138 PCG PARISHES IN TANZANIA CONVERT TO ORTHODOXY

[Mbeya Tanzania)] Through the efforts of the Metropolia and Deacon Demetrios Essau of Tanzania, 138 parish churches of the Pentecost Church of God (Tanzania) under Bishop Samson Mwalyego have begun the process of converting to Orthodox Christianity! Bishop Samson and several clergy are expected to come to the Metropolia in 2006 when they will undergo a preparation process leading to their full acceptance into the Orthodox Church. "With this large number it is not possible to bring over 100 clergymen to the United States to train and be ordained, but training some will help us to train all the others over time." stated His Excellency Bishop Timothy of Duluth.

Bishop Samson, who will undergo indoctrination classes and then be baptized and chrismated into the Orthodox Church, will later receive the orders of subdeacon, deacon and priest, and once all is fully in order then bishop. Many of the clergy have already started taking instruction at Holy Apostles (Syro-Russian) Orthodox Catholic School in Dar Es Salaam under Father Deacon Demetrios, rector of the institution. This is the largest conversion at one time to the Syro-Russian Orthodox Catholic Church in our 114 years of history. We ask the Holy Spirit to guide and bless us all during this process.

 

COUNCIL OF CANONICAL AUTOCEPHALOUS ORTHODOX BISHOPS ORGANIZED

[Duluth Minnesota] His Beatitude, Metropolitan Archbishop Stephen, Protohierarch of the Syro-Russian Orthodox Catholic Church, and Archbishop of the Archdiocese of the Americas and Dependencies, has announced plans to invite certain eligible bishops of the Autocephalous Churches to consider membership in the Council of Canonical Autocephalous Orthodox Bishops.

His Eminence Archbishop Anthony of New York has expressed strong interest in this journey and has been assisting the Metropolia in this matter. To date, in addition to the Archbishops, Bishop Timothy (SROCC), Bishop Stefan (Romanian Orthodox Church in Exile), and Bishop Ignatius (Christian Orthodox Church) have been included in the planning stages. More news will be made available in the next edition of the Orthodox Christian Herald.

 

SEPARATION OF ROME FROM ORTHODOX CATHOLICISM - PART III

By Bishop Timothy of Duluth

Veronica Veil vs. Icon Not Made By Hands.

The purpose of this ongoing section of the Orthodox Christian Herald is to show the differences and similarities that exist between the Orthodox and Roman Catholic Churches. In this article, I would like to give a historical account of an icon that later became erroneously known as the Icon of the Veronica Veil as called by the Roman Church.

First, one must understand that this icon was once the property of the Orthodox Church and was housed in Constantinople. There are several stories concerning what happened to this icon but the most accepted and well-known one is as follows. During the time that the Roman Crusades were attacking Orthodox churches and monasteries they came upon this holy icon and took possession of it. It is said that the icon was lost when the ship they were sailing on sank in the Sea of Marmora, but others say it ended up in a monastery dedicated to the Apostle Bartholomew. The Romans attributed the name "Veronica Veil" to this icon saying that this woman wiped the face of Jesus on His way to crucifixion, and in appreciation Jesus left His image upon her veil used to wipe with. This cannot be verified in Holy Scripture.

The historical tradition behind the Icon of the Savior Not-Made-By Hands dates back to the earthly ministry of Jesus and the rule of Abgar over the Syrian City of Edessa. Abgar was afflicted with leprosy over his entire body. He heard of the great miracles being performed by Jesus ( Matthew 4:24) throughout Syria and as far as Arabia. Agbar believed in the Lord although he never laid eyes upon Him. So Abgar wrote a letter to Jesus requesting that the Lord come to heal him. However, Abgar also sent to Palestine his court painter, Ananias, entrusting him to paint an image of the Divine Teacher. Ananias went to Jerusalem and there saw Jesus surrounded by many people. Because of the large number of people around our Lord, Ananias was not able to approach Him, so he stood on a huge rock and attempted to produce a painting of the image of Christ, but was unable to succeed. Jesus, seeing him, called out to him by name and when Ananias reached our Savior, Jesus gave to him a letter to take back to Abgar that glorified his faith in Jesus. Our Lord also promised to send a disciple to him in order to heal him from leprosy and instruct him in salvation.

After this, the Lord called for water and a towel, and then wiped His face with the towel leaving upon it an impression of His Divine Image. The towel and the letter were then taken back to Abgar by Ananias as instructed by our Lord. With thanksgiving Abgar received the sacred object and received healing, but a small portion, only a trace of the terrible disease remained upon his face until the promised disciple arrived. The Apostle of the Seventy, Thaddeus, came to them and preached the Gospel, baptizing the believing Abgar and all living in Edessa. Having written on the Image Not-Made-By-Hands the words, Christ-God, everyone trusting in Thee will not be put to shame. Abgar then adorned it and placed it in a niche over the city gates.

In A.D. 630, Edessa was seized by the Arabs but they did not stop veneration to this holy object, and such veneration extended throughout the East. In A.D. 944 the Emperors Constantine Porphyrogenitus requested that the icon be returned by Emir (ruler of Edessa) and be returned to the Capital of the Orthodox. This request was honored and the holy Image of the Savior Not Made By Hands was brought by clergy to Constantinople. On August 16th the Image (Icon) and letter that Christ wrote to Abgar were placed in the Pharos Church of the Most Holy Theotokos. However, the Crusaders later stole the Holy Icon as mentioned above. The Feast of the Image Not Made By Hands is celebrated on August 16 th.

The Orthodox Catholic Church has remained faithful to sound and ancient dogmas and beliefs. It insists on adhering to what is from God and not what is from man in relation to faith. Amen!

 

ONE MAN'S JOURNEY TO ORTHODOXY: A BLESSING

By Metropolitan Archbishop Stephen

When I was a teenager and one studying for the Roman priesthood, I had been indoctrinated and convinced that the Roman Church was the only continuation of all that Christ taught and left us on earth. I accepted the doctrine of the Immaculate Conception, i.e., The Holy Virgin's birth without sin - like Christ, without reservation, although not fully understanding this belief. I accepted Purgatory as truth, and believed that souls could be prayed out of this place by the number of indulgences earned. I believed that the Pope was the Vicar of Christ, and that he alone had supremacy over all of Christendom. I accepted what I was taught and believed all that I learned out of fear of committing a sin by doing otherwise.

I can recall during that time my parish priest advising me that to read books written by Orthodox was not acceptable, and that the Orthodox Church was a schismatic body from the Roman Church. However, one summer I met an Serbian Orthodox by the name of Father Jovan Todorovich in Gary Indiana. I was so in awe after visiting his parish church and listening to him speak. I knew in my heart a feeling that had not existed previously and that feeling was one of inner peace. I was given a book to read on the Eastern Orthodox Catholic Church that I accepted gladly, almost feeling that what was happening was meant to be. The book, "Faith of Our Fathers" was very eye-opening and inspiring to me. It was like all my questions were being answered and finally I knew what being a real Christian was all about. This encouraged me to read more books and through this process I learned that the doctrine of the Immaculate Conception was not based on Scripture but rather a whim of Rome. I understood clearly that the Holy Virgin Mary, the Theotokos, truly holy, could not have been born without original sin. She was not equal to Christ, and she was not the Co-Redemptrix for Christ was the only human born without original sin, and only Christ died for the sins of humanity and was the only Redeemer. Although the Virgin Mary remained pure after her sanctification by the Holy Spirit, she never-the-less was born with original sin as were her parents and ancestors and all who followed her in life. To believe otherwise meant that her parents, Ss Joachim and Ann, would have also been born without original sin since the passing of such was hereditary since the time of Adam and Eve. If this were true, then all from the time of Adam and Eve would also have been spared such a blemish.

The next issue that led to my conversion to the Orthodox Catholic Church was that of Papal Supremacy. This, again, was another Roman teaching and belief that lacked any biblical foundation or any Apostolic Tradition that I accepted without substantiation. I learned that it was not the four Orthodox Patriarchates of Jerusalem, Antioch, Constantinople and Alexandria that broke from Rome and were schismatics, but rather the Patriarchate of Rome who broke from the other four by straying from what was Orthodox and Biblical. Since all the Holy Apostles were equal and none were over the other, how could the Roman Pope have become the Supreme Ruler over all Christians, including all the other Patriarchs? How did he receive more than what St Peter was given? How could this man be allowed to judge all humanity but not be judged by anyone on earth? The answer was made quite clear, he said so. It is like Rome saying that the first Pope of Rome was St Peter when in-fact St Paul was in Rome first and St Peter was first Bishop of Antioch. Truly St Peter was martyred in Rome, but where does Holy Scripture say that he was Bishop? From these Roman innovations came others like Purgatory and Indulgences, something that created revenue for Rome, but lacked Scriptural foundation.

Soon, everything else seemed to fall in place. I realized that Christ did not use a wafer (host) at the Last Supper (First Liturgy), but that He took bread into His hands and offered it as His Body. This was something that Rome did at one time but ceased doing so in about A.D. 1053, but that the Orthodox Church does to this day. I also learned that the Church Fathers set the time on which Holy Pascha and that once accepted this could not be changed, even though Rome did. We must celebrate the Pascha (Easter) after the Jewish Passover and never before, something no longer followed by Rome. Purgatory is another issue not found in the Bible, nor ever taught by the early Church Fathers or decreed by any Ecumenical Council, but was actually something added by Rome to increase revenue for the Vatican via indulgences. The list goes on and on, but these are some of the reasons that I embraced Holy Orthodoxy. Needless to say, I left the Roman Seminary and followed my heart along a new journey that eventually led me to Chrismation within the Orthodox Catholic Church.

Although I knew Archbishop Joseph (Syro-Russian) personally, I eventually was chrismated by Greek Orthodox Bishop Timotheos of Chicago Illinois. I had just completed studies at Holy Trinity Syro-Malabar Orthodox Catholic Seminary in Toledo Ohio, and Master of Divinity studies at St Paul Monastery in Rolling Prairie Indiana, when I approached the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese. My request to prepare for ordination as a Greek Orthodox priest was sent from Chicago to His Eminence Archbishop Iakovos of New York, then the Primate of the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of North and South America. During the investigation and review process, I was instrumental in the formation of St Michael Greek Orthodox Church in Portage Indiana along with another priest, Mark Gielow, another who made this same journey to the Greek Orthodox Church. After several months, I was notified that Bishop Timotheos wished to meet me in Chicago Illinois, and that Archbishop Iakovos would also be present. We arrived at the Greek Orthodox Cathedral and from there to the Bishop's residence where His Eminence Archbishop Iakovos was present. After a very lengthy conversation which included many questions, it was decided that after some preparation and study the ordinations would take place. It wasn't long after (about seven months) that I was notified I would be ordained a deacon and then a priest of the Greek Orthodox Church. My dream finally came true and once again there was great peace and joy within my heart and entire body-temple.

The ordinations took place with both Mark Gielow and I being ordained at Holy Cross Chapel of St Andrew Greek Orthodox Church in Chicago Illinois. Bishop Timotheos was the ordaining hierarch assisted by many clergy from Indiana and Illinois. I was ordained into Minor Orders as well as the Diaconate and Priesthood in this parish church. This was about the same time that St Michael's Church in Indiana was finally completed – another dream come true. Bishop Timotheos blessed this parish as an American parish, one that would use English instead of Greek. Thus, I returned to become its first pastor and this parish grew from the original dozen faithful to well over 150. However, after the untimely death of Bishop Timotheos, and the eventual unwarranted actions of a nearby parish priest, led to political conflict and my leaving the Greek Archdiocese and entering the Syro-Russian under Metropolitan Archbishop Joseph. However, this is not part of the topical issues of this article.

I have now been Orthodox Christian for many years, and never once have I regretted the choice that I made. I thank the many clergy who brought me to the faith of Christ, and I will always remember Bishop Timotheos (of Blessed Memory) and Archbishop Iakovos, and especially Archbishop Joseph (of Blessed Memory). These men gave me birth as an Orthodox Catholic Christian, as an Orthodox Deacon and Priest, and finally as an Orthodox Bishop. I wanted to share this brief synopsis of my journey because since my ordination I have met so many others who have went (or are going) through the same issues as I have. My prayer is that one day Rome will return to union with the Holy Orthodox Catholic and Apostolic Church. My joy is the realization that I have come home to the faith of Jesus Christ. Now that I see things more clearly now, this is indeed a blessing!

 

2007 SYNODAL COUNCIL AND BISHOPS' CONSISTORY

[Metropolia] The 2007 Synodal Conference and Bishops' Consistory will be held from Friday August 3rd until Sunday August 11th, 2007. The Bishops will begin meeting at 11:00 a.m. on Friday August 3rd, 2007 and continue until Sunday August 5 th, 2007, and will be joined by all the clergy on Monday August 6th, 2007. The Clergy-Laity Committee begins on Wednesday August 8th, 2007 and ends on Thursday August 9th, 2007. This is all followed by the Commission Conference that begins that same weekend. The Metropolia has agreed to allow lay advisors attendance at the Council on Thursday only instead of Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday this coming year. Those who can be there on more days are urged to do so.

All Bishops and clergy of the Church are expected to be in attendance this coming year, along with the newly elected lay advisors.

 

2007 COMMISSION CONFERENCE

[Archdiocesan Chancery] His Excellency Bishop Timothy of Duluth has announced that the 2007 Commission Conference will take place from 9:00 a.m. until 9:00 p.m. Friday August 10th , and the same on Saturday August 11th, 2007. On Sunday August 12th the day will begin with Divine Liturgy at 10:30 a.m. and the Conference will officially end at approximately 3:00 p.m. The 2006 Commission Conference voted unanimously to change the date from July to August and the Metropolia approved this amendment. The Commission celebrated its 20 th Anniversary this year and all members are urged to make plans to attend the 2007 Conference and start the next twenty years out right.

 

OATHS ADMINISTERED TO LICENSED PROVIDERS

[Duluth Minnesota] On Friday July 28th , 2006 at St Mary Cathedral in Duluth Minnesota, His Beatitude Archbishop Stephen, assisted by Bishop Timothy and Subdeacon Steven Johnson, blessed and heard the oaths of several licensed providers. Those who received blessings after taking their oath were: Joseph Bannon DCh; Hampton Bumgarner LRC; Audrey Daniel DCh; Sandra Dobiash DCh; Fr Stephen Lawrence DCh DDS; Melodi Luko DCh; Janet Maus DCh; Rebecca Medsker DCh; Douglas Phillips DC; and Peter Smyth PhD. On Saturday July 29th, 2006 at St Mary Cathedral, Father Stephen Lawrence blessed William Easley DCh DC after he stated his oath.

The 2005 Commission Conference made the taking of the Commission Oath and the reception of the Church's blessing obligatory for all licensed providers. The above-named became the first members to have completed this requirement and are now both licensed and commissioned by the Metropolia in the healing ministry of the Church.

 

BLESSINGS & ORDINATIONS

Episcopal Consecration

  • Bishop Timothy by His Beatitude Archbishop Stephen, and His Eminence Archbishop Anthony, at St Mary Cathedral in Duluth Minnesota on Sunday July 30th, 2006.

Priesthood

  • Father Stephen Aaron Lawrence ordained on Thursday July 27th, 2006, by Archbishop Stephen at St Mary Cathedral in Duluth Minnesota.

Diaconate

  • Deacon Steven Johnson ordained by His Excellency Bishop Timothy on Sunday September 24th, 2006 at St Mary Cathedral, Duluth Minnesota.

Minor Orders

  • Mark Afzal Ittefaq to the Minor Order of Acolyte by His Excellency Bishop Timothy on Sunday September 17th, 2006 at St Mary Cathedral, Duluth Minnesota.

 

APPOINTMENTS & ASSIGNMENTS

  • His Excellency Bishop Timothy named Vicar Bishop for the African Vicariates of The Congo, Kenya and Tanzania, and the Vicariate of Pakistan.
  • Seminarian Mark Ittefaq Afzal assigned to St Mary Cathedral serving as Coordinator of Records and parish office assistant, effective August 25th, 2006.
  • Father Cyril Cranshaw appointed Vicar for the Central & South American Vicariate and Hispanic Affairs, and Vice Chancellor of the Archdiocese, effective February 1st, 2006.
  • Deacon Steven Johnson appointed administrator of St Michael and All Angels Parish, St Cloud Minnesota, effective September 25th, 2006.
  • Father Stephen Lawrence appointed pastor of Ss Cosmas & Damian Chapel (Carlsbad CA) and Holy Ghost Mission Parish (Oceanside CA), effective August 1st, 2006.
  • Seminarian Maximus Seipke assigned to the Chancery Office as Chancery Assistant in Duluth Minnesota, effective September 25th, 2006.

 

OFFICIAL FROM METROPOLIA

Issue 1. (08.29.06/1): No foreign seminarian will be accepted at the Metropolia any longer unless the minimal dowry is paid before coming to the United States. The Church has had to pay over $10,000.00 in bills associated with those who have come in the past and failed to do what they promised. This will no longer be the case.

Issue 2. (08.29.06/2): The Metropolia began conversion formalities regarding the Pentecost Church of God in Tanzania in April 2006, after the entire denomination petitioned to be accepted into the Syro-Russian Orthodox Catholic Church. Bishop Samson who heads the Church made the petition on behalf of 138 parishes. The clergy have been meeting at Holy Apostles Syro-Russian Orthodox Catholic Seminary in Dar Es Salaam Tanzania with Deacon Demetrius Essau and have been studying the Orthodox Faith. The Metropolia will receive Bishop Samson and several of his clergy for advanced training in the United States, and later their ordinations as priests. The Metropolia has already began issuing patronal names to the parishes as listed under "Official Act" of the Orthodox Christian Herald.

Issue 3. (09.23.06/1): Clerics being ordained deacons or priests must now spend the minimum of three (3) days with their ordaining prelate before the date of ordination. This is in order to take canonical examinations, be appropriately prepared, receive counsel, make a good confession, and complete the review process. There are no exceptions.

Reprinted Issue. (07.31.06/2): His Beatitude has issued a strong warning at the Synodal Conference held in Duluth Minnesota, that all bishops of the Metropolia must be in attendance at the next Synodal Council/Consistory or they will be suspended from Episcopal Office until further notice. Bishops have an obligation to the Church and to the Metropolia and certainly cannot represent their dioceses here if they are not present.

 

METROPOLIA ANNOUNCES CHANGES IN ADVISORY COMMITTEE

[Duluth Minnesota] His Beatitude has announced the new Advisory Committee which will serve the Syro-Russian Metropolia. Those being replaced are: Mr Stephen Constantinides (New York); Dr Teresa Jenkins (South Carolina); and Dr Nicholas Dore (Arkansas). The current Advisory Committee will have the following in service to the Metropolia: Honorary Member Dr Peter Smyth (Ontario Canada); Father Stephen Lawrence (California); Deacon Steven Johnson (Minnesota); Dr Audrey Daniel (South Carolina); Dr Sandra Dobiash (Colorado); Dr Andrew Gill (Texas); Dr Janet Maus ( ); and Dr Bekki Medsker (South Carolina).

Others nominated for a position on the Advisory Committee were Hampton Bumgarner, Nicholas Dore, Sherry Ellison, and Maureen Amen who are still pending. Melodi Luko and Jana Green had to decline the nomination.

 

PAROCHIAL CHARTERS

Established:

  • Holy Ghost Chapel, Carlsbad California
  • Holy Mother of God Chapel, Jumet Belgium (01.01.06)
  • Ss Cosmas and Damian Chapel, Oceanside California (08.01.06)
  • St Michael & All Angels Mission Parish, St Cloud Minnesota (08.26.06)
  • St Patrick & All Saints of Ireland Parish, Castlebar County Mayo (Ireland) (09.24.06)
  • St Thomas the Apostle Chapel, St Cloud Minnesota (02.22.06)
  • Vicariate of Tanzania (09.14.06)
  • All Saints Church, Inyala
  • Assumption of Mary Church, Nzovwe
  • Blessed Sacrament Parish, Lwiwa
  • Holy Angels Parish, Ilongo
  • Holy Apostles Church, Itende
  • Holy Cross of Jesus Church, Forest
  • Holy Evangelists Church, Simike
  • Holy Evangelists Church, Uzunguni
  • Holy Family of Jesus Parish, Air Pot
  • Holy Nativity of Jesus Church, Usangu
  • Holy Trinity Parish, Bwenda Ileje
  • Holy Trinity Parish, Hasanga Uyole
  • Holy Trinity Church, Ilongo
  • Our Savior Church, Mbalali
  • Ss Cosmas & Damian Church, Kabwe
  • St Augustine of Africa Church, Kinyala
  • St Bartholomew Church, Mabatini
  • St John the Baptist Church, Ruanda
  • St Lawrence Parish, Ikuti
  • St Lazarus Church, Ilemi
  • St Luke the Evangelist Church, Ruanda Ileje
  • St Matthew Church, Iduda Uyole
  • St Matthias Parish, Ikuti Ileje
  • St Maximus the Confessor Church, Ilomba
  • St Michael & All Angels Church, Simike
  • St Michael the Archangel Church, Soweto
  • St Moses Church, Iwambi
  • St Peter the Apostle Church, Nsonyanga
  • St Stephen Church, Ikuti
  • St Thomas the Apostle Church, Itiji Kati
  • St Timothy Church, Mwanjelwa
  • Transfiguration of Jesus Church, Iyunga

 

DISCIPLINARY ACTIONS

  • Vladimir Raasch, St Paul Minnesota, suspended, for uncanonical actions, effective April 28th, 2006.
  • Vladimir Raasch, St Paul Minnesota, deposed and laicized by Metropolia for serious infractions against Canons and falsified information, effective June 27th, 2006. Note: This man continues to pose as a priest in the St Paul and Minneapolis Minnesota areas. He has been asked by one Orthodox parish not to wear his clerical attire into their church.

 

PRAY FOR THE SICK AND SUFFERING

  • Sr Irene (Washington)
  • Father Cyril Cranshaw (Nicaragua)
  • Father Thomas Dillon (New Jersey)
  • Dr Marge Ebeling DCh (Arizona)
  • Father Paul Jensen (Texas)
  • Bishop Timothy (Minnesota)
  • Father Patrick Lemming (Tennessee)
  • Dr Karla VonEhrenkrook (Arizona)
  • 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 good 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!

  • His Beatitude Metropolitan Vitaly (Ustinov), former First Hierarch of the Russian Orthodox Church Outside of Russia, passed away in Masonville Canada on Monday October 2nd, 2006.
  • Mrs Frances Milano, mother of Maureen Amen, member of the Commission on Religious Counseling and Healing, passed away July 7th, 2006 in New York.
  • Mrs Sophia Warcholak, mother of Dr Ronald Warcholak DPM, passed away on July 26th, 2006 in Pennsylvania.
  • Rev Mother Abbess Evpraxia of Our Lady of Kazan Convent in Australia passed away on July 19th, 2006.
  • For all Bishops, Priests, Deacons, Monastics and Laity of the Syro-Russian Orthodox Catholic Church who have fallen asleep into our Lord, and those listed above, Memory Eternal!

 

DONATIONS TO THE METROPOLIA

  • St John Monastery House of Nicaragua/Fr Cyril $500.00
  • St Paul Syro-Russian Orthodox Catholic Church (NJ) $300.00

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.

 

UPDATE ON THE AFRICAN VICARIATE OF THE CONGO

[Democratic Republic of The Congo] The Syro-Russian Orthodox Catholic Church has maintained a steady presence in the African Congo since 1987. It is currently under Bishop Timothy (of Duluth) who serves as its Vicar Bishop. The faithful there are served by several parishes including St Peter the Apostle, Dormition of Mary, St John, St Paul the Apostle, and the Chapel of St Eugene. In addition, St Mary Mother of God Convent and Motherhouse and Holy Archangels Convent are both established and domiciled in this Vicariate. The Metropolia will announce the selection of a Pro-Cathedral for the Vicariate after January 2007.

 

CATHEDRAL NAMED FOR TANZANIA

[Mbeya Town Tanzania] Ss Peter & Paul Church in Iwanga Mbeya Town Tanzania has been chosen by His Beatitude Metropolitan Archbishop Stephen as the first Cathedral in Tanzania. Ss Peter & Paul Cathedral is the parish church of Bishop-elect Samson and will temporarily serve all of Tanzania that is comprised of 138 parishes with additional parochial institutions existing there.

 

MISSION PARISH TO BE ESTABLISHED IN ST CLOUD MINNESOTA

[St Cloud Minnesota] The Metropolia has canonically blessed a new mission to be established in St Cloud Minnesota sometime in September 2006. His Beatitude Archbishop Stephen has blessed the new mission under the patronage of St Michael & All Angels. Deacon Steven Johnson has been appointed its administrator. The mission will temporarily be housed in a local Lutheran Church that has allowed Deacon Steven to use their facilities in order to form the new parish.

FUTURE BISHOP FOR THE AFRICAN CONGO PENDING APPROVAL

[Democratic Republic of the Congo] The Vicariate of the Democratic Republic of The Congo assembled during the week of April 10th, 2006 to discuss and elect their first Bishop-elect. Father Cyprien Nntumba, of the Congo Vicariate, asked that this decision be achieved through a slow and complete process. Attending the first meeting were Subdeacons Joseph Mabedi, Francois Bababa, Floribert Kabangi, Aime Manzanza, Laurent Kabosani, Mother Helena and Sister Ann Elizabeth. Subdeacons Denis Malumba and Joachim Kingwese were not present but Subdeacon Joachim voted from St Mary Mother of God Convent where he was serving preventing his attendance at the meeting.

His Beatitude Metropolitan Stephen has given the Congo Vicariate until December 1st, 2006 to reach a decision on this matter.

MISSION PARISH IN BELGIUM

[Jumet Belgium] Holy Mother of God Syro-Russian Orthodox Catholic Chapel has been established in Jumet Belgium by Chorbishop Joseph Mpongo. The chapel is located at the residence of Chorbishop Joseph, Louis Lambert Avenue, 32A, 6040 Jumet Belgium. This is the first parish to be canonically established in Belgium of the Syro-Russian Metropolia. Chorbishop Joseph has been a priest in the Church since 1989, and originally served in the Democratic Republic of the Congo until 1992 when he went to Belgium to complete requirements for his Doctor of Philosophy from the University of Louvain.

 

RECENT GRADUATES

June 2006, Dr Andrew Paul Gill received his Doctor of Theocentric Psychotherapy (Th.Psy.D.) degree from St Mark-Romano Byzantine College. He matriculated into this program in August of 2003. He completed formal studies in February 2006, and sat for his defense of dissertation in Duluth Minnesota in April 2006. Andrew who resides in Texas is now working in a counseling position at an agency in his hometown. We also announce that Dr Janet Maus has successfully completed and graduated from the Doctor of Sacred Philosophy (D.S.Ph.) degree process that she entered in 2003. Her degree was approved on July 27th, 2006. Also, Father Stephen Lawrence successfully completed and graduated from the Master of Divinity (M.Div.) Program on July 20th, 2006. He entered the process in 2003. Father's degree has a minor in Canon Law, and he will go on to earn his Master of Canonical Jurisprudence. Congratulations to them all.

 

ANNUAL ALUMNI ASSOCIATION GATHERING

Several alumni of Romano Byzantine College - St Mark seminary have over the years requested that annual gatherings be started for all alumni. The College Administration has been concerned that should this be commenced there might be a lack of support for such an affair.

Based on suggestions received and the thoughts of the administration, such an event would initially consist of a social gathering of all alumni that would begin with a lunch followed by introductions and sharing of person achievements since graduation by each alumnus. Then an address by given by members of the administration that would be followed by dinner and some form of entertainment. It would be a one-day event.

The College Administration is asking that all alumni contact the College Administration giving their thoughts on this matter. You may write to Chancery Office, 1318 Baxter Avenue, Superior Wisconsin 54880-1762, or email them at  . Please state what month of the year you think best to hold such an event and any ideas you may have to make this affair one of enjoyment. It is asked that you do this by December 1 st, 2006.

 

NEW SEMINARIAN IN MASTER OF DIVINITY PROCESS

Dr Arthur Cushing, a chiropractor and chiropathy student has entered St Mark Seminary distance education program of Romano Byzantine College. Once he earns his degree, he will be eligible for his canonical examination and, after successful passing of it, ordination as a priest in the Syro-Russian Orthodox Catholic Church. Dr Cushing commenced studies in March 2006.

 

STUDY REGULATIONS ENFORCED

Romano Byzantine College and St Mark Seminary have always had very strict policies regarding distance education studies. Students are granted from 1-2 years, depending on process and number of credit points to be earned, to complete their essay and/or examination requirements. Those who do not meet the deadline must request a study extension and pay the appropriate fee. Should this policy not be followed in a timely manner, a student will be placed on probation and could possibly face process termination. If terminated the student would forfeit all tuition paid and possibly lose certain credit points being earned. The new policy approved in July 2006 now requires students wishing extensions to write directly to the Chancery Office, c/o College Administration, 1318 Baxter Avenue, Superior Wisconsin 54880-1762. Students are also required to submit an essay at least every 30-45 days.

 

SEMINARIANS OF THE METROPOLIA

The Metropolia proudly announces the acceptance of two seminarians who shall prepare for Holy Orders at St Mary Cathedral in Duluth Minnesota.

    Seminarian Mark Ittefaq Afzal, who comes from Lahore Pakistan where he was studying Orthodox Church History and Theology, arrived at St Mary's in August 2006. He is a convert to Orthodoxy from the Roman Church.

    Seminarian Maximus D Seipke, who resided in Duluth Minnesota prior to his acceptance, was independently studying Orthodox Theology and Catechesis while residing at St Mary Cathedral. He has been at St Mary's since August 2005.

    Deacon Steven M Johnson has been in the seminary program at St Mary's Cathedral since 2004 and has just qualified by completing theological studies for his Bachelor of Theology from St Mark's Seminary – Romano Byzantine College. The Metropolia will review his records prior to the awarding of his degree. He is already active in the Master of Divinity degree process. Born in Superior Wisconsin he has mostly resided in Minnesota.

 

ALUMNI ASSOCIATION - TRANSCRIPTS

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 $15.00 each. Please send your annual $75.00 renewal to Chancery Office, 1318 Baxter Avenue, Superior WI 54880-1762 by April 1st, 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).

Vestments for Sale Greek-style priest's vestments tailor made in 4-5 weeks. Available colors: White, Silver, Purple, Red, Greek, Black, and Gold. Set includes Phelon (Chasuble), Epitrachelion (Stole), Cuffs, Zone, Aer and Chalice and Diskos veils. Cost per set: $600.00. For more information write to Chancery Office, 1318 Baxter Avenue, Superior WI 54880-1762; or email to  .

A Treatise on Chiropathy: The Holistic Healing Ministry is now available from St Nicholas Center, 1318 Baxter Avenue, Superior WI 54880-1762. The cost is $25.00 and includes Postage and Handling.

Commission on Religious Counseling and Healing CRCH.RBSOCC.ORG For information write to: Dr Peter Smyth, The Counselling Institute, Pine Valley Medical Centre, 4600 Highway 7, Suite 230, Woodbridge Ontario L4L 4Y7, 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.. The Community has monastic centers in the African Congo, Nigeria, Nicaragua, and Minnesota (USA)..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 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 Cathedral, located at 5907 Grand Avenue, Duluth Minnesota 55807. Clergy: His Excellency Bishop Timothy, Pastor; Subdeacon Steven M Johnson and Seminarian Mark Afzal, Assistants. 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.

 

CHRIST THE PANTOCRATOR SOVEREIGN ORDER OF CHIVALRY

[Metropolia] The Metropolia has officially blessed and commenced plans for the First Induction of members into the Christ the Pantocrator Sovereign Order of Chivalry. The Metropolia announced that the service of admitting new members as Companions, Dames or Knights would take place in August 2007. Those interested in knowing more and/or submitting their petition to be considered may do so by writing to the Chancery Office, 1318 Baxter Avenue, Superior Wisconsin 54880-1762.