OCH Archives June 2005

THE ORTHODOX CHURCH: ONE, HOLY, CATHOLIC AND APOSTOLIC CHURCH FOUNDED BY CHRIST GOD

Third and Final in a Three Part Series
by Archbishop Stephen.

I would like to begin this final installment repeating from my previous article the charge given in 2 Timothy 4:1-5: I charge you therefore before God and the Lord Jesus Christ, who will judge the living and the dead at His appearing and His Kingdom: Preach the word! Be ready in season and out of season. Convince, rebuke, and exhort, with all long-suffering and teaching. For the time will come when they will not endure sound doctrine, but according to their own desires, because they have itching ears, they will heap up for themselves teachers; and they will turn their ears away from the truth, and be turned aside to fables. But you be watchful in all things, endure afflictions, do the work of an evangelist, fulfill your ministry. In obedience to these words, I greet you!

As I stated in my previous article, Satan knows the Bible well, and he can disguise himself at will as the angel of light (Corinthians 11:14). Christ knew the day would come when false prophets would lead many away from the true Faith. In the previous two installments we discussed several Protestant groups and how the differ from the Orthodox Church founded by Christ God. In this installment I had planned on addressing the recently aired commercials from the United Church of Christ. However, I noticed that most stations are no longer running these ads. I feel good about that since the ads were actually a slap in the face to other Churches, not to mention that their message was offensive to many especially because it implied that only their church was open to all. So I will devote this article to what separates the Roman Catholic Church from the Orthodox Catholic Church.

As most know, the Roman Church was once in full union with the Holy Orthodox Church and was one among its five patriarchates. The early Church was made up of five patriarchs, i.e., Jerusalem, Antioch, Alexandria, Constantinople (now Istanbul) and Rome. Each patriarch was in union with one another and comprised the Catholic Church. However, over the years Rome started to deviate from what was considered holy belief and began adding man-made innovations and dogmas, e.g., the addition of the Filioque Clause to the Creed in A.D. 589 and in A.D. 1053 it replaced using bread for the Holy Eucharist with wafers. These led to what we call the Great Schism of A.D. 1054 when Rome separated itself from the other four patriarchates, the greatest tragedy of the Christian world. Mutual excommunications executed by Pope Leo IX and Patriarch Michael were issued between Rome and Constantinople at that time. This final schism came about gradually in previous centuries. Rome uses this term to describe the time when there were three claimants (popes) to the papal throne in the 14^th-15^th centuries. The first issue that caused conflict within the Christian Church was that of Papal Authority. From the time of the apostles there was always equality among them. St Peter was considered first among equals just as Orthodox Bishops consider the Patriarchs today. St Peter was the first Bishop of Antioch, not Rome as Roman Catholics are led to believe. St Paul was the Bishop of Rome but St Peter later did go to Rome and there he was martyred. Papal authority meant that the Pope (Patriarch) of Rome would extend his authority over the other Patriarchs. He saw infallibility as his sole perogative, whereas the Eastern Church insisted that in matters of faith the ultimate decision belonged to an Ecumenical Council consisting of all the Bishops of the Universal (Catholic) Church. Often we hear Rome refer to their Church as "Catholic" and in reality it is not the whole of Catholicism, only 1/5 which is known as Roman Catholic since the Eastern Church is also Catholic.

The second issue that led to the Great Schism was that of the Filioque (Latin for and the Son), first inserted into the Creed at the Council of Toledo (Spain) in A.D. 589, and later adopted by the whole Western Church but rejected by the Eastern Church. The original wording of the Creed, that was approved by the whole Universal Church, stated, "and in the Holy Spirit, the Lord and the Giver of Life, Who proceeds from the Father and who together with the Father and the Son…" The Latin insertion changed this to read, "and in the Holy Spirit, the Lord and the Giver of Life, Who proceeds from the Father and the Son…" added by Rome. The Orthodox Catholic Church objects to this insertion on two grounds. They are: 1) The Fathers of the Ecumenical Councils strictly forbade any changes in the Creed; and 2) the insertion disturbed the balance between the Three Persons of the Holy Trinity, and this led to a false understanding of the mission and purpose of the Holy Spirit in the world. Therefore, the Creed recited by Roman Catholics is not what was approved by the early Church Fathers.

Other issues that also played a role in the Great Schism were the creation of the dogma of the Immaculate Conception making the Holy Virgin Mary equal to Christ as far as being born without original sin, something that is theologically and spiritually (as well as genetically) impossible. Although many Roman Catholics today still think that this dogma is in reference to the virginal birth of Jesus Christ. The obligatory celibacy rule for all clergy of the Roman Church was another issue. The Pope ordered that all clergy must separate from their wives and remain celibate. Future clergy would be forced into celibacy as well. The invention of Purgatory and Indulgences as a means to raise money for the Roman See by praying souls out of it. Purgatory will never be found in the Bible. Indulgences are meaningless as God alone is the final Judge of all souls based on what they did in life. Certainly it is good to pray for those who have gone before us, but to believe that we can pray a soul out of a place called purgatory is without historical merit and fact. These are some of the major issues that caused the Roman Patriarchate to separate from the other Eastern Patriarchates resulting in two Churches instead of one.

Some Orthodox Catholic jurisdictions today doubt the validity of Roman sacraments while others recognize them but within certain limitations. A Roman Catholic who converts to Orthodox Catholicism is chrismated (confirmed) again and in some jurisdictions even baptized. Some even question the Real Presence in the Holy Eucharist in the Roman Church. This is because the Roman Liturgy (Novus Ordo) was actually created by a team of Lutheran theologians for the Roman Church. Also, because the sacredness of the Body of Christ has now been relaxed and removed from the main altars to side altars, and the laity may now touch the Eucharist and place such in their own mouths. The mysticism that once existed in the Roman Liturgy, and still does in the Eastern Liturgy, is no longer there.

The Orthodox Church in Russia was established there by St Andrew the Apostle and has since become a strong center of Orthodox Christianity. It was granted the dignity of Patriarchate by the Patriarch of Constantinople and moved from its see in Kiev to Moscow. It replaced Rome as the fifth patriarchate. To give an idea of the beauty that one will see in an Orthodox Liturgy, I want to share something about Prince Vladimir of Russia. In A.D. 987 the Prince in his quest to find a religion for his country (as he was a pagan at the time) sent ambassadors to other countries in search of the best. They ended up in Constantinople where the Patriarch was celebrating Divine Services with his clergy. The envoys attended these and after returned to Russia. When they met with Prince Vladimir they said in part, "We knew not whether we were in heaven or on earth. For on earth there is no such splendor or such beauty and we are at a loss to describe it. We only know that God dwells there among men and their service is fairer that the ceremonies of other nations. For we cannot forget that beauty." From that time on Orthodoxy became the official religion of Russia, and the Prince's grandmother, Olga, was baptized into the faith later followed by Prince Vladimir and his twelve sons. The Orthodox Church is the second largest Christian denomination in the world and without disputes - the oldest. The Reformation and the birth of Protestantism came from the Roman Church – not from the Orthodox Church. The four main marks that identify the Orthodox Church as the true faith of Christ God are: (1) It has maintained an unbroken historical continuity with the original Church founded in Jerusalem by our Lord; (2) It has remained faithful to the apostolic faith delivered to the Saints, and has faithfully taken great care not to add or delete from what has been handed down; (3) It worships God in the Holy Trinity and provides humanity access to the life and graces of the Almighty; and (4) It has produced more Saints and Martyrs throughout the centuries than any other Christian body in time.

It is not my intention to discredit the sincere worshippers of another faith group, but only to bring out facts that perhaps have never been considered by them. After all, the soul is a very precious thing to God – and should be to us as well. There are good and bad in all walks of life and in all cultures and creeds. We must pray that in time all will be one as Christ God intended and under his paternal oversight. May God bless you all in your good deeds.

2006 SYNODAL CONFERENCE AND BISHOPS' CONSISTORY

The 2006 Synodal Conference and Bishops' Consistory will be held from Saturday July 22^nd, 2006 until Monday July 31^st, 2006 at St Mary Church, 5907 Grand Avenue, Duluth Minnesota. All Bishops of the Church must be in attendance.

2006 COMMISSION CONFERENCE SCHEDULED

Father Timothy Kjera has announced that the 2006 Commission Conference will take place from 11:00 a.m. Friday July 28^th until 3:00 p.m. on Sunday July 30^th, 2006 at St Mary Syro-Russian Orthodox Church, 5907 Grand Avenue in Duluth Minnesota. More information will be released in early 2006.

BROTHER MARCUS SUFFERS STROKE – DIAGNOSED WITH TUMOR

His Excellency Bishop George of the United Kingdom advised the Metropolia on July 7^th, 2005 that Brother Marcus (Kistruck) MCSB suffered a stroke while on holiday. After a physical and other tests it was found that he has a tumor in his brain that is still in early stages. Brother Marcus has served the Diocese of the United Kingdom for over eight years and the local Bishop there for many years more. The Metropolitan Archbishop Primate has asked that all parishes and faithful remember him in prayer and ask that healing graces from God descend upon him.

COMMISSION MEMBER SUFFERS STROKE

Stephen Strength, a member of the Commission on Religious Counseling and Healing since July 11^th , 2003, suffered a stroke while driving his car this past month. Stephen's car went out of control and ran a traffic light at an intersection and then crashed into a building. This led to other injuries as well that caused him a long stay in the hospital. He is currently in rehabilitation therapy. Stephen resides in Ozark Alabama but is being cared for by family in Dolthan Alabama, according to his mother, Eloise Strength. He has been a student with Romano Byzantine College working towards his Doctor of Chiropathy since early 2004.

ARCHBISHOP SUFFERS HEART ATTACK

His Beatitude Archbishop Stephen suffered three minor heart attacks on Monday May 2^nd, 2005. They came at 4:40 p.m., 8:00 p.m., and again at 2:00 a.m. on May 3^rd. On May 9^th he was admitted to St Mary Hospital where he underwent an angiogram and then angioplasty. Three stents were inserted into the right side of his heart with a fourth to be inserted into the left side on June 7^th. He is recuperating and doing better and thanks everyone for their prayers and good wishes. The Archbishop is doing much better now and has resumed his responsibilities.

NEW CATALOG ONLINE

The Chancery has announced that the online catalogue for St Mark-Romano Byzantine College is now up and running. It can be viewed by going to http://rbc.rbsocc.org where one can also find an application for admission.

SEMINARIES AND COLLEGES OF THE METROPOLIA

The Syro-Russian Orthodox Catholic Church is pleased to list its academic centers. Under the omophor of the Church are: Holy Apostles College in Tanzania; Holy Trinity College in India; Holy Trinity Seminary in Pakistan; St Basil Seminary in Cuba; St Mark-Romano Byzantine College in the United States (and extension in Canada); St Dionysios University in Greece; and St Vasilios (Basil) Seminary in Greece. St John the Evangelist Monastery in Nicaragua also serves the academic needs of those interested in the faith and religious or priestly life.

HOLY LITURGY

By Father Archimandrite Timothy Kjera MDiv

I think some of the greatest words used to describe the beauty of an Orthodox Christian Liturgy are taken from the envoys of Russian Prince Vladimir in A.D. 987. In Vladimir's search for a religion appropriate to Russia he sent ambassadors to different countries to examine their religions. Now Vladimir, a heathen, had no idea what this would bring to him at the time. His envoys attended Divine Liturgy at the Great Cathedral of Hagia Sophia (Holy Wisdom) in Constantinople and were amazed at what they had seen. They returned to Prince Vladimir and stated: "We knew not whether we were in heaven or on earth. For on earth there is no such splendor or such beauty and we are at a loss to describe it. We only know that God dwells there among men and their service is fairer that the ceremonies of other nations. For we cannot forget that beauty."

It was because of this report that Prince Vladimir accepted Orthodox Christianity as the religion of Russia and he, his sons and others in his family accepted the faith trough Holy Baptism. The Liturgy is very important to the spirituality of any Orthodox Christian. Through it we retrace the steps of Christ from his birth to his death and celebrate his resurrection every Sunday and Holy Day. Liturgy is worship to God in the Holy Trinity. It is not meant to be entertainment for us on earth, but rather where we feel the presence of God among us as a community. It is a solemn act filled with mysticism and beauty that draws us from earthy cares and surroundings upward to heaven where we experience peace and holiness along with all the angels and saints with God. Anything less is not true worship and certainly is not spiritual nourishment for our tired souls. The worship of the early Christian Church was very similar to that of the Jewish Temple because Jesus did not come to change but perfect. Orthodox Catholic Churches today still look very similar to the Jewish Temple in many ways. It has the Holy of Holies referred to as the Altar Area or Sanctuary by some. It has the Prothesis Table or Table of Offering. In all Orthodox Churches you will find the use of incense throughout the Liturgy and other services. The liturgical forms that you see today are those used from the beginning. The fact that the Church does not change its expression of worship to suit the whims of man maintains security that is appreciated by most, i.e., the knowing that what one does today will be done tomorrow. To quote an old saying, "if it's not broke don't fix it."

In the 1960's when the Roman Church commissioned a group of Lutheran clergymen to write their new Liturgy (Novus Ordo) it ended up seeing a schism within the Roman Church. Many were not happy with the outcome especially knowing that Protestants wrote it. The Roman Church lost many to what became the Traditional Roman Catholic Church headed by the late Archbishop Marcel Lefebre. In addition, other smaller groups had their birth during this period of time who rejected the modern liturgy. However, it did not stop there as we clearly see today other additions and flavors, e.g., Jazz Mass, Polka Mass and even Country-Western Mass. When Christ offered the First Liturgy or Mass do you think he may have used one of these? Certainly not! This is where the Orthodox Church excels because it need not change from what already is the best. When you leave church on Sunday are you really feeling spiritually refreshed? Have you learned from the Epistle, Gospel and Homily? Do you feel energized once again spiritually? Did your soul receive spiritual nourishment from the Holy Eucharist? Do you feel that honorable worship was given to God and that HE was pleased?

I would like to think your answers were all a big YES! If not, perhaps you need to consider just what is happening on Sunday. Give to God all that you can because he gave to us all that he could. God bless you.

MEMBERS WITHOUT A PARISH

The Syro-Russian Orthodox Catholic Church, like other smaller Orthodox jurisdictions, realizes that there are members who live far away from the nearest parish to them. In some cases, there exist parishes of another jurisdiction that are either in communion with us or in which mutual recognition has been exchanged. In these cases our members may attend such churches until one of ours is opened in their locality. In extreme cases, those living in an area with no parish at all to attend, they may belong to the Pro-Cathedral of St Mary and be on its rolls as a member. Such persons would be allowed to use the Typica Service within their homes on Sunday and Holy Days. They would also be allowed to make their 10% tithe to St Mary's as parishioners uniting them to a parish in good standing For further information contact Father Timothy Kjera. If you are interested in assisting the Archdiocese to establish a mission parish in your area, please write to the same email address.

NEW SISTERS AT ST MARY MOTHER OF GOD CONVENT

There was reason for celebration in the Democratic Republic of the Congo on Sunday May 1^st, 2005. In addition to the Paschal celebration, eight new nuns made a profession of vows at St Joseph Syro-Russian Orthodox Catholic Church. The vows were heard and received by Subdeacon Joseph Mabeda and Mother Helena (Superior of the Sisters of the Community of St Basil in the Congo). The new nuns are: Sister Mary, Sister Lucy, Sister Katherine, Sister Veronica, Sister Elisabeth, Sister Mary Madeleine, Sister Anna Marie and Sister Gregoria. There are two convents in the Congo and the new nuns will be at St Mary Mother of God Convent, with the other one being Holy Archangels Convent. A third convent, St Anne's, is located in the Diocese of Nigeria.

ST PAUL MINNESOTA HAS NEW MISSION

Father Vladimir Raasch has announced the opening of his mission parish, Ss Volodymyr and Olha, in St Paul Minnesota. The Metropolia, although not a priest of the Syro-Russian Orthodox Catholic Archdiocese, recognizes Father Vladimir. The parish will be meeting at a Lutheran Church located on the corner of Edgcombe Road and Field Avenue. Father has advised that in addition to the Eastern Rite Liturgy, he will also make available the Western Rite Liturgy of St Germain (Gallican) and the Celtic Liturgy for those who favor these. More information will be made available. Father can be reached at 651-699-0230.

ROMANIAN ORTHODOX CHURCH IN EXILE

His Eminence Archbishop Stephen has granted approbation for full communion between the Syro-Russian Orthodox Catholic Church and the Romanian Orthodox Church in Exile. The Romanian Orthodox Church in Exile is under the episcopal authority of His Excellency Bishop Stefan with its headquarters located at St Anthony Church in Cleveland Ohio. Communion between jurisdictions means that there is recognition of hierarchical and sacramental validity between the jurisdictions, and that clergy cannot be released to one or the other jurisdiction without the blessing of both hierarchs. Archbishop Stephen plans to meet with Bishop Stefan later in 2005.

ST ANTHONY PARISH SET ON FIRE IN KNOX INDIANA

Very Reverend Paul Emmick reported that his parish, St Anthony Ukrainian Orthodox Church in Knox Indiana was intentionally caught on fire. This after St John the Baptist Church was burned down by an arsonist one year earlier. St Anthony Church is located at County Roads 700 East and 25 North in Knox. The FBI is currently investigating the fire that was estimated to cause $30,000.00 to $40,000.00 in damage. The fire at St John's Church was attributed to a juvenile. Father Paul seems to think that an adult may be responsible, and that this person goes "out of their way to burn the churches." He also stated, "There are 14 buildings they could have burned down." The fire happened about 2:30 a.m. and was reported by a neighbor. The Washington Township Fire Department responded and the fire was out by 5:30 a.m. An agent was dispatched from the Merrillville Indiana FBI office on Sunday morning to investigate. The current findings point to an arsonist. A gas can was found inside the church. Wendy Osborne, Indianapolis FBI Headquarters, advised that the FBI has jurisdiction to investigate church arsons because they violate a federal law that prohibits anyone from intentionally defacing, damaging or destroying religious property.

NEW SISTERS AT ST MARY MOTHER OF GOD CONVENT

ST PAUL MINNESOTA HAS NEW MISSION

ROMANIAN ORTHODOX CHURCH IN EXILE

ST ANTHONY PARISH SET ON FIRE IN KNOX INDIANA

BLESSINGS & ORDINATIONS

Stephen Lawrence ordained to Subdeacon by His Eminence Metropolitan Stephen at St Mary Church, Duluth Minnesota, on Sunday July 24^th, 2005.

MONASTIC RECEPTIONS AND PROFESSION OF VOWS

Titus Carlos Cerna MCSB, was admitted to postulancy in the Monastic Community of St Basil in Nicaragua, by Father Cyril Cranshaw MCSB. Postulant Titus is currently at St John the Evangelist Monastery in Managua Nicaragua.

Subdeacon Joseph Mabedi and Mother Helena received the temporary vows at St Joseph Syro-Russian Orthodox Catholic Church in the Congo of the following on May 1^st, 2005:

Sister Mary (Nancy Bakindo) SCSB
Sister Lucy (Lotete) SCSB
Sister Katherine (Jacqueline Mwilu) SCSB
Sister Veronica (Maneno) SCSB
Sister Elisabeth Ann (Bofey) SCSB
Sister Mary Madeleine (Mbayuli) SCSB
Sister Anna Marie (Mumpo) SCSB
Sister Gregoria (Mahalu) SCSB

APPOINTMENTS & ASSIGNMENTS

Subdeacon Dr Stephen Lawrence, (DDS), of California, has been admitted as a candidate for Holy Orders by His Eminence Archbishop Stephen on May 13^th, 2005 for the Archdiocese, and will commence final studies through St Mark Seminary/Romano Byzantine College.
Seminarian Joseph Klimotho (Democratic Republic of the Congo) to serve at St Mary Church in Duluth Minnesota during his seminary training effective June 2005.

OFFICIAL FROM METROPOLIA

Issue 1. (05.01.05/1) The Syro-Russian Orthodox Catholic Metropolia has decreed that full communion with the Romanian Orthodox Church in Exile, and Bishop Stefan, has been effected. May God bless the faithful of both jurisdictions. Many years!

Issue 2. (06.13.05/1) The Metropolia has decreed that all Bishops must wear the Byzantine miter as worn by all Bishops of the Orthodox Church.

Issue 3. (06.24.05/1) Monastic houses, and their members, are under the direct omophorion and authority of the Metropolitan Primate (Protohierarch) or his appointed Abbot. This is referred to as Stavropeghion. In certain cases a monastic community may be under the direct authority of the local bishop if the Primate issues such a mandate. In these cases, the final authority in maters of faith, discipline and special dispensations still rests with the Primate.

PAROCHIAL CHARTERS

Established:

Christ the Savior Seminary, Dar Es Salaam Tanzania, on May 13^th, 2005.
St Stephen the Protomartyr Mission, Hemmit California, August 09, 2005.

PRAY FOR THE SICK AND SUFFERING

His Eminence Metropolitan Stephen
Sr Irene (Washington)
Father William Day (Texas)
Father Thomas Dillon (New Jersey)
Father Paul Jensen (Texas)
Brother Marcus (Kistruck) MCSB (England)
Fr Archimandrite Timothy Kjera (Minnesota)
Father Patrick Lemming (Tennessee)
Doris Mwaga (Tanzania)
Lukas (Donald) Payne (Minnesota)
Father Vladimir Raasch (Minnesota)
Robert Rhea (Kentucky)
Stephen Strength (Alabama)
Howard & Nancy Youngheim (Indiana)
All those suffering in wars throughout the world.

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

REST IN PEACE!

Metropolitan Epiphanios who reposed on Holy Saturday, April 30^th, 2005, at the Holy Transfiguration Convent Hermitage of the Life-Giving Spring. May his memory be eternal in Christ God.
Rose Esposito, mother-in-law of VR Father Thomas Dillon, who passed away in June 2005.
All who died in the London England Terrorist Attack.
All Bishops, Priests, Deacons and Monastics of the Syro-Russian Orthodox Catholic Church who have fallen asleep into our Lord.
For all the laity of the Church who have passed on to Christ God.

Framed Icon of St Panteleimon, Patron of Healers Available from St Mary's Orthodox Catholic Church, 5907 Grand Avenue, Duluth MN 55807. Suitable for hanging in counseling centers, clinics, and in the home. $40.00 (Postage/Handling Included).

A Treatise on Chiropathy: The Holistic Healing Ministry will be available by May 1^st, 2005. Those wishing to purchase a copy of this may do so by sending $25.00 to St Nicholas Center, 1318 Baxter Avenue, Superior WI 54880-1762. The Treatise will be $35.00 after that date.

Commission on Religious Counseling and Healing CRCH.RBSOCC.ORG For information write to: Dr Peter Smyth, 109 Palmer Circle RR2, Bolton Ontario L7E 5R8 Canada; or Father Timothy Kjera, Post Office Box 16201, Duluth Minnesota 55816-1612. Professionals in service to God through the Healing Ministry of the Church.

Monastic Community of St Basil and Companions of St Basil open to those who wish to follow a monastic way of life or who wish to be associated with it in the secular world. Write to: St Mark's Syro-Russian Orthodox Catholic Abbey, 1A Sultan Street, Accrington Lancashire BB5 6EL England. The Community has monastic centers in the African Congo, Accrington England, Superior Wisconsin (USA), Imo State Nigeria, and Managua Nicaragua. The Sisters of the Community of St Basil are headquartered in the African Congo and are part of the Monastic Community of St Basil. 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 Community.

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

St Mary the Theotokos Syro-Russian Orthodox Catholic Pro-Cathedral, RR Fr Archimandrite Timothy Kjera (Pastor), Father Mark Kwame (Assistant), Seminarian Joseph Klimotho (In Residence); 5907 Grand Avenue, Duluth Minnesota 55807. Phone: 218-624-0202. Sunday Liturgy: 10:30 A.M.

Ss Volodymyr and Olha Ukrainian Orthodox Church, Corner of Edgecombe Road and Field Avenue (using Lutheran Church). Father Vladimir Raasch, Pastor. Call for Liturgy schedule – 651-699-0230. (In communion with Syro-Russian Archdiocese).

BIBLICAL BRIEF

When Jesus Christ was dying on the cross he says "My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?" Despite popular belief, our Lord and Savior was not doubting our Heavenly Father, rather he was further fufilling the scriptures. He was actually quoting Psalm 22. Take some time as we approach Pascha to read this beautiful psalm and to reflect on the suffering of Christ and the true meaning of faith.