THE LENTEN PERIOD AND HOLY PASCHA

Forgiveness Sunday is the Sunday that precedes Great Lent in the Orthodox Christian Church. At the Divine Liturgy on this day the clergy and laity ask mutual forgiveness of sins committed during the past year. This beautiful custom prepares us to approach the Lenten fast and period with a clean mind and soul. The fasting and abstinence laws help us to also approach Holy Pascha with a clean and refreshed body. The preparation during this time is very holistic so-to-speak. The Metropolia has issued the following norms to assist all faithful in keeping the fasting tradition of the Orthodox Catholic Church. You are reminded that whenever one must break the fast and/or abstinence laws due to advanced age, illness or another just cause, seek advice from your local priest and his dispensation before so doing.

Fast and Abstinence Laws from the Metropolia:

Brothers and Sisters in Christ God, let us remember well the words of St John Chrysostom on fasting: "We do not fast during Lent out of sorrow over Christ's sufferings, but out of sorrow over our sins, for which He underwent that blessed and triumphal Passion."

  1. In accordance with the Eastern Church Fathers at the 6th Ecumenical Council, it is not appropriate to fast on Saturdays except on Holy Saturday during the Great Lent.
  2. Since the 2nd century, Christians fasted before the arrival of Holy Pascha, the Greatest Feast of Feasts in the Orthodox Catholic Church. Therefore, those who can and are able to observe the fast and abstinence laws must do so unless canonically dispensed of for just cause by a priest or bishop.
  3. The Sundays of Great Lent are also fast-free days as this is the Day of Christ's Resurrection.
  4. Great Lent consists of forty days of which 36 are days of fasting before Pascha, and begins the Monday after Cheese Fare (Quinquagesima) Sunday. and days of abstinence observed throughout Lent. In the Syro-Russian tradition all those who have reached the age of 7 are obligated to these laws unless so dispensed of by a priest or bishop for just cause. Those who are ill or aged may be dispensed from these laws either partially or fully depending on the illness and the age. Those who are under the age of 65 should try to maintain the laws if they are in good health.
  5. Fasting implies that we should eat but one full meal with two much smaller ones during each day of a fast. It is good to eat fruits and other Lenten foods at the smaller meals.
  6. Abstinence implies the avoidance of certain foods during fast periods, such as, eggs, bird, animal and mammal meats, meat broths and dairy products. The Lenten abstinence is not broken until after the Paschal Liturgy. As in the Greek and Russian traditions, Syro-Russian Orthodox Christians may eat fish, wine and vegetable oil on all fast and abstinence days unless one desires to observe a strict abstinence, except on Holy Wednesday, Holy Thursday and Good Friday of Holy Week.
  7. The parish priest will bless baskets containing forbidden foods for the parishioners after the Pascha Liturgy. Festive "agape meals" is observed in most parishes where the priest and faithful eat together after the Divine Liturgy on Pascha, and share in the breaking of the red Paschal eggs offered after the Divine Liturgy by the priest.

 

REMEMBER CHRIST'S SUFFERINGS DURING GREAT LENT

By His Beatitude Archbishop Stephen

Blessed be our God!
We are approaching one of the most solemn and sorrowful times of the Church year, and one of the most joyous times as we await Christ's holy resurrection at Pascha. Pascha, for Orthodox Christians, is the Feast of Feasts and the most important Holy Day in the Church. However, before we can rejoice we must suffer with our Lord and share with His sufferings. We are reminded that our sins nailed Him to a roughly made wooden cross. As St John Chrysostom said: "We do not fast during Lent out of sorrow over Christ's sufferings, but out of sorrow for our sins, for which He underwent that blessed and triumphal Passion."

It wasn't that long ago in the Church that we celebrated with joy the birth of our Lord and Savior at His Nativity. We recall how happy and humbled the Holy Virgin Mary (and St Joseph) must have been when she laid eyes on her newly born son, Jesus. She must have been filled with such great joy, but later sorrow would also fill her heart knowing what was to happen in time to her precious and pure son. We must also gaze upon Him and think of what our sins today caused Him nearly 2,000 years ago. We often forget that when Christ died upon the cross, He opened the gates of heaven not only for those who died before Him and lived at that time, but He also died for us and those to come until the end of time on earth. Likewise, it was the sins of those who died before Christ, those who lived during the time of Christ and all of us now and those to follow until the last second on earth that caused this great sacrifice and pain for our Savior. If we fail to honor His Nativity and His Passion and His Resurrection, how can we say with any inner pride that we are Christians? What hypocrites we would be to claim His faith but refuse to give Him honor and worship on these days.

During this time the Church imposes on us both fasting and abstinence. We fast by eating only one full meal of appropriate foods with two smaller meals (snacks) on such days. We abstain from meats, eggs and dairy products during this time because our Lord gave so freely His human life for us. It is good and healthy for us to observe these periods giving our body-temples a chance to rejuvenate. By so doing, we become mentally aware of what is happening during Great Lent and Holy Week, and we are able to enhance our own spirituality. We all hope that Christ God is near our side when we pass from this life, but how many of us are willing to be by His side now and each time we celebrate Great Lent? I am taking the time this year to beg all our faithful to consider giving more and more, as much as possible, to Christ our Lord during this time and throughout our life on earth.

In my message to the clergy at St Mary's Pro-Cathedral and the faithful who attend there, this is what I said from my heart in hopes to stimulate their desire to give to our Lord. "Open your hearts and minds to Almighty God. Be at one with He who created you. Try to understand that He has feelings that can easily be hurt and know that He loves us all without reservation. As we begin this sacred and awe inspiring journey with Christ God, we cannot help but feel His pain and sorrow as he is stripped from His holy Mother Mary, humiliated before members of tribunals and his holy apostles. He will be stripped of His robes, beaten and scourged and spat upon, crowned with thorns, and then forced to carry a roughly made and heavy wooden cross to become His Throne. He will walk far along distance falling thrice and listening to a mixture of laughter from those who hated Him and sounds of sorrow and weeping from those who loved Him. His poor and frail body bleeding and almost consumed with cuts and bruises and large gashes. The most painful being His broken heart filled with pain caused by us. Our Lord will call out to us to be with Him, to walk with Him, but will we respond? Unlike other "Christian Churches" that focus only on the joys of this time and His Resurrection, we Orthodox Christians know without a doubt that there can be no real joy unless we have experienced the true sorrow. Christ relives this journey with us each and every year. We are given a chance to share with him his sorrow and pain so that we can best rejoice in His holy resurrection. I pray that all will give to Christ God what He truly deserves this Great Lent and throughout Holy Week. Prepare now for the Kingdom of Heaven because we will all leave this life one day soon. There is no time with God and eternity on earth is like a second with Him."  Are we really being asked too much? How much time do we spend glued to our television sets, going to malls just to window-shop, watching sports, going to bars and restaurants, taking rides and one of many other events per day or week? God doesn't ask much of us and what He asks is clearly defined by Him and the Church, the original Christian Church that is. Be one with God and the pure teachings of the ancient Church of Christ God. I pray that all who read these words will be stimulated to give more to our Lord this Lenten Season and all days to come.

God's blessings be upon you, Father, Son and Holy Spirit, now and always, and unto ages of ages. Amen!

 

CANONICAL AFFAIRS REGISTRY OFFICE OF THE SECRETARIAT FOR CANONICAL AFFAIRS ESTABLISHED

[Minnesota (St Cloud)] The Metropolia has established a domestic registry office associated with Metropolia for recording official documents of the Church. This is under the administration of Subdeacon Steven Johnson and located in St Cloud Minnesota. The Secretariat for Canonical Affairs is currently located in Belgium. Documents for registration and filing will still be sent to the Archdiocese/Metropolia but will now be archived at the new office after they are reviewed. Also at this office will be located the Office of Seminarian Affairs of the Metropolia.

 

ST THOMAS THE APOSTLE CHAPEL CHARTERED

[Minnesota (St Cloud)] His Beatitude Metropolitan Stephen has chartered and canonically established St Thomas the Apostle Chapel in St Cloud Minnesota. Right Reverend Archimandrite Timothy (Kjera) blessed the location on Sunday February 19th, 2006 in the presence of His Beatitude Archbishop Stephen. The Chapel is under the care of Subdeacon Steven Johnson. The chapel is open to the public and is located at 1719 South 7th Avenue, St Cloud Minnesota. More information will be announced later. The Metropolitan Archbishop will officially bless the chapel once it is fully established. Subdeacon Steven is married, and he and his wife, Jennifer, both reside in St Cloud.

 

NEW MISSION PLANNED FOR CALIFORNIA

[California] The Metropolia has canonized a new parish to be established in the Oceanside California area in 2006. The name that has been given to this mission chapel parish is Holy Ghost. Father Deacon Stephen Lawrence, who will be ordained priest in July 2006, has been named the administrator of the new parish. His Eminence announced the patronal name on February 23rd, 2005. Also, it has been approved that Ss Cosmas & Damian Mission Parish will be established possibly in the Carlsbad California area and His Beatitude announced this name on December 31st, 2005.

 

NEW MISSION PARISH CONSIDERED FOR ST CLOUD

[Minnesota (St Cloud)] His Eminence Archbishop Stephen has announced that he will consider establishing a mission parish in the St Cloud Minnesota area sometime late in 2006. There was an interest in having a mission in Brainerd Minnesota expressed by approximately 10 persons, and this would be about one hour from St Cloud. More information will be made known on this matter by April 2006.

 

MEMBERS WITHOUT A PARISH

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

 

2006 COMMISSION CONFERENCE SCHEDULED

[Minnesota (Duluth)] Father Timothy Kjera has announced that the 2006 Commission Conference will take place from 11:00 a.m. Friday July 28th until 3:00 p.m. on Sunday July 30th, 2006 at St Mary Syro-Russian Orthodox Church, 5907 Grand Avenue in Duluth Minnesota. More information will be released early next year. This will also be the 20th Anniversary of the Commission since it was restructured in 1986. The Commission will celebrate its 20th Anniversary this year and all members are urged to make plans to attend.

 

2006 SYNODAL CONFERENCE AND BISHOPS' CONSISTORY

(Minnesota (Duluth)] The 2006 Synodal Conference and Bishops' Consistory will be held from Saturday July 22nd, 2006 until Monday July 31st, 2006 at St Mary Church, 5907 Grand Avenue, Duluth Minnesota. All Bishops and clergy of the Church are expected to be in attendance this coming year, along with the newly elected lay consultors of the Metropolia. The Commission will celebrate its 20th Anniversary this year and all are urged to make plans to attend. The Synod will celebrate its 114th Anniversary of Establishment and Canonization.

 

METROPOLIA REQUESTS ATTENDANCE OF ADVISORY COMMITTEE

[Minnesota (Duluth)] His Beatitude, Metropolitan Archbishop Stephen, has requested that all members of the Lay Advisory Committee of the Metropolia be present at this year's Synodal Conference. This is now the highest administrative position for laypersons within the Church. The following are advisors: Mr Stephen Constantinides (New York); Dr Audrey Daniel (South Carolina); Dr Sandra Dobiash (Colorado); Ms Sherry Ellison (South Carolina); Dr Teresa Jenkins (South Carolina); Dr Janet Maus (Maryland); Dr Nicholas Dore (Arkansas). Also appointed was Honorary Member Dr Peter Smyth (Ontario Canada). The advisors are asked to be present in Duluth Minnesota from at least July 26th -July30th, 2006. This also coincides with the Commission Conference in July at the same location. This will take place at St Mary Pro-Cathedral in Duluth Minnesota. Although the Synod is scheduled to run from July 19th-30 th, 2006, they are not being required to attend all days.

 

WHAT YOU SHOULD KNOW ABOUT ORTHODOX LENT AND PASCHA

By Mitred Archimandrite Fr Timothy Kjera

The number of Eastern Orthodox Christians in the world number well over 250 million with many more millions of people making up the Oriental Orthodox family. It is the second largest Christian religion in the world and climbing, although without a doubt historically the oldest. In North America alone there are close to seven million Eastern Orthodox with many others who belong to the Oriental Orthodox (non-Chalcedonian) Churches. We will all begin the season of Great and Holy Lent on Monday March 6th , 2006. We begin this journey through Lent and Holy Week with prayer, abstinence and fasting that will finally lead us to Holy Pascha. Holy Pascha (Easter) is the greatest and most sacred holy day of the Orthodox Catholic Church. All Orthodox Christians will observe Pascha on April 23rd, 2006. His Beatitude Archbishop Stephen, spiritual leader of the Syro-Russian Orthodox Catholic Church, knowing the importance of this season of the Church, issued the following statement:

"As we begin this sacred and awe inspiring journey with Christ God, we cannot help but feel His pain and sorrow as he is stripped from His holy Mother Mary, humiliated before members of tribunals and his holy apostles. He will be stripped of His robes, beaten and scourged and spat upon, crowned with thorns, and then forced to carry a roughly made and heavy wooden cross to become His Throne. He will walk far along distance falling thrice and listening to a mixture of laughter from those who hated Him and sounds of sorrow and weeping from those who loved Him. His poor and frail body bleeding and almost consumed with cuts and bruises and large gashes. The most painful being His broken heart filled with pain caused by us. Our Lord will call out to us to be with Him, to walk with Him, but will we respond? Unlike other "Christian Churches" that focus only on the joys of this time and His Resurrection, we Orthodox Christians know without a doubt that there can be no real joy unless we have experienced the true sorrow. Christ relives this journey with us each and every year. We are given a chance to share with him his sorrow and pain so that we can best rejoice in His holy resurrection. I pray that all will give to Christ God what he truly deserves this Great Lent and throughout Holy Week."

The words of our Archbishop should set the stage for us and make us want to participate fully in all that the Church offers at this time. Prayer is good for us all and it keeps us close to God and makes us much healthier inside. Fasting is also good for the body and gives it time to rest, rebuild and get stronger, but it also helps us both emotionally and spiritually as well. There is no doubt that a well-constructed building placed on a good foundation can cause a safe environment for all within - much as the human body (body-temple). Orthodox Christian Lent always begins on a Clean Monday (Monday of Purification). On this day all Orthodox faithful are required to begin a spiritual and moral purification with much prayer, fasting, meditation, repentance of sins, and attending services more often than usual. Religious services during the Lenten period are very beautiful and filled with an atmosphere of sorrow and joy. During this time the Church offers Matins, Vespers, Compline, and The Presanctified Liturgy in addition to those of St Basil (complied in the 4th Century) and St John.

During this time we also commemorate the Sunday of Orthodoxy that dates back to A.D. 787 when the Fathers of the Seventh Ecumenical Council of Nicea (Nicaea) decreed the restoration of the holy icons previously forbidden as a means of spiritual growth. In A.D. 843 when churches had fully restored icons within them, the first Sunday of Lent came to be called the "Sunday of Orthodoxy." In Churches, the clergy lead the faithful in a Procession of Icons while reciting or chanting the Creed (Declaration of Faith). Come join us. It is forbidden by canons and Church tradition to celebrate Holy Pascha prior to the Jewish Passover. The Council of Nicaea in A.D. 325 decreed that Pascha must be celebrated on the first Sunday after the vernal equinox, and that this may not preceed or coincide with the Jewish Passover. The Roman Church ceased following this ancient formula and is one of several reasons for its separation from the Orthodox Christian (Catholic) Church.

 

COADJUTOR TO BE CONSECRATED

[Minnesota (Duluth)] His Beatitude, Metropolitan Archbishop Stephen, Protohierarch of the Syro-Russian Orthodox Catholic Church and its Synod, Archbishop of the Archdiocese of the Americas and Dependencies, has announced the election and approbation of Mitred Archimandrite Timothy (John Kjera) as Coadjutor Bishop of the Metropolia. His Beatitude announced this on September 1st , 2005. The Synod of Bishops and Consultors of the Metropolia expressed their consent making this final.

Fr Archimandrite Timothy has served as Moderator of the Commission on Religious Counseling and Healing since 1996. He has been pastor of St Mary Church in Duluth Minnesota since 2002, where he previously served as assistant pastor. He also serves the Metropolia as Vicar General and the Archdiocese as Chancellor. The Metropolitan Archbishop has decided that his consecration as Bishop Coadjutor will take place on July 30th, 2006 so that it coincides with the Synod of Bishops Consistory and the Commission Conference making it possible for all to be in attendance. There has only been one time in the history of the jurisdiction when there were two active Archbishops, 1988-89 when Archbishop Primate Joseph and Archbishop Stephen were both present within the Church before the death of Archbishop Joseph in 1989. Although Archimandrite Timothy will be a Bishop Coadjutor with right of succession to the See of the Metropolia, he will not receive the title of Archbishop until later on, but will be the second ranking Bishop of the Church at that time.

The consecration will take place at St Mary the Theotokos Pro-Cathedral, 5907 Grand Avenue, Duluth Minnesota at 10:30 a.m. on Sunday July 30th, 2006. His Beatitude, Metropolitan Archbishop Stephen, will consecrate him assisted by Bishop John of India. Also taking part will be Chorbishop Joseph of Belgium. Bishop Stefan of the Romanian Orthodox Church in Exile Diocese was also asked to assist but has not replied as yet.

 

ORTHODOX CHURCH IN IDONESIA SUFFERS

[Indonesia (Jakarta)] It has been reported that members of the Indonesian Orthodox Church are enduring much suffering at the hands of radical Muslims there. Over 200 radical Muslims surrounded Father Daniel Byantoro, Administrator of the Indonesian Orthodox Church, on motorcycles at his residence located at St Thomas Orthodox Church in Jakarta. Threats to burn down the church building and residence there were made by the large group. Father David approached the angry crowd and tried to negotiate with them, but their leader advised him that they would only leave the church alone if he would close it down. The leader asked Father David if he was afraid, and Father replied with "I am only afraid of God - and those who owe me money and won't pay me," Everyone broke out in laughter, as this moment of levity seemed to relieve tension. As things progressed, Father David made a call to Father Gordon Walker advising him of the trouble.

At the time that this was taking place, the priests were preparing to go to a private home to celebrate Liturgy. Later, military guards arrived at the compound but were there only temporarily. The owner of the property, David, went out to also speak to these people but soon was being the victim of extortion. Through all this turmoil, the clergy and people of St Thomas Church did not get frightened away. The owner did agree to close the church in order to avoid additional trouble, but when the Old Calendar Epiphany day came, the people insisted on Liturgy and Blessing of Waters. Father Daniel decided they would gather in an adjacent office building and sit quietly with no music or prayers. Then he and the recently ordained Father Gregory went into the altar of the church, along with a candidate to be ordained, and whispered the Divine Liturgy. They took the consecrated Eucharist to the other building and served it to all in silence. Then they blessed the waters as many people wept and filled large containers to take home. One woman, Christine Photini, said "If we are martyred we will all be martyred together." Others wept at this because the woman, wife of the owner David, has 7 children who are all members of the parish and who were all with her. 

FROM THE AFRICAN REPUBLIC OF THE DEMOCRATIC CONGO

[African Congo (Ngaba)] In his report to the Metropolia, Subdeacon Joseph Mabedi, Vicar of the Vicariate of the Republic of Democratic Congo, advised that the Church there is growing. He stated in his report the following Syro-Russian Orthodox Catholic parishes and institutions were established and viable:

  • St Joseph Church, Ngaba Kinshasha, served by Subdeacon Joseph Mabedi, Subdeacon Francois Bazeba and Aime Manzena.
  • St John Church, Mont Ngafula, served by Subdeacon Denis Mppongo Malumba.
  • St Peter Church, Kimbanseke, served by Subdeacon Laurent Kabosani.
  • St Paul Church, Masina Kinshasha, served by Subdeacon Floribert Kabangi.
  • Assumption of Mary Parish, Kimbanseke, served by Subdeacon Joachim Kingwesi.
  • St Eugene Chapel has just been established in Kimbanseke under Subdeacon Joachim Kingwesi.

In addition to the parishes listed above, the Sisters of the Community of St Basil have two convents in the Congo. These are:

  • St Mary Mother of God Convent in Kinshasha, and
  • Holy Archangels Convent in Lemba.

Both are under Mother Helena SCSB. There are over twenty nuns and novices between them.

The Syro-Russian Orthodox Catholic Church in the R.D. Congo dates back to 1992 and has been very viable since. Chorbishop Joseph (Mpongo) was administrator there until 1993 when he went to Belgium. Since that time there have been no ordinations and several of the Subdeacons are ready for ordination to deacon and priest. Financial difficulties make it hard for them to come to the United States for such ordinations. If anyone would like to contribute to the Congo Relief Fund of the Archdiocese, you may send your donation payable to St Mary Pro-Cathedral to Chancery Office, 1318 Baxter Avenue, Superior WI 54880-1762. You would help ensure continuity there and gift the faithful there with ordained priests. Subdeacon Joseph Mabedi, like some others, has been awaiting ordination since 1993. The sincerity of these men must be applauded as they maintain the patience of Job during this time.

 

VICARIATE OF CENTRAL & SOUTH AMERICA AND HISPANIC AFFAIRS

[Nicaragua (Managua)] His Beatitude appointed Father Cyril Cranshaw MCSB as Vicar of Central and South America for the Archdiocese. He will also be in charge of Hispanic Affairs for the Metropolia. The Metropolia further announced that Father Cyril will be elevated to Mitred Archimandrite on Sunday July 23rd, 2006 at St Mary's Pro-Cathedral in Duluth Minnesota. Father Cyril has been with the Metropolia since early 1990. Metropolitan Stephen in Albuquerque New Mexico ordained him in 1992. He resides in both Managua Nicaragua and Los Angeles California, and also is Archdiocesan Visitor to Texas, California, and New Mexico where he travels to establish new parishes for the Archdiocese.

 

RUSSIAN ORTHODOX AUTOCEPHALOUS CHURCH

METROPOLITAN VALENTINE HAS AMPUTATION

[Russia (Suzdal)] Metropolitan Valentine, First Hierarch of the ROAC, had surgery on February 6th , 2006 in Moscow Hospital due to bone necrosis. Doctors had to amputate his big toe and part of his left foot. This was due to a sudden exacerbation of his diabetes. The doctors first tried skin transplantation that turned out to be unsuccessful. He is expected to be released from the hospital at the end of February.

 

BLESSINGS & ORDINATIONS

  • Subdeacon Steven Johnson ordained on Sunday February 12th, 2006 by His Beatitude Archbishop Stephen at St Mary Pro-Cathedral in Duluth Minnesota.

 

APPOINTMENTS & ASSIGNMENTS

  • Reverend Fr Cyril Cranshaw appointed Vicar for the Central & South American Vicariate and Hispanic Affairs, effective February 1st, 2006.

 

OFFICIAL FROM METROPOLIA

Issue 1. (01.18.06/1): Priests of the Syro-Russian Archdiocese are forbidden to serve at the Holy Altar with any clergy who are not in union with the Metropolia unless permission is obtained prior to such an event.

Issue 2. (02.07.06/1): Parishes must have a Consecrated Antimins or Corporal from the Metropolia to canonically serve (celebrate) Divine Liturgy on. Those who currently do not have such must request this from the Metropolia by July 1st, 2006.

Issue 3. (02.07.06/2): All parishes must apply for Charters by no later than July 1st, 2006. Only chartered parishes of the Archdiocese and Metropolia are recognized as canonical and active within the Synod.

Issue 4. (02.07.06/3): The Metropolia Advisory Committee is asked to be present at this year's Synodal Conference from July 25th-27th, 2006 which is the same week as the Commission Conference in Duluth Minnesota.

Issue 5. (03.01.06/1): The Monastic Community is no longer under the administration of George Singleton in the United Kingdom. Abbot-elect Raphael is now in charge of the Monastic Community of St Basil. He is also spiritual father for the Sisters of the Community of St Basil. The Metropolia has ordered that no communication be exchanged with George Singleton or his schismatic organization known as The Community of the Virgin Mary, Mother of God. This group is not of the Orthodox Christian Church.

 

PAROCHIAL CHARTERS

Established:

  • Assumption of Mary Parish, Kimbanseke Kin/R.D. Congo Africa (01.02.06).
  • Holy Archangels Convent, C/Lema Kin/R.D. Congo Africa (08.10.05).
  • Holy Ghost Chapel, Oceanside California (02.23.06).
  • Ss Cosmas & Damian Mission Parish, Carlsbad California (12.29.05).
  • St Innocent (Enlightener of Alaska & North America) Mission Parish, St Paul Minnesota (02.05.06).
  • St Thomas the Apostle Chapel, St Cloud Minnesota (02.22.06).

Dissolved:

  • St Mark Hermitage, Lancashire Accrington England (02.15.06).

 

DISCIPLINARY ACTIONS

  • George Singleton, Accrington Lancashire England, deposed from the Office of Bishop and the Priesthood, for Act of Schism from the Orthodox Catholic Church and Metropolia, effective March 1st, 2006.
  • Raphael (James) Reed, Hemet CA, deposed from the Priesthood by the Metropolia.

 

PRAY FOR THE SICK AND SUFFERING

  • His Eminence Metropolitan Stephen
  • Sr Irene (Washington)
  • Father Thomas Dillon (New Jersey)
  • Paul Ebeling (Phoenix AZ)
  • Father Paul Jensen (Texas)
  • Fr Archimandrite Timothy Kjera (Minnesota)
  • Father Patrick Lemming (Tennessee)
  • Barbara Payne (Minnesota)
  • Lukas (Donald) Payne (Minnesota)
  • Father Vladimir Raasch (Minnesota)
  • Howard & Nancy Youngheim (Indiana)
  • All our Armed Forces everywhere, who are suffering, injured or who have lost their lives protecting the freedom of others.
  • For all our God-loving Bishops, Priests, Deacons, Seminarians and Sisters, and especially our Most Reverend Archbishop Stephen, that they will have health and many years.

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!

  • 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.

 

DONATIONS TO THE METROPOLIA

  • Dr Audrey Daniel, South Carolina, $100.00.
  • Dr Sandra Dobiash, Colorado, $125.00.
  • Dr Bekki Medsker, South Carolina, $400.00.
  • Father Timothy Kjera and Father Vladimir Raach, Gospel Book for Altar at St Mary Pro-Cathedral.
  • St Innocent Mission Parish, St Paul MN, Vestments.
  • St Paul the Apostle Church, Middletown NJ, $649.00.

Readers wishing to contribute to towards renovation efforts and the building of three rooms at St Mary Pro-Cathedral in Duluth Minnesota are asked to send their donation to: St Nicholas Chancery, 1318 Baxter Avenue, Superior Wisconsin 54880-1762.

The three new rooms in the parish hall will house seminarians who are preparing for the priesthood. Those who wish to donate $1,000.00 toward a room will have a plaque affixed over its door with their name or that of a loved one on it. This can also be in memory of someone. All donations will be listed and a gift will be sent.

 

ALUMNI ASSOCIATION

St Mark Seminary - Romano Byzantine College has announced that alumni wishing verification of studies and any other service offered must be renewed with the Alumni Association by April 1st, 2006. A transcript that costs a supporting alumnus $10.00 each will now cost non-supporting graduates $20.00 each. Please send your annual $75.00 renewal to Chancery Office, 1318 Baxter Avenue, Superior WI 54880-1762 by April 1 st, 2006. You may also pay online by credit card by going to rbsocc.org/donations and noting your payment for the Alumni Association.

 

METROPOLIA TO APPOINT BOARD OF DIRECTORS FOR COLLEGE

The Metropolia has announced plans to create a new Board of Directors for St Mark-Romano Byzantine College since the dissolution of the original board back in 2001. The Board will help serve the needs of students and alumni as well as the Metropolia. Academic Policies will be submitted and reviewed by this Board along with the Metropolia. More information will be announced later this year.

 

NEW POLICY REGARDING GRADUATION PROJECTS

Candidates for graduation are now expected to submit the title of intended project and abstract to the College prior to commencing their work for approval. This became a new policy of the institution on August 1st , 2005. The abstract must be typed, brief and submitted by mail for approval. This should not be done until study essays have been completed or with not more than two essays left to submit.

 

NEW CATALOG ONLINE

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

 

Advertise in the Herald You can advertise your parish, center, club or other organization in this section for $10.00 plus $.50 (fifty cents) per word. The Orthodox Christian Herald is sent to every diocese, which copies it on to local members. It is read by over 1,000 people and growing.

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

A Treatise on Chiropathy: The Holistic Healing Ministry will be available by May 1st, 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 Website: 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. This is a Licensed Society of Professionals in service to God through the Healing Ministry of the Church.

The Companions of St Basil is open to married or single men and women wishing to share in the good works and prayers of the Monastic Community of St Basil. Those interested in the Companions of St Basil should write to: Moderator Dr Audrey Daniel CSB, PO Box 14518, Greenville SC 29610.

Monastic Community of St Basil and Companions of St Basil open to those who wish to follow a monastic way of life or who wish to be associated with it in the secular world. Write to: Chancery Office, 1318 Baxter Avenue, Superior WI 54880; or Abbot-elect Raphael, PO Box 1611, Hemet CA 92546-1611.. The Community has monastic centers in the African Congo, Accrington England, and California, Minnesota, and 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.

St Innocent Enlightener of Alaska & North America (Syro-Russian) Mission Parish is now in formation under the pastorate of Father Vladimir Raasch of St Paul Minnesota. Those wishing more information may contact him at 651-699-0230. Father Vladimir follows many of the Slavic traditions of the Church but Liturgy is in English. Father is also bi-ritual and may celebrate both the Byzantine and Western Rites.

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

St Mary the Theotokos Syro-Russian Orthodox Catholic Pro-Cathedral, Father (Mitred Archimandrite) Timothy Kjera, Pastor; 5907 Grand Avenue, Duluth Minnesota 55807. Phone: 218-624-0202. Sunday Liturgy: 10:30 A.M.

St Thomas the Apostle Chapel, 1719 South 7th Avenue, St Cloud Minnesota. Subdeacon Steven M Johnson, Administrator.