UPDATE ON WAR IN SYRIA

by Associated Press

More than 4 million Syrians have fled abroad since the 2011 outbreak of civil war, the largest number from any crisis in almost 25 years, the United Nations said Thursday. A recent wave of people leaving Syria and an update of Turkish statistics confirmed the tragic milestone, according to the U.N. refugee agency, UNHCR. The agency said 7.6 million additional people have been displaced from their homes within Syria by the fighting. The 4 million refugees are the most to flee a conflict since the Afghan civil war forced 4.6 million out of their country beginning in 1992. "This is the biggest refugee population from a single conflict in a generation," U.N. High Commissioner for Refugees Antonio Guterres said. "It is a population that needs the support of the world but is instead living in dire conditions and sinking deeper into poverty."

The flow of refugees is accelerating only 10 months after the agency said more than 3 million Syrians had fled their country. Turkey has borne much of the impact. In June alone, according to UNHCR, more than 24,000 people arrived from northern Syria amid fighting between the Islamic State group and Kurdish militants. The more than 1.8 million Syrians in Turkey have made it the biggest host of refugees in the world, an expensive undertaking that Turkey is bearing mostly on its own. "What are we going to be facing in another year's time?" Andrew Harper, the UNHCR chief in Jordan, asked in an interview with The Associated Press. Harper emphasized that countries involved had to figure out ways to keep the Syrian refugees productive.

"We should make sure that the people who are here, the skills, the work, the ability, are not wasted," Harper said. "We do not want to warehouse the refugee population of four million. Just imagine the amount of productivity they could contribute to an economy." In the village Hashemite, near the Jordanian capital of Amman, refugee Nada Fareed said her husband had been out of work for about half a year and her family was getting deeper into debt. "We depend on the vouchers to buy milk and we pay the rent to the landlord with just debt and more debt," the mother of five who left Al Houl, in northeastern Syria in 2011, told the AP. "The situation is very, very critical." "Life in Al-Houl was terrifying. How could we not leave?" she added. Yusra Fahid Al-Masry, a single mother with three children, living in Amman's Ashrafiyeh neighborhood said "the hardest part is paying for water, the children's expenses, to buy things to drink and eat." The dire situation is pushing a wave of Syrian refugees to escape to Western Europe, taking increasingly risky paths across the Mediterranean as European countries resist the flow of migrants and refugees. "We cannot afford to let them (the refugees) and the communities hosting them slide further into desperation," Guterres said.

Sam McNeil in Amman contributed.

Online: http://unhcr.org/4million/ 

PRIMATE'S MESSAGE TO SYRIAC PATRIARCH OF ANTIOCH ON WAR IN SYRIA

His Holiness Ignatius Aphrem I - 123rd Patriarch of Universal Syriac Holy See of Antioch and All East
From His Beatitude Metropolitan Stephen, Primate of Syriac-Greek Antiochene Orthodox Catholic Church and Primatial Archdiocese of the Americas & All Dependencies

His Holiness Patriarch Ignatius Aphrem I:

God's protection and fortitude be upon you and within you!

Our God-protected Primatial See in the United States of America, has been following the tragic events occurring in Syria for a long time with sadness in our hearts. The horrific events that are ongoing daily there bring sorrow and tears to us. Daily we pray for your protection and the vast amount of stress you must be undergoing. Although we, your separated children at this time, are hurting because communication between us and the Patriarchate are at minimal at this time, we understand the enormous amount of pressures weighing upon your shoulders.

It saddens us to read that over 4 million Syrian citizens have now fled the country of our first patriarch there, St Peter the Apostle, and another 7.5 million have lost their homes there, with countless citizens who have lost their lives or who are suffering the pains of the war, we believe that God is with all there. He will take into His loving hands the souls of those who have passed on as a result of the war there. It is hard for us here in the United States to fathom what is going on there and the reason why this is happening, but God knows. It has been read that many believe that what is happening there could lead to World War III. How important that we all - throughout the world - turn to Christ God and pray for His intervention (if it be His will) to bring this tragedy to an end, and to also ask the Holy Mother of God Mary to protect Syria and all other affected countries, as well as all countries at this time undergoing such circumstances. Many people, Orthodox Christians and many others, in Syria, are losing their lives and many more their homes and security. Many there, young and old, are being affected by what is going on. Know that we suffer with you and all there. Knowing you personally, I know the goodness and love and concern within you for all. We pray with you, Your Holiness.

We also pray for all the Syrian soldiers along with the 10,000 U.S. Troops, and the French, British, and NATO troops who are also present there and fighting to protect freedom in Syria. What is going on there must truly be hurting Almighty God as He watches brother kill brother and his children suffering so very badly. We remain with you in prayer for peace. May God grant unto Your Holiness many years!

Yours, sincerely in Christ,

His Beatitude Metropolitan Stephen
V Primate of the Primatial See

 

2015 CHRISTIAN UNITY GATHERING

By National Council of Churches

The National Council of Churches held its second annual Christian Unity Gathering, May 7-9, in Washington, DC with over 200 Christian leaders, scholars, activists, and ecumenists present from across the United States to focus on the NCC's priority of interfaith peacemaking. The NCC pursues two main areas in its ecumenical work: to build interfaith relations with an emphasis on peacemaking, and to end mass incarceration. Leymah Gbowee, the Liberian Nobel Peace Prize winner, keynoted the Gathering  and shared the powerful story of a mass movement of Christian and Muslims known as Women of Liberia Mass Action for Peace that helped end the Liberian civil war that resulted in the deaths of hundreds of thousands of people. Ms.Gbowee stood at the Gathering as a remarkably clear voice for women across the globe. "Do one good thing every day that everyone else is scared to do," Gbowee proclaimed. "It is time for the Church to be crazy… like Jesus was in the Temple."

On the evening of May 7, more than 2500 people gathered at the Washington National Cathedral for a moving worship service sponsored by the NCC commemorating the 100th anniversary of the Armenian Genocide. His Holiness Karekin II, Supreme Patriarch and Catholicos of All Armenians and His Holiness Aram I, Catholicos of the Great House of Cilicia spoke. The homily was delivered by Rev. Dr. Olav Fykse Tveit, general secretary of the World Council of Churches. Also in attendance were US Vice President Joe Biden; His Excellency Serzh Sargsyan, President of the Republic of Armenia; and His Holiness Ignatius Aphrem II, Patriarch of Antioch and All the East, Supreme Head of the Syriac Orthodox Church.

Central to the Gathering was the work of the Council's four Convening Tables.  Ample time was allotted to these tables to plan and further their work in pursuit of Christian unity, advocacy for justice, interfaith relations and collaboration, and Christian education and ecumenical formation. Rev. Dr. Olav Fykse Tveit addressed the Gathering during several key moments in the Gathering. Participating in a panel on peacemaking with Naeem Baig, President of the Islamic Circle of North America and part of the NCC's long-standing Muslim-Christian dialogue, and Rabbi Gerry Serotta, Executive Director of the Interfaith Conference of Metropolitan Washington, Tveit spoke about the common theological convictions in Islam, Judaism, and Christianity that together form an interfaith imperative to work for peace and justice.  He also stressed the necessity of Christian unity on behalf of all humanity, because it is only in unity that the Christian churches can ultimately proclaim the fullness of the Gospel. "Let us talk of a Christian unity that serves a wider unity of all people, all creation, unity for the sake of the world," he proclaimed.

OFFICIAL UPDATE:
INDEPENDENT CLERGY INVITED TO DIALOGUE WITH PRIMATIAL SEE

By His Eminence Archbishop Timothy Kjera

[Sharon PA] His Beatitude Metropolitan Stephen, in his desire to reunite canonical independent clergy tracing their orders to Metropolitan Timotheos Vilathi or Metropolitan Jules Ferrette or other independent jurisdictions recognized by the Church, who have maintained the true faith, is willing to welcome dialogue. Recently, two Orthodox Catholic Christian jurisdictions from Mexico have entered dialogue. One has already entered "intercommunion" with our God-protected Church and Primatial See, The second one has entered the process leading to full union with us but certain issues have surfaced that require in-depth research.. For the one jurisdiction that has entered a concordat with us, we give glory and thanks to God! However, there were six bishops who did not pass the review for various reasons and they were denied. Some of these refused to submit documents needed and some presented fraudulent or unacceptable consecration certificates. These were mostly from Africa. Recently, two other priests have entered into dialogue and we pray that more will do so soon.

In addition, several clergy have recently entered dialogue with the Primatial See from the United States, Canada, Uganda, Nigeria, and other countries. The His Beatitude the Primate announced that he is also willing to extend dialogue to those who wish to recant any of their errors in faith and make the necessary changes in their beliefs that conform to those of Oriental Orthodox Catholic Christianity. He has also implemented a new policy concerning such bishops or priests, and/or dioceses or parishes who wish to be united to the Primatial Archdiocese and journey with us back to the Syriac Patriarchate of Antioch from where we came. Concerning bishops coming with a following of other parishes and clergy and faithful, he is allowing an option of patrimony (see below) for those wishing union. His Beatitude stated: "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 (and before), it is evident that there are some who are making an effort to maintain the true Orthodox Catholic Christian faith and its theology and Holy Traditions. However, there are others who are non-canonical or illicit, or who are heretical in their beliefs, e.g., those practicing the beliefs of Reincarnation, Theosophists, and Gnostics, and unless they resolve the impediments that keep them from canonicity and true doctrine the petition process would be fruitless.

Patrimony was approved by the Primatial See, and is the blessing from our Primate to establish within our Primatial See and Archdiocese "Personal Ordinariates" for 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, they become an " ordinariate" composed of parishes, monastic communities (approved by the Primate)), and individuals of another ecclesiastical heritage gathered around its Bishop 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 Primatial Archdiocese and as a member of the Syriac-Greek Antiochene Synod of Bishops, to build the Church through a 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, belong to another heritage or canonical jurisdiction, now in full communion with the Syriac-Greek Antiochian Orthodox Catholic Church and its Primatial See, and 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 July 01, 2015, and has been previously promulgated as an "official act" of the Church according to our canons.

PRIMATIAL LEGATE NAMED FOR AFRICA

From the Primatial Archdiocesan Chancery

Another first for the Church is the announcement of a Primatial Legate for Africa. This, too, depends on the continued growth of the Church over the next fourteen (14) months. His Beatitude named His Excellency Archbishop Anthony Akinnugba of Nigeria to this position making it official when Archbishop Anthony visited the United States and the Holy Metropolis in December 2014. He will serve as the liaison between the Primatial See and all ecclesiastical activities and clergy in Africa, and at the pleasure of the Primate. His Beatitude is most concerned at this time about the many fraudulent applicants who applied for incardination stating high numbers of parishioners which turned out to be inflated in many cases, and falsifying documents and withholding statistics requested. This, plus some other issues within the Archdiocese of the Anglophone Countries of Africa, have caused him some concern. The Primatial See will review periodically the statistics of the Church in Africa during this time.

As stated before in previous issues, the Primatial See has never established additional archdioceses (except for some which came into union with us) until 1920, and since 1966 under His Beatitude Metropolitan Joseph John of Blessed Memory, no decrees were issued for an additional archdioceses nor during the time of His Beatitude Metropolitan Joseph Gabriel Sokolowski! Metropolitan Joseph Gabriel only accepted one Archdiocese from the Old Roman Catholic Church under Archbishop Daniel Q Brown in 1972 whose apostolic succession came from Metropolitan Timotheos Vilathi. Since that time there has been one Archdiocese and one Archbishop only. Historically, the Church only had one Archdiocese in 1892 after our first Primate was consecrated. 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. However, this only in conformance with the new policies on this matter approved on August 1, 2014. His Beatitude has mixed feelings, but 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." His Beatitude will watch what happens and continue to review this matter along with his Coadjutor Archbishop Timothy Kjera and Advisors of the Primatial See and Holy Metropolis.

The (Lesser) Archdiocese of Francophone African Countries is currently pending approval. The (Lesser) Archdiocese of Anglophone African Countries will include the East African and West African countries as its See City is located in Nigeria which is located among the Western African countries. It is overseen by its Ordinary, His Excellency Archbishop Anthony MacFonse Akinnugba of Nigeria. This Archdiocese will consist of the English-speaking countries for the most part. All conflicts, disciplinary appeal issues, local hearings, and planned ordinations to major orders will come from His Excellency Archbishop Anthony Akinnugba to His Eminence Archbishop Timothy for review and approval. Ordinations to the major order of Deacon must be advised to the Primatial See for approval at least thirty (30) days prior to officially announcing the names of those to be ordained.  Those considered for ordination to the major order of Priest must be announced to and approved by the Primatial See at least 60 days before officially announcing such in any archdiocese or diocese and a complete resume of the ordinands-elect, deacon-elect and priest-elect, must be sent to the Primatial See for review. No consecration of any bishop-elect may take place without just cause and a decree issued by the Primatial See . To do otherwise will be considered an illicit consecration and disciplinary action from the Primatial See will be warranted. 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 the canons of this Church. "Vicar Archbishops" represent the Primate and the Archbishop Ordinary in their respective territories. The "Primatial Legate " represents His Beatitude the Primate within the country or geographical boundaries approved. Nigeria was the first canonically established diocese, now archdiocese, of the Church in Africa, and will always be remembered as such. 

INSIGHT INTO THE VARIOUS 'ORIENTAL' ORTHODOX CHRISTIAN CHURCHES
Ongoing Series - 1st Installment: The Syriac Orthodox Church and Patriarchate of Antioch

The Syriac Orthodox Church

The Syriac Orthodox Church, one of the oldest Christian Churches in the world, had its origins in the city of Antioch in the Roman province of Syria; according to the New Testament, it was in Antioch that the disciples were first called Christians (Acts 11:26). Church tradition records that St. Peter served as the first bishop of the city, before his journey to Rome; the famous martyr Ignatius of Antioch, also known as St. Ignatius the Illuminator, is said to have been Peter's second successor. Together with the patriarchates of Jerusalem, Constantinople, Rome, and Alexandria, Antioch became one of the five great centers of early Christendom. The city of Edessa, to the northeast of Antioch, was also an important center for the church, especially in the development of a distinctively Syriac heritage. The Syriac language itself originated as an Edessene dialect of Aramaic.

As Latin was the liturgical language for the Roman Church and Greek for the Byzantine Church, the Syriac language united Christians across a wide geographical region. The patriarchate of Antioch originally included under its jurisdiction all the lands from the Mediterranean Sea to the Persian Gulf, and at its height extended even as far east as Afghanistan. In English the Church was formerly known as the Syrian Orthodox Church of Antioch, but in 2000 the Holy Synod decided to adopt the term "Syriac" instead, to avoid confusion with the modern nation of Syria. 

Antioch was an important center of theology, and its students and teachers were deeply involved in the christological debates of the early Ecumenical Councils. The third of these councils, held in Ephesus in AD 431, led to a schism within the Syriac-speaking community, with followers of the condemned theologian Nestorius eventually establishing a separate church in Persia, known today as the Assyrian Church of the East. The next major council was held at Chalcedon in 451, and its decision, too, proved divisive. The Syriac Church rejected the proclamation of the council that Christ has two distinct natures, maintaining instead a single nature, at once human and divine. The schism between the opponents and supporters of Chalcedon eventually led to the emergence of separate patriarchates in Antioch, which continue to this day: the Syriac Orthodox patriarchate belongs to the communion of churches known as Oriental Orthodox, while the other patriarchate is a member of the Eastern Orthodox communion.

At the time of the council, Antioch was part of the Byzantine Empire, and the Syriac Orthodox Church was frequently persecuted by Chalcedonian-leaning emperors. Many of its bishops were exiled, and by the mid sixth century the church was in great decline. But revival was soon to follow, through the labors of Jacob Baradaeus, who in around AD 544 was ordained bishop of Edessa. Jacob, who is commemorated as one of the greatest saints of the church, traveled extensively in an effort to renew the faith, ordaining twenty-seven bishops and hundreds of priests and deacons. So successful was his undertaking that outsiders sometimes refer to the Syriac Church as "Jacobite," though the Church itself firmly rejects the appellation.

With the Arab conquest of the Near East in the seventh century, the church was delivered from the threat of further Byzantine suppression. Syriac Christians and Muslims generally enjoyed good relations: "The early years of Muslim occupation were characterized by religious tolerance and justice," writes Chorepiscopus John Meno, "and Syrian Orthodox enjoyed positions of great influence and prestige under the Caliphs." Relations deteriorated to some degree after the Crusades, which stoked anti-Christian sentiments among many Muslim rulers. Nonetheless, the seventh to thirteenth centuries in general mark a prosperous era for the church, with some of the finest outputs of literature and scholarship. In the fourteenth century the Mongols entered Syria, destroying countless monasteries and churches. These invasions marked the beginning of a period of oppression and decline from which the Church has only in recent times emerged. Toward the end of the nineteenth century, the church suffered a particularly fierce persecution under the Turks, and "[b]y the beginning of the 20th century, Syriac Orthodox Christianity was confined mostly to mountainous rural areas, such as Tur Abdin, and various towns in the Ottoman Empire". The greatest tragedy befell the church in 1915, remembered as Sayfo ("The Year of the Sword"), when tens of thousands of Syriac Christians were massacred by the Ottomans. Many of the survivors fled Turkey, resettling in North America and in the newly emerging nations of the Middle East.

As a result of the difficult and often violent history the church has had to endure, the office of the patriarch has shifted several times over the centuries. The most recent move was to Damascus, where Church administration has been centered since 1959. Over the past several decades, the Church has enjoyed a period of revival—sometimes referred to as a modern renaissance—much of it taking place in the new diaspora. Today Syriac churches exist throughout the Middle East, as well as in Turkey, North America, Europe, Australia, and especially in India, where the church has long had an important presence. As of AD 2004, the Syriac Orthodox Church is estimated to have around 1,700,000 members worldwide, including approximately 1,200,000 faithful in India.

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 this year will receive a gift selected for you 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 and the Oblates of Mary Mother of God.

Our appreciation to the following for their charitable support:

• Name Withheld ($50.00/06.17.15) – Pennsylvania
• Name Withheld ($25.00/06.09.15) – Pennsylvania
• Lee Nocera & Sandy Fogel  ($200.00/07.15.15) - Pennsylvania
• Very Reverend Stephen Lawrence ($200.00/07.09.15) - California

SAINTS OF THE CHURCH

Saint Ignatius of Antioch

Bishop, Martyr, Patriarch, and Church Father

Born	c. 35 Province of Syria, Roman Empire

Died	c. 107 Rome, Roman Empire

Venerated in

Oriental Orthodox Churches, Eastern Orthodox Churches, Assyrian Church of the East, Eastern Christianity, Roman Catholic Church, Anglican Communion, Lutheranism

Canonized

pre-congregation by John The Apostle(said in later writings.)

Major shrine

Basilica of San Clemente, Rome, Italy

Feast

Eastern Orthodox Church, Coptic Orthodox Church of Alexandria and Indian Orthodox Church: December 20 (Dec 20 of the Julian calendar is Jan 2 of the Gregorian calendar), Western and Syrian Christianity: October 17 General Roman Calendar, 12th century to 1969: February 1

Saint Ignatius converted to Christianity at a young age. Later in his life he was chosen and appointed by St Peter the Apostle to serve as a Bishop of Antioch and its III Patriarch, succeeding Saint Peter and St. Evodius (who died around AD 67). The 4th-century Church historian Eusebius records that Ignatius succeeded Evodius making his apostolic succession even more immediate, Theodoret of Cyrrhus reported that St. Peter himself appointed St Ignatius to the episcopal see of Antioch.[ St Ignatius called himself Theophorus (God Bearer). A tradition arose that he was one of the children whom Jesus took in his arms and blessed. St Ignatius is one of the five Apostolic Fathers (the earliest authoritative group of the Church Fathers). He based his authority on being a bishop of the Church, living his life in the imitation of Christ. It is believed that St. Ignatius, along with his friend St Polycarp, with great probability were disciples of the Apostle St. John. Epistles attributed to Ignatius report his arrest by the authorities and travel to Rome: "From Syria even to Rome I fight with wild beasts, by land and sea, by night and by day, being bound amidst ten leopards, even a company of soldiers, who only grow worse when they are kindly treated." —Ignatius to the Romans, 5.

Apostolic Succession of the Syriac Orthodox Patriarchate of Antioch

The Syriac Orthodox Church of Antioch the status as the most ancient Christian Church in the world. According to St Luke, "The disciples were first called Christians in Antioch," (Acts 11:26). The apostles St Peter and St Paul   are regarded as the co-founders of the Patriarchate of Antioch in AD 37, with the former serving as its first bishop and he is considered as the first Patriarch of the Syriac Orthodox Church. As Jewish Christianity originated at Jerusalem, so Gentile Christianity started at Antioch, then the leading center of the Hellenistic East, with Ss Peter and Paul as its apostles. From Antioch it spread to the various cities and provinces of Syria, among the Hellenistic population as well as among the Hellenistic Jews who, as a result of the great rebellions against the Romans in A.D. 70 and 130, were driven out from Jerusalem and Palestine into Syria. When St. Peter left Antioch, Ss Evodios and Ignatius presided over the Patriarchate. Because of the prominence of St. Ignatius in the Church's history, almost all of the Syriac Orthodox Patriarchs since 1293 were named Ignatius including the current Patriarch Moran Mor Ignatius Aphrem Karim II of Antioch. After Ignatius' martyrdom in the Colosseum his remains were carried back to Antioch by his companions and were interred outside the city gates. The reputed remains of St Ignatius were moved by the Emperor Theodosius II to the Tychaeum, or Temple of Tyche, which had been converted into a church dedicated to St Ignatius. In 637 the relics were transferred to the Basilica di San Clemente in Rome.

St Ignatius' feast day was kept in his own Antioch on 17 October. The  Roman Catholic Church celebrates his feast on 17 October and generally in western Christianity. [In the Syriac-Greek Antiochian Orthodox Catholic Church it is commemorated on 17 October along with the Syrian Orthodox Church of Antioch.] In the Byzantine Orthodox Churches it is observed on 20 December. In the Coptic Orthodox Church of Alexandria it is commemorated on the 24th of the Coptic Month of Koiak, corresponding in three years out of every four to 20 December in the Julian Calendar, which currently falls on 2 January of the Gregorian Calendar.

QUESTIONS & ANSWERS ON FAITH & TRADITION

I have recently heard about the Ethiopian Orthodox Tewahedo Christian Church. Can you please tell me something about it and where they might have parishes in the Chicago Illinois area? Elizabeth Woods (Homewood IL)

A. (In part from Wikipedia and edited by OCH) The Ethiopian Orthodox Tewahedo Church; is the predominant Oriental Orthodox Church in Ethiopia. It was administratively part of the Coptic Orthodox Church of Alexandria until 1959, when it was granted its own Patriarch by the Coptic Orthodox Pope of Alexandria and Patriarch of All Africa, Cyril VI. The Ethiopian Orthodox Tewahedo Church, is not in union with the Roman Uniate Ethholic Church.

Tewahedo - a  word meaning "being made one" or "unified". This word refers to the Oriental Orthodox belief in the one single unified Nature of Christ; i.e., a belief that a complete, natural union of the Divine and Human Natures into One is self-evident in order to accomplish the divine salvation of humankind, as opposed to the "two Natures of Christ" belief (unmixed, but unseparated Divine and Human Natures, called the Hypostatic Union which is held by the Roman and Eastern Orthodox Churches. About 500 bishops within the Patriarchates of Alexandria, Antioch, and Jerusalem refused to accept the Dyophysitism (two natures) doctrine decreed by the  in 451, thus separating themselves from the Chalcedonian Orthodox (which would later split in the 11th century, for different reasons, into the Roman Catholic and Eastern Orthodox 'Catholic' Churches). There are many Ethiopian Orthodox Tewahedo Churches throughout the United States, e.g. Minneapolis-St Paul Minnesota (St Mary Church), but in Illinois I could only find two, St Mary Church, 5009 NW Hwy, Chicago Illinois 60630 and Medhane Amen Church, 9801 S Commercial Ave, Chicago Illinois 60617. You can also contact the Ethiopian Orthodox Tewahedo Archdiocese of New York at 347-947-4361 under His Eminence Abune Zekarias.

Please advise where one would write to learn more about becoming a monastic or priest? Mark Dorello (Chicago IL)

A. You can write to the Syriac-Greek Antiochene Holy Metropolis of St Peter at 456 Nimick Street, Sharon PA 16146.

Are there any Orders of Chivalry in the Syriac-Greek Antiochian Orthodox Catholic Church? Nicholas Tsousanis (Los Angeles CA)

A. Yes, Christ the Pantocrator Sovereign Order of Chivalry at Holy Metropolis of St Peter, 456 Nimick Street, Sharon PA 16146. Write c/o Father Robert Joseph CSB SOCP.

I attended St Mary & St Andrew Syriac-Greek Antiochian Orthodox Catholic Church in Duluth Minnesota which has been closed for several years. The church still stands and is not occupied. Is this church to be reopened? Johnathon McLaughlin (Duluth MN)

A. Ss Mary & Andrew Church is still closed pending some structural repairs in order to reopen. We are hoping to make it a parish once again, along with a monastic center that will take care of homeless men. We are hoping to begin the process of reopening in the late summer of 2015 provided we can raise the money to make it operational again.

What are the names of the archangels? Maryann Dolan (Canton OH)

A. The names are mentioned in the Books of Isaiah, Ezekiel, Daniel, Ezra, and Tobit. They are: Michael, Gabriel, Raphael, Uriel, Salathiel, Jegudiel, and Barachiel.

*** If you have a question about the Orthodox Catholic Christian Faith or the Syriac-Greek Antiochian Orthodox Catholic Church, please send it to OCH Editor, 456 Nimick Street, Sharon PA 16146. ***

HELP FORM A MISSION PARISH OR LOCAL PRAYER GROUP

The Syriac-Greek Antiochian Orthodox Catholic Archdiocese, 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 inter-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 gatherings to discuss Scripture and Orthodox Catholicism. This is the start that one day can grow into a mission parish with the Typica Service or Liturgy of Mass held in home chapels on Sunday and Holy Days or a rented building. 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 or St Nicholas Center, 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

• Seminarian James J Stuck was ordained to the minor orders including the Subdiaconate and the Holy Diaconate on Wednesday June 17, 2015 at St Ignatius of Antioch Mission in Sharon Pennsylvania. His  Eminence Archbishop Timothy Kjera performed the Rites of Ordination and was assisted by His Beatitude Metropolitan Stephen who also was main celebrant of the Ordination Holy Liturgy of Mass.

• Brother Christopher Andonian CSB will be ordained to the minor orders of Acolyte and Reader, and will serve as an Epistoler, i.e., one who reads the Epistle at Holy Liturgy of Mass and other services, sometime in August 2015.
• Seminarian Michael Bohon will be ordained into the minor orders of the Church including the Subdiaconate on Thursday August 27, 2015 by His Eminence Archbishop Timothy Kjera at St Ignatius of Antioch Mission Parish in Sharon Pennsylvania.

APPOINTMENTS & ASSIGNMENTS

• Father Peterpaul Marcusmore appointed Vocation Director for the First Diocese of Nigeria by His Excellency Archbishop Anthony MacFonse Akinnugba CSB.
• Rev Deacon James Stuck to establish St Thomas the Apostle Parish in Eaton Connecticut for the Primatial Archdiocese of the Americas & Dependencies this summer of 2015.

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 to others 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 progress. Those who fail to follow this Mandate will be reprimanded and, if necessary, disciplined.

2015 CODE OF CANONS & STATUES – (0521.15.1) The Syriac-Greek Antiochene Primatial Archdiocese has announced that the new 2005 Code will be ready for purchase by June 02, 2015. This will also be available online. The cost of the 2005 Code will be $75.00. All clergy are required to have a copy of the 2005 Code, or to download it to or from your computer for reference.  

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. Note of Interest: As His Holiness Moran Mor Ignatius Aphrem II became the 123rd successor to the Patriarchal Throne of Antioch, we began our 123rd year as a jurisdiction that came from the Patriarchate of Antioch (1892).

ANNUAL DAY OF COMMEMORATION – (05.09.15.1) Ordered by His Beatitude Metropolitan Stephen, V Primate of the Church – Consecration of His Beatitude Metropolitan Timotheos Vilathi I Primate and Establishment of the Church and Primatial Archdiocese in the United States on May 29, 1892. This shall be commemorated in all parishes on May 29 annually except if it falls on a Holy Day of Obligation, then it is transferred to the first Sunday after the Holy Day.

ANNOUNCEMENTS

Forthcoming Profession of Final (Perpetual) Vows:

• Brother Christopher Andonian CSB will be ordained to the minor orders of Acolyte and Reader, and will serve as an Epistoler, i.e., one who reads the Epistle at Holy Liturgy of Mass and other services, sometime in July (to be announced).
• Novice Brother James E Meyer CSB will be returning to St Nicholas Center in Sharon Pennsylvania around the end of July 2015 after a three month Leave-of-Absence in Texas. The Community is excited about his return and looks forward to his being back and again in studies soon.
• Novice Brother John Robinson CSB is expected to profess his first temporary vows in July 2015. He was received into the Novitiate of the Community of St Basil on Sunday January 18, 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 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.
• Rev Deacon James J Stuck assigned administrator of a new parish to be formed in Eaton Connecticut under the patronage of St Thomas the Apostle. It is expected that this mission parish will begin sometime in late summer of 2015. Reverend Deacon Stuck serves under the Primatial Archdiocese of Americas & Dependencies.

Clergy Retirements:
Please keep all our retired clergy in your prayers .

• Chorbishop Haralambos Winger CSB (USA) Retired
• Father Patrick Lemming (USA) Retired
• Father Sebastian Robles (Canada) Retired
• Father Gerasimos Slessinger (USA) Retired
• Very Rev Thomas Dillon (USA) Limited Service

Sisters of St Basil (SSB) Assignments:

• Mother Helena Bofey SSB of St Mary Mother of God Convent in the Democratic Republic of the Congo in Africa has been recommended to become Mother General of the Sisters of St Basil. This is under review by the Primatial See and may take a few months to reach a decision.
• 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).

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.

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:

Africa:

• Deacon Paschal Emeodi at St Athanasius Seminary of Nigeria.
• Deacon Marystephen Nwose at St Athanasius Seminary of Nigeria.
• Deacon John Oluwanishola at St Athanasius Seminary of Nigeria .
• Subdeacon Pachomius Tortya at St Athanasius Seminary of Nigeria.

United States:

• Seminarian Michael Randy A Bohon (Florida)  St Mark Seminary & Graduate School (02.20.15)
• Seminarian James Stuck (Connecticut), Major Seminarian (Scholastic), St Mark Seminary & Graduate School (01.22.13)
• Seminarian Zachary Michael Battiato (Pennsylvania), Seminarian, St Mark Seminary & Graduate School (02.28.2014)
• Subdeacon Mark Afzal (New York), Major Seminarian, St Mark Seminary & Graduate School (1989-2002 and re-entered training 03.27.15)

Baptisms & Chrismations:

• 'Joanna' Janet Stuck was chrismated on Wednesday July 27, 2015 at St Ignatius of Antioch Parish, Sharon PA, by His Eminence Archbishop Timothy Kjera. Br Christopher Andonian CSB was her sponsor (godfather) for the event. Janet took the patronal name of St Joanna for her chrismation name.
• Justin Fogel chrismated on April 18, 2015 at St Ignatius of Antioch Parish in Sharon PA by His Eminence Archbishop Timothy Kjera with Br Christopher Andonian his godfather.

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 rbsocc@juno.com .

New Commission Members and Licensed Providers:

• Archbishop Anthony Macfonse Akinnugba LACh (10.20.14)
• Dina Fedosenko (05.04.15)
• Christina Mason (Application Pending)
• Dr Claude R Superville LACh (12.06.14)
• Dr Elizabeth Santiago LACh (03.15.15)
• Dr Lad Santiago LACh (04.17.15)
• Dr Robert Anderson LACh (02.26.15)
• Rev Carlos Reyes (Application Pending)

INCARDINATION REQUESTS – REINSTATEMENT OF FACULTIES

• His Grace Bishop Adalbert of Cameroon pending the confirmation of his orders and parishes. (05.01.14).
• His Excellency Archbishop Alexandria of Mexico, Ukrainian Orthodox Church of Mexico, has petitioned the Syriac-Greek Antiochene Holy Metropolis for communion with the Primatial See. This review has been stalled at this time pending issues of concern.
• Father John Tokarick granted provisional protection from the Primatial See and coming from the Russian Orthodox Church Outside Russia on August 01, 2015, pending his review for incardination. He is currently in residence at St Nicholas Center in Sharon Pennsylvania.
• Father Francis Ochom from Greek Orthodox Church of Africa petitioned for incardination in November 2013. Since then his petition has been temporarily put on suspension due to his lack of communication regarding various important matters related to his incardination. The Primatial See will make a final attempt to resolve the deficiencies sometime in August 2015.
• Seminarian Ignatius Onesphori incardination pending documents to be filed with Holy Metropolis. The Primatial See has denied this petition due to failure to respond to the Primatial Archdiocese.
• Father Makarios Darlington incardination denied due to his failure to respond to the Primatial See regarding application completion and is given until August 29, 2015 to remedy.

PAROCHIAL CHARTERS

Established or Received Parishes:

• St Ignatius of Antioch Mission, Sharon Pennsylvania (04.02.15)
• St Thomas the Apostle Mission, Eaton Connecticut USA (06.17.15)

Missions Approved:

• The Primatial See has approved the commencement of final plans to establish a mission parish in Eaton Connecticut under the administration of Deacon-elect James Stuck. This parish is expected to form during the  summer of 2015. The patronal name of this mission is St Thomas the Apostle . This was done on July 28, 2015 by His Beatitude Metropolitan Stephen.
• The Primatial See has established a mission parish in the Sharon Pennsylvania area under the pastorate of His Eminence Archbishop Timothy Kjera and provisionally assisted by Father John Tokarick. The patronal name of this mission parish is St Ignatius of Antioch. This parish was blessed by His Beatitude Metropolitan Stephen, and has been open since end of May 2015.
• The Primatial See has approved the establishment of a mission parish in the Hubbard/Youngstown Ohio area under the patronal name of Christ the Savior . This was done on August 21, 2015 by His Beatitude Metropolitan Stephen.
• The Primatial See has approved the establishment of a mission parish in the Largo Florida area under the patronal name of St Michael & All Archangels . This was done on August 21, 2015 by His Beatitude Metropolitan Stephen.

DISCIPLINARY MATTERS

• Applications for incardination from Bishop Donatus, Bishop Lobombo, and Bishop Moses were all denied due to fraudulent statements and failure to submit all the documents required for the process. That from Archbishop Pierre Tang has been suspended for various reasons that are still under investigation. He will be afforded one final chance to resolve the deficiencies discovered otherwise his application will be denied and archived.
• James (Ignatius Seraphim) Reed of Hemet California released from the priesthood of the Church on March 14, 2015 for inappropriate conduct and straying from the Orthodox Catholic Faith.
• Patrick Bruce Whitney was suspended from the Postulancy of the Oblates of Mary Mother of God and the Congregation of Basilian Monastic Communities for actions unbecoming a postulant and abuse of the monastic life.

PRAY FOR THE SICK AND SUFFERING

• His Beatitude Metropolitan Stephen (Pennsylvania)
• His Eminence Archbishop Timothy (Pennsylvania)
• His Eminence Archbishop Anthony (New York)
• Chorbishop Haralambos Winger (Alaska)
• Chorbishop Kuriakos Thottupuram (Illinois)
• Archdeacon John DeMeis (New York)
• Father James Danadio (Pennsylvania)
• Father Padraig Kneafsey CSB (Ireland)
• Father Patrick Lemming (Tennessee)
• Father Seraphim Kanagaratnam CSB (Malaysia)
• Father Thomas Dillon (New Jersey)
• Father Vladimir Raasch (Minnesota)
• Brother Christopher Andonian CSB (Pennsylvania)
• Brother Vincent David Cappabianca CSB (Pennsylvania)
• Rev Mother Helena (Bofey) SSB (African Congo)
• Sister Anna of the Convent of the Holy Virgin Mary (California)
• Sister Katherine (California)
• Dr Bruce Wright DCh FSAC
• 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)
• Mr Andrew Lucas (Illinois)
• Mr Brandon Green (Oklahoma)
• Mr Carl Maus (Maryland)
• Mr David Wilson (Minnesota)
• Mr Derek Meeks (Arizona)
• Mr Hampton Bumgarner (Colorado)
• Mr Howard Youngheim (Indiana)
• Mr Vincent Colombo (Indiana)
• Mrs Gretchen Lejeune (Texas)
• Mrs Mary (Columbus) Smith (Indiana)
• 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 maintain good health and have many years in service to God as the 123rd  Patriarch of the Syrian Orthodox Church!

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 DCh FSAC who is seriously ill at this time. We also ask your prayers for his wife, Anna.

We ask all our readers to keep Dr Bruce Wright DCh FASC who has been ill for a long time in their prayers and has been fighting several serious medical conditions for over sixteen months.

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!

• Patty Columbus, 69, born August 8, 1946, cousin of Metropolitan Stephen, passed away on August 6, 2015 in Florida, but originally from Marion Indiana. She had suffered from a blood disorder for the last twelve years. Her married name was  Aryers. May her soul rest in peace by your gracious mercy, O Lord.
• Raymond T Bellamy, 43, of Venice Florida, half-brother of Brother David Cappabianca CSB, of St Nicholas Center in Sharon Pennsylvania, was killed in a one car accident on July 03, 2015. He was found dead at the scene by the Florida State Police. He was born on February 09, 1971 and died on June 03, 2015. Memorial Service on July 18, 2015 in Akron Ohio. May his memory be eternal and may he be at peace in the warmth of Almighty God!
• Mother Theodora-Amphilochia, nun in perpetual vows, reposed on March 31st, 2015 after a lengthy battle against a serious illness. We thank Mother Andrea for informing us. Please keep her in your prayers and may eternal rest  be granted unto her, O Lord.

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

COMMEMORATION OF THE 100TH ANNIVERSARY OF THE ARMENIAN GENOCIDE

From National Council of Churches

May 7, 2015

This evening's commemoration is a solemn occasion. We are gathered with our sisters and brothers in the Armenian Orthodox Church and the wider Armenian community to give witness to the Armenian Genocide. We are also gathered with them to acknowledge their faith and resilience in the face of such adversity. And so, we gather together to remember, to mourn, to find inspiration, and yes, even to celebrate. We remember that the Armenian Genocide was the first genocide of the 20th century, and that it marked the beginning of what is commonly referred to as the bloodiest, most violent century in all of human history. During the horrific period beginning in 1915 and continuing until 1923, more than 1 million Armenians (and others) were killed, and hundreds of thousands more were displaced. The dead were buried in the land where they had lived for generations. The refugees were dispersed throughout the world, and some to the United States, where their future generations have now become the friends and neighbors with whom we stand today.

We mourn the dead. We stand tonight among the children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren of those who were killed. We listen to the language of the Armenian people, and of their great and proud heritage. We pray the prayers of their ancient Church, asking for God's mercy upon the people and the nation that was first in history to become Christian. Tonight, in solidarity, their forebears become our forebears, their language becomes our language, and their prayers become our prayers. We find inspiration in the call of the Armenian people to stand against the evil of genocide wherever and whenever it is committed. And in the last century, genocide has been committed all too often, and in too many places: in Europe (the Holocaust) in the 1930s and 1940s; in Cambodia in the late 1970s; in Rwanda in 1994; in Bosnia in the mid-1990s; and in Darfur in the early 2000s. In addition, mass atrocities and crimes against humanity continue to be perpetrated today in many parts of the world, especially in Africa, Asia and the Middle East. In the face of such evil, standing among our Armenian brothers and sisters we affirm that our work to end genocide is not finished.

Finally, we celebrate the resurrection of the Armenian people. The Christian faith is all about hope, and all about the victory of life over death. Like Jesus Christ, who rose from the tomb to give life to the world (John 8:12), the Armenian people rose from the ashes of genocide to become again a vibrant people among all the peoples of the world. They are a powerful witness to faith in the resurrection, and a profound testimony to God's promise to remember those who take refuge in him (Psalm 18:30). And to this, we say, "Amen." [Given for the occasion of the commemoration service at the Washington National Cathedral, May 7, 2015.]

Editors Note: At this time, our Primatial See and entire Archdiocese would like to offer our sincere prayers for all the Armenian Orthodox Christians and the many others who have lost their lives in the Armenian Genocide - and their families who are living today. Our Primate, Metropolitan Stephen, offered these words and his prayer:

"As we recall the Armenian Genocide and remember the many who lost their lives for their Orthodox Christian Faith, and the many others, we offer our most fervent prayer for all who perished in such awful and horrific manners. We are also reminded of the many others martyrs who have been slaughtered like sheep for their Orthodox Christian faith including the many throughout Syria, Nigeria, and the Democratic Republic of the Congo, and to those who suffer throughout the world and all who perished for their individual faiths. Let them be models for us as to how to be ready at anytime to give our lives for God in the most Blessed Trinity and our Christian Faith. Their fortitude and dedication to Christ God remained stoic until their ends on this earth. Let us pray - 'O God, have mercy on the souls of Your faithful servants, and the souls of all your faithful departed from the beginning of time until now, who by Your mercy, O Lord, rest in the sleep of peace and look forward to their heavenly reward. May they remain in our thoughts and prayers now and always. Amen! Amen! Amen!'

WCC STATEMENT ON THE CENTANARY OF THE ARMENIAN GENOCIDE

From NCC Newsletter

During the centenary year of the Armenian genocide by the Ottoman Empire, the executive committee of the World Council of Churches (WCC) is meeting in this country on 8-13 June 2015, hosted by the Mother See of Holy Etchmiadzin, to honor the martyrs and victims of the genocide. We visit the genocide memorial to remember them and to pray in the name of the risen Lord Jesus Christ. And we celebrate the life of the Armenian nation and the witness of the Armenian church.

The executive committee recalls the Minute on the 100th Anniversary of the Armenian Genocide adopted by the WCC 10th Assembly in 2013 in Busan. This important action by the 10th Assembly followed many other occasions on which the WCC Commission of the Churches on International Affairs (CCIA) had called for recognition of the Armenian genocide by the United Nations (UN) and by member states, dating back to the 1979 session of the UN Human Rights Commission. The WCC has played a key role over many years in accompanying the Armenian church in speaking out and working for recognition of the genocide, and for appropriate responses to the genocide's continuing impacts on the Armenian people.

ST THOMAS THE APOSTLE MISSION PARISH IN EATON CONNECTICUT

 [Eaton CT ] Plans to establish a Syriac-Greek Antiochian Orthodox Catholic Mission Parish in Eaton Connecticut have now begun under the administration of Reverend Deacon James J Stuck. Deacon James is already planning to make visitations to local hospitals and nursing homes to visit the infirmed and elderly in order to make the new mission known. In addition, he will be looking for a place to open St Thomas the Apostle Parish. More information on this matter will be released soon. His wife. Diakonissa Joanna Janet Stuck, will be assisting Deacon James in the formation of St Thomas Mission Parish in Eaton Connecticut, and in other evangelical ministries of the parish.

HOLY APOSTLES MISSION PARISH NEEDS YOUR HELP

[Kenya] Seminarian Matthew Fred Onwonga of Nyamarambe Kisi Kenya is administrator of Holy Apostles of Christ Mission that has approximately 70 members all of whom have converted to the Syriac-Greek Antiochian Orthodox Catholic Church from the Protestant Evangelical Church. The parish is working hard with limited income to continue building their parish church. Your donation will help them purchase the many building materials and sacred utensils needed, and to 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. The chrismation of all the faithful will be handled by His Excellency Archbishop Anthony Akinnugba, Primatial Legate for Africa, later this year. 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. Please - do not pass by this "cry for help."

ST MICHAEL & ALL ARCHANGELS MISSION TO OPEN IN LARGO FLORIDA

 [ Largo FL] The Primatial See has blessed the formation of a new mission parish in Largo Florida. The Primatial See approved the establishment of this mission parish under the patronal name of St Michael & All Archangels . This was done on August 21, 2015 by His Beatitude Metropolitan Stephen. It will be under the administration of Seminarian Michael Bohon who will be ordained to the subdiaconate later this year. He is studying for the priesthood under St Mark Seminary & Graduate School. It is his desire to begin reaching out to the unchurched, those in need of a parish family, the sick and the suffering as he continues his studies. He will engage in making hospital and nursing home visitations, and in forming the new mission parish. It is expected that a domestic chapel for the mission will be open soon.

PIOUS SOCIETY OF OBLATES OF MARY MOTHER OF GOD
A Society for the Laity and Clergy Not Under Vows

Official from the Holy Metropolis of St Peter Apostle

[Primatial See – 05.17.15] The Oblates of Mary Mother of God was originally founded as a semi-monastic community but was decreed by the Primatial See as a non-monastic pious society, i.e., a of common life without vows, and is open to married and single individuals, laity and clergy, who wish to be associated with it, but not under monastic vows. This community was blessed by His Beatitude Metropolitan Stephen on August 28, 2014 as a semi-monastic community but on May 13, 2015 he declared it to be a pious society. It is under the administration of His Eminence Archbishop Timothy Kjera until a Moderator General is appointed. Thus far, the Pious Society of Oblates of Mary Mother of God is represented in Sharon Pennsylvania.

The Pious Society of Oblates of Mary Mother of God is under the Primatial See's Congregation of Pious Societies and Chivalric Societies. The Congregation was under Father Demetrios E Wruck DC who served as moderator general from 1999 until 2013. The Oblates will be headquartered at this time in the United States. The Oblates of Mary Mother of God ("OMMG") is open to married and single men and women wanting to share in the goals of a pious society united in prayer and good works of mercy, but not under vows. This society is also open to priests and permanent deacons who wish to belong to it as well. Such members are referred to as "Secular Oblates," i.e., non monastic as opposed to monastics or religious who are under vows. The Primatial See will announce the Moderator General and future location of its headquarters soon. The Oblates are under the protection of the Virgin Mary Mother of God. Those interested who wish more information should write to: OMMG Society, 456 Nimick Street, Sharon PA 16146 or email rbsocc@juno.com .

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. $35.00 for framed icon with hard card stock paper trimmed in gold, and without frame on plain card stock $15.00, 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.

Lay Companions is open to married or single men and women wishing to share in the good works and prayers of the Basilian Monastic Communities. Those interested in becoming a lay companion should write to the Moderator of Lay Companion 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 Congregation of Basilian Monastic Communities.

Oblates of Mary Mother of God is open to those who wish to follow a lay community way of life and prayers but not under the traditional vows of monastic members. This is a pious society of the Church and it is a "lay companion" 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 for non-monastic members although clergy are invited to join as well. This mainly "companion" community was blessed and canonized as a "pious society" 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. This chapel is temporarily closed due to the serious illness of its pastor and his retirement.

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 Very Reverend Father Padraig Kneafsey CSB for Liturgy of Mass schedule.

Holy Apostles of Christ Syriac-Greek Antiochian Orthodox Catholic Mission under the care of Seminarian Matthew Fred Onwonga of Nyamarambe Kisi Kenya is mission administrator. More details to come later.

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 Mark Seminary & Graduate School is a distance education program with some in-house practica in Liturgics. Programs offered are in Theocentric Chiropathy, Behavioral Chiropathy or Theocentric Psychotherapy, Ministry, Divinity, Religion, Biblical Studies, Biblical Medicine (Healing and Herbology), Pastoral Counseling, Pastoral and Chaplaincy Services, and more. For more information write: St Mark Seminary & Graduate School Administrator, c/o 456 Nimick Street, Sharon PA 16146, or email to rbsocc@juno.com .

St Mary & St Andrew Syriac-Greek Antiochian Orthodox Catholic Church, 5907 Grand Avenue, Duluth Minnesota. Plans and approval are pending to reopen in 2015.

St Micheal & All Angels  Syriac-Greek Antiochian Orthodox Catholic Mission, 13801 Walsingham Road, A-118, Largo Florida. Seminarian Michael Bohon, Administrator of Mission.

St Nicholas of Myra Syriac-Greek Antiochian Orthodox Catholic Homeless Center, 456 Nimick Street, Sharon PA 16146. Liturgy of the Mass 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.

St Thomas the Apostle Syriac-Greek Antiochian Orthodox Catholic Mission Parish , Eaton Connecticut will be announcing contact information soon. It is under the care of Rev Deacon James J Stuck who is mission administrator. More details later.

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.