WE ADORE YOU, O CHRIST,
YOUR CROSS HAS REDEEMED THE WORLD:

AN INSTRUCTION IN FAITH AND TRADITION

By His Beatitude Metropolitan Stephen

February 6, A.D. 2010

Among westerners the words "We adore You, O Christ, because by Your Holy Cross, You have redeemed the world." are very familiar during the Lenten period in the Church. It is our affirmation that because of Christ's death upon the cross, the gates of heaven were reopened to us sinners at a price so unfathomable that our human minds just cannot realize. The very God Who created us and gave us so much in this world, now faces a horrific and unjust death because of the sins that we committed causing the gates of heaven to close. Yes, I say our sins because we share in the original sin of Adam and Eve, but we all continue to sin throughout the ages, as well. The Son of God came to redeem us so that we would be eligible once more to enter the eternal kingdom of God. What love and what compassion for us truly exists in God. So my question to all is, what will you give to Christ during this Lent to let Him know He is appreciated and loved? As most should know, one way to "give" is to help support the apostolates of the Church.

Wednesdays and Fridays are traditionally days of abstinence in the Church, days when we should avoid meat including fish, and in our tradition Fridays are also days of fasting, i.e., days on which one full meal is eaten with two smaller ones during the day. If possible, abstaining from dairy products as much as possible is also required by all except the very young and very old, and those who are sick. We often combine all the requirements above under the collective term of "fasting." It is also important on these days to spend more time in prayer. Wednesday is the day that we recall the betrayal of Christ by Judas and Christ's arrest by the police of the Sanhedrin. This opened the doors to the Passion of Christ that He would endure for us. On Friday we recall the death of Christ on the cross for our sins. This is the day He gave up His flesh, His life, for us sinners. This type of fasting on these days is dated and goes back as far as the first century. The Didache, which is as old as many parts of the New Testament, mentions fasting on Wednesdays and Fridays. In these times of economic strife, family concerns, pressing bills, troubled relationships, and more, we lose sight of God. How important is it then that we should spend more time with him, away from reality and enveloped in spirituality, so that we can energize our stressful minds, bodies, and souls? Our lives become far removed from self-sacrifice with so many pressures, so it becomes necessary that we have adequate quiet time with God. St Paul told the Corinthians that he had determined to know nothing among them "except for Jesus Christ and Him crucified." Remember the whole world every year on Holy Friday especially, stands at the foot of the Cross. We have this time to converse with Jesus and tell Him how much we hurt over his agony and pains. How much we owe Him for what He has done for us. How much we love Him and want to do more for Him and His Church. Let us not let this time go by without real meaning and purpose in our lives. Great Lent lasts forty days and in the Byzantine Church this includes all Sundays.

Lord Jesus Christ, Son of God, have mercy on me a sinner. This prayer of the Orthodox Christian Church is one of the most powerful prayers of time. Yes, I stand before God, as a sinner daily, as do we all, for the only human to be born without sin and remain so was Jesus Christ. I realize that God's Son, Jesus Christ, came here on earth to die a painful death for my sins. How do I repay Him? I am not proud, therefore I do confess to Him, and to all, that I am a sinner who falls before Christ asking for His unending mercy. I say this prayer many times each day and before sleep. Let us all take some time each day to confess to Our Lord that we are sinners and ask for His mercy. During this Lenten period would be a good time to begin our daily confessing to God. Count the seconds or minutes each day for one week and see how much time you spend with God. There are 168 hours in each week. For most, we spend each day about 8 hours in sleep, about 8 hours in work, and about 8 hours in watching television, going out, making meals, et cetera. So is 15 minutes a day, at least, so much of our time to spend with He Who gave us life, forgives our wrongs, and reopened the gates of heaven for us? My brothers and sisters, we journey now to the Paschal (Easter) Triduum, i.e., the three-day celebration of the death and resurrection of our Lord Jesus Christ, Son of God. This begins at dusk on Holy Thursday, a.k.a. Thursday of Mysteries, when the Chrism Liturgy of the Mass takes place in Cathedral Churches, or the Holy Thursday Mass is celebrated in parish churches, and it ends at dusk on Pascha. Holy Thursday is also called Thursday of Mysteries because on this day two sacraments were instituted, that of the Holy Eucharist (Liturgy) and that of the Holy Priesthood. In our tradition there are no masses or liturgies celebrated during the day on Holy Thursday. It is only the Mass of the Last Supper (and Chrism) that is celebrated in the evening. The faithful of the Church meet at these times to recall all that Jesus did for us. It is in the Holy Eucharist that existed at the Last Supper and still does so today, that the physical presence of Jesus Christ is spiritually and mystically with us under the physical appearance of bread and wine. The Paschal Triduum recalls to our minds the Last Supper, the crucifixion and death, and the resurrection of Christ. We live today because Jesus died and was resurrected, so let us fall before Him and give thanks unto the Lord.

The Church begins the Triduum with great solemnity. We are now approaching the Feast of All Feasts, Holy Pascha. In the Eastern Orthodox Catholic Church, Pascha is the greatest feast and it so great that it is not classified with the Twelve Major Holy Days (or Feasts) but actually stands alone.  On the last week of Lent before Holy Week, all icons and the crucifix behind the Holy Altar are covered in purple or trimmed in such. This continues until Holy Saturday evening when they are uncovered just before the midnight Paschal Liturgy of the Mass. On Holy Wednesday the Service of Holy Unction of the Sick is done, as is Vespers. On Holy Thursday the covering or pall upon the crucifix is changed to red - symbolic of the sufferings of Christ and the blood he shed. This is done about two hours before the Liturgy of the Mass that evening. Also on Holy Thursday the Sanctification of Holy Chrism takes place in autocephalous Churches, and during the Liturgy the reserved Mysteries (Eucharist) are renewed and the older Eucharist is consumed by a Deacon a Priest. The preparation of the Chrism to be sanctified actually takes place on Palm Sunday evening at Vespers. The rules of fasting are relaxed on this day. On Holy Friday morning a priest or other cleric changes the crucifix and icon covers to black after Matins, and the red pall is removed from the crucifix. This remains so until the Body of Christ (the Corpus on the cross) is removed from the cross (if possible) at the end of the Passion on Holy Friday when, in procession, and after veneration of the cross, the Body is taken and placed upon the Holy Altar. If the corpus cannot be removed the whole crucifix or a smaller one is placed on the Holy Altar. During Holy Week we follow a strict fast when no meats, dairy products, oil, or wine may is consumed except for those who are physically unable to do this, and not on Saturday and Sunday when the fast is relaxed. However, on Holy Friday those who are physically able should avoid all food until after Vespers that evening. At Matins, usually celebrated on Holy Thursday evening, the Twelve Gospels are read. Before the Sixth Gospel which first mentions the Crucifixion, (Mark 15:16-32), the priest carries a large cross with the soma, i.e., a large icon of Christ crucified, upon it into the center of the church. At the beginning of each Gospel on this day the chimes or a bell is rung according to the number of the Gospel being read, i.e., once for the first, twice for the second, and so on. The faithful stand holding candles, which are extinguished after each reading and then lighted again. After the Twelfth Gospel the faithful do not extinguish it but leave them lit to carry home as a blessing, and often to light the lampada in their icon corner.

Now, Vespers on Holy or Good Friday is usually celebrated in the afternoon, usually around 3:00 p.m., but may be later. During the Holy Gospel that mentions Joseph of Arimathea and Nicodemus, two members of the clergy go to the large cross in the center of the church and remove the soma. This is then wrapped in a clean white linen cloth and carried into the Holy Bema and laid upon the Holy Altar. During the Troparion, the clergy carry the epitaphios, (cloth with image of Christ lying in the tomb upon it), into the center of the church, and all will come to venerate it. In the Syriac-Greek Antiochian tradition the Lamentations follow and Psalm 118 (longest Psalm in the Bible) is chanted with all standing around the epitaphios in the Sepulchre that is in the center of the church. All will hold lighted candles during this Psalm. At the end of the Great Doxology a procession takes place with clergy carrying the epitaphios around the outside of the church, and the faithful following with candles. As the clergy enter back into the church they lift the epitaphios high so all can pass beneath it, symbolically entering into Christ's death and resurrection. The Gospel ( Matthew 27: 62-66) is not read from the usual place, but instead it is read at the end of the service in front of the Holy Sepulchre containing the epitaphios. The Holy Sepulchre is placed near the front of the church and is adorned with flowers and fragrances and the faithful come to mourn Christ's death. On this day the faithful are also given a Q-tip that is moistened with vinegar into their mouth to recall the gall given to Christ. There is no Liturgy of the Mass offered on Holy Friday.

On Holy Saturday morning, according to the Syriac-Greek Antiochian custom, is celebrated the Divine Liturgy of the Mass, and many parts of the Liturgy that are usually chanted at the Holy Altar or before the Royal Entrance between the analogia, are chanted before the epitaphios in the Sepulchre. Prior to the reading of the Gospel, all covers and trimmings are changed to white. The priest symbolic of Christ's victory over death then strews fresh bay leaves all over the church. After

The Liturgy has finished, the priest will bless wine, bread, and dried fruit that are distributed to all the faithful. This is not the Holy Mysteries, but merely blessed wine and bread, not consecrated, and given to the faithful, like in the ancient Church, to give them strength to complete the vigil ahead. In the evening there is no other service offered except for the Pascal Liturgy of the Mass that begins around 11:30 p.m. with a procession. Prior to this, about two hours before, all the icons and the crucifix are uncovered. In the next edition we will address the Resurrection of Christ.  Remember that Orthodox Christianity is not just a faith we believe in, but a faith we live – a way of life. God's blessings be upon His faithful people.

 

METROPOLIS WARNS CLERGY OF WOLVES IN SHEEPS' CLOTHING

[Canfield OH] His Beatitude Metropolitan Stephen is one of many hierarchs who is very concerned about the so-called "Orthodox Churches" that do not share faith or canonicity with the canonical patriarchal and autocephalous Orthodox Christian Churches. According to His Eminence Archbishop Timothy, His Beatitude issued a strong warning on this matter as follows.

"It is imperative that our clergy have nothing at all to do with any group claiming to be Orthodox Catholic or Orthodox Christian that ordain women to the Holy Orders of the Church. Of equal wrongdoing are those who allow same sex marriages in the their churches and give the blessing to these of Our Lord. These are atrocities against the true Orthodox Catholic Churches, and they are slaps against the face of our Lord Jesus Christ. It is obvious from Holy Scripture and Apostolic Tradition that both of these acts are not part of Christ's Church. Christ chose only men to follow Him, and He never once condoned the joining of two people of the same sex under the vows of marriage. Therefore, I caution the clergy who serve the Archdiocese to have nothing at all to do with those who condone actions against what Christ and the Holy Apostles stood for. The Rudder is very clear that if you pray with heathens – you are a heathen, putting it in simplified wording. There are many groups using the name of the Orthodox Christian Church who are not what they pretend to be. Which of the canonical Patriarchates or Autocephalous Churches have women clergy? Which of them marry those of the same sex together? None do such things, so then how can these other groups be "Orthodox Christian"? Do two Rudders exist in the true Orthodox Church? No! There is only one Rudder (Pedalion) and it applies to all. Some of these groups also go against the grain of Orthodoxy by using the Roman "Novus Ordo" Mass and call it "Orthodox.." Some even use Protestant forms of worship and call it "Orthodox Christian." Some have embraced theosophy and reincarnation as doctrine, and call this "Orthodox Christian." There is but one faith and it has come from our Lord Jesus Christ and carried to us by the Holy Apostles and the early Church Fathers, there does not exist two faiths anymore than two christs exist.. There is one Christ and one Faith. I implore all clergy and faithful of the Archdiocese to be on guard against these innovations of the heterodox and charlatans, and remain loyal to the holy martyrs who shed their blood for the true faith of Our Lord. Be faithful to the teachings of Christ God, to His holy apostles, to His holy fathers of the early Church. Remember, there is no "Reformed Orthodox Church" and no Anglican Orthodox Church" and no "Apostolic Catholic Orthodox Church" that are canonical. These are not "Orthodox Christian" and usually are not even "Old Catholic."

His Eminence Archbishop Timothy asks that "all clergy of the Archdiocese must remain faithful to their vows and to Jesus Christ the High Priest. Keep the faith even when it is difficult, because it comes from Jesus Christ." All clergy must commit themselves to doing what they know is expected of them. The parish is important because it is here where communal worship is given to God in the Blessed Trinity, and where the faithful learn about the faith and its Orthodox Christian doctrines. Priests must actively work to build their parishes with laity so that their souls can be fed with the Holy Mysteries of Christ, and their minds fed with the faith given to us by Our Lord. Let 2010 be the year for reform and commitment to Our Lord and the Orthodox Catholic Faith.

St Ignatius of Antioch in his Letter to the Philadelphians, 3.2, ca. A.D. 110: For as many are of God and of Jesus Christ are also with the bishop. And as many as shall, in the exercise of repentance, return into the unity of the Church, these, too, shall belong to God, that they may live according to Jesus Christ. Do not err, my brethren, if any man follows him that makes a schism in the Church, he shall not inherit the kingdom of God. If any one walks according to a strange opinion, he agrees not with the passion of Christ."

 

DONATIONS TO THE METROPOLIA

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

Our appreciation to the following for their support:

  • Anonymous (Lansing MI) $15.00
  • Anonymous (Canfield OH) - $20.00
  • Convent of the Holy Virgin (CA) – Vestment Material

You are asked to consider a donation to help the Metropolia with all its missions and programs by sending yours to the Metropolis, 7815 Akron Canfield Road, Canfield Ohio 44406; or by using your credit card to make a donation through PayPal at http://www.rbsocc.org/donations.html. All donations are tax-deductible. Please make it out to "Syro-Russian Archdiocese."

 

REDEMPTION: FAITH AND GOOD WORKS

By His Eminence Archbishop Timothy

February 6, A.D. 2010

The following is my response to a priest of another jurisdiction who wrote to me about "faith and good works." I thought that maybe this might benefit others as well.

  You quoted St Paul in your email, but there is more to what he said concerning faith and being saved. Certainly faith is a main ingredient to us gaining heaven in the end, but another important ingredient is good works. Otherwise free will, a gift from God to us, would not be necessary as one could sin or do good and either would be acceptable. St Paul says in Romans 2:6, "God will give to each person according to his works." How can we then say that St Paul does not believe that good works are important? Are we allowed to do bad deeds and because of His death on the cross we will still go to heaven? When we do good works we honor God who makes all good possible, not ourselves, but the works we do please God, and these good works obtain grace for us from Him.

Orthodox Catholic Christians do believe that we are saved by grace through faith. St Paul states, "But because of his great love for us, God, who is rich in mercy, made us alive with Christ even when we were dead in transgressions - it is by grace you have been saved. For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith - and this not from yourselves, it is the gift of God - not by works, so that no one can boast. (Now many stop here for their defense - but we must take the whole verse.) For we are God's workmanship, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do." We as Orthodox Catholic Christians believe this to mean that we must do "the works of the Law" of the Old Testament as St Paul in Galatians 2:16, addressed: "We know that a man is not justified by observing the law, but by faith in Jesus Christ. So, we, too, have put our faith in Christ Jesus that we may be justified by faith in Christ and not by observing the law, because by observing the law no one will be justified."  The translation of  "observing the Law" is "works of the Law" as found in the New King James Version and the Revised Standard Version. This is also what the original Greek actually says. "Works of the Law" has reference here to the ritual injunctions in the Old Testament such as circumcision, an "act."

Father Ted Stylianopoulos, professor of New Testament, Holy Cross Seminary, states that St Paul seems to distinguish three kinds of good works:

  1. Works of the flesh, i.e., sinful attitude and deeds (Galatians 5:19);
  2. Works of the law, i.e., the ritual injunctions of the Mosaic Law like circumcision that are no longer necessary for salvation (Galatians 2:3, 12-16; etc);
  3. Good works, i.e., moral and ethical deeds (Romans 2:16, 21-26; Galatians 5:10) on the basis that Christians - and all people - will be judged by God.

So, St Paul's contrast between faith and works fundamentally concerns faith in Christ and specifically what he calls "works of the Law."

Now, we cannot say that St James' words are not as true as those of St Paul. Both are holy men who were inspired by the Holy Spirit in their writings. Scripture is not like a market where we can pick and chose, but something that we must understand to be the law by which man must try to live. The only place in the New Testaments where the phrase "faith alone" is actually used is in the Letter of St James 2:24, where the Scriptures say exactly the opposite: "that a person is justified by works and not by faith alone." Translated from original Greek is the full text: "What good is it, my brothers, if a man claims to have faith but has no works? Can such faith save him? Suppose a brother or sister is without clothes and daily food. If one of you says to him, 'Go in peace; keep warm and well fed,' but gives him nothing for his physical needs what good is it? In the same way, faith by itself, if it is not accompanied by works, is dead. But someone will say, 'You have faith; I have works.' Show me your faith without works, and I will show you my faith by my works." This passage goes on.

Let me share with you words from our Primate, Metropolitan Stephen. "As priests we are to emulate Jesus Christ Who not only lived the faith He gave to us, but walked this earth performing good deeds that included healing the sick, raising the dead like Lazarus, forgiving the sinner, feeding the hungry, teaching us how to pray, and more. These all gave glory and honor to God the Father. Our priesthood calls us to do good works, e.g., baptizing the new born and the catechumens, caring for the homeless and indigent, feeding the hungry both spiritually and physically, celebrating the Mysteries, and performing other good deeds when necessary and when possible. If all we are too do is sit and pray doing nothing else, then our priesthood is like an empty water bottle, when it is needed for life - nothing will come from it and we will die." We certainly agree that ours is a priesthood of giving, right? Daily we give of ourselves to benefit those we serve and ourselves as well. Do we agree that what caused Adam and Eve to be separated from God and the Garden of Paradise was an act, i.e., disobedience to God? Grace comes from God to us, but it is earned. Divine Grace comes to us from God for our salutary acts. Sanctifying Grace is a state of being that can be permanent, in that it consists only in a passing influence of God on the soul. The example: If a person has, by grace, developed the will to follow the teaching of Jesus, "turn the other cheek", then if in the moment of assault they choose to turn the other cheek, they may hope for the grace to actually turn the other cheek. Hence the term "actual" grace, because it is given for action, as opposed to altering a person's state that happens through Sanctifying Grace. The distinction is not total since actual grace can lead to righteous action and good works (justification by works).

God's grace to us are found in all the good gifts we enjoy in life, i.e., blackberries, sunlight, moonlight, pets, food, happiness, and more. The gift of life includes the great gift of being human and having a free will to do as we wish, hopefully doing what is good. However, there is another way of speaking about grace that is more about redemption than about creation. This is known as "Original Grace." When Adam and Eve strayed from this using their free will and ate of the forbidden fruit, this became "Original Sin." This sin that closed the gates of heaven to us all was conquered by the death of Christ on the cross, i.e., Redemptive Grace, as it is called by many. Because of His cross, He has redeemed the world. Yes, the gates of heaven were opened for us through His blood shed for us - His good work for us. Yes, He redeemed us.

Martin Luther added "alone" (sola or in German "allein") in his German translation of the Bible in Romans 3:28. He made the text read, "For we maintain that a man is justified by faith (alone) apart from works of the law. Father George Florovsky, a Patristics scholar and well known Orthodox theologian, said: "Luther even added the word "alone" in Romans 3:28 before "through faith" precisely to counter the words in James 2:24. I am not certain as to whether this email resolves any concerns, or whether it agrees or disagrees with your thoughts, but Orthodox Christianity agrees that faith and works are necessary for salvation. How can we change what the universal Church believes? I hope that this answers your question in part or in total. I am hoping that we are not that far apart in this issue?

God bless you,

Archbishop Timothy

 

BISHOP DEPOSED FOR SERIOUS INFRACTIONS

From Chancery Office of the Metropolis

[Cleveland OH] This is a continuation of the article that was placed in the previous Orthodox Christian Herald concerning Simeon Robert Anderson. The Ohio Department of Mental Health advised the Metropolis that it issued over five citations to Simeon Robert Anderson and St Brendan's House for violations at its location. Currently, there is another investigation going on concerning this man. His Beatitude Metropolitan Stephen, although advised otherwise, has decided not to take any action against Simeon Robert G Anderson at this time for maligning statements made against him in a letter that this man sent to some members of the clergy and others.

The Vicar General of the Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Chicago, for His Eminence Cardinal George, sent a letter to His Eminence Archbishop Timothy on January 27, 2010 stating: "As far as we can tell from our records here, "Robert G Anderson" was never a priest or seminarian of the Archdiocese of Chicago." As noted in the previous edition of the "OCH" the Benedictine Community of Lisle Illinois, to which Simeon claimed to have been a professed monk in, responded that this was not true. The Abbot stated that he made it only to temporary vows that did not last long before he left their community without reason. It is believed that his reception and ordination in the Orthodox Church may also be defective. In 2006, Simeon was quickly recommended to the Metropolitan for consecration as a bishop by Sava Stefan Cosas, another now deposed bishop by the Holy Ukrainian Autocephalous Orthodox Church and Metropolitan Haralambos. Sava Cosas and Simeon Anderson were very close friends until Sava did him wrong and was facing various felony charges in Cleveland Ohio. Metropolitan Stephen of the Syriac-Greek Antiochian Synod also deposed Sava in 2007 when he was first a priest in the Syriac-Greek Antiochian Archdiocese.

The Chancery is now reviewing other allegations that has come to its attention concerning Simeon Anderson. The investigations that have provided many facts were conducted from June 2008 until October 2009. During our investigation of his activities that he was unaware of, we found that he was violating many policies of the Ohio Department of Health with regard to St Brendan Assisted Living Home. This was an apostolate that for three years supported him and the owner, Mr Alex Badea, and not the Church. Our complaints to the Department of Health were substantiated after an investigator paid the house and Simeon a visit. The letter from the State of Ohio to Metropolitan Stephen stated: "After a thorough review of the allegations, and based on the findings of the investigation completed, the surveyor was able to substantiate your complaint. The appropriate actions were issued to the operator of the facility and the appropriate corrective and enforcement action as allowed by the licensure statute and rules will be taken." However, Simeon advised many that no action was taken against him, and sent an email to Metropolitan Stephen stating, "...your plan failed." During the time right after the investigation was completed in October 2009, and after, Simeon was given many opportunities to reconcile with the Church, but he refused asking that we just forget all and let him be. However, he kept sending his letters and emails filled with untrue statements that he thought the Metropolis would not hear about. He attempted to send up a cloud of smoke to cover up his own inappropriate activities. Mr Anderson was also very negligent to ecclesial matters under his care, e.g., visitations to missions in his vicariate, communication with clergy in Africa, and administrative duties within the Chancery.

There are now other investigations going on both in the Church and in the State, and a taped confession from Simeon Anderson is also being reviewed. This confession was also witness by Mr Omar Esquilin who was present when Archbishop Timothy was asking questions about money that was missing from the Church. The Church has turned over financial records to authorities showing the amount of money used on Ebay purchases by Simeon. Simeon, during this time, tried to enlist another deposed bishop, Cyril Robert Cranshaw, to assist him with his malfeasance, but in most cases what is being said by them is landing on deaf ears. His letter of November 9, 2009 was sent to the Metropolis by many that were very upset with the things Simeon said, and although the letter was addressed to the Metropolitan, it was never received by anyone at the Chancery Office. Simeon also had another helper, Peter Sedesse, who was asked to leave the Metropolis residence in late September due to various outbursts of anger and his eventually discovered shaded activities. He took some contact information on clergy and licensed providers from the Metropolis, as well as destroyed the remaining audit reports dealing with Mr Anderson. This same man also put a password on a Chancery computer that he was going to buy, and had the Metropolitan pay for, so that it could not be used. This, however, was resolved recently. Peter Sedesse, after he was terminated from the Chancery then sided with Simeon so he could have a place to stay, a man that Peter called a "liar" before witnesses on many occasions. The Chancery is now investigating the wrongful suspension of a Brother, Monk Menas, by Simeon Anderson before the arrival of the Metropolitan in Cleveland Ohio. Anyone contacted by Simeon Anderson should advise the Chancery.

 

CHRIST THE PANTOCRATOR SOVEREIGN ORDER OF CHIVALRY

[Metropolia] Following is a list of the new officers and members of the Christ the Pantocrator Sovereign Order of Chivalry with the blessing of His Beatitude the Primate. Those interested in joining the Order of Chivalry and being part of Induction Class II for 2008, or wishing more information, are asked to send their petition and bio-data to the Metropolia by no later than March 1st, 2008. This may be sent to His Eminence Archbishop Timothy, c/o St Sophia Monastery, 7815 Akron Canfield Road, Canfield OH 44406.

 

 THE TRUTH ABOUT SCOBA

Borrowed from the Holy Orthodox Catholic and Apostolic Archdiocese of New York By Father Bartimaeus

By their own description, which they placed in the 1995 "Yearbook of American & Canadian Churches," published by the National Council of Churches of Christ: "This body was established in 1960 to achieve cooperation among the various Eastern Orthodox Churches in the United States. The Conference is a voluntary association of the Bishops in the Americas established to serve as an agency to centralize and coordinate the mission of the Church. It acts as a clearinghouse to focus the efforts of the Church on common concerns and to avoid duplication and overlapping of services and agencies."

According to their own words placed in the Orthodox Christian community recognized 1994 Directory of Orthodox Parishes and Institutions in North America: "SCOBA is a Federation of Eastern Orthodox hierarchs who recognize one another's canonical status." Therefore, admission to membership is strictly up to those who already make up its membership, influenced by old grievances, jealousies, personalities, politics, nationalities, covetous, power, etc. - NOT based on true "canonicity" and the Faith.

SCOBA's membership consists of 10 professing Orthodox Church entities, of which at least 3 owe their existence to and are under the 'protection' of the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of America, with at least two whose supposed "canonicity" is expressly unrecognized by world Orthodox as schismatics. Today's Orthodox Church in America-OCA also owes its existence mostly to the Greek Archdiocese. The permanent presidency of this exclusive organization is whichever presiding Metropolitan may be of the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of North America.

SCOBA and its self-choosing members have no authority whatsoever granted them from Holy Canon, Holy Tradition, or their Patriarchates other than the authority and governance over their own individual and specific jurisdictions in North America as each individual bishops. Although they do not admit until pressed to do so, SCOBA is not an ecclesiastical overseeing authority nor possessor of any canonical privilege to make any rulings, determinations, or judgments all-inclusive of Orthodoxy in North America or regarding any non-SCOBA Orthodox entities. They are not North America's Synod of Bishops, which does not exist. To put an end to such bold assumptions on their part, SCOBA members gathered from 30 November-01 December 1994 and issued the statement: "in convening this present Conference of Bishops, we find ourselves to be an Episcopal Assembly, a precursor to a General Synod of Bishops." They further uncanonically resolved to convene annually "to enhance the movement toward administrative ecclesial unity in North America," exclusive of course of non-SCOBA entities. Reaction to this was swiftly met with terse rejection from the Greek Ecumenical and other Patriarchates as a bid to schism from their Mother Churches' authority and oversight. As a result, the canonical message from their patriarchates was and is that SCOBA is not an Episcopal Assembly, Bishops Synod, nor possessor of any all-inclusive ecclesiastical administrative authority or powers over North American Orthodoxy.

"The Orthodox Church is a family of sister churches, decentralized in structure" (The Orthodox Church, 1963, Greek Bishop Kallistos Timothy Ware).

"It is curious to note how in this complex system the most unequal bodies, the colossal Russian Church and the one Monastery on Mt. Sinai, for instance, are arranged side by side as equal branches and sister churches. …Canonically he [the Ecumenical Patriarch of Constantinople] has no jurisdiction outside his own Patriarchate. …the Patriarch of Constantinople has primacy of honor but no jurisdiction, except in his own Patriarchate" (The Eastern Orthodox Church, 1911, Fortescue, p. 273, 283, 337).

Just as the Ecumenical Patriarch is not primate, ruler over the whole Orthodox Church, neither is SCOBA or the Greek Metropolitan in America over all North American Orthodox.

SCOBA's first embryonic formation began in 1956, when the then schismatic and ambitious Russian Metropolia/Russian Orthodox Greek Catholic Church in America, in cooperation with the National Council of Churches, organized a series of annual religious education conferences. This evolved into the creation of SCOBA - the "Standing Conference of Orthodox Bishops in America." Not all professed Orthodox entities in North America participated in the conferences or the creation of SCOBA, either by choice or from not being invited. This was due to years of prejudice, mistrust, ethnic conflicts, ambition, pride and jealousies, which flamed between the uncanonical multiple Orthodox jurisdiction in North America. Just because some years later they added the term "Canonical" into their self-created association's name, does not mean that bishops and churches who are not a member of SCOBA, whether by choice or exclusionism, are un-canonical or invalid. Today, elitist SCOBA members do little to correct this widespread presumption believed and promoted by less-informed Orthodox Christians as well as non-Orthodox. For instance, the Russian Orthodox Church Bishop of Patriarchal Parishes of Moscow in the USA is not a member of SCOBA. Does this therefore make him and the Russian Orthodox Church's parishes un-canonical, invalid? Others were once members of SCOBA and its predecessor association but chose to resign of their free will or were simply un-invited to join SCOBA when it began. Does this make them un-canonical, invalid? SCOBA members call themselves canonical, and non-SCOBA churches call themselves canonical. One group "recognizes" the canonicity of each other and rejects non-members, just as other groups "recognize" each other but not others. Pure jealousy, pride, and scandal of the devil.

Only in the 20th century has being a "canonical" church or cleric come to mean an external membership or association whereas, historically and traditionally, being canonical meant unity in the Orthodox Faith of Christ "once for all delivered to the saints" (St. Jude 3).

What has happened in the world of Orthodoxy today is that the organization and external membership have taken over and now wrongly define what the Church is or is not. One is reckoned to be "in the Church," canonical, or even "valid," if he is affiliated with an "officially recognized" organization. When people today think of the Church, they think in Western terms of a physical organization, association, diocese or jurisdiction and the membership of the local church in that organization is equated with holding the Faith of Jesus Christ, whether it actually does or does not. Again, up until the 20th century, determining who was a canonically valid church or person was their adherence, their unity with the One Orthodox Faith.

"Many people may be members of the Church who are not visibly so; invisible bonds may exist despite outward separation. The Spirit of God blows where it will, and, as Irenaeus said, where the Spirit is, there is the Church. We know where the Church is but we cannot be sure where it is not; and so we must refrain from passing judgment…" (The Orthodox Church, 1963, Greek Bishop Kallistos Timothy Ware).

The Western perception of the Church as membership in "officialdom" stands in sharp contrast to the teachings of Holy Scriptures, the Canons, and the holy Fathers, including St Gregory Palamas who wrote:

"They that are of the Church of Christ are they that are of the truth; and they that are not of the truth are not of the Church of Christ… for we are reminded that we are to distinguish Christianity not by persons who have ecclesiastical titles, but the truth and by the exactness of the Faith."

Russian Archbishop Aftimios Ofiesh, founder of the canonical American Orthodox Catholic Church in 1927, wrote during the height of the shameful Orthodox ethnic and supremacy wars: "The prime necessity for Orthodoxy in America at large is to bury the causes of her divisions and set forth anew on a road of peaceful and united progress for the good of Holy Church and the Kingdom of Christ. Orthodox Catholic bishops and leaders should come together in the spirit of love and the humility of their Master, and sacrifice themselves and their personal ambitions to the cause of their Church and their God."

 

FETAL BAPTISM

The Holy Metropolis
February 17, A.D. 2010

Syriac-Greek Antiochian - Eastern Orthodox Catholic Policy:

The Eastern Orthodox Catholic Church (Syriac-Greek Antiochian) agrees with the Roman Catholic Church in that a child (fetus) is not to be baptized while still enclosed in its mother's womb because the water must physically touch the body of the child, preferably the head. Now, concerning the baptism of a fetus that dies the Church has always held to a loving and compassionate God, and although there is no teaching on this subject in the Scriptures, the Church also remains compassionate on this matter. The Malankara Orthodox (Syrian) Church, with whom we agree, teaches that if it was the intent of the parents to have the child baptized, but for reasons beyond their ability, they were unable to do so, their intention is known to God. Because God is all merciful, He will take the intent to do so into His judgment. By extension, we cannot pre-judge God. How He will deal in the Second Coming with all the unbaptized is His business.

Concerning those who have an answer for every question concerning God, His Beatitude Metropolitan Stephen said, "We, as mere humans, cannot always try to guess what God will do, or make judgment calls on issues that remain a mystery in the Church. It is okay to say, ""Only God knows that for sure. With some clergy they feel they must have an answer for everything and do not want to appear ignorant, but it is better to appear so here on earth rather than to be proven this in heaven." It is most important that people realize how important this mystery (sacrament) is because Holy Scripture does obligate us to being baptized in order to gain entrance into heaven. Those who are baptized and receive the faith enter into the household of the Lord. This is the assurance that we have in the Mystery (Sacrament) of Baptism. Knowing this, we must be careful not to ignore this eternal salvation, nor reject the salvation offered. This is such a sacred obligation of parents to their children, that to ignore this is ignoring Christ God. We must be cognizant of the biblical fact that Christ Himself instituted all the Holy Mysteries. A Mystery (Sacrament) is an outward sign instituted by Christ to give grace. All Christians should realize the importance of baptizing a dying person who desires to be baptized, and to honor the person's request by so doing when there is no priest around.

Concerning the removal of the fetus should the mother pass away, we agree with what the Roman Catholic Church has to say about this. In case of the death of the mother, the fetus is to be immediately extracted and baptized, should there be any life in it. Infants have been taken alive from the womb well after the mother's death. After the Cesarean incision has been performed, the fetus may be conditionally baptized before extraction if possible; if the sacrament is administered after its removal from the womb the baptism is to be absolute, provided it is certain that life remains. It should always be the desire to save both mother and child, but should the mother pass it becomes the duty of all concerned to save the life of the baby, both physical life and spiritual life, and to baptize the child as soon as possible. If this is performed by anyone other than a priest, or deacon in emergencies, a priest should complete the rite as soon as possible thereafter. However, if both should pass, the fetus is in the hands of God, and baptism is not to be administered to it since the soul has already left its shell, i.e., the body, and it is in the hands of God.

Roman Catholic Policy:

The Roman Catholic Church declares that a child is not to be baptized while still enclosed (clausus) in its mother's womb. It supposes that the baptismal water cannot reach the body of the child. When, however, this seems possible, even with the aid of an instrument, Pope Benedict XIV declared that, midwives should be instructed to confer conditional baptism. The Roman Church further says that when the water can flow upon the head of the infant the sacrament is to be administered absolutely. However, if it can be poured only on some other part of the body, baptism is indeed to be conferred, but it must be conditionally repeated in case the child survives its birth. It is to be noted that in these last two cases, the rubric of the Roman Ritual supposes that the infant has partly emerged from the womb. If the fetus was entirely enclosed, baptism is to be repeated conditionally in all cases.

In case of the death of the mother, the fetus is to be immediately extracted and baptized, should there be any life in it. Infants have been taken alive from the womb well after the mother's death. After the Cesarean incision has been performed, the fetus may be conditionally baptized before extraction if possible; if the sacrament is administered after its removal from the womb the baptism is to be absolute, provided it is certain that life remains. If after extraction it is doubtful whether it is still alive, it is to be baptized under the condition: "If thou art alive". Physicians, mothers, and midwives ought to be reminded of the grave obligation of administering baptism under these circumstances. It is to be borne in mind that according to the prevailing opinion among the learned, the fetus is animated by a human soul from the very beginning of its conception. In cases of delivery where the issue is a mass that is not certainly animated by human life, it is to be baptized conditionally: "If thou art a man."

Comparison between Roman and Orthodox Catholics
re: Performance of the Rite of Baptism

In the Roman Catholic Church the usual minister of Baptism is a bishop, priest or deacon (Canon 861) Section 1, Code of Canon Law), but usually it is the parish priest of the person to be baptized, or someone authorized by the parish may do so licitly. If the ordinary minister is absent or impeded a catechist or some other person deputed to this office by the local Ordinary may lawfully confer baptism. In a case of necessity, any person who has been baptized with the requisite intention may do so, i.e., any emergency or imminent danger of death due to illness or external threat. The requisite intention is necessary "to do what the Church does" through the rite of baptism.

The policy of most Eastern Orthodox Catholic Churches is a bit different than that of the Roman Catholic Church. In the Eastern Orthodox Churches a deacon is not considered an ordinary minister of the Rite of Baptism. Also, baptism and chrismation are administered together with Holy Communion following in the Eastern Churches unlike the Roman or Latin Rite Church. Administration of the Mystery (or Sacrament) is reserved to the parish priest in Eastern Churches. However, in cases of necessity or emergency or imminent danger of death, a deacon can administer baptism or, in his absence or if he be impeded, by another cleric, a member of monasticism or consecrated life. If none of these are available, then by another person who is also a baptized Christian, including the mother or father of the person dying who knows how to baptize.

In most of the Orthodox Churches, i.e., Eastern, Oriental, Assyrian, and also the Eastern Catholic Churches of Rome, it is required of the baptizer to be a member of the faith and their Church, even in cases of necessity. They believe that a person cannot convey what he himself does not possess, in this case "membership in the Church." The Latin Rite Catholic Church does not insist on this condition. However, some Eastern Orthodox Churches do agree that in an emergency where death may occur, any Christian using the correct formula including water may do so.

 

ORTHODOX BITS N' PIECES

QUESTIONS & ANSWERS

Q. Please explain "Monophysitism"? (John Anderson, Chicago Illinois)

A. Monophysitism comes from the Greek words, monos meaning one or alone, and physis meaning nature. It is the Christological meaning and position that Christ has but one nature (divine) as opposed to the Chalcedonian position that Jesus Christ had two natures, God and man, and that both the divine and human natures were existent in Jesus Christ simultaneously without confusion. Eutychianism and Apollinarianism are both considered Monophysite doctrines. The Eastern and Oriental Orthodox Churches reject Monophysitism. At one time, it was widely accepted in Syria and Levant that lead to many tensions with the Byzantine Empire and Church.

Q. Can you tell me if St Gerard and St Benedict are Orthodox saints, and what they are patrons of? (Alicia Olson, St Cloud MN)

A. Yes, both are among our Orthodox Catholic saints as well as Roman Catholic. St Gerard is patron saint of expectant mothers, childbirth, and pregnancies. St Benedict of Nursia was Italian born and is known as Patriarch of Western Monasticism.  He is patron of monastics and convulsive children.

Q. I read that there are two Patriarchs of Antioch. Is this true? (Monica DeLaney, Detroit MI)

A. Actually there are five patriarchs who claim to be the true heir to St Peter the Apostle in Antioch Syria. The patriarchal success of Antioch was not disputed until the Council of Chalcedon in A.D. 451. The five jurisdictions are the non-Chalcedonian Syriac Orthodox Church and the Syriac Catholic Church; and the Chalcedonian Greek Orthodox Church of Antioch, Melkite Greek Catholic Church, and the Maronite Church.

Q. Were all the apostles celibate or married? (Andrew Mixis, Davenport IA)

A. All the apostles were married except for St John. However, the only real biblical evidence of a married apostle is that of St Peter because of the mention of his mother-in-law in Holy Scripture.

Q. Did St Peter establish the Church in Rome before Antioch? (George Maheen, Pittsburgh PA)

A. St Peter the Apostle was the first "pope" of the Church in Antioch. He established the Church in Antioch first, and was the city's first bishop. He later went to Rome where St Paul was already domiciled.

Q. Does the Syriac-Greek Antiochian Church have a patriarch? (Jason Scurlock, Duluth MN)

A. No. The Syriac-Greek Antiochian Eastern Orthodox Catholic Church recognizes the Syriac Patriarch of Antioch as the source of our Apostolic Succession from St Peter the Apostle. It also recognizes that our second line of succession from St Peter the Apostle comes from the Greek Patriarchate of Antioch and His Holiness Gregorios IV. Our first Metropolitan Primate was His Beatitude Metropolitan Timotheos (Vilathi) of Blessed Memory who, on May 23, 1892, was consecrated a bishop by a Bull issued from His Holiness Ignatius Peter III, Syriac Patriarch of Antioch.

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

 

DOMESTIC PARISHES & PRAYER GROUPS

The Syriac-Greek Antiochian Archdiocese of the Eastern Orthodox Catholic Church, like other small Orthodox jurisdictions, realizes that there are members who live far away from the nearest parish to them. In some cases, there are parishes of other jurisdictions that are in communion with us or in which mutual recognition has been exchanged. In such cases our members may attend those churches until one of ours is opened in their locality. In other cases, there are those living in an area with no parish at all to attend, and for them they may belong to an existing parish and be on its rolls as a member. Such persons would be allowed to use the Typica Service within their homes on Sunday and Holy Days. Domestic Churches, Chapels, and Prayer Groups may be established in homes until a parish or mission can be officially established. "Distance Parishioners" would also be allowed to make their 10% tithe to the parish attached to uniting them to it in good standing. For further information contact His Eminence Archbishop Timothy at rbsocc@juno.com or St Sophia Monastery Inn and Retreat Center, 7815 Akron Canfield Road, Canfield OH 44406. If you are interested in assisting the Archdiocese in establishing a mission parish in your area, please write to us.

 

 APPOINTMENTS & ASSIGNMENTS

  • Father Michael Krejany, Pastor of St Michael the Archangel Parish, Melbourne Victoria, by His Eminence Archbishop Timothy on January 30, 2010.
  • Rt Rev Chorbishop Haralambos Winger appointed Dean of the Deanery of Alaska by His Beatitude Metropolitan Stephen on August 21st, 2009.

OFFICIAL FROM HOLY METROPOLIS

Relic of St Nicholas – (02.01.10.1) The Metropolis requests that all clergy obtain a relic of St Nikolaos of Vounenon that was sanctified for our Archdiocese in March 2008. Please write or email the Metropolis about obtaining one for your parish. This is a directive and not a request.

Deposition Advisement – (10.30.09.1) The Metropolis has deposed Simeon Robert Anderson from the Holy Episcopacy and Priesthood, and has reduced him to a member of the laity. This was the result of various ecclesial and civil inappropriate and illegal activities that were under investigation by the Church, and now the State of Ohio. Clergy of the Metropolis and the Archdiocese are asked to have no contact with this man, and to report any contacts by him to the Metropolis.

Commemoration of Patriarch of Antioch – (01.15.10.1) The Primate has decreed that as of Sunday January 31, 2010 all priests and bishops of the Metropolis shall begin to commemorate His Holiness Patriarch Ignatius Zakka I of Antioch in all Divine Liturgies (Masses). He shall be commemorated at the Great Litany in both the Liturgies of St John and that of St Gregory just before our Primate, Metropolitan Stephen. If there are any questions, please contact the Archdiocese.

 

INCARDINATIONS PENDING / APPROVED

  • Father Alberto B Alvarez, Our Lady Pilgrim Key of Hope Parish, Colombia
  • Father John Apostolos, Los Angeles California
  • Father Michael Krejany, St Michael the Archangel Chapel, Australia, approved on January 30, 2010.

 

PAROCHIAL CHARTERS

Established:

  • Holy Cross & St Helen Parish, Ft Wayne IN
  • St Michael the Archangel Parish, Melbourne Victoria (01.30.10)
  • St Nicholas of Myra Chapel, Canfield OH (12.17.09)
  • St Stephen the Protomartyr Mission, Hemet CA (10.10.09)

Dissolved:

  • St Brendan Assisted Living Home, Cleveland OH (10.25.09)
  • St Patrick Chapel, Cleveland Ohio (10.25.09)

 

DISCIPLINARY MATTERS

  • Simeon Robert Anderson, deposed for serious offenses against the Church and the State of Ohio on October 25, 2009, by His Beatitude Metropolitan Stephen, and deleted from the Registry of Clergy by His Eminence Archbishop Timothy. Simeon Anderson's St Brendan House was cited for over five infractions and faces disciplinary action. Other investigations are ongoing. It was also discovered that the Roman Catholic Church never previously ordained him.

 

PRAY FOR THE SICK AND SUFFERING

His Beatitude Metropolitan Stephen (Ohio)

His Eminence Archbishop Timothy (Ohio)

His Eminence Archbishop Anthony (New York)

Archdeacon John DeMeis (New York)

  • Mr Andrew Lucas (Illinois)
  • Mr Carl Maus (Maryland)
  • Mrs Sherry Ellison (South Carolina)
  • Dr Audrey Daniel (South Carolina)
  • Dr Marge Ebeling DCh (Arizona)
  • Mr Alexi Mason (Ohio)
  • Mr David Cappabianca (Ohio)
  • Mrs Toni Jovanovic (Indiana)
  • Mr Omar Esquilin (Ohio)
  • VR Father Paul Jensen (Texas)
  • VR Archimandrite Anthony Leubke (Ohio)
  • Father Patrick Lemming (Tennessee)
  • Father Sebastian Robles (Canada)
  • Father Padraig Kneafsey (Ireland)
  • Dr Karla VonEhrenkrook (Arizona)
  • Mr Howard Youngheim (Indiana)
  • Ms Sandra Wiechnik (Indiana)
  • Deacon Thomas Monroe (Colorado)
  • Our Armed Forces everywhere, who are suffering, injured, or who have lost their lives protecting the freedom of others.
  • For all our God-loving Bishops, Priests, Deacons, Seminarians, Monks, and Nuns, both living and dead, and especially our Most Reverend Metropolitan Stephen, that they will all have good health and many years.

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

You are asked to consider a donation to help the Metropolia with all its programs by sending yours to Metropolis, 7815 Akron Canfield Road, Canfield Ohio 44406; or by using your credit card to make a donation through PayPal at http://rbsocc.org/donations.html. All donations are tax-deductible.

 

NEW PARISH RECEIVED INTO THE ARCHDIOCESE

[Metropolis] His Eminence Archbishop Timothy, with the blessing of the Metropolis, received St Michael the Archangel Chapel of Melbourne Victoria into the Archdiocese of the Americas and Dependencies. Father Michael Krejany is the pastor of St Michael's. The Archdiocese welcomes both Father Michael and his parish and prays for their continued success! The Metropolis is still reviewing the petition of Father Alberto B Alvarez, Parish of Our Lady Pilgrim Key of Hope in Bosa Bogota.

 

NEW BOOKSTORE & GIFT SHOP FOR ARCHDIOCESE

[Canfield OH] Holy Trinity Bookstore and Gift Shop is now open at St Sophia Monastery Inn and Retreat Center, 7815 Akron Canfield Road, Room 3, Canfield Ohio 44406. Father Anthony Luebke is the manager of the new bookstore that will hold its grand opening on February 11, 2010. The bookstore offers books on many topics in Counseling, General Studies, Healing, Religion, Scripture, Theology, and more. It also offers many beautiful gifts from Egypt, England, Greece, Italy, Russia, and items from the United States. It also offers many religious articles and icons, and collectible items that are one of a kind, and those that are hard to find. You can request more information and catalog from the address above or by calling 330.533.4048 and ask for the bookstore or listen to the prompts.

 

UGANDA NEEDS ASSISTANCE

[Kiboga Uganda] The Very Reverend Archpriest Fr Spiridon Kisomose of Uganda has written to the Metropolis asking for some assistance for the poor parishes in his vicariate. In Uganda, there are four parishes and a school, but all of these are very poor as they serve poor families and individuals. In addition to financial needs, they are in need of clothing, office supplies, sewing supplies, school supplies, books, et cetera. If you wish to assist please send your donation to the Metropolis at St Sophia Monastery Inn, 7815 Akron Canfield Road, Canfield OH 44406. Please mark your donation for Uganda Vicariate. 

 

Advertise in the Herald You can advertise your parish, center, club or other organization in this section for $10.00 plus $.50 (fifty cents) per word. The Orthodox Christian Herald is sent to every diocese, which copies it on to local members. It is read by over 2,900 people and growing.

Framed Icon of St Panteleimon, Patron of Healers Available from the Archdiocesan Chancery, 7815 Akron Canfield Road, Canfield OH 44406, these icons are suitable for hanging in counseling centers, clinics, and in the home. $40.00, postage and handling included. Commission members are required to have this icon hanging in their offices and clinics. Order yours today.

Let Us Not Forget Handmade nun dolls from the past. Full habits of many orders of nuns from various Churches including Lutheran and Roman. Nostalgia brought to your doorsteps. These are beautifully created and show the exact habits of nuns worn many years ago. The wife of one of our priests makes them. You can write for a catalog or additional information to Father Patrick Lemming, St James House, 804 Catlett Road, Sevierville TN 37862.

Religious Articles Hand-Made Chalice and Diskos Veils, Aers, Red Communion Cloths, Crosses, Analogia, Wooden Blessing Crosses (for house blessings), and other items for sale and made by Father Steven Johnson. All religious items are hand-made to order. For more information and prices please write to Rev Father Steven M Johnson, 1719 South 7th Avenue, St Cloud MN 56301, or call 320-230-2609.

Revised (2008) and Final Edition - A Treatise on Chiropathy: The Holistic Healing Ministry is now available from Commission on Religious Counseling & Healing, 7815 Akron Canfield Road, Canfield OH 44406. The cost is $25.00 and includes Postage and Handling. All chiropaths must have this in their library.

 

SYRIAC-GREEK ANTIOCHIAN PARISHES AND ORGANIZATIONS OF THE ARCHDIOCESE

Archdiocese of the Americas & Dependencies - Write to His Eminence Archbishop Timothy, 7815 Akron Canfield Road, Canfield OH 44406.

Commission on Religious Counseling and Healing Website: CRCH.RBSOCC.ORG For information write: Archbishop Timothy, c/o St Sophia Monastery, 7815 Akron Canfield Road, Canfield OH 44406. This is an organization for licensed healing professionals in service to God. They serve through the Healing Ministry of the Church.

The Companions of St Basil is open to married or single men and women wishing to share in the good works and prayers of the Monastic Community of St Basil. Those interested in the Companions of St Basil should write to the Moderator, Father Steven Johnson, St Thomas House, 1719 South 7th Avenue, St Cloud MN 56301.

Monastic Community of St Basil is open to those who wish to follow a monastic way of life. Write to Chancery Office, St Sophia Monastery, 7815 Akron Canfield Road, Canfield OH 44406. The Community has monastic centers in the African Congo, Nigeria, Nicaragua, Ohio, and Minnesota. The Sisters of the Community of St Basil are headquartered in the African Congo and are part of the Monastic Community of St Basil.

All Saints Chapel, Anchorage Alaska, Chorbishop Haralambos Winger, Pastor.

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

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

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

Ss Cosmas and Damian Eastern Orthodox Catholic Chapel, 785 Grand Avenue #206, Carlsbad California. Very Reverend Archpriest Stephen Lawrence, Pastor.

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

St John the Baptist Mission Parish, Knoxville Tennessee, Father Gerasimos Slessinger, Pastor.

St Luke the Physician Syriac-Greek Antiochian Orthodox Catholic Mission Parish, VR Father Paul Jensen, Pastor, 339 NE 8th Street, Paris Texas 75450.

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

St Michael the Archangel Chapel, Melbourne Victoria Australia, Father Michael Krejany, Pastor.

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

 

HEALTH, HEALING, & WELLNESS SECTION
Commission on Religious Counseling and Healing

 

CONTINUING EDUCATION FOR CLERGY AND PROVIDERS MANDATORY

[Canfield OH] His Eminence Archbishop Timothy, administrator of the Commission on Religious Counseling and Healing, has issued a stern advisement to licensed providers of the Archdiocese. Continuing Education Units or Continuing Professional Development programs exist in every legitimate organization of professionals, and it is nothing new in the Commission on Religious Counseling and Healing. His Eminence stated, "This annual obligation has been a part of the Commission for over fifteen years as a requirement of all who are licensed. Several members have abused it over the years that can no longer continue. The Metropolis has offered financial assistance annually to all members to make this easier especially during rough economical times. However, some simply ignore the annual advisement as though this is not a serious matter. The Commission Manual advises that one's license can be temporarily suspended for failure to participate, and this year - that may be the case. This obligation affects licensed providers and clergy, alike"

The Metropolis has made this annual process easier by allowing the following:

  1. Licensed Providers may transfer another recognized course of study or seminar attended to the Commission in lieu of completing a study process from St Mark Seminary & College.
  2. Discount offered to those who pay before the deadline.
  3. Discount to those who attend the annual conference and allowance of the seminars given to satisfy study requirements.
  4. Waiver option to those providers who are having difficult times and temporarily not in practice.
  5. Payment plan options.

The Metropolis has every intention of maintaining its professional credibility for the origination and those who belong to it. It has been discussed in open forum for the past four years at conferences that we do not charge nearly what other groups charge for this annual obligation. Some who hold other memberships pay over $1,000.00 annually plus motel/hotel, and other expenses for this. Some who are physicians pay more than $5,000.00 per year, plus specialty requirements, plus transportation, hotel, et cetera. We have always kept our annual fee for this obligation as low as possible, and give a credit to those who attend the annual conference. This is a license help by all providers, and maintenance of it costs more than just annual renewal, this continuing education process is also part of it.

 

FEDS APPROVE STATINS FOR PEOPLE WITHOUT HIGH CHOLESTEROL
By Dr William Campbell Douglas II MD

Sent by Dr Jana Green DCh FSAC

February 19, 2010

If you didn't think the cholesterol conspiracy was a load of hooey created by drug manufacturers, maybe this will change your mind. Crestor -- that dangerous cholesterol-lowering drug -- has now been approved for people who DON'T have high cholesterol. You read that right -- a cholesterol drug... for people without cholesterol problems!

If the circus clowns who run the FDA do what's expected and rubber-stamp the decision, AstraZeneca will be able to market Crestor to healthy Americans with high levels of a protein linked to inflammation. I suppose I should be gratified since I've been saying for decades that inflammation, and not "high" cholesterol, is the real problem when it comes to heart disease. And one good indicator of inflammation levels is something called C-reactive protein, or CRP for short. The higher the CRP creeps, the greater the inflammation... and the greater your risk for heart disease. The mainstream had no interest in exploring this link -- until some studies found that statins may lower CRP levels along with cholesterol. Now that they have a drug to sell, they're suddenly interested. But you don't need these meds for cholesterol or CRP, and here's why:

First, forget cholesterol altogether -- I rarely tested for it when I was in practice. If it's somewhere between 200 and 300 and you're on a healthy low-carb diet, you're doing fine.

Second, you can easily reduce your CRP levels and lower your risk for inflammation without meds. You just need some vitamin C -- the exact dose will depend on your individual needs, but between 2 and 6 grams per day should do the trick for most people who are eating right. Whatever you do, don't turn to statins. These meds have been linked to debilitating muscle pain and weakness as well as liver and kidney damage. Statin users also have an increased risk for diabetes. In fact, the AstraZeneca-sponsored JUPITER study that so impressed the FDA panel even found that Crestor patients had a 27 percent higher risk of diabetes than patients who took a placebo. And that's not the only dirty drug they want all of us taking. Keep reading for the latest vaccine outrage...

 

CONTINUING EDUCATION UNIT & CONTINUING PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT

CEU vs. CPD

The Metropolis

Annual continuing education for licensed providers of the Commission on Religious Counseling and Healing, and licensed canon lawyers of the Archdiocesan Canon Law Society, are obligatory for all active providers, clergy, and canon lawyers. Many do not understand that difference between Continuing Education Unit and Continuing Professional Development , and the Metropolis is currently considering a change from CEU to CPD in some cases, or possibly in all cases.

Continuing Education Unit is a measure used in continuing education programs, particularly those required in a licensed profession in order for the professional to maintain the license. Examples of people who need CEUs include architects, engineers, educators, nurses, mental health professionals, and social workers. Generally, a CEU is defined as ten (or more) hours of participation in a recognized continuing education program, with qualified instruction and sponsorship. CEU records are widely used to provide evidence of completion of continuing education requirements mandated by certification bodies, professional societies, or governmental (or other) licensing boards. The records also provide employers with information on training pertinent to particular occupations. The term CEU is in the public domain. Any organization may award a traditional CEU without requiring any accreditation. With a traditional CEU an employer or other organization must decide on an individual basis whether to honor the CEU from a training provider.

Continuing Professional Development is the means by which members of a professional association maintain, improve and broaden their knowledge and skills and develop the personal qualities required in their professional lives. CPD is defined as the holistic commitment to structured skills and personal or professional competence. It can also be defined as the conscious updating of professional knowledge and the improvement of professional competence up to date and continuously seeking to improve. It is the key to optimizing a person's career opportunities, both today and for the future. In many countries lawyers, legal practitioners, solicitors, barristers, and others are encouraged or required to complete a certain number of hours of CPD or Continuing Legal Education (CLE). Here, 10 contact hours, or more, are required, and 10 contact hours will award 10 CPD points. Within each year the practitioner must complete1 point for each core areas: * Professional Skills; *Practical Legal Ethics; and *Practice Management & Business Skills.

The Metropolis will review and consider changes in its current requirements of those licensed under it or the Archdiocese. Because the Commission on Religious Counseling and Healing is listed with the Association of Professional Organizations, it is committed in maintaining professional competency among its members, and structuring the requirements to meet the standards of other organizations registered and listed with the APO.