGH SCHOOL AND COLLEGE IN TANZANIA Thanks to the efforts of Father Peter Simbeye of Dar Es Salaam Tanzania, the Syro-Russian Archdiocese now has a high school and college in the same city under the omophore of our Church. MESAC-Holy Apostles Institute has both a resident high school and college with a very large number of students. Rev Deacon Essau Edwards has been appointed rector of the institution by the Metropolitan Archbishop. The Archdiocese plans to donate library books to assist in the education of the students there. Deacon Essau has advised the Metropolia that soon a seminary will be added there to train future priests for the Orthodox Catholic Church. AUSTRALIAN CLERGY SEEK UNION WITH METROPOLIA Father George Bowles of Australia has been in communication with the Metropolia for almost one year as he, and Father Nicholas, make plans to enter the Orthodox Catholic Church. Both are coming from the Old Catholic Church where they have been members of the clergy for many years. Father George has submitted his formal application to the Metropolia, and Father Nicholas is still pending. The Archdiocese will review both and make a decision by January 2004. Father George, who has been using a Western Rite, stated that they are ready to embrace the Byzantine Rite as many there are looking for a more ancient liturgy. KENYAN PARISH WORKS WITH SICK AND SUFFERING Father Joseph Ogola, pastor of Ss Constantine & Helen Orthodox Catholic Church (Syro-Russian) in Kenya announced that his parish youth are engaged in corporal works of mercy. They are currently working with AIDS/HIV+ patients there and educating others about the possibilities of this horrible disease. Ss Constantine and Helen Church is our only parish in Kenya at this time. Father Joseph Ogola, who was orginally a Roman Catholic priest, has been with the Synod for almost four years and resides there with his wife. PRIESTS TO MEET WITH METROPOLITAN HIERARCH Priests from Pakistan, Kenya, and from Tanzania are expected to meet with the Metropolitan Hierarch in Duluth Minnesota sometime in July of 2004. The meeting will be to discuss the spiritual and administrative needs of the faithful residing in these countries. Also expected to take place is the ordination of several clerics to the diaconate and the priesthood for service in their respective countries. METROPOLIA ACCEPTING CANDIDATES FOR SEMINARY TRAINING Those who feel a calling from God to serve the Church in the minor order of Subdeacon, or major orders of Deacon or Priest, should send a petition to the Metropolitan Archbishop expressing this desire by April 1st , 2004, for his review. There is a special course of study for mature vocations and the studies may be completed mostly within your one's own domicile. Please send your request for eligibility to the Archdiocesan Chancery, 2123 West 5th Street, 2nd Floor, Duluth MN 55806. There is also a program for those interested in the permanent diaconate. METROPOLIA SEEKS DONATIONS We call upon all that have the resources to consider a tax-deductible gift to the Church so that we can help the many missionary clergy and mission parishes that we have throughout the world. This is the Christmas Season and we ask that you consider this to be a good way in that you can thank God for all he has given you. Please send your donation payable to "Romano Byzantine Synod" to Father Timothy Kjera, Syro-Russian Metropolitanate, 2123 West 5th Street, 2nd Floor, Duluth MN 55806. A gift will be sent to you in appreciation. ST MARY CHURCH IN DULUTH Father Timothy Kjera, pastor of St Mary's Orthodox Catholic Church in Duluth Minnesota, announces the following: St Mary Church will retire its mortgage in 2004. Currently there is a balance of $4,000.00 and donations to help pay this off are both welcome and appreciated. Seminarian Mark Mwaga is also assisting at the parish as he completes studies for ordination. Chrismated into the Orthodox Catholic Faith were: Christopher, Elizabeth, Rachel, Andrew and Kateri Weiner; Genevieve Martini; Simon Young; Steven Johnson; and Lukas and Barbara Payne. Divine Liturgy is celebrated every Sunday at 10:30 a.m. with Orthros at 10:00 a.m. at 5907 Grand Avenue, Duluth. SS VOLODYMYR & OLHA MISSION FORMS Father Vladimir Raasch was ordained a priest in 2002 by Bishop Haralampos of Dallas Texas. He is now trying to form a parish in St Paul Minnesota under the patronal name of Saints Volodymyr and Olha, two saints of Russia. The mission received blessing and canonical status on July 22, 2002. Currently still a chapel, those visiting St Paul area wishing to attend Divine Liturgy should first contact Father Vladimir at PO Box 76045, St Paul MN 55715. Commission on Religious Counseling & Healing offers membership and licensure to holistic healing practitioners who offer theocentric-oriented services. For more information write to: Commission Moderator, PO Box 16201, Duluth MN 55816. Byzantine Vestments, Wedding Crowns, Crosses, Tabernacles and Altar Appointments at reasonable prices. Liturgix at www.liturgix.com or call (480) 228-6228 for catalog and more information. Vestments for Orthodox Clergy. Bishops, Priests, Deacons, and other Altar Assistants. Reasonable prices. www.istok.net for more information and price list. Romano Byzantine College offers distance education courses leading to degree or certification in Chiropathy, Canon Law, Religion, Theology, Counseling, and Ministry. For more information write: Romano Byzantine, 2123 West 5th Street - 2nd Floor, Duluth MN 55806 or visit online at rbc.rbsocc.org for more information. Orthodox Books on various subjects. Write to: St Hilarion Press, 1905 South 3rd Street, Austin TX 78704. Altar Boy Cassocks, Liturgical Albs, Candles, Crosses, Medals, and more. Autom, 5226 South 31st Place, Phoenix AZ 85040, or visit website at www.AutomCatholic.com or call toll free at 1-800-521-2914. This company carries mostly Roman style vestments but does have many other items that can be used by Orthodox Christians.
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. $50.00 (Postage/Handling Included). Commission on Religious Counseling and Healing
Choir Robes Five choir robes in good shape, gold in color, for $300.00, includes postage and handling. If interested contact St Mary's Church, 5907 Grand Avenue, Duluth MN 55807, or call 218-624-0202.
Romano Byzantine Publications The Romano Byzantine Synod offers books and pamphlets on the Orthodox Catholic faith, sacramental certificates, and other items for sale through the
Metropolitanate. Please write to Metropolitanate, 2123 West 5th Street, 2nd Floor, Duluth Minnesota 55806, for price list. 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: St Mark's Syro-Russian Orthodox Catholic Abbey, 1A Sultan Street, Accrington Lancashire BB5 6EL England.
Nuns Habits, Clergy Vestments, Prayer Ropes, Epitaphios for Good Friday, Icons. Write: St Elizabeth Convent, PO Box 126, 225 Forest Walk, Etna CA 96027; or call (530) 467-5625; or fax (530) 467-5635; or email to CONVENT IN REPUBLIC OF CONGO
The Syro-Russian Orthodox Church encourages its faithful to support our missionary endeavors. St Mary Mother of God Convent is in need of sweing
items, material, and financial assistance. Please send your donation to: Sister Albertine (Bofey) MCSB, % Sister Jeanette Kabedi, Congregation des Soeurs de St Vincent de Paul, Kinshasa
Limete, 10e Rue Fresias 644 (Residentiel), Republique Democratique du Congo (Africa).
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