ISIS BENT ON GENOCIDE OF CHRISTIANS

by Archbishop Timothy

Our Mother Church, the Syriac Orthodox Church is comprised mainly of ethnic peoples in what is now Syria and parts if Turkey and Iraq. Those people took up the Christian mantle soon after the resurrection of our Lord. In the Sixth Century a new religion started spreading across the region, namely Islam. For close to 1,500 years they shared those lands, the Christians there never taking sides in the many Islamic schisms. The guiding principles of the Christian Faith have always been to spread the Holy Gospels and to love those who oppose us. The Syriac Christians have spent millennia trying to keep peace in a volatile region.

Recently, however, the extremist movement of the Islamic faith have declared war on all those who do not agree with them; Christians, Jews, and Muslims alike. I would not attempt to describe the events that have spurred this movement in such a short discourse, but suffice to say that ISIS is only the most recent incarnation of this global threat. ISIS (Islamic State of Iraq and Syria) hopes to create for itself something it does not have; namely a State. A state is defined as a geographical region that includes a people, a government, and a territory with defined borders. In order to accomplish this end they have begun taking over cities and territories expelling whoever they deem as a threat, including millions of Syriac Christians.

There are many articles on the internet that go more in-depth than you will find on the 5-minute segments on your local TV news. I reccommend you search for yourself. Here are a few I found.

Ignatius Aphrem II on the State of Syria

Archbishop Nikodimos on ISIS in Mosul

Address of Patriarch in Malayalam

ISIS attack on culture

THREE COUNCILS VERSES SEVEN: AN EXPLANATION

By Chorbishop Haralambos,
Chancellor of the Syriac-Greek Antiochene Primatial Archdiocese

The Orthodox (Catholic) Christian Church, since the Council of Chalcedon, a Synod held from October 8 to November 1, AD 451, at Chalcedon. This is a city of Bithynia in Asia Minor, on the Asian side of the Bosporus, known in modern times as Kad¥köy in Istanbul, although at the time separated from Constantinople. The accepted definitions of divine nature issued by the council marked a significant turning point in the Christological debates among the Byzantine and Oriental Orthodox Christians. This also led to the separate establishment of the church in the Western Roman Empire during the 5th century. Many Anglicans and most Protestants consider it to be the last ecumenical council, although the Oriental Orthodox Christians consider the Third Council at Ephesus to be the last ecumenical council. This council condemned the teachings of Nestorius, Patriarch of Constantinople that the Virgin Mary may be called the Christotokos, "Birth Giver of Christ" but not the Theotokos, "Birth Giver of God", which was rejected. It met in June and July AD 431 at the Church of Mary in Ephesus in Anatolia. These churches, per Martin Luther, hold that both conscience and scripture preempt doctrinal councils and generally agree that the conclusions of later councils were unsupported by or contradictory to scripture. This led to Chalcedonian Orthodox Christians and Non-Chalcedonian Orthodox Christians. The Council of Chalcedon was convened by Emperor Marcian, with the reluctant approval of Pope Leo the Great, to set aside the 449 Second Council of Ephesus which would become known as the "Latrocinium" or "Robber Council".

The Council of Chalcedon issued the 'Chalcedonian Definition,' which repudiated the notion of a single nature in Christ, and declared that he has two natures in one person and hypostasis; it also insisted on the completeness of his two natures: Godhead and manhood. The council also issued 27 disciplinary canons governing church administration and authority. In a further decree, known as canon 28, the bishops declared the See of Constantinople (New Rome) equal in honor and authority to Rome. The Syriac-Greek Antiochian Orthodox Catholic Church in 2009 adopted and profess the Christology of the Non-Chalcedonian Orthodox Christian Churches. The Council is considered to have been the Fourth Ecumenical Council by the Eastern Orthodox Church and various other Western Christian groups. As such, it is recognized as infallible in its dogmatic definitions by the Roman Catholic and Eastern Orthodox Churches (then one church). However, the Council is not accepted by several of the ancient Eastern Churches, including the Oriental Orthodox of Egypt, Syria, Armenia, Eritrea, Ethiopia, India and others. The Oriental Orthodox teach: "The Lord Jesus Christ is God the Incarnate Word. He possesses the perfect Godhead and the perfect manhood. His fully divine nature is united with His fully human nature yet without mixing, blending or alteration." This has been misunderstood as monophysitism, a belief which the Oriental Orthodox Christian Church strongly disagree with, and which conflicts with the view they hold known as "Miaphysitism."

The Syriac-Greek Antiochian Orthodox Catholic Church, like all Oriental Orthodox Christian Churches, recognizes only the first Three Ecumenical Councils. The Oriental or "non-Chalcedonian" Churches which includes the Armenian, Coptic, Eritrean, Ethiopian, Malankara Indian, Syrian, and Syrian-Greek Antiochian were unable to agree with the Byzantine and Latin Churches at the Council of Chalcedon in AD 451 on the dogmatic definitions of Christ. In particular, they objected to the phrase in Greek that Jesus Christ was "fully God" and "fully human" meaning that Christ was two separate people living in one body, an error according to the Oriental Churches. There is a great deal of freedom in being counted among the Oriental Churches. Many of the problematic beliefs and practices of Roman and Eastern Orthodox (Byzantine and Byzantine-derived) Christianity are based on Councils including the Council of Chalcedon (and those that follow it) but do not affect the Oriental Churches.

The first Three Councils accomplished the following: Nicaea (AD 325) repudiated Arianism and adopted the original Nicene Creed, fixed date of Pascha (Easter); recognized primacy of the sees of Rome, Alexandria and Antioch and granted the See of Jerusalem a position of honor. Constantinople (AD 381) repudiated Arianism and Macedonianism, revised the Nicene Creed in regard to the Holy Spirit. Ephesus (AD 431) repudiated Nestorianism, proclaimed the Virgin Mary as the Theotokos ("Birth-giver to God", "God-bearer", "Mother of God"), repudiated Pelagianism, and reaffirmed the Nicene Creed. "Pelagianism" is the belief that original sin did not taint human nature and that mortal will is still capable of choosing good or evil without special Divine aid. Pelagius taught that the human will, as created with its abilities by God, was sufficient to live a sinless life, although he believed that God's grace assisted every good work. Pelagianism has come to be identified with the view, (whether Pelagius agreed or not), that human beings can earn salvation by their own efforts. This theological theory is named after Pelagius (354 - 420 or 440), although he denied, at least at some point in his life, many of the doctrines associated with his name.

The remaining four councils, plus one, that are often considered "ecumenical" among the "Eastern" and "Byzantine" Orthodox Christian Churches, that are taken as the basis of the "orthodox faith," in fact added little to these central truths of the Christian tradition. They did, however, bring in a number of unfortunate developments that the Orthodox Christian Churches today still struggle to reconcile with contemporary social and ethical norms. By remaining faithful to the first three councils only, the Oriental Orthodox Catholic Churches have maintained sound doctrine and traditions as expressed in the Creed of Nicea, modified at Constantinople, omitting of course the phrase "and the Son" (the so-called "Filioque Clause") to describe the nature of the Holy Spirit. They maintain their belief in the first Three Ecumenical Councils and all that they taught and agreed upon. They have followed the teachings of Christ and His holy Apostles. Others, however, condemned some of the most important biblical interpreters of the early Church. Yet others introduced limitations on clerical marriage, forbade clergy to wear secular clothing or take up certain secular occupations, and condemned what we now regard as innocent pleasures such as theater and sporting events. In short, by remaining true to our lineage as a non-Chalcedonian Church, we permit ourselves to respond to the very real needs of today without being hemmed in by outmoded forms of antiquated rules that have no relevance today without changing the faith or the teachings of the Church.

OFFICIAL UPDATE FROM THE PRIMATIAL SEE
TO INDEPENDENT JURISDICTIONS OR INDIVIDUAL CLERGY ABOUT UNION

By His Eminence Archbishop Timothy Kjera

[Sharon PA] His Beatitude Metropolitan Stephen, in his desire to reunite possibly canonically sound jurisdictions outside our Holy Metropolis, or some schismatics in the Succession of Metropolitan Mor Timotheos who have maintained the true faith, or those possessing our Apostolic Heritage (or another valid succession) who wish to make changes in their beliefs to conform with those of Oriental Orthodox Christianity, has implemented a new policy concerning such bishops or priests, and/or dioceses or parishes who wish to be united to the Primatial Archdiocese. His Beatitude: " It is our mission, and one that would pleasing to Christ, that we all be one, and at this time to initiate dialogue with other jurisdictions (and individuals) that might be interested in our reunification dialogue with the Syriac Patriarchate of Antioch, and who might wish to consider "union" or "patrimony." with our Church and its Primate." In our investigation of the many schismatic groups that have sprung up since 1932, it is evident that there are a few who are making an effort to maintain the Orthodox Catholic Christian faith and its theology, but many more who are uncanonical in their status and/or heretical in their teachings and not worthy of dialogue with us for many reasons, unless they give up the impediments that keep them from canonicity.

Patrimony , recently approved by the Primatial See, is the blessing from our Primate to establish within our Primatial Archdiocese certain "Personal Ordinariates" for those of other ecclesial heritages/traditions who wish to enter full communion with the Syriac-Greek Antiochian Orthodox Catholic Church, while maintaining certain non-conflicting but important elements of their spiritual and liturgical backgrounds. Equivalent to a diocese, the " ordinariate" is composed of parishes, religious communities, and individuals of another ecclesiastical heritage gathered around its Ordinary, but with fidelity to the Primatial See and Holy Metropolis. The Ordinary serves under the direct authority of the Primate, in partnership with the Syriac-Greek Antiochene Synod of Bishops, to build the Church through mutual mission and ministry while retaining elements of their heritage. The members of the Ordinariate include: "those faithful of every category or state of life, who, originally having belonged to another heritage or canonical jurisdiction, now in full communion with the Syriac-Greek Antiochian Orthodox Catholic Church and its Primatial See, or who have received the sacraments of initiation within the jurisdiction of the Ordinariate itself, or who are chrismated and received into the Ordinariate." Those interested are asked to contact the Primatial Archdiocese at rbsocc@juno.com or by postal mail to St Nicholas Center, 456 Nimick Street, Sharon PA 16146. This became effective on May 1st, 2014 and will end on February 15th, 2014, and has been previously promulgated according to our canons.

UPDATE ON PRIMATE'S HEALTH

From His Eminence Archbishop Timothy Kjera, OCH Editor

His Beatitude Metropolitan Stephen has been in and out of the hospital since December 2013 for several occlusions in his left leg causing great pain that have also caused numbness in his left foot especially. Several operations have been performed and stents have been inserted into the clogged arteries that was causing most of the problems. This original stent occluded a few months later and the operation was again performed, but this new stent also occluded and caused another to be placed in late July 2014. This stent also occluded. His Beatitude was once again in UPMC – Presbyterian Hospital in Pittsburgh Pennsylvania. The Primate's vascular surgeon performed angioplasty but soon began to cause problems that again placed His Beatitude into the hospital on October 27, 2014 and was advised that once again the surgical procedure was failing. He received a new medication that requires about 15 weeks to see if the arteries have widened called Cilostazol. Ultra Sound tests are routinely being given to him as well as blood panels. The vascular surgeon, and his primary care physician, are discussing other procedures and alternatives. The doctors involved feel that a bypass will be required and may be performed soon. The worst case-scenario should all else fail would be a partial amputation of his left leg  – which many, including all clergy and monastics and residents at St Nicholas Center, and many more around the world, are praying does not have to be done.

His Beatitude has been on much bed-rest over the past eight months due to this issue along with sciatic pain and lower back pain. He has been working in his office against the wishes of the clergy and doctors, but has taken time for rest as well. He deals with many internal and external situations and disturbances on a daily basis. Please keep him in your prayers.

POVERTY BY CHOICE:

HUMAN DEVELOPMENT AS THE BIBLICAL & HUMAN NORMS & RESPONSIBILITIES

• Ten Virgins Mt 25:1-13
• Parable of the Talents Mt 25:14
• Parable of the Weeds Mt: 13-24-30
• Parable of the Sower Mt 13:1-23.

God has given the humanity the will to chose between good and evil, restore and waste, destroy or to build, make struggle or to sit, sleep or to be awaken. This free chose leads us to everyday monuments and movements of our lives. This particular behavior also leads us to decide from spiritual to human conditions of life. One of the very basic human conditions would be the Socio-Economical conditions of an individual person, family, institution, community, society, organization, and country. The teaching of Jesus has a lot to teach to make decisions from our spiritual exercises to human conditions of life as the Socio-Economical phenomena of human life.

The parable of the "Ten Virgins" in Mathew 25:1-13 is the picture of the coming of Jesus and the behavior of divided two groups of humanity actually. At least one object, one goal, is very clear: waiting for Jesus to come. The conflict starts when five of them are sleeping and five of them are awake. The five sleeping virgins represent the group of people with laziness rather putting the other group of people in danger in creating the shortage of the oil. Asking oil, asking such diplomatic and selfish help might lead to corruption and the total selfishness. The five awaken virgins were not only awaken but aware of the difficulties of the shortage of the oil, suggesting the other five companions to use their own economical sources and to make struggle to buy in the shortage of time, to be on the save sides both of the parties, saving and helping one another for the common goal of success and help.

In our daily life we have to make the free decisions to be with the sleeping group of people the five virgins or awaken group of people the awaken five virgins. Are we going to care for our luxuries and comforts or going to work heard for our prosperity and development. Are we going to have enough oil or we have got enough even for the raining days as the education, trainings, specializations, talents, health, age, human resources, human forces, natural resources .expertise  etc. Are we going to the group of people asking other for our needs luxuries comforts and blaming them. Finally if we are with the five awaken virgins all the door of the prosperities and the opportunities of development would be opened, if we are going to be with the sleeping five virgins all the doors of the prosperities and the opportunities of development would e closed not only that we might be the trouble creator and burden for others and putting success of people in danger, going to experience the hopelessness nothingness and distresses. The parable of the talents Mathew 25:14-30 there is the assurance of the talents given to all of us but in different capacities qualities, according the results of the productions the performances are expected and demanded in time.

Each of us having the six senesces with all the exceptional  causes by nature having the intellectual power of doing and thinking have got the responsibilities as the biblical and social norms to develop our own beings our family our community our country our world and above all for the glory of God. Here we do not have the chose not to use the given talents as the biblical and social norms, the option we would have to become the victim of not to develop ourselves spiritually or humanly. The distribution of the talents from five to one shows different responsibilities according to our capacities qualities situations and the opportunities provided to each of us, according we would see the results and performances by ourselves and by the others with the inner happiness and the appreciations from the people around us.  Five talents would means five fingers of your hand the other five fingers would the hidden power and guidance of God within your struggles interest seeking powers for your successful chances of prosperities.  Two talents would mean the total intimacy between God and his people. One talent would mean all alone you cannot do anything you would need the perseverance God in the face of your people around you. This is what the person did; he could not make another talent with out of one.

The parable of weeds Mathew 13:24-30 warn us about all our worldly blessing given by God throughout in our whole life, with the unconditional love, without even asking or our knowing God keeps on showering his blessings on us, all benefits for our own life and the family, the security of our health and wealth, the security of our job, the security of the place to live etc. We do experience the parable weeds in our lives, when we are rejected & neglected, talked against, poisoned against the job, the life, the  family, the  character. The only solution would be, beware of the situations the atmospheres the environments around us and prayer. Not to sleep like the men who let his enemy come and sowed weeds among wheat and went away, rather asking Jesus to be the way, to be the door, from where the devil cannot walk through in, from where the devil cannot enter. When we walk through the door of Jesus, we walk on the way of Jesus, the entrance would be blessed as the eternal and worldly security, the steps would be blessed for the unbelievable blossoms of our life.     

The parable of the of the Sower Mathew 13:1-23 can be seen as our own character as the farmer went out to sow his seed. The seed of the bearing witness of the resurrected glorified Jesus Christ the only son of God. The seed of our living styles , the seed of how  to behave  and talk with the people around us , the seed of the works and actions, the seed of our presence among social gatherings ,the seed of our temper in difficult situations , the seed of our wisdom and knowledge, the seed of our relationship with other human beings, the seed of helping hands to the suffering and needy people, the seed of the encouragements and the leadership , the only thing is, we have know when and where the seed has to be sowed.  

   "All Copyrights Reserved" Rev JOHN JOSEPH (J J) 0344-4540474.

HOMELESS PROGRAM NEEDS DONATIONS
PLEASE CONSIDER A DONATION

[Sharon Pennsylvania] St Nicholas Center offers homeless men a home and guidance in return for work on the grounds. This program has helped over fifty men in the last four years and over 158 (error in last edition of 250) since 1998. In those years over 22 of these men have been chrismated into the Orthodox Catholic Church, many coming from pasts that did not include any church affiliation or faith at all. Seven of these have entered the monastic life of the Church. Currently, many men are being cared for at St Nicholas that includes their room, food, their prescriptions, toiletries, personal needs, the outings they enjoy, and the new life they have found centered on Christ. However, this is costing the Archdiocese much money and we are now brought to our knees asking for your assistance. We are in need of donations here so that our work started can continue and in time more centers to be opened. If you can find it in your heart to help with our expenses please send you donation to St Nicholas Center, 456 Nimick Street, Sharon PA 16146, or you may do so on your credit card as a donation through PayPal. Please make checks payable to "EOCC." We are a 501(c)(3) tax-exempt organization and your donations are tax deductible. Thank you.

PLEASE ASSIST US BY MAKING A DONATION TO THE HOLY METROPOLIS

"Giving to Glorify God" (Matthew 6: 1-4). The Syriac-Greek Antiochian Orthodox Catholic Holy Metropolis would like to thank the following for their generosity and love shown to God and His Church. Those wishing their names withheld are shown as "Anonymous." Those not wanting their location known are left blank. Donation statements upon request. Your gift helps us to help many missions and many persons in the United States who are homeless and in need of assistance in various ways. Please consider this act of charity for those who have nothing. You are asked to consider a donation to help the Church with all its missions and programs by sending yours to the Metropolis of St Peter, 456 Nimick Street, Sharon PA 16146; or by using your credit card to make a donation through PayPal. All donations are tax-deductible. Please make your check payable to "EOCC." Every donor of $150.00 or more will receive a gift selected for you from the Holy Metropolis. Those donating $250.00 or more will receive a gift along with a "Benefactor Certificate" from the Holy Metropolis. Those donating $500.00 or more will receive a gift from the Holy Metropolis along with a "Great Benefactor Certificate", and  Enrollment in the "Perpetual Basilian Membership of Prayer which enrolls you or another living or deceased family member or friend in perpetual prayer offered for you or another by the members and monastics of the Community of St Basil.

Our appreciation to the following for their charitable support:

• Anonymous ($25.00/11.20.14) - Florida
• Dr John Williams ($50.00 /12.01.14) – Illinois
• Dr & Mrs William Meeks ($50.00/12,12.14) - Arizona
• Mr Stephen Szilags ($100.00 /11.05.14) – Ohio
• Mr Albert & Dr Sandra Dobiash ($200.00 /12.14.14) – Colorado
• Mrs Donna Stines (Donation of Office Materials and Clothing for St Nicholas Center) - Ohio
• Name Withheld ($300.00/12.03.14) - Pennsylvania

SAINTS OF OUR CHURCH

From the Primatial See of the Holy Metropolis of St Peter the Apostle
Information taken from Wikipedia, Edited By Archbishop Timothy

Saint Nicholas the Wonder-Worker

Defender of Orthodoxy, Wonderworker, Holy Hierarch, Bishop of Myra

Born	15 March 270 Patara, Lycia et Pamphylia, Asia Minor

Died	6 December 343 (aged 73) Myra, Lycia

Honored in

Anglicanism, Roman Catholicism, Eastern Orthodox Catholicim, Oriental Orthodox (Catholic) Christianity, Lutheranism

Shrine

Basilica di San Nicola, Bari, Italy

Feast

6 December [O.S. 14 December](main feast day - Saint Nicholas Day) 9 May [O.S. 22 May](translation of relics)

Attributes

Vested as a Bishop wearing an omophorion and holding a Gospel Book according to Orthodox Catholicism. Sometimes shown with Jesus Christ over one shoulder, holding a Gospel Book, and with the Theotokos over the other shoulder, holding an omophorion

Patronage

Children, coopers, sailors, fishermen, merchants, broadcasters, the falsely accused, repentant thieves, pharmacists, archers, pawnbrokers. Lorraine and Duchy of Lorraine.

Saint Nicholas (Greek: ¥¥¥¥¥ ¥¥¥¥¥¥¥¥, Hagios Nikólaos, Latin: Sanctus Nicolaus); (March 15th 270 - December 6th 343), also called Nikolaos of Myra, was a historic 4th-century Christian saint and Greek Bishop of Myra (Demre, part of modern-day Turkey). Because of the many miracles attributed to his intercession, he is also known as Nikolaos the Wonderworker. He had a reputation for secret gift-giving, such as putting coins in the shoes of those who left them out for him, a practice celebrated on his feast day - St Nicholas Day (6 December, Gregorian calendar, in Western Christianity and 19 December, Julian calendar, in Eastern Christianity) ;and thus became the model for Santa Claus, whose modern name comes from the Dutch Sinterklaas, itself from a series of elisions and corruptions of the transliteration of "Saint Nikolaos". His reputation evolved among the faithful, as was common for early Christian saints. In 1087, part of the relics (about half of the bones) were furtively translated to Bari, in Apulia, Italy; for this reason, he is also known as Nikolaos of Bari. The remaining bones were taken to Venice in 1100.

The historical Saint Nicholas is commemorated and revered among Anglican, Catholic, Lutheran, and Orthodox Christians. In addition, some other Protestant churches have been named in honor of Saint Nicholas. Saint Nicholas is the patron saint of sailors, merchants, archers, repentant thieves, children, brewers, pawnbrokers and students in various cities and countries around Europe. He was also a patron of the Varangian Guard of the Byzantine emperors, who protected his relics in Bari.

Life

Nicholas was born in Asia Minor (Greek Anatolia) in the Roman Empire, to a Greek Family during the third century in the city of Patara (Lycia et Pamphylia), in present day Turkey,which was a port on the Mediterranean Sea, and lived in Myra, Lycia (part of modern-day Demre, Turkey), at a time when the region was Greek in its heritage, culture, and outlook and politically part of the Roman diocese of Asia. He was the only son of wealthy Christian parents named Epiphanius and Johanna according to some accounts and Theophanes and Nonna according to others. He was very religious from an early age and according to legend, Nicholas was said to have rigorously observed the canonical fasts of Wednesdays and Fridays. His wealthy parents died in an epidemic while Nicholas was still young and he was raised by his uncle - also named Nicholas - who was the bishop of Patara. He tonsured the young Nicholas as a reader and later ordained him a priest.

In the year AD 305, several monks from Anatolia in Asia Minor came to the Holy Land to Beit Jala, Palestine and established a small monastery with a church named in honor of the Great Martyr George (Saint George). This was before St. Sava's Monastery was founded in the desert east of Bethlehem on the Kidron Gorge near the Dead Sea. These monks lived in Beit Jala on the mountain overlooking Bethlehem in a few caves. In the years 312-315, St. Nicholas lived there and came as a pilgrim to visit shrines in the Holy Land. A text written in his own hand is still in the care of the Greek Orthodox Patriarch of Jerusalem. It was in his prayers that St. Nicholas heard the Holy Spirit call him back to Asia Minor, to Myra, where soon after his return in 317 he was consecrated bishop.

In 325, he was one of many bishops to answer the request of Constantine and appear at the First Council of Nicaea. There, Nicholas was a staunch anti-Arian and defender of the Orthodox Christian position, and one of the bishops who signed the Nicene Creed.

Translation of the relics

On 26 August 1071 Romanus IV, Emperor of the Byzantine Empire (reigned 1068–1071), faced Sultan Alp Arslan of the Seljuk Turks (reigned 1059–1072) in the Battle of Manzikert. The battle ended in humiliating defeat and capture for Romanus. As a result the Empire temporarily lost control over most of Asia Minor to the invading Seljuk Turks. The Byzantines would regain its control over Asia Minor during the reign of Alexius I Comnenus (reigned 1081–1118). But early in his reign Myra was overtaken by the Turks. Nicholas' tomb in Myra had become a popular place of pilgrimage. Because of the many wars and attacks in the region, some Christians were concerned that access to the tomb might become difficult. For both the religious and commercial advantages of a major pilgrimage site, the Italian cities of Venice and Bari vied to get the Nicholas relics. Taking advantage of the confusion, in the spring of 1087, sailors from Bari in Apulia seized part of the remains of the saint from his burial church in Myra, over the objections of the Greek Orthodox monks. Returning to Bari, they brought the remains with them and cared for them. The remains arrived on 9 May 1087. There are numerous variations of this account. In some versions those taking the relics are characterized as thieves or pirates, in others they are said to have taken them in response to a vision wherein Saint Nicholas himself appeared and commanded that his relics be moved in order to preserve them from the impending Muslim conquest. Currently at Bari, there are two churches at his shrine, one Roman Catholic and one Orthodox.

Sailors from Bari collected just half of Nicholas' skeleton, leaving all the minor fragments in the grave. These were collected by Venetian sailors during the first crusade and brought to Venice, where a church to St. Nicholas, the patron of sailors, was built on the Lido. This tradition was confirmed in two scientific investigations of the relics in Bari and Venice, which revealed that the relics in the two cities belong to the same skeleton. In our time, many churches in Europe, Russia and the United States claim to possess small relics, such as a tooth or a finger.

It is said that in Myra the relics of Saint Nicholas each year exuded a clear watery liquid which smells like rose water, called myrrh, which is believed by the faithful to possess miraculous powers. After the relics were brought to Bari, they continued to do so, much to the joy of the new owners. Vials of myrrh from his relics have been taken all over the world for centuries, and can still be obtained from his church in Bari. Even up to the present day, a flask of myrrh is extracted from the tomb of Saint Nicholas every year on 6 December (the Saint's feast day) by the clergy of the basilica. The myrrh is collected from a sarcophagus which is located in the basilica vault and could be obtained in the shop nearby. The liquid gradually seeps out of the tomb, but it is unclear whether it originates from the body within the tomb, or from the marble itself; since the town of Bari is a harbour, and the tomb is below sea level, there have been several natural explanations proposed for the manna fluid, including the transfer of seawater to the tomb by capillary action, however this does not explain it appearing only once a year on a fixed date, its smell and its appearance while the relics were in Myra.

Legends and folklore

One legend tells how during a terrible famine, a malicious butcher lured three little children into his house, where he killed them, placing their remains in a barrel to cure, planning to sell them off as ham. Saint Nicholas, visiting the region to care for the hungry, not only saw through the butcher's horrific crime but also resurrected the three boys from the barrel by his prayers. Another version of this story, possibly formed around the eleventh century, claims that the butcher's victims were instead three clerks who wished to stay the night. The man murdered them, and was advised by his wife to dispose of them by turning them into meat pies. The Saint saw through this and brought the men back to life.

In his most famous exploit, a poor man had three daughters but could not afford a proper dowry for them. This meant that they would remain unmarried and probably, in absence of any other possible employment, would have to become prostitutes. Even if they did not, unmarried maidens in those days would have been assumed as being a prostitute. Hearing of the girls' plight, Nicholas decided to help them, but being too modest to help the family in public (or to save them the humiliation of accepting charity), he went to the house under the cover of night and threw three purses (one for each daughter) filled with gold coins through the window opening into the house.

One version has him throwing one purse for three consecutive nights. Another has him throwing the purses over a period of three years, each time the night before one of the daughters comes of age. Invariably, the third time the father lies in wait, trying to discover the identity of their benefactor. In one version the father confronts the saint, only to have Saint Nicholas say it is not him he should thank, but God alone. In another version, Nicholas learns of the poor man's plan and drops the third bag down the chimney instead; a variant holds that the daughter had washed her stockings that evening and hung them over the embers to dry, and that the bag of gold fell into the stocking.

According to another legend, during a great famine that Myra experienced in 311–312, a ship was in the port at anchor, which was loaded with wheat for the Emperor in Constantinople. Nicholas invited the sailors to unload a part of the wheat to help in time of need. The sailors at first disliked the request, because the wheat had to be weighed accurately and delivered to the Emperor. Only when Nicholas promised them that they would not suffer any loss for their consideration, the sailors agreed. When they arrived later in the capital, they made a surprising find: the weight of the load had not changed, although the wheat removed in Myra was enough for two full years and could even be used for sowing.

While yet a young man, Nicholas followed the example of his uncle, the abbot, by making a pilgrimage to the birthplace of Christianity - the Holy Land. Desiring a serene time of preparation, Nicholas set sail on an Egyptian ship where the other pilgrims did not know who he was. The first night he dreamed a storm would put them all at peril. When he awoke in the morning he warned the sailors that a severe storm was coming, but they need not fear, for "God will protect us." Almost immediately the sky darkened and strong winds roared round the ship. The wind and waves made it impossible to keep the ship under control. Even with lowered sails, the sailors feared for their very lives and begged Nicholas to pray for safety. One sailor climbed the main mast, tightening the ropes so the mast would not crash onto the deck. As he was coming back down, the sailor slipped, fell to the deck, and was killed. While Nicholas prayed, the storm did quiet, relieving the sailors. Their comfort, however, was dampened by grief over their comrade's death. As Nicholas prayed over the dead sailor, he was revived, "as if he had only been asleep." The man awakened without pain and the ship finished the journey to the Holy Land. Saint Nicholas then embarked on his pilgrimage to the holy places, walking where Jesus had walked. One night while staying with a family in Jerusalem, he wanted to pray at the only church remaining in Jerusalem at that time. It was the Church of the Room of the Last Supper on Mount Zion. As he approached the heavy, locked doors, they swung open of their own accord, allowing him to enter the church. Nicholas fell to the ground in thanksgiving.

Before returning to Lycia, he lived in the Holy Land several years in a cave overlooking Bethlehem and visited the Holy Sepulchre, Golgotha, Bethlehem, and many other holy sites. The Saint Nicholas Greek Orthodox Church is located on the site of his cave in Beit Jala where today there are innumerable stories about Saint Nicholas still handed down from generation to generation.

From Last Issue: Mor Timotheos Vilathi

Italian Cannoli	PREP	45 Mins
	COOK	1 Hour
Makes 30 Cannoli	Ready in	3 Hrs 45 Mins

 

Shells:

• 3 cups all-purpose flour
• 1/4 cup white sugar
• 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 3 tablespoons shortening
• 1 egg
• 1 egg yolk
• 1/2 cup sweet Marsala wine
• 1 tablespoon distilled white vinegar
• 2 tablespoons water
• 1 egg white
• 1 quart oil for frying, or as needed

• 1 (32 ounce) container ricotta cheese
• 1/2 cup confectioners' sugar
• 1 cup chopped candied citron
• 4 ounces semisweet chocolate, chopped (optional)

Directions

1. In a medium bowl, mix together the flour, sugar and cinnamon. Cut in the shortening until it is in pieces no larger than peas. Make a well in the center, and pour in the egg, egg yolk, Marsala wine, vinegar and water. Mix with a fork until the dough becomes stiff, then finish it by hand, kneading on a clean surface. Add a bit more water if needed to incorporate all of the dry ingredients. Knead for about 10 minutes, then cover and refrigerate for 1 to 2 hours.
2. Divide the cannoli dough into thirds, and flatten each one just enough to get through the pasta machine. Roll the dough through successively thinner settings until you have reached the thinnest setting. Dust lightly with flour if necessary. Place the sheet of dough on a lightly floured surface. Using a form or large glass or bowl, cut out 4 to 5 inch circles. Dust the circles with a light coating of flour. This will help you later in removing the shells from the tubes. Roll dough around cannoli tubes, sealing the edge with a bit of egg white.
3. Heat the oil to 375 degrees F (190 degrees C) in a deep-fryer or deep heavy skillet. Fry shells on the tubes a few at a time for 2 to 3 minutes, until golden. Use tongs to turn as needed. Carefully remove using the tongs, and place on a cooling rack set over paper towels. Cool just long enough that you can handle the tubes, then carefully twist the tube to remove the shell. Using a tea towel may help you get a better grip. Wash or wipe off the tubes, and use them for more shells. Cooled shells can be placed in an airtight container and kept for up to 2 months. You should only fill them immediately or up to 1 hours before serving.
4. To make the filling, stir together the ricotta cheese and confectioners' sugar using a spoon. Fold in the chopped citron and chocolate. Use a pastry bag to pipe into shells, filling from the center to one end, then doing the same from the other side. Dust with additional confectioners' sugar and grated chocolate for garnish when serving.

The cannoli tubes are crucial. Ask your local Italian grocer where you can get them. Many of the kitchen stores carry them. The tubes are hollow stainless steel, and 6 to 8 inches long.

Having 2-3 people on cannoli duty helps keep the process moving along, with one person rolling and cutting, one person dusting, egging, and placing onto metal tubes, and one person frying the shells and removing shells from tubes for re-use. If you have 8 tubes on hand, the process will go well.

The filling can be made using grated orange and lemon zest instead of citron. Other variations include using small chocolate chips, maraschino cherries, or dipping the ends of cannoli in chopped pistachios.

ARCHDIOCESE OFFERS CLERGY TRAINING

The Archdiocese is offering clergy and seminarians a very inexpensive training program who need training in the revised Liturgy of the Mass of St Gregory according to the Syriac-Greek Antiochene Rite. This program will include an audio-video recording of the Mass along with an explanation of the rubrics. In addition, the new Liturgikon will be included containing the Liturgy and its rubrics along with the proper prayers for certain feasts and Holy Days. Those wishing a Licentiate in Ministry (Liturgical Studies) will be responsible for the tuition of $425.00 plus application fee but will also receive the "Prayers Behind the Ambon", "The Rites of Baptism/Chrismation", "Rite of Matrimony", and " Funeral Services" paid for by the Primatial Archdiocese. You can apply to St Nicholas Center, 456 Nimick Street, Sharon Pennsylvania 16146. If you have any questions about this they may be addressed to the address of the "OCH" on heading of the newsletter. Foreign applicants will be responsible for postage and handling fees. Those who only wish the study material and not the degree may send US$300 plus postage and handling costs. You may also contact us about this offer at rbsocc@juno.com .

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

What is a "companion member" of a monastic community? Joseph Plum (Sioux Falls SD)

A. Basilian Companions of the Community of Saint Basil (BCSB)  are men and women, married or single, eighteen (18) years of age or older, who, although not wanting to become monks or nuns under vows, want to share in the prayer life and apostolic works of the monastic community and the Church. They are actually referred to as Basilian Companions of St Basil. Those interested can write us at – St Nicholas Center, 456 Nimick Street, Sharon PA 16146; or they can email us.

Does the Orthodox Catholic Church believe that the Roman Catholic Church is in heresy? (Mary Salerno, Highland IN)

A. There are some Orthodox Christian jurisdictions who do believe that Rome fell into heresy prior to the Great Schism and more so after. Some of the innovations adopted by Rome that are alien to the Orthodox Catholic Church are the Immaculate Conception (Virgin Mary born without Original Sin also known as "Ancestral Sin"), the "Filioque Clause"; Virgin Mary as Co-Redemptrix which refers to Mary's role in the redemption of man along with Christ; the use of wafers – unleavened bread instead of leavened bread as was the custom with the Roman Church before the 8th century; and Papal Primacy, to mention some. Our jurisdiction believes that because of their innovations and teachings, Rome, because of their innovations, stands outside the true (orthodox) faith taught and practiced by the early Christian Church and the early Church Fathers. They are separated from the Holy Orthodox Catholic Church since AD 1054 to which they once belonged and both East and West were in complete and total union. Some jurisdictions refer to the innovations as "heresies" but we try to avoid this term in ours.

What are "outward signs" of the the Holy Mysteries of the Church? Gino Rondonelli (Cleveland OH)

A. In Orthodox and Roman teachings, "outward" (visible) and "inward" (invisible) signs exist with each of the Holy Mysteries (Sacraments). The outward-visible sign of  Baptism is water and the inward-invisible is spiritual grace and cleansing of the soul from our ancestral (original) sin. In the Holy Eucharist we receive the Body and Blood of Christ invisibly changed by the power of the Holy Spirit, although visibly they appear to be bread and wine. Therefore, the "outward signs" can be seen, e.g., water, anointing oils, bread, wine, rings, et cetera. The "inward signs" are spiritual and cannot be seen, e.g., spiritual grace, body and blood of Christ received at Holy Communion, and the indelible mark upon the soul received from certain sacraments, et cetera.

Does the Syriac-Greek Antiochian Church recognize John Paul II as a saint? Michael Smith (Valparaiso IN)

A. Our Church, as other Orthodox Catholic Christian Churches, generally have not accepted saints canonized by Rome since the Great Schism of AD 1054, or simply remain silent on such an issue. Although we might recognize the good that was done by Pope John Paul II, and that he may have been a very holy person, we do not look at him to be saint within Orthodoxy. This does not mean that he will not be recognized within the Roman Church.

I am a seminarian but do not understand what cheirothesia means. Can you explain this to me? Justin Malosivich (Toronto Ontario Canada)

A. "Cheirothesia " is the ritual used for bringing a validly ordained priest, e.g., Roman Catholic, and some "Old Catholic" clergy, into the Orthodox Catholic Church through anointing with Holy Chrism and invocation of the Holy Spirit without full ordination rites. This would not be used with respect to, e.g., most Protestant ministers who would require preparation and then ordination. However, in all such cases the clergy would also be chrismated into the Orthodox Faith/Church prior to cheirothesia or ordination.

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

HELP FORM MISSION PARISHES & PRAYER GROUPS

HELP FORM MISSION PARISHES & PRAYER GROUPS

The Syriac-Greek Antiochian Archdiocese of the Orthodox Catholic Church, like other small Orthodox jurisdictions, realizes that there are members who live far away from the nearest parish to them. In some cases, there are parishes of other jurisdictions that are in communion with us or in which mutual recognition has been exchanged. In such cases our members may attend those churches until one of ours is opened in their locality. In other cases, there are those living in an area with no parish at all to attend, and for them the option is trying to establish a prayer group and hold classes in Orthodox Catholicism. This is the start that one day can become a mission parish with the Typica Service held in home chapels on Sunday and Holy Days. Domestic Chapels and Communities may be established in homes until a parish can be officially established. For further information contact His Eminence Archbishop Timothy at rbsocc@juno.com or 456 Nimick Street, Sharon PA 16146. If you are interested in assisting the Archdiocese in establishing a mission parish in your area, please contact us.

ORDINATIONS

Diaconate

• Deacon John Oluwanishola ordained to the Holy Diaconate by His Excellency Archbishop Anthony Akinnugba on April 20th, 2014 at St Ignatius of Antioch Church, Makogi Ogun State Nigeria Africa.
• Deacon Paschal Emeodi ordained to the Holy Diaconate by His Excellency Archbishop Anthony Akinnugba on April 20th, 2014 at St Ignatius of Antioch Church, Makogi Ogun State Nigeria Africa.
• Deacon Marystephen Nwose ordained to the Holy Diaconate by His Excellency Archbishop Anthony Akinnugba on April 20th, 2014 at St Ignatius of Antioch Church, Makogi Ogun State Nigeria Africa.

MONASTIC RECEPTIONS + PROFESSION OF VOWS

• Brother Christopher Andonian CSB admitted to Temporary Vows of the Community of St Basil on July 26, 2014 by His Beatitude Metropolitan Stephen assisted by His Eminence Archbishop Timothy Kjera. The ceremony was conducted at St Nicholas Chapel  in Sharon Pennsylvania.
• Novice Brother James Eric Meyer CSB received into the Novitiate of the Community of St Basil on Sunday December 28th, 2015 in preparation of becoming a Brother of the Community. This was done at St Nicholas Chapel in Sharon Pennsylvania by His Eminence Archbishop Timothy Kjera at the Liturgy of the Mass. He will reside at St Nicholas Center in Sharon Pennsylvania and continue studies and preparation for the Brothers of the Community of St Basil..
• Postulant John Robinson will enter the Novitiate of the Community of St Basil on January 18th, 2015 at St Nicholas Chapel in Sharon Pennsylvania in preparation of becoming a Brother of the Community. He will reside at St Nicholas Center in Sharon Pennsylvania and continue studies and preparation for the Brothers of the Community of St Basil.
• Postulant Martino N Smith was released from the postulancy and will enter the Companions program of the Community of St Basil on January January 11th, 2015 at St Nicholas Chapel in Sharon Pennsylvania. He will attached to St Nicholas Center in Sharon Pennsylvania.
• Postulant Vincent A Cappabianca will enter the Novitiate of the Community of St Basil on January 04th, 2015 at St Nicholas Chapel in Sharon Pennsylvania in preparation of becoming a Brother of the Community.  He will reside at St Nicholas Center in Sharon Pennsylvania and continue studies and preparation for the Brothers of the Community of St Basil.
• Stephen Iorlumum has entered the aspirancy program at St Anthony the Great Church at Mbapoghuul Nigeria Africa, and was received by His Excellency Archbishop Anthony MacFonse Akinnugba CSB.

APPOINTMENTS & ASSIGNMENTS

• Deacon Paschal Emeodi will do missionary work in Anambra State Nigeria effective immediately.
• Deacon Marystephen Nwose will do missionary work in Ebonyi State Nigeria effective immediately.
• Father Peterpaul Marcusmore appointed Vocation Director for the First Diocese of Nigeria by His Excellency Archbishop Anthony MacFonse Akinnugba CSB.

OFFICIAL FROM THE PRIMATIAL SEE & HOLY METROPOLIS OF ST PETER APOSTLE

MANDATE TO ALL CLERGY – (07.10.14) The Primate has requested that all clergy refrain from placing any information on their websites that may suggest or cause others to think that we are already in union with the Holy See of the Patriarchate of Antioch. As stated previously, the reunification dialogue is very delicate and still in process. Those who fail to follow this Mandate will be reprimanded and, if necessary, disciplined.

HOLY METROPOLIS RESURRECTS TERMS "PRIMATIAL SEE & PRIMATIAL ARCHDIOCESE" – (07.14.14.1) Because the Church has only had one Archdiocese since His Beatitude Metropolitan Mor Joseph (John Skureth) and this has been maintained since 1966. However, petitions have been made to the Primatial See to rescind this "moratorium" on canonizing new archdioceses where needed and His Beatitude has agreed to investigate this matter further. This is being considered for two dioceses in Africa. In preparation for this, the Primate has brought back into usage the term "Primatial See" of the Holy Metropolis which has not been used since 1995, and was made official on July 24th, 2014.

OFFICIAL COMMEMORATION AT ALL MASSES – (06.29.14.1) Ordered by His Beatitude Metropolitan Stephen V Primate of the Church – His Holiness Moran Mor Ignatius Aphrem II, enthroned as the 123rd Patriarch of the Syriac Orthodox Patriarchate of Antioch & All East on May 29, 2014, shall be commemorated in the Liturgy of the Mass and all other litanies in all services of the Church.

ANNUAL DAY OF COMMEMORATION – (09.17.11.1) Ordered by His Beatitude Metropolitan Stephen V Primate of the Church – (St) Julius of Goa, Archbishop (B. April 29, 1836 - D. September 23, 1923) will be commemorated annually in the Liturgy of the Mass in all parishes. Our jurisdiction has much to be proud of as he was a consecrator of His Beatitude Metropolitan Timotheos Vilathi, I Primate, on May 29th, 1892.

ANNOUNCEMENTS

Clergy Retirements:

• Please keep all our retired clergy in your prayers .
• Chorbishop Haralambos Winger CSB (USA) Sick Leave/Semi-Retirement
• Father Patrick Lemming (USA) Retired
• Father Sebastian Robles (Canada) Retired
• Father Gerasimos Slessinger (USA) Semi-Retired

Sisters of St Basil (SSB) Assignments:

• Sister Mary Ange Boongo SSB at Convent of St Mary Mother of God in Republic of the Angola (Africa).
• Sister Mary Nancy SSB at Convent of St Mary Mother of God in Republic of the Angola (Africa).
• The Sisters of St Basil have now formed in Cameroon (Africa) and Congo Brazaville (Africa). We congratulate them both and pray for them. More news will be announced later.

Forthcoming Ordination(s) Announced:

• Deacon Marystephen Nwose of Yola Nigeria Africa, date to be announced for ordination to Priesthood.
• Deacon John Oluwanishola of Makogi Nigeria Africa, date to be announced for ordination to Priesthood.
• Seminarian James Stuck will be ordained to the Subdiaconate and Diaconate on November 2, 2014 at St Nicholas Chapel in Sharon Pennsylvania by His Eminence Archbishop Timothy Kjera assisted by His Excellency Archbishop Anthony of Nigeria..Deacon-elect James Stuck will then make plans to open a mission parish in Eaton Connecticut under the patronage of "St Thomas the Apostle". Currently, he is completing studies for the priesthood through St Mark Seminary.
• Note: Due to the unrest and turmoil going on in the Democratic Republic of the Congo all ordinations in this country have been put on hold until further notice. Let us pray for immediate peace there.

Seminarians of the Primatial Archdiocese:

• Seminarian James Stuck (Connecticut USA), Major Seminarian at St Mark Seminary & Graduate School (01.22.13)
• Seminarian John Bosco (Bangalore India) Seminarian via St Athanasius Seminary of Nigeria Africa.
• Deacon John Oluwanishola at St Athanasius Seminary of Nigeria (Africa).
• Subdeacon Pachomius Tortya at St Athanasius Seminary of Nigeria (Africa).
• Deacon Paschal Emeodi at St Athanasius Seminary of Nigeria.
• Deacon Marystephen Nwose at St Athanasius Seminary of Nigeria (Africa).

Prayers Requested:

• Tiffany Rae Green the daughter of Drs Mark & Jana Green of Broken Arrow OK. She has been hospitalized for a serious illness. Please also pray for Mark and Jana's son Brandon.

Christ the Pantocrator Sovereign Order of Chivalry:

Receiving petitions now for the Sovereign Order from those who wish to be inducted into this most honorable society. Send your petition to be inducted to: His Eminence Archbishop Timothy Kjera, 456 Nimick Street, Sharon PA 16146 by August 1, 2014. Information and Manual can be requested by sending an email to .

New Commission Members and Licensed Providers:

• Archbishop Anthony Macfonse Akinnugba LACh (10.20.14)
• Dr Claude R Superville LACh (12.06.14)
• Rev Robert Garrione LPC (08/14) License Reinstated

Incardination Requests – Reinstatement of Faculties

• His Grace Bishop Adalbert of Cameroon pending awaiting confirmation of his orders and parishes. (05.01.14).
• His Grace Bishop Donatus Abel Tshitanta incardination pending.– The Primatial See has put a hold on his approval as certain documents and information requested were not submitted on time. Thirty (30) days as of January 01, 2015 to resolve this matter.
• Father Jack McBride accepted under the omophor of the Holy Metropolis of St Peter and is under the protection of the Primatial See. Effective November 25, 2014.
• Father Francis Ochom from Greek Orthodox Church of Africa incardinated on (November 2013) by His Beatitude Metropolitan Stephen..(05.19.14) but since on suspension due to his lack of communication regarding various matters related to his incardination. Thirty (30) days as of January 01, 2015 has been granted to rectify all deficiencies.
• Seminarian Ignatius Onesphori incardination pending documents to be filed with Holy Metropolis. The Primatial See has put a hold on this approval until all documents and information requested are filed. Thirty (30) days has been granted as of January 01, 2015 to resolve this matter.
• Father Makarios Darlington incardination pending documents to be filed with Holy Metropolis. (0520.14). The Primatial See has put a hold on this approval as certain documents and information requested were not submitted on time. Thirty (30) days has been granted on January 01, 2015 to rectify all deficiencies.
• Archbishop Pierre Tang of Cameroon Africa, incardination denied by His Beatitude Metropolitan Stephen due to his failure to meet all incardination prerequisites but granted thirty (30) days to resolve all deficiencies as of January 01, 2015.

PAROCHIAL CHARTERS

Established or Received Ecclesial Entities:

• Holy Ghost Parish, Ebina Bourough Cameroon (09.17.14)
• Our Lady of Mercy Parish, Cameroon (08.17.14)
• St Anne Mission Parish, Equatorial Guinea (10.27.14)
• St Augustine Parish, Equatorial Guinea (10.27.14)
• St Ignatius of Antioch Church, Kagera District Tanzania (05.31.14)
• St Job Mission, Equatorial Guinea (10.27.14)
• St John the Apostle Cathedral, Equatorial Guinea (10.27.14)
• St Joseph Mission Parish, Equatorial Guinea (10.27.14)
• St Katherine of Alexandria Mission, Kagera District Tanzania (05.31.14)
• St Lucy Mission Parish, Equatorial Guinea (10.27.14)
• St Martha Parish, Congo Africa (06.07.14)
• St Martino Parish, Menanga Cameroon (08.17.14)
• St Mary Mission,  Equatorial Guinea (10.27.14)
• St Nicholas of Myra Parish, Monatele Cameroon (08.17.14)
• Ss Peter & Paul Parish, Nkoteng Cameroon (08.17.14)
• St Stephen Academic Center & House of Gideon Clinic, Texas USA (08.01.14)
• St Timothy of Carthage Mission, Mansfield Georgia USA (11.26.14)
• St Thomas the Apostle Mission, Eaton Connecticut USA (10.29.14)

Missions Approved:

• The Primatial See has approved plans to establish a mission parish in Mansfield Georgia under the pastorate of Father John McBride. The patronal name of this mission shall be St Timothy of Carthage.
• The Primatial See has approved plans to establish a mission parish in Eaton Connecticut under the administration of Deacon-elect James Stuck. The patronal name issued is St Thomas the Apostle Mission.
• The Primatial See has approved plans to establish a mission parish in the Hubbard/Youngstown Ohio  area  under the pastorate of His Eminence Archbishop Timothy Kjera. The patronal name of this mission parish is being considered by the Primatial See and will be announced soon.

Dissolved:

• St John Chrysostom Parish, Bangalore (India) 12,09.14.

PRAY FOR THE SICK AND SUFFERING

• His Beatitude Metropolitan Stephen (Pennsylvania)
• His Eminence Archbishop Timothy (Pennsylvania)
• His Eminence Archbishop Anthony (New York)
• His Grace Bishop Cintata Abel (Cameroon Africa))
• Chorbishop Haralambos Winger (Alaska)
• Chorbishop Kuriakos Thottupuram (Illinois)
• Archdeacon John DeMeis (New York)
• Father Gerasimos Slessinger (Tennessee)
• Father Padraig Kneafsey CSB (Ireland)
• Father Patrick Lemming (Tennessee)
• Father Sebastian Robles (Canada)
• Father Seraphim Kanagaratnam CSB (Malaysia)
• Father Thomas Dillon (New Jersey)
• Father Vladimir Raasch (Minnesota)
• Brother Christopher Andonian CSB (Pennsylvania)
• Rev Mother Helena (Bofey) SSB (African Congo)
• Sister Anna of the Convent of the Holy Virgin Mary (California)
• Sister Katherine (California)
• Postulant Vincenzo Cappabianca CSB (Pennsylvania)
• Dr Audrey Daniel DCh (South Carolina)
• Dr Janet Maus DCh FSAC
• Dr Janet Stuck DCh (Arizona)
• Dr Joseph Bannon DCh FSAC (California)
• Dr Karla VonEhrenkrook DCh (Arizona)
• Dr Kathleen Kleiber DCh (Florida)
• Dr Marge Ebeling DCh (Arizona)
• Dr Michael Farley ND DCh FSAC (West Virginia)
• Dr William Meeks DCh FSAC (Arizona)
• Dr Robert Dalton MD (Minnesota)
• Mr Andrew Lucas (Illinois)
• Mr Alexi J Mason (Arizona)
• Mr Brandon Green (Oklahoma)
• Mr Carl Maus (Maryland)
• Mr David Wilson (Minnesota)
• Mr Dominic Winger (Alaska)
• Mr Hampton Bumgarner (Colorado)
• Mr Howard Youngheim (Indiana)
• Mr Maximus Donald Seipke (Minnesota)
• Mr Patrick Whitney (Pennsylvania)
• Mr Vincent Colombo (Indiana)
• Mrs Gretchen Lejeune (Texas)
• Mrs Catherine Whitney (Pennsylvania)
• Ms Sandra Wiechnik (Indiana)
• Ms Tiffany Green (Oklahoma)
• For our Armed Forces everywhere who are suffering, injured, or who have lost their lives protecting the freedom of others, and for their families. For those suffering and dying during wars and turmoil in Syria, India, Pakistan, Afghanistan, Iraq, Iran, Nigeria, Democratic Republic of the Congo, and all countries where fighting for freedom and positive changes in government are now going on.
• For all Orthodox Christians throughout the world where terrorists are targeting Christians and the many who are being martyred for their Orthodox Catholic Christian Faith. For all our God-loving Bishops, Priests, Deacons, Seminarians, Monks, and Nuns, both living and dead, especially our Most Reverend Primate, His Beatitude Metropolitan Stephen, that he will have good health and many years in his service to God!.
• For His Holiness Moran Mor Ignatius Aphrem II, Patriarch of the Syriac Orthodox Church in Antioch and All East, that he will  have good health and many years in his service to God as the Patriarch of the Syrian Orthodox Church!

Note: We ask that all readers and members of the Commission on Religious Counseling & Healing and our clergy to please keep in your prayers Dr Michael Farley who is seriously ill at this time. We also ask your prayers for his wife, Anna.

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.

MAY THEIR SOULS REST IN PEACE!

Lord, have mercy on their souls and all Your faithful departed, who by Your mercy, O God, rest in the sleep of peace. Amen!

[Africa] Shem Oeri Morengo, (b. August 24, 1984 - d. August 21, 2014), who was a member of Holy Apostles of Christ Syriac-Greek Antiochian Orthodox Catholic Mission Parish of Kenya Africa. Burial was on Friday August 29, 2014. May he rest in peace!

Note: If you had a passing in your family or at your local parish, please let us know so they can be listed in this section. 

UPDATE ON CHANGES MADE BY PRIMATE:
HIS BEATITUDE MAKES CHANGES IN AFRICAN
HIERARCHICAL (aka: EPISCOPAL) APPOINTMENTS
TWO (LESSER) ARCHDIOCESES IN AFRICA

From the Primatial Archdiocesan Chancery

The Primatial See of the Holy Metropolis began investigating and reviewing proposals from the Holy Synod of Bishops and other clergy related to the establishment of other dioceses in Africa, and the establishment of two lesser archdioceses to handle large territories in Africa under the Primatial Archdiocese. The Primatial See has never established additional archdioceses (except some in communion with us) until 1920, and since 1966 under His Beatitude Metropolitan Joseph John of Blessed Memory, no decrees were issued for an additional archdiocese(s)! Since that time there has been one archdiocese and one archbishop only. Historically, the Church only had one archdiocese in 1892 when our first Primate was consecrated in a Bull issued by His Holiness Moran Mor Ignatius Peter III. This continued for some years but later in time some archdioceses were formed that were in communion (not union) with our Church, but under various other archbishops. However, by his authority and blessing, this tradition has now been relaxed by His Beatitude Metropolitan Stephen by accepting the petition of the Synod of Bishops, but only in conformance with the new policies on this matter approved by His Beatitude Metropolitan Stephen on August 1, 2014. His Beatitude has mixed feelings about this matter, but prays it is for the good of the Church. His Beatitude said: "We will see the fruits of this new endeavor if it is to be seen, but for now we place this in the hands of God and under the guidance of the Holy Spirit. This break in tradition does not set a precedent to our canons, it merely opens a door to a trial provision so we can see the fruits of this endeavor." The following become official on November 1st, 2014 after the canonical decrees are sent to those bishops involved.

The (lesser) Archdiocese of Francophone African Countries will be made up of certain dioceses and vicariates located within its archdiocesan boundaries, e.g., Yaounde, Congo Kinshasa, and Congo Brazaville of which the two latter are dioceses. The See of this Archdiocese will be announced. This archdiocese will oversee the French-speaking countries for the most part. The archdiocese will be temporarily be under the Primatial Archdiocese and its Ordinary for all conflicts, disciplinary appeal issues, and ordination approvals to major orders. The Archbishops of both Archdioceses will actually be a Vicar Archbishops of the Primatial Archdiocese.

The (lesser) Archdiocese of Anglophone African Countries will include the East African and West African countries as Nigeria is located within the Western African countries. This archdiocese will oversee the English-speaking countries for the most part. The See of this Archdiocese will be domiciled in Nigeria and under His Excellency Archbishop Anthony MacFonse Akinnugba of Nigeria. The archdiocese will be under the Primatial Archdiocese and its Ordinary, and the Archbishop of the Anglophone African Countries for the time being. All conflicts, disciplinary appeal issues, and ordination approvals to major orders will come from His Excellency Archbishop Anthony Akinnugba to His Eminence Archbishop Timothy for review of issues and recommendations from the lesser Archdiocese. Again, Archbishop Anthony Akinnugba CSB will be a Vicar Archbishop of the Primatial Archdiocese official on November 1st, 2014. He has also been Primatial Legate for Africa overseeing the parochial work and administration of the entire continent of Africa and responsible to the Primatial See.

A decree canonically establishing the new Archdioceses will come from the Primate before January 20, 2015. Uganda was made a vicariate in 2008 but has been without a vicar since 2012, and the investigation and review of a new vicar will be under the scrutiny of  Archbishop Anthony of Nigeria with his findings sent to the Primatial See for review and decision. Still pending approval is the annexation of the South African countries with the (lesser) Archdiocese of Anglophone African Countries now pending the naming of a Vicar Archbishop from the Primatial See. The archbishops having charge of these new archdioceses will actually be "Vicar Archbishops" of the Archbishop Ordinary of the Primatial Archdiocese. The Francophone Archdiocese will have oversight of the new diocese of Congo Brazaville and the Vicariate of Congo Kinshasa in Central Africa. The Primatial See will make further decisions around February 1st, 2015 after the Primate's meeting with Archbishop Anthony MacFonse Akinnugba who has been at the Holy Metropolis since October 2014. 

Vicar Archbishops of the Primatial Archdiocese serve at the pleasure of the Primate but under the supervision of the Coadjutor Archbishop. Major orders must be approved by the Primatial See at least 30 days before announcing such within any archdiocese or diocese and a complete resume of the intended ordinands must be sent to the Primatial See for review. No consecration of any bishop-elect may take place without a decree issued by the Primatial See. To do otherwise will end up with an illicit act regarding such a consecration and disciplinary action will be handled by the Primatial See. On May 15, 2014, His Holiness Patriarch Ignatius Aphrem II requested that our jurisdiction not be hasty in ordaining new bishops. The Primatial See will enforce these new policies and will take action against any bishop not following the policies or canons of this Church. As "Vicar Archbishops" they represent the Archbishop Ordinary in their respective territories with the authority given to them. The "Primatial Legate" represents His Beatitude the Primate within the parameters approved. 

Nigeria is the first canonically established diocese, now archdiocese, of the Church in Africa, and will always be remembered as such. The  Archdiocese of the Anglophone African Countries with its See in Nigeria, will serve as the center of all Africa for the Church. It will be headed by His Excellency Archbishop Anthony MacFonse Akinnugba CSB, who will also serve the Holy Metropolis as Primatial Legate and a Vicar Archbishop of the Primatial Archdiocese of the Americas & All Dependencies (United States of America) for Africa. The Diocese of Congo Brazzaville and the Diocese of Congo Kinshasa. Brazzaville are currently overseen by His Grace Bishop Donatus (Donatien) Abel Tshitanta.

OBLATES OF MARY MOTHER OF GOD FOUNDED

From the Holy Metropolis of St Peter Apostle

[Primatial See] His Beatitude Metropolitan Stephen announced that Oblates of Mary Mother of God has been established and is in complete union but semi-autonomous with the Community of Saint Basil. The Oblates will be headquartered at this time in the United States. The Primatial See will announce the Superior General and location of its headquarters soon. The decree was issued by His Beatitude Metropolitan Stephen on August 28th, 2014 for this new community to come into canonical existence..This sister-branch of the Community of St Basil is open to married and single men and women wanting to share in the monastic prayer life of the Church and its good works of mercy but not being under vows as Companion Brothers (not monastic brothers) and Companion Sisters (not nuns). The community is also open to non-monastic clergy who wish to be part of the monastic prayer life and good works associated with monks and nuns - but not under vows. The Oblates of Mary Mother of God is considered a non-monastic community under the monastic Community of Saint Basil. We pray for more interest in the Oblates. Those interested should write to: His Eminence Archbishop Timothy Kjera, St Nicholas Center, 456 Nimick Street, Sharon PA 16146. Father Benedict Sunil has been relieved of his position as Superior General with the Oblates and the Primatial Archdiocese as of December 10, 2014.

HOLY APOSTLES MISSION PARISH NEEDS HELP TO BUILD MISSION PARISH

[Kenya] Seminarian Matthew Fred Onwonga of Nyamarambe Kisi Kenya is administrator of Holy Apostles of Christ Mission that has 76 members all of whom have converted to the Syriac-Greek Antiochian Orthodox Catholic Church from the Protestant Evangelical Church. Holy Apostles of Christ Syriac-Greek Antiochian Orthodox Catholic Mission is working hard with limited funds to continue building their parish church. The parish is in need of chairs for the faithful to sit on during liturgy when allowed. Your donation will help them chairs for the faithful to sit on during Liturgy, buy windows to protect them from inclimate weather, purchase educational materials for the children and adults, and so much more. We are hoping that those reading this will make a donation to help build for Christ. Seminarian Matthew is currently completing preparation for ordination to minor orders and major orders of Deacon and Priest. The chrismation of all the faithful will be handled by His Excellency Archbishop Anthony MacFonse Akinnugba, as Primatial Legate for Africa. If anyone would care to help them, please make your donation out to "EOCC" and note it for Holy Apostles of Christ Mission of Kenya and mail to the OCH address on heading of this newsletter.

HANDMADE ITEMS FROM UGANDA ON SALE AT BOOKSTORE / GIFT SHOP

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

Advertise in the Herald You can advertise your parish, center, club or other organization in this section for $10.00 plus $.50 (fifty cents) per word. The "Orthodox Christian Herald" is sent to every diocese which copies it on to local members. It is read by over 3,000 people and growing.

Framed Icon of St Panteleimon, Patron of Healers Available from the Archdiocesan Chancery, 456 Nimick Street, Sharon PA 16146, these icons are framed and suitable for hanging in counseling centers, clinics, offices, and in the home. $40.00 reduced to $30.00 until January 31, 2014, postage and handling included at this time as well. Commission members are required to have this icon hanging in their offices and clinics. Order yours today.

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

SYRIAC-GREEK ANTIOCHIAN PARISHES AND ORGANIZATIONS OF THE ARCHDIOCESE

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

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

The Companions of St Basil is open to married or single men and women wishing to share in the good works and prayers of the Monastic Community of St Basil. Those interested in the monastic estate of the Community of St Basil or Sisters of St Basil should write to the Moderator of Lay and Monastic Vocations, 456 Nimick Street, Sharon PA 16146. Application on request. You may also email us for more information and application to  .

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

Oblates of Mary Mother of God is open to those who wish to follow a monastic way of life and prayers but not under the traditional vows of monastic members. This is a sister-branch of the Community of St Basil, a monastic community of men, and also women belonging to the Sisters of St Basil. Established on June 27th, 2014, the Oblates of Mary Mother of God is a community mainly for non-monastic members although clergy are invited to join as well. This mainly "companion" community was blessed and canonized as a religious community of the Church by His Beatitude Metropolitan Stephen, Primate. Headquarters will be announced in next edition.

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

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

St Andrew the Apostle Syriac-Greek Antiochian Orthodox Catholic Church, 5907 Grand Avenue, Duluth Minnesota 55807. To reopen in 2015.

St Athanasius Major Seminary Syriac-Greek Antiochian Orthodox Catholic , 7 Orthodox Avenue, Makogi Ogun State Nigeria (Africa). His Excellency Archbishop Anthony MacFonse Akinnugba CSB, Rector.

St Anthony the Great Cathedral Syriac-Greek Antiochian Orthodox Catholic , His Excellency Archbishop Anthony MacFonse  Akinnugba CSB , Pastor. More information to be announced.

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

St John the Evangelist Center Syriac-Greek Antiochian Orthodox Catholic, Tennessee. Father Gerasimos Slessinger, Prefect of Seminarians & Monastic Candidates & Director.

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

St Paul the Apostle Parish (New Jersey) under the pastorate of VR Father Thomas Dillon JCD. Further information will be announced in the next edition.

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