PRIMATE'S PASCHAL MESSAGE TO THE FAITHFUL OF THE ARCHDIOCESE

By His Beatitude Metropolitan Stephen
April 19, 2009

Christos Anesti! Alithos Anesti!
Christ is risen! Truly He is risen!
Christo e aumentato! Allineare e aumentato!

Through Holy Week, we have walked with Jesus as He endured betrayal, trial, scourging, humiliation, crucifixion, and finally death. On Holy Wednesday Christ faced His betrayer, Judas Iscariot, an apostle chosen by Jesus Himself to be close to Him in His earthly ministry. How terribly hurt Our Lord must have been when Judas betrayed Him for a mere pittance of wealth. To make this even more painful, Judas marked Our Lord for capture by a kiss. How painfully this must have hurt Jesus. On Holy Thursday we were with Christ as He instituted the first Divine and Holy Liturgy – His Last Supper. We partook of His precious Body and Blood as He commanded us to do, and as He passed to His holy apostles on this solemn night. This was the same blood that He shed for our sins, and the same blood that paid a price for His Church. On Holy Friday we witnessed in spirit His death on the cross, this after suffering great humiliation. He was scourged brutally, crowned with thorns, and forced to carry His own cross to Golgotha, where a robe of mockery was placed upon Him. He was nailed with spikes to a rough wooden cross, given gall to drink when He thirsted, had His side pierced with a spear, and finally expired, but not until He forgave all those involved.

The Gospels narrate that after Christ's Passion and death on the cross, He was laid in a tomb, which was donated by St Joseph of Arimathea. For three days He laid in this tomb until Christ broke the bonds of death through His Resurrection as reiterated in the Nicene-Constantinopolitan Creed. This resurrection is commemorated annually according to the tradition of the Holy Orthodox and Catholic Church, and on every Sunday throughout the year on the Lord's Day. This confirms the authenticity of Christ's Godhead and Manhood, and His conquering sin and death by bestowing new life to humanity, and for this reason is often referred to as the "New Adam," for as in Adam all dies, so in Christ shall all enjoy life. Death is powerless over us in Christ. Because Christ was one person with two natures, both His Divinity and His Humanity suffered and died upon the cross and rose from the dead. In contrast to what the early heresies of Apollinariasm, Arianism, Eutychianism, and Nestorianism taught, we believe in the hypostasis or hypostatic union of Christ as taught by St Cyril of Alexandria, which I will now explain.

Our jurisdiction comes from the Holy Syriac Patriarchate of Antioch dating back to May 1892 when our first Archbishop Metropolitan Timotheos was consecrated and returned to America to establish our Archdiocese here, this under the blessing of His Holiness Ignatius Peter III, Syriac Patriarch of Antioch. However, in 1966, a second line of Apostolic Succession was added when Metropolitan John was consecrated by Russian bishops who possessed Apostolic Succession derived from St Peter the Apostle via the Greek Patriarchate of Antioch, coming from His Holiness Gregorios IV, Greek Patriarch of Antioch. As an Orthodox Catholic Church, we have always held to the Council of Chalcedon's teaching on the two Natures of Christ (Hypostatic Union) and its Christology, as taught by St Cyril of Alexandria. This orthodox, i.e., right belief, understanding, is that Christ was one person with two natures: both true God and true Man, Divine and Human, simultaneously and without separation, and that both always were and will be forevermore.  We also believe that since Christ was both God and Man, the Blessed Virgin Mary is truly the Theotokos, i.e., Mother of God. For Christ was not two persons, but one person with two natures, The Word "was with God, and the Word was God" (John 1). We realize that semantics and culture may have led to the different understandings and misunderstandings of Christology among the early Orthodox Christians, but take solace in that truly we all venerate the same Holy Savior. We thank God for His Son Who gave us new life eternal through His death. Let us proclaim for the next forty days that "Christ is risen!" "Truly He is risen." Amen.

 

DONATIONS TO THE METROPOLIA

"Giving to Glorify God" (Matthew 6: 1-4). The Syro-Russian Orthodox Catholic Metropolis would like to thank the following for their generosity and love shown to God and His Church. Those wishing their names withheld are shown as "Anonymous." Donation statements upon request.

Our appreciation to the following for their support:

  • We would like to acknowledge Drs Mark and Jana Green for their very lovely floral centerpieces donated for Metropolitan Stephen's Anniversary Dinner in August 2008. It was an oversight on our part and we apologize. The flowers were enjoyed by all and added much beauty to the occasion.
  • Presti's Bakery, Ohio, $150.00, (11.24.08)

Nativity (Christmas Donations) – Debt Reduction Fund

  • Anonymous, $15.00, Indiana, (12.02.08)
  • Dr Audrey Daniel, $50.00, South Carolina, (12.04.08)
  • Drs Mark & Jana Green, $100.00, Oklahoma, (12.07.08)
  • Fr Padraig Kneafsey, $90.00, Ireland, (12.10.08)
  • Fr & Presbytera Steven Johnson, $25.00, Minnesota, (12.30.08)
  • Mr & Mrs William DiBartolo, $5,000.00, Ohio, (12.19.08)
  • Mrs Sophia MacVeigh, $100.00, Ohio, (12.20.08)
  • Mr & Mrs Emilio Milite, $100.00, Ohio, (01.28.09)
  • Mrs Lydia Milite, $100.00, Ohio, (12.23.08)
  • St Nicholas Center, $100.00, Wisconsin, (12.23.08)
  • Sisters of the Convent of the Holy Virgin, California, $30.00 (12.27.08)

You are asked to consider a donation to help the Metropolia with all its missions and programs by sending yours to the Metropolis, 4202 Newark Avenue, Cleveland Ohio 44109; or by using your credit card to make a donation through PayPal at http://rbsocc.org/donations.html. All donations are tax-deductible. Please make it out to "Syro-Russian Archdiocese."

 

FUTURE PLANS CONSIDERED FOR THE ARCHDIOCESE

His Eminence Archbishop Timothy
January 3, 2009

It has become more and more clear that the Archdiocese cannot serve the many needs of the Church without delegating some of its work and responsibilities to others to do. Since early December, I have been meeting with His Beatitude Metropolitan Stephen to discuss various possibilities in this matter. The Commission on Religious Counseling and Healing has now been detached from the Metropolis and is under a Moderator who now is responsible for all its members and their benefits. We pray that this will improve service to all. However, there are many other important apostolates of the Church that need to have directors or moderators to serve their needs and those belonging to them.

One of the major concerns of the Metropolis is that of the African countries that are currently without a Vicar Bishop to oversee their missionary work and offer timely guidance to the parishes there. Because of the deposition of its previous vicar bishop, Cyril, there is now a vacancy that exists and must be filled. We have parishes and missions in the Congo, Kenya, Nigeria, Tanzania, and Uganda. However, at this time, the only well-trained clergy exist in Uganda, where the Archdiocesan Vicariate of All Africa is now located. All these parishes suffer greatly but continue daily to give praise and honor and worship to Almighty God within our Church. His Beatitude has named His Grace Bishop Simeon of Cleveland Ohio to become the new Vicar Bishop to Africa. The transition period is expected to take until March 1st, 2009. It is requested that once notification goes out to all the clergy and seminarians, that all will communicate with him concerning their needs. The Metropolis is only a last resort should there be any conflict or doubt among clergy and seminarians in Africa. Clergy are asked to first take their concerns to Very Reverend Archpriest Spiridon Kisomose, Vicar Chancellor of Uganda and only after that send to His Grace Bishop Simeon. This will establish a chain of command and a system (protocol) that will maintain order and harmony.

The Metropolitan discussed with me that the amount of work has become too demanding and far too heavy for one man to continue any longer. The chores of maintaining a large house and family must be shared by all who reside in the house, not just one, said His Beatitude. This was the main reason that full control of the Archdiocese was let go by His Beatitude and shifted to me, becoming the VII Archbishop of the Archdiocese of the Americas and Dependencies. This is also the reason why Africa must be detached from the Metropolis and overseen by another bishop of the Synod. Certainly the Metropolis still remains the Primatial See and retains ultimate say over all matters and conflicts, and of all faithful and institutions everywhere, but the administrative authority must be shared. In October of 2008, His Beatitude established the Archdiocesan Prefecture of Seminarians to oversee the affairs and education process associated with all seminarians of the Archdiocese. Very Reverend Archimandrite Anthony Luebke was named its Prefect of Seminarians.

 

OFFICIAL NAME CHANGE OF CHURCH & ARCHDIOCESE

By His Beatitude Metropolitan Stephen

November 1, 2008

I would like to begin this article with the words of His Eminence Archbishop Timothy who gave this summary regarding our Apostolic Successions in the previous issue of the OCH: "The issue of "Syro-Russian" in the name of the Archdiocese and the Church was addressed at Great Synod. The bishops all agreed that "Syro-Russian" is misleading and causes many to think that our Church offers services in Russian and/or Syrian. His Beatitude Metropolitan Stephen advised that the word "Russian" in itself is the cause of most confusion because the Apostolic Succession of our Church is Syriac and Greek from Antioch. He stated that, "Our orders stem from St Peter the Apostle of Antioch but actually has two lines. The Syriac line is traced back to St Peter the Apostle through His Holiness Ignatius Peter III, Patriarch of Antioch, who approved the consecration of our first Primate, Metropolitan Timotheos (Vilathi) in 1892. The Greek line comes from His Holiness Gregorios IV of the Greek Patriarchate of Antioch when he consecrated His Holiness Aleksij I of Moscow in Russia. Patriarch Aleksij I then consecrated Ioann Konstantin Nikolaevich who brought this line of succession to our jurisdiction when he consecrated Metropolitan John (Skureth) in 1966. This line also dates back to St Peter the Apostle."

The official name of our jurisdiction now is Eastern Orthodox Catholic Church but because there are several that use this same name it is important to qualify it with a more defining name. The one thing we do not want is more confusion especially with those who use this name but are not truly "Orthodox."  Therefore, we have attached to the name "Syriac-Greek Antiochian" or "Syriac-Greek Successions of Antioch." The previous name, "Syro-Russian Orthodox Catholic" will still be allowed in certain cases as approved by the Metropolis. An official decree was sent to all clergy concerning this matter, and those who have not received it may request another from the Metropolis. Also, those of the laity who wish a copy may also request one from the Metropolis. It is important that we identify with the original mission of our Church that was issued by His Holiness Patriarch Ignatius Peter III of Antioch, that we be an "American Orthodox Catholic Mission." Since we do not serve just Syrians or Greeks or Italians or Russians, we should express our mission clearly in the name of our Church and Archdiocese.  The Archdiocese shall now be referred to as the "Syriac-Greek Antiochian Archdiocese of the Americas and Dependencies." This will best describe us as first an "American" Church, then as one who traces its beginning back to the Holy Patriarchates of Antioch, then as one with a mission to all peoples throughout the world who wish to embrace True-Orthodoxy. However, simply put, we are and have always been - Eastern Orthodox Catholic. We are pleased to see that the clergy and parishes in Ireland, Uganda, United States, and some in Nigeria have already made the appropriate changes.

It is most important that all our clergy and laity understand that although His Holiness Patriarch Aleksij I was Patriarch of the Russian Orthodox Church of Moscow and All Russia, his orders (Apostolic Succession) is through His Holiness Patriarch Gregorios IV of the Greek Orthodox Patriarchate of Antioch. Therefore, using "Syro-Russian" has often caused others to think that we are a "Syrian" and "Russian" jurisdiction. Our Church has never been "Russian" in language, tradition, or liturgical Typicon, and its Apostolic Succession, although from a Russian Orthodox Patriarch, and the Russian Church, was in fact Greek Antiochian. Therefore, the amended name of our jurisdiction is more accurate. We pray God's continued protection of our Church.

 

CHRIST THE PANTOCRATOR SOVEREIGN ORDER OF CHIVALRY

[Metropolia] Following is a list of the new officers and members of the Christ the Pantocrator Sovereign Order of Chivalry with the blessing of His Beatitude the Primate. Those interested in joining the Order of Chivalry and being part of Induction Class II for 2008, or wishing more information, are asked to send their petition and bio-data to the Metropolia by no later than March 1st, 2008. This may be sent to His Eminence Archbishop Timothy, c/o Our Lady of Sitka Monastery, 4202 Newark Avenue, Cleveland OH 44109.

 

MESSAGE FROM THE PRIMATE

By His Beatitude Metropolitan Stephen
January 1, 2009

Let us build one with another, for the greater glory of God. This is my prayer to all who are within this jurisdiction, both physically and juridically.

The Church is filled with many people who were each given a talent by God. In our own jurisdiction, although small, there are so many various types of talents visible within the Church. Some think the Church just needs priests to care for it and keep it viable. This is not the case at all. Certainly the priests being the Holy Mysteries to the faithful, and they are very important to it as they possess sacerdotal faculties which are needed by each of them to celebrate the Divine Liturgy, administer the Holy Mysteries, and maintain the normal functions and parochial activities in each parish. However, where would the parish church be without altar servers, choir members, custodial staff, office managers or assistants, and of course – the laity who make up the church? It is important for all to do what they can to enhance the image and viability of their parish. Each of us has an obligation to use our talents not only for our survival, but also for the survival of our parish and, most importantly, the greater glory of God Almighty. It is good to support its efforts both financially and morally.

Now that we have discussed the parish church, let us understand how we can better serve the Church, i.e., the "universal body of faithful under the leadership of a Primate or Patriarch. When we discussed the "c"hurch above we were making reference to a parish, i.e., St John's Church, or Holy Savior Church. These are just organs of the "C"hurch, the same as eyes, ears, nose, heart, and kidneys are organs of the body. The Church, i.e., Syriac-Greek Antiochian – Eastern Orthodox Catholic Church, is the Mother Church that tends to the needs of all her children and institutions all over the world.  It depends on its clergy, i.e., bishops, priests, deacons, subdeacons, seminarians, monks and nuns; and it depends on its faithful laity. In our own jurisdiction we realize the good that all those outside the Holy Priesthood do. There are the licensed providers who belong to the Commission on Religious Counseling and Healing, and these fine and dedicated professionals function daily in participating in the Healing Ministry of the Church. They give of their knowledge, time, compassion, and all their expertise in a dedicated manner often not receiving in return compensation that is equivalent to their worth. There are those who serve as teachers and catechists who also do much of their work expecting nothing in return. This is the same with many of the clergy of our jurisdiction. The most important thing here is that they all "give" to keep the Church viable and continuing. They do this for God. However, it is also most important that each also contributes what they can to the Mother Church because without this financial assistance the Church suffers and could eventually die.

In all the cases above, the altar servers are as important as the teachers are if they do what they are called to do to the best of their ability. They must remain focused on God in order to effectively and rightly serve those they do within the Church. When all their talents are combined then we have truly built the Church for God. When they continue to give from their hearts to its support then they maintain its viability. From the choir member to the provider to the priest, and finally, to the bishop, they are all of great value to the Holy Church and to the parish church. I call upon all those who are members, and all those we serve, to give willingly throughout the year to help our jurisdiction to continue serving all that it serves. We have many poor families in most parishes throughout the world who come to us for help. We have several domestic clergy who are living below the poverty line. There is so much to be done and we can accomplish it all if we work together each using his talent, one with another, with all eyes focused on God. May His blessings be upon you all.

 

ORTHODOX BITS N' PIECES

QUESTIONS

Q. Please explain "Apostolic Succession(s)" as used along with the new name of the Syro-Russian Church? Anthony Kostelnik (Portage IN)

A. In all Orthodox Catholic Churches they trace their "Apostolic Heritage" back to one of the Holy Apostles, i.e., from one of them our bishops today can trace their consecration as a bishop back to an Apostle. This is done in an unbroken line providing canonical continuity and validity to the bishops. This is also the case in the Roman Church, but not those that came into existence from the time of Martin Luther, although a few Protestants claim some form of "succession" from the Old Catholic Church of Utrecht. The "Apostolic Succession" of our particular Orthodox jurisdiction is traced back to St Peter the Apostle in Antioch of Syria. We possess orders that come from both the Syriac and Greek Patriarchates of Antioch, but both of these go back to the same source, St Peter the Apostle.

Q. Now that the Archdiocese of the Americas and Dependencies allows for archbishops to head the Archdiocese, what is the correct form of address for them and the Primate? Sylvia Manos (Boston MA)
How do we now refer to Archbishop Stephen? Dr Peter Smyth (Ontario Canada)

A. Archbishops in our jurisdiction are referred to as "His Eminence" or "Your Eminence" and the Metropolitan as "His Beatitude" or "Your Beatitude."

Q. What is the usual layout of the larger icons on an iconostas? Nick Pappas, (Chicago IL)

A. In most Orthodox Catholic churches there is an iconostasis that has a Royal or Great Entrance or Doors in the center. In our jurisdiction we use a Royal Entrance. To the right of this entrance you will find an Icon of Christ, then one of St John the Baptist, and then maybe others. To the left you will find an Icon of the Holy Theotokos, then an Icon of the Patron of the particular church, then other icons if there is room. St Michael Archangel is usually affixed to the south (right) door and St Gabriel affixed to the north (left) door of the icon screen as you are facing it.

Q. What is the "Isidorian Decretal" and how did this change the Church?" Stephen Czerjeski (Los Angeles CA)

A. I am assuming that you are asking about the so-called Isidorian decretal that led to the establishment of the "Supremacy of the Pope?" Let me quote Apostolos Makrakis (1831-1905) from his book entitled The Innovations of the Roman Church originally published in 1948. "In the year of our Lord 829, the Pope forged a letter from some fictitious monk called Isidore, which he falsely attributed to St Isidore. And by means of these fictitious Isidorian decretals he was proclaimed supreme ruler of the Church by divine right, and invested with the right to judge all persons without being liable to be judged himself by anyone else. In the name of the false principle which the Popes proclaimed as a divine principle, the Popes committed all sorts of illicit and base acts with which the history of the Middle Ages abounds." This "decretal" did not change the Church, i.e., the Orthodox Catholic Church, only the Roman fragment of it.

Send your questions to the editor for inclusion in the next edition of the OCH.

 

DOMESTIC PARISHES & PRAYER GROUPS

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 are parishes of other jurisdictions that are in communion with us or in which mutual recognition has been exchanged. In such cases our members may attend those churches until one of ours is opened in their locality. In other cases, there are those living in an area with no parish at all to attend, and for them they may belong to an existing parish and be on its rolls as a member. Such persons would be allowed to use the Typica Service within their homes on Sunday and Holy Days. Domestic Churches, Chapels, and Prayer Groups may be established in homes until a parish or mission can be officially established. "Distance Parishioners" would also be allowed to make their 10% tithe to the parish attached to uniting them to it in good standing. For further information contact Archbishop Timothy or at Our Lady of Sitka Monastery, 4202 Newark Avenue, Cleveland OH 44109. If you are interested in assisting the Archdiocese in establishing a mission parish in your area, please write to us.

 

ELEVATIONS

  • Father Anthony Luebke elevated to Very Reverend Archimandrite by His Eminence Archbishop Timothy on August 31st, 2008 at St Patrick Enlightener of Ireland Chapel, Cleveland Ohio..

 

APPOINTMENTS & ASSIGNMENTS

  • His Grace Bishop Simeon of Cleveland (OH) has been appointed the new Vicar General of the Archdiocese of the Americas and Dependencies and will assist His Eminence Archbishop Timothy in the administration thereof. His Beatitude, at the Great Synod, made the appointment on August 7th, 2008. It is now effective.
  • Very Reverend Archimandrite Anthony Luebke appointed Prefect of Seminarians by His Beatitude Metropolitan Stephen on October 5th, 2008.
  • Very Reverend Mitred Archpriest Stephen Lawrence appointed new Moderator of the Commission on Religious Counseling and Healing replacing His Eminence Archbishop Timothy. His Beatitude made this appointment at the 2008 Commission Conference in Cleveland Ohio. This becomes officially effective on January 1st, 2009.

 

OFFICIAL FROM HOLY METROPOLIS

Issue 1– (07.04.08.1) Clergy of the Archdiocese who hold secular employment or who receive money from outside sources are expected to participate in the monthly oblation to the Metropolis. The policies were listed in previous issues of the "Orthodox Christian Herald."

Repeated – (05.04.08.2) The Metropolis requests that all clergy obtain a relic of St Nikolaos of Vounenon that was sanctified for our Archdiocese in March 2008. Please write or email the Metropolis about obtaining one for your parish. This is a directive and not a request.

 

ANNOUNCEMENTS

  • Mr & Mrs Dennis (Melodi) Luko are the new parents of baby Maya born on August 19, 2008 in Wisconsin, and we wish her good health and her proud parents as well.

 

PAROCHIAL CHARTERS

Established:

  • All Saints Chapel, Anchorage Alaska (07.17.08)
  • St Barnabas Mission Parish, Cleveland Ohio (09.05.08)
  • St George the Martyr Mission Parish, Pueblo Colorado (Reinstated)
  • St Matthew the Evangelist Study Center, Lahore Pakistan (12.06.08)

 

DISCIPLINARY MATTERS

  • His Eminence Archbishop Timothy deposed Cyril (Robert Cranshaw) from the Holy Episcopacy on August 15th, 2008 for serious infractions against Canon Law and Policies of the Archdiocese, and for his grave offenses against the Metropolitan Primate. His Eminence also laicized him on the same date.
  • Subdeacon Matthew Largaespada degraded by His Eminence Archbishop Timothy. He is returned to the laity.
  • Fr Deacon Thomas Monroe absolved from his suspension and is now placed on probation subject to the Archdiocese, pending resolve of issues that led to his suspension.
  • Brother Michael Reyes was removed from Our Lady of Sitka Monastery on December 30, 2008 for inappropriate conduct and canonical disobedience.

 

PRAY FOR THE SICK AND SUFFERING

  • His Eminence Archbishop Timothy (Ohio)
  • His Eminence Archbishop Anthony (New York)
  • His Grace Bishop Simeon (Ohio)
  • Archdeacon John DeMeis (New York)
  • Mr Andrew Lucas (Illinois)
  • Mr Carl Maus (Maryland)
  • Mrs Sherry Ellison (South Carolina)
  • Dr Audrey Daniel (South Carolina)
  • Dr Marge Ebeling DCh (Arizona)
  • VR Father Paul Jensen (Texas)
  • VR Archimandrite Anthony Leubke (Ohio)
  • Father Patrick Lemming (Tennessee)
  • Father Sebastian Robles (Canada)
  • Father Padraig Kneafsey (Ireland)
  • Dr Karla VonEhrenkrook (Arizona)
  • Mr Howard Youngheim (Indiana)
  • Sandra Wiechnik (Indiana)
  • Our Armed Forces everywhere, who are suffering, injured, or who have lost their lives protecting the freedom of others.
  • For all our God-loving Bishops, Priests, Deacons, Seminarians, Monks, and Nuns, both living and dead, and especially our Most Reverend Metropolitan Stephen, that they will all have good health and many years.

Note: If you, or someone you know, is sick or suffering, please let us know and you (or they) will be added to the OCH Prayer List. Send full name, address and age. Thank you.

 

REST IN PEACE!

Metropolitan Stephen announced on December 5, 2008 (Friday) that His Holiness Patriarch Alexy II of the Moscow Patriarchate (Russian Orthodox Church) passed away. He fell asleep in the Lord on this day. His Beatitude advised that His Holiness would be remembered at Divine Liturgy. The Synod of Bishops sends its sympathies to the Holy Patriarchate of Moscow. Grant rest within Your peace, O Lord, to Your servant Alexy II, your Priest and Patriarch. Amen!

Karen Wiser passed away January 3, 2009 from complications from heart failure Karen was the mother of Presbytera Jennifer Johnson who is the wife of Father Stephen Johnson of St. Cloud, Minnesota. Karen had 6 children and 14 grandchildren. May God grant to her peace where His face shines upon her.

You are asked to consider a donation to help the Metropolia with all its programs by sending yours to Metropolis, 4202 Newark Avenue, Cleveland Ohio 44109; or by using your credit card to make a donation through PayPal at http://rbsocc.org/donations.html. All donations are tax-deductible.

 

NEW MISSION PARISH FOR CLEVELAND OHIO

[Cleveland Ohio] St Barnabas Mission Parish was approved by His Beatitude Metropolitan Stephen on September 5th, 2008. This parish will be located in St Thomas Lutheran Church, which has agreed to rent their facilities to the new mission. For now the Divine Liturgy will be celebrated every Sunday at 1:00 p.m.  St Barnabas Eastern Orthodox Catholic Parish will be located at 9509 Lake Avenue, Cleveland Ohio. It is expected that the mission will open in late December 2008. For more information please call 216-543-6377.

 

METROPOLIS ISSUES ADVISEMENT ON ANNUAL CHARTERS

[Cleveland OH] His Beatitude Metropolitan Stephen advised the Archdiocesan Vicar General, His Grace Bishop Simeon, that some clergy have not paid their annual charter fee. Parishes and institutions that fail to do this are not in good standing with the Archdiocese. Therefore, if you currently hold a charter that has not been paid for, or have not received one, please contact the Archdiocese to resolve this issue before May 15th, 2009. His Eminence Archbishop Timothy stated that "the Archdiocese will take stricter measures against those who neglect their obligations this year."

 

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 2,900 people and growing.

Framed Icon of St Panteleimon, Patron of Healers Available from Our Lady of Sitka Monastery, 4202 Newark Avenue, Cleveland OH 44109. 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 a 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 Father Steven Johnson. All religious items are hand-made to order. For more information and prices please write to Rev Father Steven Johnson, 1719 South 7th Avenue, St Cloud MN 56301, or call 320-230-2609.

St Nicholas Publications Books, pamphlets, booklets on the Church, Chiropathy, History of the Syro-Russian Archdiocese, Liturgy, and more. For a list of publications offered, send an email to  or write to Our Lady of Sitka Monastery, 4202 Newark Avenue, Cleveland OH 44109.

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 Archdiocese, c/o Our Lady of Sitka Monastery, 4202 Newark Avenue, Cleveland OH 44109, or email.

Revised (2008) and Final Edition - A Treatise on Chiropathy: The Holistic Healing Ministry is now available from Commission on Religious Counseling & Healing, c/o Our Lady of Sitka Monastery, 4202 Newark Avenue, Cleveland OH 44109. The cost is $25.00 and includes Postage and Handling. All chiropaths must have this in their library.

 

PARISHES AND ORGANIZATIONS OF THE ARCHDIOCESE

Archdiocese of the Americas & Dependencies, Write to His Eminence Archbishop Timothy, 4202 Newark Avenue, Cleveland Ohio 44109.

Commission on Religious Counseling and Healing Website: CRCH.RBSOCC.ORG For information write: Archbishop Timothy, c/o Our Lady of Sitka Monastery, 4202 Newark Avenue, Cleveland OH 44109. This is an organization for licensed healing professionals in service to God. They serve through the Healing Ministry of the Church.

The Companions of St Basil is open to married or single men 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 the Moderator, Father Steven Johnson, St Thomas House, 1719 South 7th Avenue, St Cloud MN 56301.

Monastic Community of St Basil is open to those who wish to follow a monastic way of life. Write to Chancery Office, Our Lady of Sitka Monastery, 4202 Newark Avenue, Cleveland OH 44109. The Community has monastic centers in the African Congo, Nigeria, Nicaragua, Ohio, and Minnesota. The Sisters of the Community of St Basil are headquartered in the African Congo and are part of the Monastic Community of St Basil.

All Saints of Ireland Eastern Orthodox Catholic Parish, County Cork Ireland; Father Padraig Kneafsey, Pastor.

Holy Ghost Eastern Orthodox Catholic Chapel, Oceanside California, Very Reverend Archpriest Stephen Lawrence, Pastor.

Ss Cosmas and Damian Eastern Orthodox Catholic Chapel, Carlsbad California; Very Reverend Archpriest Stephen Lawrence, Pastor.

St Andrew the Apostle Eastern Orthodox Catholic Church located at 5907 Grand Avenue, Duluth Minnesota 55807. Clergy: Father Steven Johnson, Pastor - Father Methodius Bauer, Associate Pastor.  Sunday Liturgy: 10:30 A.M. Telephones: 320-230-2609 or 320-260-5224 or 715-495-2579.

St Barnabas Eastern Orthodox Catholic Mission Parish, 9509 Lake Avenue, Cleveland Ohio (located in St Thomas Church). Sunday Liturgy at 1:00 P.M. Phone: 216-543-6377.

St George the Great Martyr Eastern Orthodox Catholic Parish, Pueblo Colorado; Fr Deacon Thomas Monroe, Administrator.

St Luke the Physician Syro-Russian Orthodox Catholic Mission Parish, VR Father Paul Jensen (Pastor), 339 NE 8th Street, Paris Texas 75450.

St Michael & All Angels Syro-Russian Orthodox Catholic Parish, St Cloud Minnesota. For information on times of Divine Liturgy, please call Father Steven Johnson at 320-230-2609.

St Patrick Enlightener of Ireland Eastern Orthodox Catholic Chapel, 4202 Newark Avenue, Cleveland Ohio. Clergy: His Grace Bishop Simeon.

St Thomas the Apostle Center, 1719 South 7th Avenue, St Cloud Minnesota; Father Steven M Johnson, Administrator.

St Luke the Physician Mission Parish, VR Father Paul Jensen (Pastor), 339 NE 8th Street, Paris Texas 75450.

St Michael & All Angels Syro-Russian Orthodox Catholic Parish, St Cloud Minnesota. For information on times of Divine Liturgy, please call Father Steven Johnson at 320-230-2609.

St Patrick Enlightener of Ireland Syro-Russian Orthodox Catholic Chapel, 4208 Newark Avenue, Cleveland Ohio; His Grace Bishop Simeon – Very Rev Father Anthony Leubke.

St Thomas the Apostle Syro-Russian Center, 1719 South 7th Avenue, St Cloud Minnesota; Father Steven M Johnson, Administrator.