UNITY AMONG AUTOCEPHALOUS ORTHODOX CHURCHES By Metropolitan Archbishop Stephen The Council of Canonical Autocephalous Orthodox Bishops
is now a reality, and was officially blessed as a Pan-Orthodox Organization of the Metropolia on November 15th, 2006. It received the approbation first of Archbishop Anthony (New York), and later at a meeting in
Cleveland Ohio on October 21st, 2006 by Archbishop Jovan (Pennsylvania), Bishop Timothy (Minnesota), Bishop Stefan (Ohio), Bishop Simeon (Auxiliary of the Metropolia), and Bishop Timoteos. Since October
of 2006, several other hierarchs have expressed interest and are currently listed, and they are Metropolitan David (New York), Archbishop Mark (New York), Archbishop Paul (New York), Bishop Ignatius (California), and Bishop Michael
(Missouri). Deacon Ephreme Magenta of the Ethiopian Orthodox Church in St Paul Minnesota has expressed his desire to attend meetings and represent his bishop as a spectator. In addition, all Bishops of the Metropolia will
automatically belong as well. This will be over fourteen bishops of the Church. The seed has been planted and already is starting to bear fruit. How pleasing this must be to God. Each of those involved should experience an inner
joy knowing that together we are making a change in the Orthodox Church among the various Autocephalous Orthodox jurisdictions. A change that will make our presence stronger and much more unified. I recall in the
1980's how much disunity existed among the Autocephalous Churches, and how greatly this distressed my predecessor, Metropolitan Joseph. The fighting and politics that such disunity causes is unfathomable to most persons.
Jurisdictions with few parishes trying to exist alone just for the sake of power and forgetting the greater importance, God and His faithful. Archbishop Joseph shared with his clergy on many occasions how sad he felt that all could
not be one in defense of one another and allowing the faithful to receive the Mysteries in whatever parish was closest to them. These feeling were absorbed into my heart then and have remained since. I am most happy that this dream
can soon be a working reality among those named above and those to come. Many hierarchs coming together under God and one authority which is known as the Council of Canonical Autocephalous Orthodox Bishops. This council belongs to
them all but must be respected by us all if it is to bear more fruit. The first meeting of the Council will take place in the late spring of 2007. This meeting will be most important for the establishment of rules
and expectations, a review of applicants and admission, and plans for future meetings and goals of the Council itself. At this time those who have been admitted will share in a concelebrated Divine Liturgy showing the unity among
each and their jurisdictions with one another. This, to me, is the most exciting happening scheduled for 2007 because of its meaning to God. The date will be announced in advance so that all can make plans to be present or be
represented by a member of their clergy at this meeting. God's blessings are upon us all. +Stephen, Metropolitan
THE COMPANIONS OF SAINT BASIL The Companions of St Basil is a secular organization closely associated with the Monastic Community, but it is open to laity and clergy who are not monastic, male or female, married or single, who wish to serve God in the Holy Trinity, the Holy Theotokos, and the Church. This service includes performing Spiritual and Corporal Works of Mercy, Daily Prayer, and doing whatever they can to support the Church morally and financially in its various missions and ministries throughout the year especially at Pascha and at the Nativity of Christ God. The Companions are now under the spiritual guidance of its Moderator, Father Deacon Steven Johnson. It is a very bad assumption by many to think that only the clergy of the Church are responsible for offering prayers and good works to God. The laity share in the priesthood of the Church, but not in its fullness. However, they are also responsible for the good spiritual welfare of others and for offering prayer to God for various intentions. The Companions of St Basil gives to each a way in which they can serve within their own chosen vocations. It gives them a chance to become one with the monks and nuns in their daily sacrifices and good works offered to God, and in their daily prayers to God on behalf of all us sinners throughout the world. Above all this and most especially, if done in true sincerity it will reap benefits that include grace from God. Members receive a Certificate, and all will receive a smaller version of the Monastic Crucifix that is worn by every monk and nun. The crucifix is a constant reminder that life is not easy when you are trying to serve God, and it also remind the wearer that they are united one to another and to all in prayer and service to all the children of God. If this has caused you to want to know more and/or join with others already in the Companions of St Basil, please write to us at the Chancery Office, 1318 Baxter Avenue, Superior WI 54880-1762 for more information and application. May you be guided by the Most Holy Spirit. +Timothy of Duluth
METROPOLITAN ISSUES STATEMENT ON NATIVITY DATE Dear Faithful of the Church: Glory to God! Doxa si Kyrie! True Orthodox Catholic Christians celebrate the Nativity of Christ on January 7th according to tradition and the Julian Calendar. However, I realize that in many parishes there is still a desire to celebrate Christmas on December 25th according to the Gregorian Calendar. At St Mary the Theotokos Cathedral, and some other parishes, it has become the custom to have a dinner and exchange gifts on December 25th (Christmas) but celebrating the solemnity of this holy day on January 7th (Nativity of Christ) when our gifts of love are given only to Him. Remember that before commercialism came into play, Christ's birthday was His Nativity. The wise men and shepherds brought gifts to Christ God, not to each other. They knew that their real gift was that of Christ's birth and His coming to save humanity and reopen the gates of heaven. It is not to become the practice in Syro-Russian Orthodox Catholic parishes to celebrate the Midnight Nativity Liturgy on the Gregorian December 25th but rather on January 6th (for the 7th) and only after 10:00 p.m., except for those parishes wishing to have a morning Liturgy on January 7th instead. Give to each other on Christmas, but give only to Christ at His Holy Nativity as was intended for this feast. Many people try to associate St Nicholas with the modern practices of Christmas. Commercialism mixed in with religious holy days is not a good thing. It usually takes away from the true meaning and the sanctity of such days. It makes much money for businesses and manufacturers but almost nothing spent gets to the work of the Church. St Nicholas was the Bishop of Myra (Asia Minor now referred to as Turkey) and a very good man. He took gifts to the poor and needy to make them happy and not because he wanted a gift in return. He shared with others in the name of God from what he had. Perhaps we need to reconsider the meaning of Christ's Nativity and the day on which it is celebrated. Christmas on December 25th has now become a commercialized event that totally avoids the meaning for its existence in most cases, and a day that has turned into partying, spending, and nothing more than a holiday instead of a holy day. Remember, in reality January 7 th (Gregorian Civil Calendar) is actually December 25th (Julian Calendar). However, by celebrating this feast on the Julian we avoid the commercialism of the Season. It is a time that we give solely to Christ God. Metropolitan Stephen December 29th, 2006
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.
From the Archives of the Metropolia: ON THE HOLY PRIESTHOOD If ever there was a vocation where the thorns only enhance the beauty of the roses, it is the Holy Priesthood. Through the years that I have been a priest there have been many times that the weight of the cross was unbearable. Thoughts went through my mind of just running away from my obligations and seeking peace away from all the daily concerns. Then I recalled Christ and His cross and realized that at the end, I shall have served a purpose, just like our Lord. With Christ, He came to this earth in order to accept human form and suffering. He knew that one day He would die for our sins but by doing so the gates of heaven would be reopened. My sufferings are for a reason, Christ God opened the gates of heaven, but His priests on earth must help us get there. The road is not easy and there are many rough spots and detours, but that is what the priest is there for, to help others and himself get to heaven. Each time I feel weary along this journey of life, I see the glory of heaven become brighter and more beautiful. I know that one day the sufferings of life will be over and the beauty and fragrances of the rose will be stronger than ever. The warmth and the love of God will surround us all in the end as it does now, only we will see it with our spiritual eyes. The thorns only make us stronger in avoiding sin so that we can better appreciate the beauty of the heavenly rose one-day and forever. The above is an excerpt from a vocation talk given in 1982 at St Paul the Apostle Monastery, Rolling Prairie Indiana.
FROM THE APOSTOLIC CANONS ON CLERICAL RELEASES It is uncanonical and most inappropriate for any cleric in Minor Orders, those in Major Orders and monastics to leave their canonical residence in one jurisdiction and move to another. This is why one-sided resignations are meaningless in the Church, one must obtain permission to leave the ministry or monasticism or to transfer to another jurisdiction. To do otherwise makes the action null and void and lacking merit. Any Bishop accepting such clergy becomes a party to the uncanonical action. A Letter of Release is required by any cleric wishing to transfer from one diocese to another, or one jurisdiction to another. The Apostolic Canons 33 of the First Ecumenical Council, 6 of the Third Ecumenical Council, 8 of the Council of Carthage, and 15 of the Twice-Held Council all warn against such actions by any cleric and/or Bishop. We are directed that a special judgment be made on the merit of the case after all circumstances of this decision have been examined. Any cleric who acts otherwise remains under the disciplinary sanctions of the Church, and any Bishop who willingly and knowingly accepts such also incurs such guilt of the action. A Letter of Release is a necessary condition for a canonically valid move to a jurisdiction of another Orthodox Church. You may recall that back in July 2006 the Patriarchate of Constantinople abused the canons and accepted Bishop Basil (Osborn) from the Russian Orthodox Church into the Greek Orthodox Church. This act created serious concerns and even some animosity between the two Patriarchates. The Syro-Russian Orthodox Catholic Church is one of many that adheres to these canons.
FEASTS AND SAINTS OF THE ORTHODOX CHURCH Dates are given first according to Julian Calendar and then Gregorian Calendar. ST MAXIMUS THE CONFESSOR (Feast Day: August 13th/August 26th) St Maximus was named "The Confessor" because of his great fight against the heresy of Monotheletism, i.e., a heresy from the seventh century which declares that there was only one will in Christ, not both the human and divine wills. He was a theologian and a monastic and was a well-known ascetical writer. He was a prolific writer and many of his works were centered upon the Incarnation of Christ, and commentaries on the Divine Liturgy. He taught that the goal of all human existence is man's total union with God. He was tortured for his beliefs and died in A.D. 662. THE THEOPHANY OF OUR LORD (January 6th/January 19th) This Holy day of the Church commemorates the Theophany, a.k.a. Baptism or Epiphany, of Our Lord. After Pascha and Pentecost, this is the greatest feast of the Orthodox Catholic Church, predating even the feast of the Holy Nativity of Our Lord in importance. It is on this day that Christ was baptized in the Jordan River by St John the Baptist (Forerunner of Christ), being the first public manifestation of God the Word Incarnate to the world. On this day we recall our own baptism and recommit ourselves to our baptismal vows and faith of our Lord. The word Epiphany means, "breaking through" in Greek. It indicates a manifestation of God in this world often referred to as "Theophany" when used to describe ways God makes Himself known in history. Occasions such as the Burning Bush (OT) and the parting of the Red Sea are also examples of a Theophany. This is a Major Feast of the Church – Holy Day. In commemoration of this event, the Church, on January 5 th/January 18th on the Eve of the Theophany the Blessing of Waters occurs inside the parish church. However, on January 6th it takes place at a selected place outside the church, if possible, at a nearby lake or river.
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.
COUNCIL OF CANONICAL AUTOCEPHALOUS ORTHODOX BISHOPS [Duluth Minnesota] His Beatitude, Metropolitan Archbishop Stephen, Protohierarch of the Syro-Russian Orthodox Catholic Church announced that the Provisional Manual of the Council and Questionnaires have been placed into the mail to all current members. The Council of Canonical Autocephalous Orthodox Bishops currently consists of the following:
Also included are Syro-Russian Bishop John (India), Bishop-elect Steven (SROOC Nigeria), Bishop-elect Samson (SROCC Tanzania), and Chorbishop Joseph (SROCC Belgium). 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 and date of first meeting will be made known in the next edition of the Orthodox Christian Herald. A Review Committee to study and approve norms and applicants to the Council has been established for the interim year until the First Council Meeting (2007).
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 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.
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 Sunday August 5th until Sunday August 12th, 2007. The Bishops 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.
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.
BLESSINGS & ORDINATIONS Minor Orders
MONASTIC RECEPTIONS AND PROFESSION OF VOWS
APPOINTMENTS & ASSIGNMENTS
Advisory Committee Members of the Metropolia:
OFFICIAL FROM METROPOLIA Issue 1. (12.29.06/1): Clergy are mandated to celebrate the solemnity of the Nativity of Our Lord on January 7th
. December 25th is recognized as Christmas and a day for giving to each other. However, January 7th
is the day on which we give to Christ God on his birthday referred to as the Nativity of Christ God. A midnight Nativity Liturgy (or an hour decided upon before midnight but after 10:00 p.m.) may be celebrated.
Issue 2. (01.08.07/1): The Metropolia has elected Fr Archimandrite Cyril (Cranshaw) of Nicaragua to the Syro-Russian Synod of Bishops. He will be ordained (consecrated) on Sunday August 12th, 2007 in Duluth
Minnesota. He will serve as Auxiliary Bishop of the Archdiocese for Central and South America. Reprinted. (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)
DISCIPLINARY ACTIONS
PRAY FOR THE SICK AND SUFFERING
Note: If you, or someone you know, is sick or suffering, please let us know and you will be added to the OCH Prayer List.
Send full name, address and age. Thank you. REST IN PEACE!
DONATIONS TO THE METROPOLIA
Readers wishing to contribute to towards renovation efforts and the building of three rooms at St Mary Pro-Cathedral in Duluth Minnesota are asked to send their donation to: St Nicholas
Chancery, 1318 Baxter Avenue, Superior Wisconsin 54880-1762. The three new rooms in the parish hall will house seminarians who are preparing for the priesthood. Those who wish to donate
$1,000.00 toward a room will have a plaque affixed over its door with their name or that of a loved one on it. This can also be in memory of someone. All donations will be listed and a gift will be sent.
METROPOLIA DIRECTIVE ON COMMUNICATION AND R-VISA [Metropolia] His Beatitude Metropolitan Stephen has issued a directive to the Chancery, which is being published in this newsletter to all Bishops of the Church as
being stated by Bishop Timothy, Vicar General of the Synod. In a meeting held at St Mary's Cathedral on Sunday December 31st, 2006, His Beatitude addressed those present about his concerns for the year
ending and the one about to commence. There are a couple of our bishops who are not following the previous requests of the Metropolia, i.e., to be and remain in contact with the Metropolia at least every 30-45 days to keep us
updated on their work, and on their health. His Beatitude takes this very seriously and has now requested that the Chancery make this a directive. Contact can be by phone to the Vicar General, by mail or by email to the
Metropolitan. This directive goes into effect on January 1st, 2007. Priests and Deacons and Monastic Superiors are also included in this directive. It is also a concern that some Vicars and Bishops are
not sending updated statistics on parishes, clergy, monastics, and other parochial institutions to the Metropolia, and when monastic and seminary candidates are accepted are not advising the Metropolia. It is important that such
information be current and registered with the Metropolia. Seminarian Maximus Seipke has been restructuring the Chancery Office in Duluth Minnesota along with His Beatitude, and Father Deacon Steven Johnson is now organizing the
Chancery Archives in St Cloud Minnesota. All have requested cooperation from all in this matter so they can better serve the Church. Another concern of the Metropolia concerns clergy and seminarians wishing to come
to the United States for final preparation in their journey to the Diaconate and Priesthood. Since 1999, the Chancery has been working hard to bring certain clerics here to Duluth Minnesota. However, many are not going to the
United States Consulate in their country properly prepared. When asked why they wish to come to the United States many are neglecting to say, "To serve the Church as required by my Metropolitan Archbishop, and to prepare for my
ordination." They are saying to "work" for the Church and this implies a salary or hourly wage that falls outside the R-Visa. Some say, "to study" instead of "to prepare" and this also falls outside the R-Visa and makes it sound
like they are going to school, requiring a different visa. It is important that those approved say what they are coming for in a language that does not raise concern with Consulate officials. They are also instructed to take along
letters from their Bishop, Vicar or Superior along with those sent from the Chancery. This is why there have been so many disapprovals. It is also important to show proof that those coming will return. NEWS FROM VICARIATE OF NICARAGUA [Rivas] Father Archimandrite Cyril of St John the Evangelist Monastery, Rivas Nicaragua, has updated the Metropolia on his work in
Central and South America. St John the Evangelist Monastery now has one novice and two aspirants there along with Father Cyril. They are Brothers Linus, Andrew and Alexander. The Community there is very much involved in social work
especially among the poor. It was also reported that St Basil the Great Seminary is now official in Rivas as well and will be accepting candidates there soon. There are already several from Nicaragua and other Latin American
countries interested. In Managua, Father Cyril is investigating a building to use for a church there. In Costa Rica there is a group of interested laity wishing to become Orthodox Catholic. They are in the process
of opening a Prayer Center (Ss Cyril & Methodius) in the Province of Liberia. In Guatemala there is a young man who contacted Father Cyril about opening a Study Center and also studying to one day become a priest. He will make
visits to St Basil Seminary every two months while studying on his own in Guatemala. There are still plans pending in both countries and more updates will follow in future issues of the Orthodox Christian Herald.
UPDATE ON THE AFRICAN CONGO VICARIATE [African Congo] It was announced in November 2006 by Subdeacon Joseph Mabedi and Mother Helena, Superior of St Mary
Mother of God Convent, that Subdeacon Laurent Kabosani was elected to be Bishop-elect of the Democratic Republic of the Congo, pending final approval from the Metropolia and Synod of Bishops. Subdeacon Laurent, like all the
subdeacons in the Congo, was ordained thirteen years ago and, like all the others, has been hoping and praying for a new bishop to be present for ordinations and to lead the faithful. The Congo has been without a bishop for nearly
the same amount of time. The Metropolia is expected to comment on this matter early in 2007. The Congo also has approximately twenty-seven nuns belonging to the Sisters of the Community of St Basil in two convents, St Mary Mother
of God, and Holy Archangels. NEW TOTAL OF PARISHES IN TANZANIA [Mbeya] The Metropolia has just completed giving patronal names to the parishes in
Tanzania that have now been united to the Church. Seminarian Maximus Seipke, Chancery Assistant, advised that the final count is 186 parishes in total that have converted from the Pentecostal Church of God to the Orthodox Church.
All clergy are undergoing a study process that will lead to their eventual ordination as priests of the Orthodox Church. Deacon Demetrios is conducting most of the studies at Holy Apostles School and College in Dar Es Salaam. There
are plans still pending for the opening of Christ the Savior Syro-Russian Orthodox Catholic Seminary there as well. The Metropolia has already donated and sent many books to the future library of the seminary.
STUDY CENTRE IN PAKISTAN [Lahore] Mr Sam Ahsan, who is in process of studying Orthodoxy and converting to the Orthodox Faith, has established an Orthodox Study Centre in Pakistan where he is
meeting with many who are interested in the Orthodox Church. He has also made contact with some Protestant ministers who are also interested. It is also Sam's desire to one day be ordained a priest in the Church. The Metropolia has
accepted the name "St Cyril Syro-Russian Orthodox Catholic Study Centre" as offered by Sam Ahsan. ICONOSTASIS ERECTED AT ST MICHAEL'S PARISH IN MINNESOTA [St Cloud] Father Deacon Steven John, administrator of St Michael Parish, advised the Metropolia that its iconostas has now been placed at the church and furnished with all the appropriate icons. Deacon Steven made the
icon screen. Currently, the Typica Service with Holy Communion is served on Sundays at 1:00 p.m. every other Sunday. On alternate weekends he attends classes at St Mary Cathedral in preparation for his eventual ordination as priest
in 2007. For more information call Father Deacon Steven at 320-230-2609. 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 .
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 and handling included. Commission members are required to have this icon hanging in their offices and clinics. Order yours today.
Lest We Forget Handmade nun dolls from the past. Full habits of many orders of nuns from various Churches including 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 catalog or additional information to Father Patrick Lemming, St James House, 804 Catlett Road, Sevierville TN 37862. 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.
PARISHES AND ORGANIZATIONS OF THE METROPOLIA Commission on Religious Counseling and Healing CRCH.RBSOCC.ORG For information write to: Dr Peter Smyth, Pine Valley
Medical Center, 4600 Highway 7 #230, Woodbridge ON L4L 4Y7 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 |