Letter from the Editor:

It is unfortunate that at this time we are forced to answer needless questions from our past once again. Many things have been written about us with, it seems, no deference to the truth. In an effort to set some of the record straight we have dedicated part of this issue to that cause. We will be issuing a full statement about our position once the legal end of our redemption is complete. Although it hurts us deeply to have to deal with this, we still have much to be thankful for. We can be thankful that we believe in a God who knows and appreciates suffering. Remember in scripture Jesus said "If the world hates you, ye know that it hated me before it hated you." John 15:18. We can be thankful that we still have many friends around the world. One friend said to me once "Don't bother explaining yourself. Your friends dont need it and your enemies won't believe it." We can be thankful that this may be our golden opportunity to once and for all set these petty issues to rest so that we can focus on the work that God has set before us for his ministry and greater glorification.

Take time this season to remember all the things you have to be thankful for. Remember to be thankful that, in your sufferings, God carries you through your tribulations. Be thankful that you have friends and a Savior who cares for you. Be thankful that every day is an opportunity for you to be a witness of His love and compassion for the whole world.

Have a blessed and happy Nativity!

Archbishop Timothy

THE NATIVITY OF CHRIST

From OrthodoxWiki

The Nativity according to the flesh of our Lord, God and Saviour Jesus Christ, also called Christmas, is one of the Great Feasts of the Orthodox Church, celebrated on December 25. (Although the old calendar churches celebrate on January 7^th, on the Julian calendar it is for them December 25^th)

In the fullness of time, our Lord Jesus Christ was born to the Holy Theotokos and Virgin Mary, thus entering into the world as a man and revealing Himself to mankind.

According to the Bible and to Holy Tradition, Jesus was born in the city of Bethlehem in a cave, surrounded by farm animals and shepherds. The baby Jesus was born into a manger from the Virgin Mary, assisted by her husband St. Joseph. St. Joseph and the Theotokos were forced to travel due to a Roman census; the odd location of the birth was the result of the refusal of a nearby inn to accommodate the expecting couple (Luke 2:1-20). Since it is known historically that dwellings were built directly over such caves housing livestock--in order to make use of the heat

Though three magi from the East are commonly depicted as visiting during the event itself (or, in Roman Catholic tradition, twelve days thereafter), the Bible records the coming of an unspecified number of wise men as being a few years after Jesus' birth (see Matthew 2). In either case, these magi came bearing gifts of gold, frankincense, and myrrh (Matt 2:11). In the hymnography for the feast, these gifts are interpreted to signify Christ's royalty, divinity, and suffering.

Though Jesus' birth is celebrated on December 25, most scholars agree that it is unlikely he was actually born on this date. The choice of December 25 for the Church's celebration of the Nativity is most likely to have been in order to squelch attendance at pagan solstice festivals falling on the same day.

At least, this is the urban myth promligated by both heterodox Christians and unbelivers for centuries.

However, the solstice festival fell on the 21st of December. To suggest that The Church chose a day of sacred observance defensivly instead of pro-actively is to devalue and disregard the sacred and authoritative action of The Church in establishing a proper date for the observance of The Nativity of Christ The Lord.

Others within The Orthodox Church have observed that, under Hebrew law, male infant's were both circumcised and received their name eight days after their birth.

Also, within The Orthodox Church, January 1st is celebrated as the "name day" of The Lord Christ Jesus. Thus, the selection of December 25th to celebrate the nativity of The Christ (who would not be named for eight more days) would appear to have been a conscious counting backward from the first day of the calendar year--the day of his being proclaimed Son of Man--to the date of His birth, the day of his being proclaimed Son of God.

For more information and the full article visit http://orthodoxwiki.org/Nativity

ADVISEMENT FROM ARCHBISHOP

March 2010 Re: Malicious Emails and Letters

Dear Clergy and Providers, et al:

We have received information that emails have been sent by former clergy trying to malign us. For those who wish to believe the emails that are being generating, that is your right. However, we would address what some individuals are trying to do. A few members of the Commission, i.e., about 3 or 4, have fallen prey to the writings of Mr Simeon Anderson and Mr Peter Sedesse, two men with grudges, and some others. Suffice it to say the contents of their emails are certainly contrary to what a good Christian would do or say. In their attempt to malign Metropolitan Stephen, they are hurting far more than just him, and they do not care. What is being done is libelous and something that will be dealt with. It seems that Satan is working hard. Simeon Anderson's friend, Peter Sedesse, was evicted from his apartment about May/June 2009 when he came to us asking for a place to stay. As time went on, he caused many troublesome situations with us. When he was asked to leave us he became very angry and vindictive.

Peter Sedesse had access to many email addresses when he was doing work for the Archdiocese, and he took from our computer a number of addresses for his unauthorized use - a form of theft. He also took the financial records dealing with Simeon Anderson's abuse of funds from our investigation of St Brendan's. We never thought this man would turn out like he did. Simeon and Peter both have axes to grind with us. Simeon Anderson claims to be "Bishop of Cleveland" but has no parishes or canonical priests known to anyone.

Metropolitan Stephen has been honest with every person he has met or who have asked him about the Colorado 1994 issue, when several disciplined clergy caused him horrific stress and embarrassment. We are all appalled over the trash that is being sent out, and we feel sorry for those who have been involved in this fiasco. If you have any questions, you may direct them to me.

God be with you all.

Archbishop Timothy

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:

• All Saints Chapel, Anchorage AK ($200.00)
• Anonymous (New York) $30.00
• Anonymous (Rhode Island) $10.00
• Anonymous (Ohio) $50.00
• Convent of St Mary (Location & Amount Withheld)
• Holy Trinity Bookstore / Gift Shop (Ohio) $150.00
• Father Michael Ginnello (Indiana) $40.00
• Mr & Mrs Salvatore Mondina (Missouri) $25.00

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."

OFFICIAL FROM THE HOLY METROPOLIS

DEPOSED CLERGY AND OTHERS MALIGN THE HOLY METROPOLIS

ARCHDIOCESE PLANS LAWSUIT – METROPOLITAN SPEAKS OUT

FIRST OF TWO PART ARTICLE

After nearly 17 years of continued malicious and vindictive libel, slander, and defamatory statements and persecution, His Beatitude Metropolitan Stephen has had enough. He wants the truth to come out about the various allegations against him over these years. The Synod of Bishops agrees that the time has come to resolve this matter and put a stop to all the malfeasance being done against the Metropolitan, and since he is the leader of this jurisdiction, bt proxy the Church as well. Much of the information in this article comes from archives that date back to 1993 - 1995 from Aurora Colorado during "investigations" and attacks centered on the Archdiocese and His Beatitude during that time. Recently Ms Meghan Barr who works for Associated Press, comes along after seventeen years to stir up the nearly vanished embers of a fire that began in 1994.

Metropolitan Stephen stated: I would like to think that investigative reporters honestly and with great integrity investigate all facets of a story before printing statements in a newspaper that could ruin a person or persons life or damage a church or other organization. When reporting becomes an avenue or venue for certain people to make idle allegations or vindictive remarks - it is no longer "reporting of news."  When a newspaper becomes a tool for personal agendas intent on destroying the lives of good people, then it fails to be a newspaper. This is the reason why there are innocent people in prison, and why some very good people are labeled as criminals when, in fact, they are not. When a person's life and character is at stake, or a Church's reputation, or whatever, facts and evidence should be reviewed carefully and investigated fully, and the statements of the accused so also been investigated fully as well. What evidence did Ms Meghan Barr look over to substantiate her claim that our parish in Duluth Minnesota had slaves from Africa, or that they were mistreated? What police report was offered to her that was never offered to the Church? What court transcript was reviewed – although no case was ever brought against the Church? Yet people will read this garbage reporting and possibly believe such things. In this respect her article should have contained what actually happened. The truth is: Mr Joseph Kimotho and Mr Mark Mwaga both petitioned the Archdiocese to accept them as seminarians over a period of eight or more months before being accepted. When they arrived at St Mary's in Duluth Minnesota a report was sent by a deacon in Tanzania stating that Mr Mwaga was involved in a police incident the day he was leaving by plane for the United States. Mr Mwaga never confessed this to the clergy in Minnesota, and later he denied this allegation. Mr Kimotho also had a bad reputation that never surfaced before his acceptance, and he really never had intentions of becoming a priest. He only spoke of making money, and possibly finding a wife to obtain a "green card" once he arrived in Minnesota. Although Ms Barr reported otherwise, both men were fed very well, both went on vacations with the clergy, both had their own rooms. The food they ate was the same as the other clergy ate. The truth of the matter is – both men came to the United States to obtain green cards or marry in order to get citizenship, and both left at different times in the middle of the night hoping that their lies would fall upon open ears. One actually found a wife, a professor from the University of Minnesota (Duluth), and it was later found that the marriage was facing difficulties. Although the Border Patrol was looking for these men, the only thing hitting the paper was that a Church was mistreating slaves. No agency, no police officer, no state official, no INS agent ever came to us to find out what happened. Pictures exist in the hands of several people attesting to the weight gain of both, and to the smiling faces on both men while on vacations, but Meghan Barr only concentrated on the lie that we mistreated these men. Both ran up many bills for us that were unpaid by them, but the real mistreatment against us never made the headlines. A letter exists from Mr Mark Kwame Mwaga written and signed by him just before he left St Mary's that does not speak of any mistreatment whatsoever. Whom do such careless "investigative" reporters answer to when they print erroneous facts or fail to print the statements given them by the accused?

In reference to the above statement from His Beatitude, we would like to state that recently, Meghan Barr, a reporter for the Associated Press in Cleveland Ohio, printed a very maligning and libelous article slanted against the Metropolitan and the ministries of the Archdiocese. Her article was filled with many colorful adjectives and skewed allegations. Behind the scenes are a few key players, all with axes to grind, whom we would like to shine some light upon.

Deposed bishop Simeon Robert Anderson, of Cleveland Ohio was one who instigated the article written by Meghan Barr. In fact because he knew that the Archdiocese had some benefactors in Little Italy (Cleveland Ohio) he sent a very hateful email to all the benefactors lying about the clergy of the Archdiocese. This was very similar to what Anthony Dyl, assistant Attorney General of Colorado did in 1994 to clergy of the Archdiocese. This was all done to hamper or destroy the work of the Archdiocese, especially now in Canfield Ohio, and to resurrect untruths about Metropolitan Stephen that date back to 1994 in Colorado. Mr Anderson is now a member of the uncanonical and unrecognized Orthodox Church of France that was ousted from the Romanian Orthodox Patriarchate, and since has fractured into over five rival bodies – all not recognized. That jurisdiction accepted this deposed bishop (and many others) into their jurisdiction without ever having investigated them.

Cyril Cranshaw, another deposed bishop who was suspended at least four times from 1989-1992 from the Archdiocese during his priesthood for serious offenses, is responsible for destroying archives of the Holy Metropolis, and illegally withholding files belonging to the Archdiocese. He was deposed in August 2008 for his inappropriate behavior before several clergy and about a dozen of laity attending the annual Synod of Bishop's conference. He also lied in an email sent to many people stating that he witnessed Metropolitan Stephen angrily strike Archbishop Timothy over the head with a cane after a Divine Liturgy in Cleveland Ohio. He also claimed that the Metropolitan took a large amount of money from him which cannot be substantiated nor is it not the truth. Mr Cranshaw now resides in Nicaragua and he, and several of his associates, have sent many emails filled with vulgarity to the Metropolitan. This uncanonical jurisdiction, Orthodox Church of France that accepted Anderson also accepted this deposed bishop into their jurisdiction. They have been known to deceive many as Mr Anderson did when he claimed to several persons ordination from the Roman Catholic Church that was refuted by His Eminence Francis Cardinal George of the Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Chicago Illinois.

Peter Sedesse, a homeless man from Cleveland Ohio, was taken in and supported by Metropolitan Stephen for several months in 2009 at our monastery in Cleveland Ohio. Mr Sedesse was evicted from his domicile before coming to the Metropolitan, as his records disclose. It was later found out that this mail-order-minister was using his credentials to avoid taxes as he advised several people at the time. Mr Sedesse did not like Metropolitan Stephen and so he went out of his way to anger His Beatitude every chance he had (as witnessed by many). He illegally took information from an Archdiocesan computer that also included many email addresses of benefactors, providers, and clergy and shared these with Mr Anderson in return for a temporary place to stay before leaving the country. This bought Peter Sedesse a place to stay from Mr Anderson, a man who previously disliked Mr Sedesse who in turn did not like Mr Anderson. However, both knew that they had a common goal, which brought them closer together. Mr Sedesse also got Metropolitan Stephen to buy him a laptop that he promised to pay for. After doing all he intended to do with it, he changed the password no one that could get into it, and then refused to pay Metropolitan Stephen back for it. Simeon Anderson also did the same thing with a computer purchased by the so-called "St Herman Brotherhood" under the Church, and when asked for it, he reported it stolen. We found tha the "St Herman Brotherhood" was a paper establishment to protect the personal items Mr Anderson was purchasing with non-profit funds.

Mr Charles Robey is another of Mr Anderson's associates that was also given a home by Metropolitan Stephen. This man also abused the love and compassion of His Beatitude and formed an alliance with Mr Anderson and Mr Alex Badea in order to have a home after he was dismissed from the homeless program of the Archdiocese because of his attitude. Several people heard Mr Robey threaten Archbishop Timothy and Metropolitan Stephen on several occasions saying that he would cause trouble if the Archdiocese acted against Mr Anderson. It is because of this man that many items belonging to the Archdioceseare still held unlawfully at what is called "St Brendan's Assisted Living Home." Mr Robey physically prevented members of the Archdiocese from removing items belonging to the Metropolis in November 2009.

Mr Alex Badea, named in the newspaper article written by Meghan Barr, is also under investigation by the State of Ohio, something that Ms Barr neglected to print. He claims that members of the Archdiocese, upon leaving the Cleveland Ohio residence, appliances of various descriptions, and failed to pay rent for the last month there. A canceled rent check exists dated in October 2009 just before the ecclesial authorities vacated the property, and no police report exists concerning any stolen items, however, Mr Anderson did-in-fact steal a laptop computer belonging to the Church. Ms Barr must have overlooked this as well in her haste to send her venomous article. In this regard, Metropolitan Stephen had this to say: "It amazes me that an article that contained very little truth, twisted statements and facts, that has no bearing whatsoever with what we are doing for God, made it into so many papers. I would like to think that the public is interested in factual current events and not embellished fairy tales with very little substance at all."

Ms Meghan Barr interviewed both Metropolitan Stephen and Archbishop Timothy yet most of what both had to say was never printed. Ms Barr opted to print untruths mixed with half-truths that occurred 17 years ago, all instigated by Assistant Attorney General Anthony Dyl.  Ms Barr contacted Mr Dyl who was quick to make statements against the Metropolitan and Church. Mr Dyl has stretched his legal arms outside Colorado many times since 1994. One such case was when he initiated contact with banks in Minnesota (1994/1995) causing them not to open accounts for the Church in attempt to hamper the work of the Church by damaging its ability to pay bills and to continue its ministries. Recently in Canfield Ohio, thanks to the article printed by Ms Barr, US Bank closed the account for the Archdiocese after 15 years of business with them. They gave no reason – just like three Minnesota banks in 1994. Mr Simeon Anderson knew the account numbers of the US Bank account. Mr Dyl also is known for having contacted clergy of the Church in 1994 advising them they should leave it. Letters from some of the clergy are on record in several ecclesial venues. This was another "outreach program" by an Assistant Attorney General, one that should have caused him a reprimand. It is not a state official's right to determine what churches are good or bad, real or not, valid or invalid.  The Archdiocese is a very valid jurisdiction that has maintained a good history until Colorado. It is registered with the Internal Revenue Service as holds 501(C)(3) status. Many things written about the Church since 1994 are malicious lies aimed at destroying our jurisdiction. It might be of interest to readers to know that Mr Dyl ia a deacon in a competing jurisdiction of ours, the Orthodox Church of America. Problems between our two jurisdictions began in late 1992 when Metropolitan Theodosius headed the OCA. Then the trouble began with the Metropolitan, the Colorado school, and our jurisdiction in 1994. (To be continued…)

CHRIST THE PANTOCRATOR SOVEREIGN ORDER OF CHIVALRY

[Metropolia] Those interested in joining the Order of Chivalry and being part of Induction Class for 2011, or wishing more information, are asked to send their petition and bio-data to the Metropolia by no later than March 1 ^st, 2008.

For information:
Christ the Pantocrator Sovereign Order of Chivalry
His Eminence Archbishop Timothy
7815 Akron Canfield Road
Canfield OH 44406.

ST SOPHIA MONASERY INN & RETREAT CENTER
SITE OF 2010 SYNOD AND COMMISSION CONFERENCE

[Canfield OH] St Sophia's Monastery Inn was established on November 1, 2009 but officially opened on February 1, 2010. It now has the Monastery Inn which provides overnight lodging to travelers, low housing apartments for those on low incomes, a bookstore and gift shop (Holy Trinity), and St Nicholas Chapel. All these are in operation, but the retreat center has not been opened yet. The property there also has an outdoor shrine surrounded by flowers, and a beautiful flowerbed that adorns a beautiful outdoor icon of Christ the Pantocrator. Currently, four apartments are rented, and there are six resident assistants in the homeless program offered living on the grounds. His Eminence Archbishop Timothy currently administers to the Monastery Inn assisted by Father Anthony Luebke. St Sophia's is located at 7815 Akron Canfield Road, Canfield Ohio. The 2010 Synod and Conference will be held at this location.

HOMELESS PROGRAM NEEDS DONATIONS

[Canfield OH] St Sophia Monastery Inn offers homeless men a home and guidance in return for work on the grounds. This program of the Archdiocese has helped over forty men in the last four years. Seven of these men have been chrismated into the Orthodox Catholic Church coming from pasts that did not include any real affiliation. Currently, six men are being cared for at St Sophia's that includes the room they are in, the food they eat, the outings they enjoy, and the new life they have found centered on Christ.

However, this is costing the Archdiocese much money and we are now brought to our knees asking for your assistance. We are in need of donations here so that our work started can continue. In addition to the homeless, we have also adopted seven kittens/cats that were destined to die without intervention. If you can find it in your heart to help with our expenses please send you donation to St Sophia Monastery, 7815 Akron Canfield Road, Canfield OH 44406, or you may do so on your credit card through PayPal. Please make checks payable to "EOCC" We are 501(c)(3) tax exempt. Thank you.

Be Thankful
By Author Unknown

Be thankful that you don't already have everything you desire.
If you did, what would there be to look forward to?
Be thankful when you don't know something,
for it gives you the opportunity to learn.

Be thankful for the difficult times.
During those times you grow.
Be thankful for your limitations,
because they give you opportunities for improvement.
Be thankful for each new challenge,
because it will build your strength and character.

Be thankful for your mistakes. They will teach you valuable lessons.
Be thankful when you're tired and weary,
because it means you've made a difference.

It's easy to be thankful for the good things.
A life of rich fulfillment comes to those who
are also thankful for the setbacks.
Gratitude can turn a negative into a positive.
Find a way to be thankful for your troubles,
and they can become your blessings.

ORTHODOX BITS N' PIECES

"Canonicity" in America

As a result of all of these things [numerous historical and canonical factors contributing to the current American Orthodox landscape], contemporary Orthodox Christians in the Americas are hard–pressed to explain their Church, the jurisdictional divisions which they inherited from the Old World, and themselves. Except for a small minority of Old Calendarist traditionalists, they are beset by innovation, by accommodation to a culture which, unlike the cultures which fostered the national Orthodox Churches, is not Orthodox in its origins, and—especially in the case of converts and Orthodox with a Greek Catholic background—by a crisis in self–identity. Aside from a kind of spiritual malaise, this situation has resulted in a move away from an organic, spiritual understanding of the Church towards a preoccupation with structure and legitimacy or "canonicity." _[161] Therefore, for several decades American Orthodox have seen repeated attempts by various groups to establish a single ecclesiastical jurisdiction as the American Orthodox Church, in order to solve the lingering crisis in self–identity—albeit a false crisis which rises out of a misunderstanding of the unity within Orthodox disunity and which sets aside the subtle advantages of a more traditional, organic ecclesiology for the concerns of institutional self–definition. _[162]

In the light of this artificial crisis, American Orthodox have undertaken to define their Church on correspondingly artificial models which are more institutional and structural and which are clearly better understood in the West. The Patriarch of Constantinople, a "first among equals" and a Hierarch with nothing more than a primacy of honor in the Orthodox Church, has begun to take on the qualities of a "Pope of the East." _[163] Jurisdictions attached to Constantinople, therefore, look to the "Prince of Equals" for their claims to primacy. Of late, this neo–Papal trend has been transformed into a kind of "Patriarchal" ecclesiology, in which official relations between the Mother Churches in Europe and their Orthodox counterparts in the Americas have been taken as a sign of "canonicity" or jurisdictional legitimacy. _[164] Various Churches have thus clamored to form or to strengthen relations with several ancient Patriarchates, in order to lay claim to a certain validity or primacy.

These definitions and attempts at establishing a firm self–identity have had the effect of wholly invalidating the positions of the Churches in exile, such as those resisting the lingering Communist contamination of their Mother Churches, and traditionalist resistance movements, such as that of the Old Calendarists. As we have already noted, these innovative efforts to re-define the Church in a contrived way move one away from the organic substructure of the Church and set aside, for the sake of external definitions of validity, the integrity of the resistance movements which have always facilitated natural reform in the Church by an insistence on the primacy of Church Tradition. The end product of these inauthentic attempts at self–definition has been a spirit of jurisdictional conflict in American Orthodoxy that has invited adolescent rivalry, slander, and the most vulgar political intrigues, _[165] and which has seriously compromised the whole Church's witness.

Endnotes

161. Orthodox writers in the West often use ecclesiastical terminology in a loose way or with Western overtones. The validity of any Orthodox Church rests on the valid Apostolic Succession of its Bishops, its adherence to Holy Tradition, the quality of its spiritual life as measured by the so–called "barometer" of monasticism, and its consistent production of Saints. Jurisdictional canonicity is a matter of administration, not validity, and is a secondary issue. Moreover, it is an issue that presents tremendous problems for Orthodoxy in America, where the administrative Canons of the Church must be applied with great discretion. Indeed, it is often precisely on canonical grounds that various Churches in exile and in resistance have established their administrative facilities, so that "canonicity" characterized by certain structural or institutional affiliations comes to naught in the face of these movements.

162. The penchant of modernist Orthodox jurisdictions in America to fixate on external, institutional unity was well illustrated recently by the highly publicized meeting of the so–called "Standing Conference of the Canonical Orthodox Bishops in the Americas" (SCOBA)—an extra–canonical body notorious for its unjustified exclusion of traditionalist Orthodox jurisdictions from its ranks—at Ligonier, Pennsylvania, in December of 1994. Referring to itself as "the Orthodox Church in North America," SCOBA declared that it was "one Church, not multiple 'jurisdictions'" and "outlined future work towards becoming an 'administratively united' Church" (The Shepherd , Vol. 15, No. 4 [January 1995], p. 21). The Ecumenical Patriarchate, however, threatened by the prospect of losing its most successful Exarchate (in worldly, not spiritual, terms), "moved quickly to quash the unity initiative" (Ibid., No. 6 [March 1995], p. 20).

163. See "Œcumenical Patriarch to Athos: 'Remain Silent,'" Orthodox Tradition , Vol. 6, No. 3 (1989), p. 5. This interesting article recounts the response of Patriarch Demetrios to a protest by the monks of Mount Athos with regard to what they see as the increasingly inappropriate leadership being assumed by the Constantinopolitan Patriarchate as a spokesman for the Orthodox Church in general.

164. Just such a theory was the theme of a book written by a Russian Patriarchal clergyman, Archimandrite Seraphim, The Quest for Orthodox Church Unity in America (New York: Sts. Boris and Gleb Press, 1973).

165. "Jurisdictional Sectarianism," pass.

From Chapter 3 of Archimandrite Akakios, Fasting in the Orthodox Church (Etna, CA: Center for Traditionalist Orthodox Studies, 1996 [1990]), pp. 61-63 .

Article found at http://www.orthodoxinfo.com/ecumenism/canonicity.aspx

*** If you have a question or something to share, please send it to . ***

Send your questions to the editor by e-mail or by mail at Editor, OCH, 7815 Akron Canfield Road, Canfield OH 44406, 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

• His Grace Bishop Joshua appointed Episcopal Vicar over the States of North Carolina and South Carolina for the Archdiocese by His Eminence Archbishop Timothy, effective July 1, 2010.
• Brother Vincent Cappabianca CSB appointed Assistant Chancellor for the Archdiocese on August 4, 2010 by His Beatitude Metropolitan Stephen.
• Mr Omar Esquilin appointed Metropolis Liaison for Hispanic Affairs by His Beatitude Metropolitan Stephen, on June 14, 2010 and assigned to the Archdiocesan Chancery and Metropolis.
• Dr Vasilios (Basil) Gikas appointed Metropolis Legate for Ecclesiastical Affairs in Greece.
• Mr Aidan McKay appointed Ecclesiarch of St Nicholas Chapel, Canfield Ohio, by Metropolitan Stephen on October 8, 2010.

MONASTIC RECEPTIONS + PROFESSION OF VOWS

• Vincent Cappabianca blessed as a postulant on August 1, 2010 in the Community of St Basil by Metropolitan Stephen at St Nicholas Chapel in Canfield Ohio. He was accepted as a candidate on July 07, 2010.
• Andrew Trinh blessed as a postulant for the Community of St Basil on August 29, 2010 by His Eminence Archbishop Timothy at St Nicholas Chapel in Canfield Ohio. He was accepted as a candidate on July 19, 2010.

OFFICIAL FROM HOLY METROPOLIS

Monastic Community of St Basil – (10.07.10.1) The Primate has changed the name of the monastic community of the Church from "Monastic Community of St Basil" to simply "Community of St Basil" since there are many single clergy within it who are not under the monastic vow of poverty. Therefore, the letters "MCSB" has been changed to "CSB" for the male monastic community. The monastic nuns will use "SSB" that stands for "Sisters of St Basil. These are the letters to be used after names, et cetera. This takes effect immediately.

Revised Divine Liturgy of the Mass – (10.09.10.1) The Holy Metropolis has completed the Syriac-Greek Antiochene Rite of the Liturgy (Mass) of St Gregory. Clergy are encouraged to order this newly revised Liturgikon by December 30, 2010. It also contains the Rite of Benediction, Mystery of Confession (Penance), and Morning Prayer. The Liturgikon will be added to without charge throughout the next year until completed in full.

ANNOUNCEMENTS

Baptisms & Chrismations

• Aidan Brennon McKay chrismated on Sunday July 18, 2010 at St Nicholas Chapel, Canfield Ohio, by His Eminence Archbishop Timothy, and Vincent Cappabianca was godfather.
• Andrew Trinh chrismated on Sunday August 22, 2010 at St Nicholas Chapel, Canfield Ohio, by Father Anthony Luebke, and Brother Vincent Cappabianca was his godfather.
• Antonio J Slanco chrismated on Sunday July 18, 2010 at St Nicholas Chapel, Canfield Ohio, by His Eminence Archbishop Timothy, and Father Anthony Luebke was godfather.
• Christopher James Andonian chrismated on Sunday July 18, 2010 at St Nicholas Chapel, Canfield Ohio, by His Eminence Archbishop Timothy, and Vincent Cappabianca was godfather.
• Christopher Lee Poe chrismated on Sunday July 18, 2010 at St Nicholas Chapel, Canfield Ohio, by His Eminence Archbishop Timothy, and Metropolitan Stephen served as proxy for Father Anthony Luebke as godfather.
• Martino Nathen Smith chrismated on Sunday July 18, 2010 at St Nicholas Chapel, Canfield Ohio, by His Eminence Archbishop Timothy, and Father Anthony Luebke was godfather.

Commissioning of Licensed Provider

• Kathleen Kleiber on Sunday August 1, 2010 at St Nicholas Chapel, Canfield Ohio, by His Eminence Archbishop Timothy and her sponsor was Dr Sandra Dobiash DCh.

Forthcoming Ordinations Announced

The Holy Metropolis has announced the approval of the following men to be ordained priests and deacons for the Syriac-Greek Antiochian Vicariate of the Democratic Republic of the Congo. The date to be announced. Those subdeacons that will be ordained Deacon and then Priest on the following day because of the length of time they have been waiting are listed first.

Candidates for the Diaconate/Priesthood:

• Subdeacon Kabangi Floribert
• Subdeacon Laurent Kabosani
• Subdeacon Joachim Kingwesi
• Subdeacon Joseph Mabedi
• Subdeacon Denis Mpongo Malumba

Candidates for the Diaconate:

• Subdeacon Francois Bazaba
• Subdeacon Aime' Manzensa

INCARDINATIONS PENDING / APPROVED

• His Grace Bishop Ignatius Ozando Benuk of Zambia (Africa) approved 08.01.10
• Father Anthony Macfonse Osmond of Cameroon, approved 08.16.10
• Father Archimandrite Filaretos Kimaro Williams of Tanzania, approved 08.20.10

PAROCHIAL CHARTERS

Established:

• St Cyril of Alexandria Chapel, Winston-Salem NC (05.20.10)
• St John Church, Zambia Africa (06.20.10)
• St Paul the Apostle Church Kampala Uganda (08.12.10)
• St Nectarios Church of Dar es Salaam (08.26.10)

DISCIPLINARY MATTERS

Steven Johnson has been deposed and laicized for serious infractions against the Church on July 22, 2010. The lifting of this deposition is reserved to the Syriac-Greek Antiochian Archdiocese in the person of His Eminence Archbishop Timothy. Although another group may receive him, canonically when a deposition is issued it can only be lifted by the issuing jurisdiction he belonged to at the time and any other action is considered uncanonical and not recognized.

PRAY FOR THE SICK AND SUFFERING

• His Holiness Patriarch Ignatius Zakka of Antioch
• His Beatitude Metropolitan Stephen (Ohio)
• His Eminence Archbishop Timothy (Ohio)
• His Eminence Archbishop Anthony (New York)
• Archdeacon John DeMeis (New York)
• Dr Joseph Bannon DCh (California)
• Rev Mother Helena (Bofey) SCSB (African Congo)
• Mr Hampton Bumgarner (New Jersey)
• Mr Vincent Cappabianca (Ohio)
• Mr Vincent Colombo (Indiana)
• Dr Audrey Daniel DCh (South Carolina)
• VR Archpriest Thomas Dillon (New Jersey)
• Dr Marge Ebeling DCh (Arizona)
• Mrs Sherry Ellison (South Carolina)
• Mr Omar Esquilin (Ohio)
• Father Paul Jensen (Texas)
• Mrs Toni Jovanovic (Indiana)
• Father Seraphim Kanagaratnam (Malaysia)
• Father Padraig Kneafsey (Ireland)
• Father Patrick Lemming (Tennessee)
• Mr Andrew Lucas (Illinois)
• VR Archimandrite Anthony Luebke (Ohio)
• Mr Alexi J Mason (Arizona)
• Mr Carl Maus (Maryland)
• Fr Deacon Thomas Monroe (Colorado)
• Father Sebastian Robles (Canada)
• Dr Karla VonEhrenkrook DCh (Arizona)
• Ms Sandra Wiechnik (Indiana)
• Mr Howard Youngheim (Indiana)
• 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 CLERGY AND RELIGIOUS IN THE ARCHDIOCESE

From Archdiocesan Chancery

October 9, 2010

The Holy Metropolis and its Archdiocese would like to welcome under our jurisdiction the following that were recently incardinated by His Beatitude. From Zambia is His Grace Bishop Ignatius who administers to his faithful from St John Church in Zambia. He petitioned the Archdiocese originally this past May 2010. From Uganda is Father Christopher Tamale who pastors St Paul the Apostle Church in Uganda. He originally petitioned the Archdiocese in July 2009. From Cameroon is Father Anthony Osmond. He originally petitioned the Archdiocese in July 2010. From Tanzania is VR Archimandrite Filaretos Williams who pastors St Nectarios Church in Tanzania. Previously, the Archdiocese did not have any parishes in Zambia and in Cameroon. The Church welcomes the above and we pray God's blessings on them and all those they serve. May God grant them many years!

ST MICHAEL & ALL ANGELS MISSION TO CONTINUE

[St Cloud MN] The Archdiocese has announced that St Michael & All Angels Mission Parish will continue. The exact location of this mission in Minnesota will be announced soon. It was previously located in St Cloud Minnesota until the removal of its priest, Steven Johnson. Father Vladimir Raasch will administer to the mission, a visiting supply priest from another Orthodox Diocese. Father has a long association with the Syriac-Greek Antiochian Archdiocese and once served under our omophor, and he will serve as priest-in-charge. The current plan is to have Liturgy celebrated twice per month and Holy Days. More information will be announced in the next "Orthodox Christian Herald."

METROPOLIS SUGGESTS THAT PRIESTS BECOME
MORE ACTIVE IN MINISTRY

[Canfield OH] His Beatitude Metropolitan Stephen advised clergy at the Metropolis, and others, that being a priest means much more than putting on the clerical garb. Priests are to actively establish parishes in their locations that will serve the people of God. The priesthood is not a service to one's self, but to others. Those who fail to open a mission parish or chapel, that is open to the public, fail to honor the priesthood of Christ, and the vows made to the Church. His Beatitude has dedicated this year, 2010, to the establishment and growth of parishes throughout the world under the Holy Metropolis. He calls on all clergy to go and teach others about the Orthodox Catholic Church, and to establish a place where all can worship God, along with the priest, every Sunday and Holy Day. The priesthood is a gift – a talent – that should not be buried but should be proudly used in honor of Christ God, He who made this possible. The Archdiocesan Chancery will give guidance to any priest who is having difficulty in organizing his mission simply by contacting us by email, mail, or by telephone. There are many ways to serve, e.g., hospital chaplaincies, nursing homes, prison ministry, and starting a religious education program in the rectory for those interested. Placing ads in the local papers is also a good way to let others know of your presence.

HANDMADE ITEMS FROM UGANDA ON SALE AT BOOKSTORE/GIFT SHOP

[Canfield OH] Father Christopher Tamale sent some beautiful handmade items from Kiboga Uganda to be sold at Holy Trinity Bookstore & Gift Shop in Canfield Ohio. The profits from these items will be sent to Uganda to help the mission parishes there in their survival. If you wish to purchase some by mail, please contact the bookstore and ask for a catalog of items and price list. There are change purses, purses for women, hats, jewelry, coconut bracelets, and many other beautifully handmade gifts. The Metropolis has several very poor parishes in Uganda. There are also two schools for children in Uganda under our omophor. We are asking that all try to make a purchase to help with the great poverty being experience by the faithful. If you wish to assist please contact St Sophia Monastery Inn, Holy Trinity Bookstore, 7815 Akron Canfield Road, Canfield OH 44406. You can call (330) 533.4048 and ask for bookstore. You can also just send a cash donation by check or via PayPal. Please mark your donation for Uganda Vicariate.

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

NATURAL THERAPIES AND DIABETES

By Kelli Cooper, Contributor eHow.com
Updated: December 30, 2009

Diabetes is a serious condition. Fortunately, proper self-care can go a long way in managing it. In addition to proper eating and exercise, a holistic approach might include natural supplements and mind/body techniques.

Considerations for Holistic Diabetes Treatment
1. Do not use natural supplements without talking to your doctor first. Improperly managing your diabetes can result in many serious complications. Your best bet is to seek out a health care professional experienced in using natural therapies for this condition; he can suggest appropriate dosages and help design a treatment plan.

Natural Supplements
2. Certain natural supplements have shown benefit in clinical studies for improving various aspects of diabetes, including lowering blood sugar and reducing various symptoms. Alternative medicine expert Dr. Andrew Weil and the University of Maryland Medical Center list several supplements, which include chromium, alpha lipoic acid, magnesium, coenzyme Q10, beta glucan, vanadium, selenium, zinc, bitter melon, cinnamon, American ginseng, gymnema and fenugreek seeds.

Relieving Nerve Pain
3. Acupuncture can relieve the pain of neuropathy---the nerve disorder common to diabetes.

Stress Management
4. Reducing stress is very important. If you are stressed, you are more likely to engage in unhealthy habits and less likely to take the steps necessary for managing your diabetes. Experiment with yoga, meditation, deep breathing and other relaxation techniques. Reducing stress might also positively impact blood sugar.

Lifestyle
5. Stick to the eating and exercise guidelines set forth by your doctor. Any other treatments, natural or conventional, will be negated without these key elements. Do not smoke, and limit alcohol consumption.

Read more: What Is Holistic Approach for Diabetes? | eHow.com http://www.ehow.com/facts_5810295_holistic-approach-diabetes_.html#ixzz11uvW1of9

KIDNEY STONES - HOLISTIC TREATMENT

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Kidney Stones - General Information

Kidney stones would probably be one of the most common and painful urologic disorders today. Annually, over 600,000 individuals get kidney stones.

Kidney stones are solid masses, which are formed from dissolved urinary minerals in the kidneys. They could be as small as a single grain of sand or as big as a golf ball. They could also be smooth, jagged, round, spiky and asymmetrical. The color of kidney stones depends on their chemical composition. They could be yellow, tan, brown, gold or black.

Kidney stones sometimes can be passed through urinating, without having to do any other invasive or complex medical procedures. Here are some of the causes of kidney stone formation.

1. First off, if your family has a history of kidney stones or in medical terms, renal stone disease, then there is a higher chance of you contracting them as well. It would be advisable for you to make sure that you are eating a balanced diet and drinking a lot of water to prevent the formation of kidney stones. You would also need to make sure that you are watchful for any symptoms that could mean you already have kidney stones.
2. Another cause of kidney stones would be if you have high levels of certain chemicals in your urine. These chemicals would include cystine, calcium, sodium and uric acid. These chemical compounds can greatly contribute to the development of kidney stones.
3. There are also several medical conditions that could lead to kidney stone formation. These conditions would include hypertension or high blood pressure, gout, arthritis, urinary tract infection, renal tubular acidosis and colitis.
4. Also, if you have hypocitraturia or a low level of citrate in your urine, it could also result to the formation of kidney stones.
5. Having a poor diet could also contribute to the formation of kidney stones, particularly if you consume a lot of meat. If your diet is low in vegetable proteins and carbohydrates, and high in sugar, fat and sodium, then you are more prone to getting kidney stones as well. Another cause of kidney stones would be if you eat a lot of food that has a lot of oxalate such as squash, spinach, green beans, tomatoes and cranberries.

Eliminate Kidney Stones with StoneCLR

Since kidney stones are sometimes small enough to be passes through the urine, there are many people who may have formed and passed kidney stones without ever feeling any symptoms. However, if the stones are larger, they could cause a painful obstruction in the ureter. Some of the symptoms of kidney stones would be mild to severe pain on the lower abdomen, painful urination, nausea, vomiting and in more serious cases, fever, foul smelling urine and pus or blood in the urine. The diagnosis of kidney stones could generally be confirmed through an ultrasound examination, radiological studies or through a urine or blood test.

Although kidney stones can easily be treated, it would be better if you know how you can prevent them, as the more serious cases could cause severe pain and sometimes, death. Some of the things that you can do to prevent the formation of kidney stones would be by drinking a lot of fluids, preferably water, and ensuring that you are eating a balanced diet. By drinking enough water your urine would dilute and the chemical crystals would not be building up and would be passed through the urine, preventing the formation of kidney stones.

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.

Handmade Nun Dolls from the Past Handmade nun dolls from the past. Full habits of many orders of nuns from various Churches including Orthodox, Lutheran, and Roman. Nostalgia brought to your doorsteps. These are beautifully created and show the exact habits of nuns worn many years ago. 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. Prayer Beads from Uganda. Made of good quality materials and most beautifully done, coming in 50 ($15.00) and 100 beads ($25.00). For more information and prices on other items please write to Holy Trinity Bookstore, 7815 Akron Canfield Road, Canfield OH 44406.

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 CRCH.RBSOCC.ORG For information write - Archbishop Timothy, St Sophia Monastery Inn, 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 7^th 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 St Sophia Monastery Inn and Retreat Center, 7815 Akron Canfield Road, Canfield OH 44406. The Community has monastic centers in the African Congo, Nigeria, Ohio, 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. His Eminence Archbishop Timothy is the interim Archabbot.

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.

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

St Michael & All Angels Eastern Orthodox Catholic Parish, St Cloud Minnesota. For information please call 330.533.4048.

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

St Nicholas of Myra Eastern Orthodox Catholic Chapel, 7815 Akron Canfield Road, Canfield Ohio. Sunday Liturgy of the Mass at 10:30 a.m.; Holy Days at 7:00 p.m. or as announced; and Holy Unction of the Sick on Wednesdays at 7:00 p.m.

St Stephen the Protomartyr Eastern Orthodox Catholic Mission , PO Box 2024, Big Bear City CA 92314. Father Seraphim Reed. Write for directions.