Russian Cathedral in Jerusalem Vandalized

Jerusalem, December 14, Interfax - The Holy Trinity Cathedral of the Russian Ecclesiastical Mission in Jerusalem was vandalized early on December 11.

'Death' and 'Death to Christians' were written in Hebrew in large red letters near the cathedral altar and ante-church, the Russian Ecclesiastical Mission said.

A statement was made to the Jerusalem police.

There have been threats to clerics of the Russian Orthodox Church and other Christian confessions before, the mission said. The hooligans said that Christians must leave Jerusalem before they are massacred.

Source:

http://www.interfax-religion.com/?act=news&div=6737

A Woman Can Hold Major Leading Positions in the Church, But Not the Ministerial Priesthood-

Archbishop Hilarion

Speaking about the role of woman in the Church on the Church and the World TV talk-show on December 12, 2009, Archbishop Hilarion of Volokolamsk, chairman of the Moscow Patriarchate department for external church relations, answered questions from TV-viewers.

He said in particular that a woman can hold major leading positions in the Church, citing mothers-superior of major convents who run large households and direct hundreds of nuns. He noted that an absolute majority of precenters in Russian Orthodox churches are also women who sometimes conduct very large professional choirs.

‘It’s quite a different story that in the Russian Orthodox Church, just as in the Roman Catholic Church, a woman cannot become a priest. It is because we preserve the church order which was formed in the early centuries of Christianity and established by Christ Himself and His apostles’, the archbishop said.

‘In Christian tradition, priesthood has always been associated with the service of men, and there is no discrimination whatsoever here. It’s simply different functions, just as fatherhood belongs to men, while motherhood to women. One cannot say that a woman is deprived of anything because she can be only a mother and cannot be a father’, the DECR chairman explained.

He also said that in church practice ‘there are various forms of the self-organization of lay people, including women, in which women who wish to take an active part in church life can find their calling’.

Asked about the requirements that the Russian Orthodox Church sets for woman-parishioners’ clothes, His Eminence Hilarion said that it depends on national customs and traditions. ‘Our parishes and dioceses in Western Europe do not know of any bans at all with regard to women’s clothes’, he said, adding that for over 80 years now pantsuits have been manufactured both in Russia and the West; therefore one can no longer call trousers a piece of purely men’s clothes. ‘The Lord looks at a person’s heart, rather then at his or her clothing’, he assured.

The DECR chairman expressed regret at those cases where young men in casual clothes and young women in trousers come to church ‘to seek understanding and compassion but are met with peremptory shouts and abuse’. He described this attitude as ‘an illness to be struggled with’.

DECR Communication Service

Source:

http://www.mospat.ru/en/2009/12/14/news10144/

His Grace Bishop Daniel Visits St. Andrew Ukrainian Orthodox Church in Los Angeles, CA!

The Saint Andrew Ukrainian Orthodox Church community in Los Angeles was blessed with the visit of His Grace Bishop Daniel, ruling hierarch of the Western Eparchy, on the Feast Day of Saint Andrew, the First Called Apostle, on December 13. The joyous parish community was joined by numerous visitors from California and other states in welcoming its ruling archpastor, as he celebrated the Hierarchical Divine Liturgy for the first time in the parish, in commemoration of the 58th anniversary of the founding of the parish community. This year’s Patron Saint Feast Day was also particularly special, because of the first ever ordination of a deacon in the parish. In addition, the community was honored by the participation in its celebrations of Protopresbyter Alexis Limonczenko, pastor of the Saint Michael Ukrainian Orthodox parish of San Francisco, who joined the Saint Andrew parish pastor, Very. Rev. Fr. Vasyl Shtelen. Assisting the bishop in the services were Subdeacons Gary Gebet of the Saint Mary Protectress Ukrainian Orthodox parish of San Diego, Andre Panchenko of the Saint Vladimir Ukrainian Orthodox parish of Los Angeles, and Saint Andrew parish’s own David DeJesus and Oleh Saciuk. Members of the Kobzar Choir complimented the parish choir, under the always virtuous leadership of choir director Greg Hallick.

efore the Liturgy, the festive congregation waited in anticipation as His Grace proceeded with the Subdeacons from the rectory to the church entrance, where Bishop Daniel was greeted by Sisterhood President, Luda Tolmachow, and Parish Board President, Mykola Zlidenny, with warm words of welcome and the traditional bread and salt. He then entered the church, where the bishop was greeted by the clergy. His Grace was then vested by the Subdeacons, as Father Shtelen read the Vesting Prayers to resounding responses by the Choir.

The congregation was truly blessed to hear Vladyka Daniel’s prayers. His reading of the Gospel rang forth with the eternal brightness of the Word. In his homily, His Grace called on everyone to beware of the dangers inherent in our society, as we are pulled away from one another by the mesmerizing impersonal secularization of the Internet. He called for our turning away from the darkness of the world and towards the light of God, through lives of service, of living by example, of going outside our insular parish communities to reach out and help those in need, usually so close physically to our church doors, but so far away in our indifferent minds. On the day of the ordination of a new deacon, His Grace challenged each and every member of the Church to become a living imitation of Christ, as individuals and as the whole Church.

After the consecration of the Holy Gifts, Subdeacon Oleh Saciuk was brought out to be ordained to the Holy Deaconate. He was taken by the hands on either side by two Subdeacons, and at the Hierarch’s command was led to the Royal Doors, bowing down three times along the way. As he knelt before the Holy Door, he was taken up by the pastor, through the Royal Doors and to bow before the Bishop, who sat at the side of the Holy Altar. Father Shtelen then led the Candidate three times around the Holy Altar, and the candidate three times kissed each corner of the Altar before each time kissing the Bishop’s hand, and knee, and Epigonation. His Grace then rose and placed his Omophorion over the subdeacon’s head and elevated him to the Holy Deaconate through the laying on of his hand, praying that the Holy Spirit may come upon him. Then His Grace placed the Orarion on the left shoulder of the new Deacon and exclaimed Axios-Worthy, which was repeated by the choir and congregation, after which the Sacramental Fan was given to the new Deacon, and he fanned the Holy Gifts through the Lord’s Prayer, and after the communion of the Hierarch and Clergy for the first time was given the Holy chalice by His Grace and brought out the Chalice through the Royal Doors to call the congregation to receive the Holy Eucharist.

At the conclusion of the Divine Liturgy, His Grace greeted the congregation and congratulated the Parish on the ordination of one of its own parishioners. He called on Deacon Oleh and Pani-matka Roxolana and their family to lives of service and sacrifice for the good of the Church and the glory of God.

His Grace then brought additional joy to the congregation by bestowing a special Hierarchical Award on one of the earliest pioneers of the Parish, Serhiy Kimak, who toiled many years in the service of the Parish through its formative years, and who continues to be a faithful, loyal, and giving member of the parish community, being respected and loved by everyone in the congregation. The goodness in his heart shines through in his ever smiling face. He has always been one of the first to volunteer for any work needed in the Parish and continues to be ready to help with anything he is able to do, faithfully attending services every Sunday. The Saint Andrew Parish has been blessed to have him as a member for many years, and the Lord has blessed him with loving children and grandchildren, who were all on hand to celebrate the honor bestowed on him by His Grace.

After the conclusion of the Holy Liturgy, the veneration of the Cross, and the anointing of the large congregation, the parish greeted Vladyka Daniel at a festive banquet held in his honor, at which the congregation was also honored with the presence of Rev. Myron Mykyta, pastor of the Nativity of the Blessed Virgin Mary Ukrainian Catholic Church of Los Angeles, and Dean of the Western Deanery of the Ukrainian Orthodox Church Rev. Fr. Vasile Sauciur, pastor of the Saint Vladimir Ukrainian Orthodox parish of Los Angeles. Parish Board President, Mykola Zlidenny thanked all attendees and thanked the Parish Sisterhood for the magnificent banquet. The congregation then had the pleasure of hearing a most informative address by His Grace on the present state of the Church, in which His Grace called attention to the important charitable works of the central organizations of the Church, especially the aid given to orphanages for children with special needs, victims of Chernobyl, undertaken through his initiative and leadership, and continuing with ever increasing success. His Grace reminded everyone that there are now two annual working trips to Ukraine by college age students, during which they live in the orphanages and help to bring love and joy into the lives of some of the most forgotten and neglected children in Ukraine. His Grace called upon everyone to encourage their college age children, relatives, and friends to consider participating in these life-changing missions of love.

The Saint Andrew Parish in Los Angeles is blessed to have His Grace Bishop Daniel as its ruling Hierarch, and the entire congregation looks forward with anticipation to many future pastoral visits by His Grace.

Source:

http://www.uocofusa.org/news_091215_1.html

Solemn Convocation Dedicated to 20th Anniversary of Revival of Kyiv Theological Seminary Held

Ukrainian Orthodox Church

On Sunday, December 13, commemoration of the Holy Apostle Andrew the First-Called, the solemn actions were held at the Kyiv Theological Schools on the occasion of the 20^th anniversary celebrations of the Kyiv Theological Seminary.

Following the Divine Liturgy the Solemn Convocation dedicated to the jubilee was held at the Refectory (Sts Anthony and Theodosius) Church of the Kyiv-Pechersk Lavra.

First those present were suggested to view the documentary "Kyiv Theological Schools", shot by TV-channel "Glas". Among the others, some pages from the history of the Kyiv Theological Schools were depicted in the movie.

Thereafter the high guests occupied their places in presidium which included: the Primate of the Ukrainian Orthodox Church His Beatitude Metropolitan Volodymyr, Deputy Abbot of the Kyiv-Pechersk Lavra Archbishop Pavel of Vyshgorod, Rector of the Kyiv Theological Academy and Seminary Archbishop Anthony of Boryspil, the first rector of the revived seminary archpriest Petro Vlodek (in the office - 1988-1991), the previous rector - archpriest Mykola Zabuha (1994-2007).

The solemn assembly was opened by the introductory word of Rector of the Kyiv Theological Schools Archbishop Anthony of Boryspil, in which he touched upon certain episodes of the history of the educational establishment and presented some statistical data. Also Vladyka Rector marked the constant patronage and parental care of His Beatitude Metropolitan Volodymyr over the Theological Schools and gave him an ancient icon of the Mother of God of the Kyiv Caves.

In his turn the Archpastor, addressing those present, noted that 20 years from the moment of revival of the capital seminary had been a period of constant labor, care and patronage on the part of those who had studied in its walls. Also His Beatitude distinguished the work of all the rectors who headed the educational establishment all that time and wished all those present to feel always the presence of God, and whished that the spirit of love, assistance and unity always rested between them.

Then Archbishop Anthony read the greeting word of His Holiness Patriarch Kirill of Moscow and All Russia and stated that the greetings were sent also by the other Primates of he Orthodox Churches.

The greetings by the Primate of the Orthodox Church in America were read by its representative to the Patriarch of Moscow archimandrite Zaccheus Wood, who also passed to the Theological Schools a piece of the honorable relics of the Venerable Herman of Alaska, Enlightener of America.

Then the floor was given to the first rector of the revived Seminary archpriest Petro Vlodek, who was conferred on the cross of the Doctor of Theology for the deserts in the church field and was handed the diploma of conferment of the academic degree "Honoris Causa".

Also the deserts of the previous rector Mykola Zabyha were distinguished by the order of the Pochayiv Icon of the Mother of God.

At the end of the official section the Rector of the Kyiv Theological Academy and Seminary handed the diploma on conferment of the academic degrees. In particular, the professor diplomas were handed to Vice-rector for Education archimandrite Clemet (Vecharia) and Ivan Mykhalko (teacher of the Holy Scripture of the New Testament and Liturgical Theology), and the associate professor diplomas were handed to archpriest Dionysius Martyshyn (Soteriology, Eschatology, Religious Ethics), Liudmila Dunina (Church singing), Andriy Derkach (Church State Relations), Volodymyr Bureha (History of Western Confessions and Comparative Theology).

Upon completion the guests were presented the concert of spiritual music performed by the Choir of the Kyiv Theological Schools under the guidance of hegumen Roman Pidlubniak.

Maxim Sydorenko

Source:

http://orthodox.org.ua/eng/node/1072

Ukrainian Orthodox Church Hierarchs' Assembly Consecrated New Bishop

On December 13, commemoration day of the Holy Apostle Andrew-the First-Called, the Primate of the UOC presided over the Divine Liturgy at the Refectory Church of the Holy Dormition Kyiv-Pechersk Lavra.

Concelebrating with His Beatitude were Metropolitan Ioannikiy of Luhansk and Alchevsk, Metropolitan Iriney of Dnipropetrovsk and Pavlohrad, Metropolitan Sophrony of Cherkasy and Kaniv, Metropolitan Niphont of Lutsk and Volyn, Archbishop Ionafan of Tulchyn and Bratslav, Archbishop Mykolai of Bilogorod, Archbishop Ephraim of Kryvyy Rih and Nikopol, Archbishop Gurias of Zhytomyr and Novohrad-Volynskyy, Archbishop Pavel of Vyshgorod, Archbishop Mytrofan of Bila Tserkva and Bohuslav, Archbishop Philipp of Poltava and Myrhorod, Archbishop Luka of Konotop and Hlukhiv, Archbishop Anthony of Boryspil, Bishop Petro of Khinkov, Bishop Nicodemus of Volodymyr-Volynskyy and Kovel, Bishop Iriney of Nizhyn and Pryluky, Bishop Ilary of Makariv, Bishop Seraphim of Yahotyn, Bishop Panteleimon of Ivano-Frankivsk and Kolomiysk, Bishop Stephan of Turiv and Mozyr, Bishop Alexander of Pereyaslav-Khmelnytskyy (Secretary for the Primate of the UOC), Bishop Panteleimon of Vasylkiv, Bishop Volodymyr of Rovenky, Bishop Tikhon of Kremenchuk and Lubny, the academic clergy of Lavra and the clergy representatives of other theological schools.

Those days at the Kyiv Theological Schools the solemn events dedicated to celebration of the 20th anniversary of revival of the Kyiv Theological Seminary. On this occasion at the Lesser Entrance during the divine office Metropolitan Volodymyr bestowed church awards on some teachers of the Academy and Seminary. Thus, the right of wearing of the decorated pectoral cross was bestowed on archpriests Serhiy Veygo (Canon Law), Maxim Boyko (chief of the correspondence department), Pavlo Kozar (Liturgical Theology), Alexy Koval (Moral Theology: chief of the academic library), and Alexander Popov (Canon Law). Also the Archpastor elevated to the rank of hegumen the teacher of Common Church History hieromonk Philaret (Havrin) and the teacher of the Canon Law hieromonk Sylvester (Stoychev).

In the course of the divine office the synaxis of bishops of the UOC and of the foreign Orthodox Churches consecrated the teacher of the Kyiv Theological Academy and Seminary archimandrite Evlohiy Patsan as Bishop of Novomoskovsk, Vicar of the Diocese of Dnipropetrovsk.

At the Liturgy Vladyka Evlohiy performed his first priest ordination. He ordained priest the 3^rd-year student of the Kyiv Theological Seminary deacon Yaroslav Furik.

Following the divine service His Beatitude Metropolitan Volodymyr addressed the newly consecrated bishop with a word of instruction and handed Bishop Tikhon a crosier - a symbol of the archpastoral ministry. Thereafter Vladyka Evlohiy gave the faithful his first archpastoral blessing.

At the end His Beatitude greeted the laity on the commemoration of the Holy Apostle Andrew the First-Called and wished everyone his prayerful intercession before the Lord.
The previous evening the Primate conducted the festive All-Night Vigils at the Refectory Church of Lavra.

REFERENCE. Vladyka Evlohiy got his theological education at the cradle of the orthodoxy in our land - the Holy Dormition Kyiv-Pechersk Lavra, studying at the Kyiv Theological Academy and Seminary. Having completed his study of theological sciences he began soon the teaching and research activity within the walls of his alma mater. In the course of his pedagogical work the future archpastor taught such disciplines as Biblical History, English and Pastoral Theology.

Source:

http://orthodox.org.ua/eng/node/1071

The Royal Family Karadjordjevic Celebrates Its Patron Saint's Day - Saint Andrew the First-called

Serbian Orthodox Church

Their Royal Highnesses Crown Prince Alexander II, Crown Princess Katherine, Prince Philip, Prince Vladimir, Princess Brigitta, Prince Dimitri, Princess Lavinia and husband, Mr. Austin Pritchard, sons Luca and Andrej, and Sir Desmond De Silva, celebrated today the Royal Family's Patron Saint's Day - Saint Andrew the First-called at the Royal Palace in Belgrade.

In the morning, with the blessing of The Holy Synod of Bishops, the Divine Liturgy was served at the Royal Chapel of Saint Andrew the First-called by Their Graces Bishop Jovan of Sumadija and Bishop Atanasije of Hvosno with the concelebration of the priesthood of the Serbian Orthodox Church.

The ceremony cutting of slava cake followed in the Blue Room of the Royal Palace.

Besides the Royal Family the slava lunch were attended by Their Graces: Bishop Ignjatije of Branicevo , Bishop Artemije of Ras and Prizren, Bishop Lavrentije of Sabac, Bishop Irinej of Backa, Bishop Justin of Timok, Bishop Lukijan of Osijek and Baranja, Bishop Nikanor of Banat, Bishop Porfirije of Jegar, H.E. Minister of Religion Prof. Dr. Bogoljub Sijakovic, religious leaders of other religious communities in Serbia - Mr. Mustafa ef. Jusufspahic, the Chief Imam of Nis, the Rabbi of the Jewish Community in Serbia Mr. Isak Asiel, H.E. Monsignor Orlando Antonini, the Apostolic Nuncio, H.E. Monsignor Stanislav Hocevar, the Roman Catholic Metropolitan and Archbishop of Belgrade, Reverend Leopold Rohmes, the Vicar of Belgrade Bishopric, His Grace Dr Ladislav Nemet, Bishop of Zrenjanin, His Grace Mr. Janos Penzes, Bishop of Subotica.

The Holy Liturgy and slava lunch were also attended by members of the Privy Council, Mr. Dragomir Acovic and Mr. Dusan Babac, members of the Crown Council, Mr. Matija Beckovic, Prof. Dr. Miroslav Gasic, Mr. Dusan Kovacevic, Mr. Predrag Markovic, Prof. Dr. Predrag Palavestra, Dr. Milan Parivodic, Mrs. Svetlana Velmar-Jankovic and members of the Crown Cabinet Mr. Cedomir Antic, Prof. Dr. Kosta Cavoski, Mr. Djordje Djurisic, Mr. Vladimir Gajic, Mr. Milorad Savicevic, Mr. Vladan Vukosavljevic and Mr. Vladan Zivulovic.

During the Slava lunch after the ceremony, His Royal Highness Crown Prince Alexander addressed the distinguished guests and friends emphasizing: "As the Saint Andrew the First Called endured many calamities, but remained sound in his faith, I call for all of us to stay firm to our faith and our efforts for the well being of our nation and our country. I thank the Lord for all his gifts, for good health, for our friends and associates, for His blessing that we received and for those we are still praying for. Thank you for being here with us today, and I wish you all to experience peace and prosperity both on this day, and in times ahead of us."

Following the celebration of Patron Saint's Day, St. Andrew the First-called, two Slava receptions will take place at The White Palace in the afternoon and evening. Their Royal Highnesses will welcome: representatives of the Government, Diplomatic Corps, members of the Privy Council, Crown Council, Crown Cabinet, as well city and town Mayors, academics, representatives of the Armed Forces, Gendarmerie, monarchy clubs, international organizations, Rotary Clubs, cultural institutions, sports associations, the media, health institutions, and numerous distinguished persons from the cultural, political, business, academic and public life of Serbia.

Source:

http://www.spc.rs/eng/royal_family_karadjordjevic_celebrates_its_patron_saints_day_saint_andrew_firstcalled

His Beatitude Patriarch Daniel Visited the Diocese of Maramures and Satmar and Elevated the Right Rev. Justinian to Honorary Archbishop

Romanian Orthodox Church

Source:

http://www.basilica.ro/en/news/his_beatitude_patriarch_daniel_visited_the_diocese_of_maramures_and_satmar_and_elevated_right_rev_justinian_to_honorary_archbishop.html

Celebration of the 25th Anniversary of the Consecration of the First Hierarch of the Russian Church Abroad

From the moment of his election as First Hierarch of the Russian Orthodox Church Outside of Russia and subsequent move to New York, His Eminence Metropolitan Hilarion makes two trips a year—in summer and winter—to his Diocese of Australia and New Zealand. The worshipers of over 30 churches, monasteries and sketes joyfully await the arrival of their Vladyka. These visits always coincide with a great number of events in the life of the Diocese of the Russian diaspora. Life within the Russian Orthodox community picks up pace in an effort to fit in with the schedule of Vladyka Hilarion.

And so it is during this sojourn, besides festive divine services at SS Peter and Paul Cathedral, the Archbishop’s Church in Croydon and Archangel Michael Church, which is celebrating its 50th anniversary, Vladyka also managed to visit those parishes which he did not during his last trip. Vladyka made trips to the convent in Kentlyn, Entrance Into the Temple Women’s Skete in Bungarbee, and St Nicholas Church in Adelaide. Ahead lies a trip to New Zealand and Melbourne, where the 45th Diocesan Orthodox Youth Conference will be held. This time, Vladyka will be traveling together with Russia’s myrrh-streaming Icon of the Mother of God “Softener of Evil Hearts.”

On December 10, an event took place which drew the attention of the Orthodox world far beyond the borders of Australia. This day marked the 25th anniversary of the consecration of Vladyka Hilarion to the episcopacy. In December of 1984, Metropolitan Philaret officiated at the consecration of Hieromonk Hilarion as Bishop of Manhattan.

The celebrations in Sydney began with Divine Liturgy at the Cathedral of SS Peter and Paul, with Vladyka Hilarion concelebrating with Serbian and Rumanian Orthodox bishops and over 20 Orthodox priests of Australia.

That evening, over 350 guests attended a gala event at Le Montage Centre on Parramatta Bay, a riverside venue in Leichhardt. The evening began with a performance by a men’s choir under the direction of Andrei Laptev. Later, a women’s choir under Maria Okuneva sang for Vladyka Hilarion and the guests, after which the choirs united to sing several church chorales and Many Years for Vladyka. Protopriest Michael Protopopov, Dean of Victoria, opened the ceremony by congratulating Vladyka and reading greetings from Moscow, New York, Berlin and others. His Holiness Patriarch Kirill of Moscow and All Russia sent a congratulatory message as well.

Vladyka was then congratulated by Serbian Bishop Irinej and Rumanian Bishop Michael. Alexander Blokhin, Russian Ambassador to Australia, thanked Vladyka for his work in unifying the Russian Orthodox Churches.

The leaders of Russian societies and organizations of Australia also congratulated Vladyka—St Sergius Society, the Society of the Holy Cross and PineLodge Benevolent Society, “Orthodox Work of Sydney,” and Unification newspaper. They noted the wonderful personal qualities of Vladyka, which evoke love and respect from in all who know him and his humanity, openness and ability to resolve difficult problems calmly and in a Christian manner.

Words: Vladimir Kuzmin, Sydney, “Unification”
Photos: Australian and New Zealand Diocese
Video: Alex Avenarius

Source:

http://www.rocor.org.au/?p=1512

Strategic Planning Committee Discusses "The Goals of the Orthodox Church in America -- the Next Twenty Years"

Orthodox Church in America

Posted 12/15

SYOSSET, NY [OCA Communications/December 14, 2009] -- The Strategic Planning Committee of the Orthodox Church in America met earlier this month at the OCA Chancery under the chairmanship of the Very Rev. Robert Arida. Also present for the meeting was His Beatitude, Metropolitan Jonah.

According to a statement issued after the meeting, the committee described its work in the following manner.

"God is Love. In God, this Love is manifest as the perfect Council of Three Persons, Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. And yet, within this perfect Divine Love there is something that often seems strange to fallen human reasoning — among these three perfectly equal Persons, among Whom there is no subordination, there is at the same time, primacy and hierarchy — the Son accomplishes the Father’s will, the Spirit proceeds from the Father, the Son is begotten of the Father. The Church must manifest in and to the world this perfect Love and Life of Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. To image God’s life her own life must mirror this mystery of hierarchy and conciliarity in love. She has no 'agenda' separate from this mission.

"One third of the Metropolitan Council, a group of about 10 people, has been commissioned to act as facilitator to propose, for the Fall 2011 gathering of the OCA at the 16th All-American Council, a vision for the Church and aspects of its implementation. This work will require the Church to describe her mission and how it can be implemented in the present time in America including, as necessary, a reexamination of administrative structures and governing Statutes.

"To that end this group, called the Strategic Planning Committee, will begin with certain elements of a vision that have so far been articulated by Metropolitan Jonah and the Holy Synod, and will ensure development of this vision through a conciliar process that is intended to engage virtually all members of the Church. This means that very soon all the faithful of dioceses and parishes will be encouraged to know what concerns the bishops and teachers of the Church have expressed; to respond to these concerns; and to expand upon these concerns and ideas in order to refine and advance the Church’s mission.

"Concretely, among the specific areas that have been discussed, there is to date a unanimous desire to continue the struggle towards Orthodox unity, to cultivate the spiritual life of the faithful, and to more deeply understand the work of mission and manifestation of the Gospel life.

"The Planning Committee believes that advancement of this work has been stifled by a confusion of terms and goals among Orthodox themselves, and by an unfortunate and unnecessary conflict of two essential terms, which are of the essence of the life of the Holy Trinity, and therefore of the Church: the terms hierarchy and conciliarity. Through a concerted, intentional engagement of the whole Church, we hope to overcome such confusion and to render ourselves open to receiving God’s word for the Church’s life and work for our time."

Members of the Strategic Planning Committee will be meeting again on December 18 and 19 to continue their discussion.

Source:

http://www.oca.org/news/2029

PRESENTATION AND SIGNING OF THE NEW BOOK ON THE ARCHBISHOP'S FIRST DECADE

Dec 11, 2009

"Archbishop Demetrios of America, The First Decade 1999-2009"

NEW YORK - A new book entitled "Archbishop Demetrios of America, The First Decade 1999-2009" will be presented to the public Thursday Dec. 17, at 7:30 p.m. at the Cathedral Center of the Archdiocesan Cathedral of the Holy Trinity in Manhattan.

It is a beautifully produced book that presents a full spectrum of the activities in the life of the Greek Orthodox Church in America from the years 1999-2009, the first ten years of Archiepiscopal Ministry of Archbishop Demetrios of America. The 368-page high-gloss, hard cover book contains 537 photographs, all the work of the Official Photographer of the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of America Dimitrios Panagos, and it is masterfully compiled and edited by journalist Revekka Papadopoulou.

The book presentation is hosted by FAITH - An Endowment for Orthodoxy and Hellenism, and it will be made in the presence of Archbishop Demetrios, by Mike Emanuel, White House Correspondent-Fox News; Michael Ignatiou, Washington Correspondent - Ethnos & Mega TV; Panikos Panagiotou, Correspondent - Athens News Agency and Apostolos Zoupaniotis, Editor - Greek News. A reception will follow.

This book was first presented to Archbishop Demetrios for his 10 ^thAnniversary of his enthronement by His All Holiness Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew on Oct. 28, during the Archdiocesan Leadership dinner held in New York's Boat House in honor of his All Holiness.

Copies of the book will be available for sale during the event and will be signed by Archbishop Demetrios and the authors. The proceeds will benefit a fellowship fund initiated by the Archbishop. Copies can also be ordered from the Archdiocese ($75 per copy + $10 S&H) by calling 212-774-0244, or emailgotel@goarch.org

== 30 ==

Contact: Stavros Papagermanos
Tel.: (212) 570-3530
Email: pressoffice@goarch.org

Source:

http://www.goarch.org/news/decagepanagosbook-12-11-2009

Church-Targeted Blasts Kill 4, Injure Dozens in Mosul

15/12/09

A series of bombs that appeared to target two churches and a high-traffic neighborhood in the northern Iraqi city of Mosul detonated Tuesday, killing four people and wounding as many as 40.

According to reports, the first bomb went off Tuesday morning outside a church in western Mosul and the second explosion came less than 10 minutes later as people gathered at the site of the initial blast.

Across the city, in northern Mosul, a bomb exploded near another church, breaking windows and damaging the church’s gates. No injuries were reported in the third blast.

On Monday, Iraqi Defense Minister Abdul-Qader al-Obeidi had acknowledged shortcomings in the security forces but said insurgents have changed their tactics amid the U.S. troop withdrawal.

“The nature of terrorism has changed, and terrorists are conducting attacks that aim to inflict the largest casualties,” he said, according to The Associated Press.

Though al-Obeidi did not indicate what he meant by changing tactics, AP noted that much of the recent violence has targeted government institutions, as opposed to violence that appeared designed to spark tensions between Shia Muslims and Sunni Muslims.

While the bombings raises tough questions for Iraqi Prime Minister Nouri al-Maliki about the ability of country’s security forces ahead of next year’s planned withdrawal of U.S. combat troops, senior U.S. military officials have defended the Iraqi forces’ efforts.

“It would be tough for any country, any government to prevent these kinds of attacks,” commented Lt. Gen. Charles Jacoby, the No. 2 U.S. commander in Iraq, last week.

Though the United States says it plans to keep the bulk of its 120,000 forces in Iraq through the country’s March 7 elections to counter violence, it plans to withdraw all but 50,000 of its roughly 120,000 troops from Iraq by Aug. 31, 2010.

Source:

http://www.copts.com/english/?p=3764

Russia and the Vatican Establish Diplomatic Relations

December 3, 2009

ROME — Russia and the Vatican have agreed to establish full diplomatic relations, ending long-standing tensions, the Kremlin announced Thursday after President Dmitry Medvedev met Pope Benedict XVI.

“President Medvedev told Pope Benedict XVI that he had signed a decree concerning the establishment of full diplomatic relations with the Vatican,” Russian presidential spokeswoman Natalia Timakova said.

“He asked the foreign ministry to lead discussions to establish the relations and raise the level of representation to apostolic nuncio and embassy,” she added.
Since 1990, the two sides have maintained representation below the rank of ambassador.

The Vatican confirmed in its own statement: “It was decided to establish full diplomatic relations.” It welcomed the “cordial ties” between the two.

Relations between the Vatican and the Russian Orthodox Church have been tense for centuries, and were again strained in recent years by Orthodox accusations of Catholic proselytising in post-Soviet Russia.

During their meeting, the Russian president presented the Pope with a box decorated with an image of Cathedral of Christ the Saviour in Moscow which was pulled down after the Russian Revolution but rebuilt at the end of Soviet rule.
He also offered him 22 new volumes of an Orthodox encyclopedia. Medvedev’s predecessor, Vladimir Putin, had presented the Pope with the first volumes at their meeting in 2007.

“I will not be able to read all that,” the pope quipped.
“We will help you,” replied the Russian president.

The head of the Roman Catholic Church in turn presented gifts including a lithograph of St Peter’s Cathedral, and a Russian translation of his encyclical called.

The meeting lasted half an hour “and showed the highest level of dialogue between Russia and the Holy See and the Russian Orthodox Church”, Timakova said.

Frosty ties between the two churches have thawed since the new leader of the Russian Orthodox Church, patriarch Kirill, assumed his position in February.

He was previously the Russian Orthodox Church’s official in foreign relations and met Pope Benedict XVI several times before he became patriarch.

“Moscow’s movements are closely linked to the level of relations between the Vatican and the Orthodox Church,” Vatican watcher Marco Tosatti told AFP.

“The Russian government cannot offend the patriach in Moscow, they cannot do anything that could displease him.”

Putin was received three times at the Vatican — by Pope Benedict XVI in March 2007 and Pope John Paul II in 2000 and 2003.

Soviet leader Mikhail Gorbachev met John Paul II 20 years ago on the eve of the fall of the Berlin Wall.

Source:

http://www.google.com/hostednews/afp/article/ALeqM5jwcbu6qCgS4GSGTsVgGJXBS8zoZA

Episcopal Consecration of Archimandrite Tikhon (Zhyliakov) Performed

Ukrainian Orthodox Church

On November 29, commemoration of the apostle and Evangelist Matthew the Divine Liturgy was celebrated at the Refectory Church of the Holy Dormition Kyiv-Pechersk Lavra presided over by the Primate of the Ukrainian Orthodox Church.

Concelebrating to him were: Metropolitan Ioannikiy of Luhansk and Alchevsk, Archbishop Mykolai of Bilogorod and Archbishop Anthony of Boryspil, Bishop Agapit of Severodonetsk and Starobilsk, Bishop Iriney of Nizhyn and Pryluky, Bishop Hilary of Makariv, Bishop Seraphim of Yahotyn, Bishop Alexander of Pereyaslav-Khmelnytskyy (Secretary for the Primate of the UOC), Bishop Panteleimon of Vasylkiv, Bishop Volodymyr of Rovenky.

Before the beginning of the Divine service the rite of confession of faith was performed, during which bishop-elect archimandrite Tikhon (Zhyliakov) read out three Creeds before the people and the clergy, thus testifying his promise to adhere strictly to the canons of the Holy Orthodox Church and the directives of its Primate and the Holy Synod, and to keep the ecclesial peace by all means.

At the Liturgy His Grace Tikhon performed his first priest ordination. He ordained to the holy priesthood the student of the 2nd year of the Kyiv Theological Academy deacon Valery Koval.

Following the service His Beatitude Metropolitan Volodymyr addressed the newly ordained bishop with a pastoral word and has solemnly handed the bishop's crosier to Bishop Tikhon. Finally the new bishop gave the flock his first archpastoral blessing.


REFERENCE. Bishop Tikhon (Zhyliakov) was born on July, 9, 1968 in Luhansk region in the family of the employees. In 1985 he graduated from Donbas State Technical University. In 1992 he bore obedience of the sexton at the St. Nicholas Church of Alchevsk. Next year he was tonsured a monk and further he was ordained a priest.
The future pastor received religious education at the Kyiv Theological Schools. From 2006 he served in the church of the Pochayiv Icon of the Mother of God in Rubezhne town, Luhansk region. At the beginning of 2009 he was elevated to the rank of archimandrite.

Source:

http://orthodox.org.ua/eng/node/1024

Working Meeting of Bishop Atanasije (Rakita) with Dragan Djilas, Mayor of Belgrade

Serbian Orthodox Church

On December 2, 2009 at the premises of the Assembly of the City of Belgrade there was a working meeting of Mayor of Belgrade Mr. Dragan Djilas and Chairman of the religious education of the Archbishopric of Belgrade-Karlovac, His Grace Bishop Atanasije (Rakita) of Hvosno accompanied by his personal secretary Mr. Zoran Jurisic. Besides Mayor on the meeting were Zoran Alimpic, Deputy President of the City of Belgrade, and Vladimir Todic, City Secretary for Education as well as presbyter Aleksandar Djakovac, coordinator for religious education with two two catechists.

In an open and cordial conversation Bishop Atanasije expressed an intention and a desire of the Committee for religious education that in the future even more engage in the prevention of occurrences of bullying behaviour in schools, and suppression of drugs and alcoholism. In this prevention catechists of Belgrade, relying on the teachings of the Gospel, can give significant contribution.

Mr. Djilas showed great understanding and provided support to these efforts of the Committee for religious education . He pointed to the great efforts that the city government makes in combating these negative phenomena. The mayor emphasized that although the school yards will be well lit, covered with surveillance cameras and school policemen, children after school go out on the street, where such measures are not possible. The two officials agreed that an internal transformation was necessary, creating a real system of values in children, so as to culture of nonviolence and healthy life be truly accepted, and catichets of Belgrade can provide a significant contribution to that.

Source:

http://www.spc.rs/eng/working_meeting_bishop_atanasije_rakita_dragan_djilas_mayor_belgrade

Commemoration of Patriarchs Pavle and Alexy II of Blessed Repose at Russian Church in Belgrade

His Grace vicar Bishop Atanasije of Hvosno with the blessing of His Eminence Metropolitan Dr. Amfilohije of Montenegro and the Littoral, Locum tenens of the Patriarch's throne, will serve the Divine Liturgy on Saturday December 5, 2009, at the Church of the Holy Trinity of the Podvorye of the Russian Patriarchate in Belgrade, beginning at 9.30 am. On this occasion Patriarchs Pavle of Serbia and Alexy II of Moscow and All Russia will be mentioned in prayers.

Source:

http://www.spc.rs/eng/commemoration_patriarchs_pavle_and_alexy_ii_blessed_repose_russian_church_belgrade

Archpastoral Message of His Beatitude, Metropolitan Jonah for the OCA FOS Appeal

Posted 11/30

November 2009

"For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand that we should walk in them" (Ephesians 2:10).

Dearly Beloved in the Lord,

As I conclude my first year of service as Primate of the Orthodox Church in America, I have come to know and appreciate the sincere dedication that I have witnessed in our clergy and faithful throughout North America.

Ministry initiatives are an important part of the work of the Church at-large. An essential factor in carrying out these initiatives is the support of the Fellowship of Orthodox Stewards (FOS). For almost three decades the FOS has existed for the sole purpose of helping the Church minister to our youth, to young adults and college students, to our missionaries, to church school teachers and students, to pastors and lay leaders.

Over the past few years, this work has been limited due to severe funding restrictions. Nevertheless, the dedicated clergy and laity involved in these ministries, especially the chairs of our ministry departments, have continued to work diligently, motivated by their love for Christ and His Church. We now find our Church at the beginning of a new chapter in its history. We emerge from our past struggles with a greater sense of purpose and a deeper desire to define our vision and follow our mission. It is now time once again to turn in earnest to the key work of the Church, the work that was commanded by our Lord Jesus Christ Himself.

I invite you to join me as a supporter of the Fellowship of Orthodox Stewards so that our Church's ministry efforts can continue and flourish. With your gift, you will be a coworker with our Lord Jesus Christ as you support our Church's missionaries, church planters, youth workers, educators and humanitarian aid workers.

Your donations are restricted funds used exclusively to support the work of OCA ministries. Perhaps you would consider making the suggested $100.00 annual commitment to the FOS. However, we are grateful for whatever gift you can give.

I thank you, in advance, for your generous support of FOS. During the Holy Season of Preparation for our Lord's Nativity, may a prayerful spirit of joy, thanksgiving and selfless love fill your hearts.

Sincerely yours in Jesus Christ our Lord,

+JONAH
Archbishop of Washington
Metropolitan of All America and Canada

Source:

www.oca.org

Coptic Priest

Is Fearlessly Spreading God’s Word

By Gary Lane

CBN News

Egyptian evangelist Father Zakaria Botros is one of the most controversial figures in the Middle East. He’s a born again Coptic priest who’s led thousands of Muslims to Christ via the Internet and television– and militant Muslims want him dead because of that.

Fr. Zakaria is perhaps the most hated man in the Middle East. He’s confronting Islam with an “in your face style” of TV and Internet evangelism.

“Muslims are fainting. They are brainwashed,” he said. “They believe that Islam is the most beautiful religion in the world.”

CBN News spoke with Amani Mustafa, co-host of Father Zakaria’s show Truth Talk. Click play for her comments on how the priest’s efforts are helping Muslims in the Arab world.

“You cannot preach to him gently about your beliefs because he rejects all of them,” FR. Zakaria explained about his style. “You have to awaken him. And my method is a short, sharp shock…which means an electric shock.”

It’s a jolt that’s leading Muslims to critically examine their own faith, he added. Then they start posing questions to Islamic religious leaders. When they go unanswered, they begin to question their faith.

That’s the story of one woman on a Middle East talk show. She asked her co-host Sheik Jamal why Islam treats women as possessions to be used by men for sexual gratification.

Fr. Zakaria said that part of her faith is hard to accept.

His weekly 90-minute television program, Truth Talk airs Friday during prime time throughout the Middle East.

It’s broadcast on the al-Hayat satellite channel and is watched by nearly 60 million Arabs.

Zakaria’s Internet discussion show Pal Talk is broadcast online for six hours every Tuesday and Thursday.

He recently celebrated his 75th birthday and says he’s faced many hardships and challenges during his life journey.

Perhaps the greatest affecting his spiritual walk was the tragic slaying of his older brother more than 60 years ago.

“He was not only a Christian, but he was a believer– a true believer,” Zakaria recalled.

FR. Zakaria said when his brother was in his twenties he started to share Christ with anyone who would listen– Coptics and Muslims alike. He was murdered by Egypt’s Muslim Brotherhood in 1947,

They were very powerful in those days and they killed him,” Zakaria said. “They cut his tongue and beheaded him. It was very hard.”

The priest was a teenager at the time and inherited his brother’s Bible. He said the notes written on the pages inside helped him to know Christ.

Zakaria thought good works would help him get into Heaven. It wasn’t until he studied the writings of Cyril– the fourth century bishop of Jerusalem– that he came to believe in redemption and salvation through grace.

He fell on his knees and prayed.

After that, Fr. Zakaria walked into another kind of service– a ministry to Muslims that led to imprisonment and eventual exile from Egypt in 1989.

He started Pal Talk while living in England and began his television broadcasts in 2003.

Today, he is in hiding. Al Qaeda terrorists have placed a $60 million bounty on his head and that has made him cautious, but unafraid.

“Because I believe that I am in the hands of God and He protects me and there is no fear,” FR. Zakaria said. “Jesus said don’t fear and there are about 366 promises in the Bible, don’t fear.

So, Islam’s public enemy number one presses on.

“People see the program on the TV, but I see the hand of God’s work among all of them in the heavenly TV,” he said. “I see by faith what God is doing among Muslims today.

“I’ll be so happy to have my life ended on earth because I will start my eternal life with Jesus Christ whom I love,” Fr. Zakaria added.

Source:

http://www.copts.com/english/?p=3734

Sacred Heart University to Host Lecture on Saint Paul by Archbishop Demetrios

The Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of America

Dec 2, 2009

NEW YORK - Archbishop Demetrios of America returns to Sacred Heart University in Fairfield, Conn., to present a lecture on "St. Paul, the Apostle of Joy," Wednesday, Dec. 9, at 2 p.m. The lecture will take place at Sacred Heart University's Chapel of the Holy Spirit and will be open to the public. SHU bestowed an honorary "Doctor of Humane Letters" degree to Archbishop Demetrios in 2005.

"St. Paul, the Apostle of Joy" is the culmination of a special yearlong observance of the bi-millennial anniversary of the birth of St. Paul marked by both the Catholic and Orthodox Churches. It is presented in celebration of Sacred Heart University's new Chapel of the Holy Spirit, which was dedicated Sept. 27, and to honor the 10th Enthronement Anniversary of the Archbishop.

The event is cosponsored by The Human Journey, the Cardinal Spidlik Center for Ecumenical Understanding, and Orthodox Clergy Fellowships and the congregations they represent. A reception will follow the lecture, hosted by Sacred Heart University and the Ladies Philoptochos organization of the Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Church of Bridgeport, Conn.

Sacred Heart University, the second-largest Catholic university in New England, offers more than 40 undergraduate, graduate and doctoral programs on its main campus in Fairfield, Connecticut, and satellites in Connecticut, Luxembourg and Ireland and has approximately 6,000 students in attendance.

Driving directions to the SHU campus are available at: http://www.sacredheart.edu/pages/2710_fairfield_ct_campus.cfm

Contact: Stavros Papagermanos
Tel.: (212) 570-3530
Email: pressoffice@goarch.org

Source:

http://www.goarch.org/news/shu-lecture-12-02-2009

Minister of Economy Louka Katseli Visits Archbishop Demetrios

Dec 3, 2009

NEW YORK - The Minister of Economy, Competitiveness and Shipping of Greece Louka Katseli visited today the headquarters of the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of America and met with His Eminence Archbishop Demetrios.

During the hour-long meeting, His Eminence discussed with the Minister, issues of concern to the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese and the Omogeneia as they relate to Greece.

Mrs. Katseli commited to help the renovation and rebuilding efforts of the Ionian Village, in Vartholomio, Ilias in Greece, which the Archdiocese operates as summer camping program for the last 30 years.

Source:

http://www.goarch.org/news/greekministerofeconomyvisitsarchbishopdemetrios-en

Greek Orthodox Church Disagrees with Crucifix Ban

December 4

Archbishop Ieronymos of Athens and all Greece, has openly expressed his disapproval of the European Union's court decision to keep crucifixes out of school classrooms in Italy. The court ruled thinking students could believe they were learning subjects in the context of a single faith. The Italian government is looking to appeal the decision soon.

The Archbishop, leader of the Greek Orthodox Church, feels that the European Union has ignored the role of Christianity in the history of European development. He noted that majorities also have rights, not just minorities.

Helsinki Monitor, describing themselves as activists for human rights, is attempting to pass into law something that would remove icons and other religious items from schools and courtrooms in Greece--even hoping to eliminate the traditional Christian oath given by those in the witness box.

For the Greek government and many Orthodox Christians living in Greece, this has been quite a trying time, one where the Church hopes its reasoning will prevail.

Source:

http://www.examiner.com/x-30912-Cleveland-Eastern-Orthodox-Examiner~y2009m12d4-Greek-Orthodox-Church-disagrees-with-crucifix-ban