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Memory Eternal! + Chafica Chamoun-Cohlmia

Mrs. Cohlmia with her sons Dr. Samir and George.Mrs. Cohlmia with her sons Dr. Samir and George.Memory Eternal! + Chafica Chamoun-Cohlmia, 82, mother of Dr. Samir Nouhad Cohlmia, Diocesan Protopsaltis for the Diocese of Wichita and Mid-America, reposed on the evening of Great and Holy Friday, April 14, 2017. She was preparing to attend the divine service. The Paschal Funeral will be served at St. George Cathedral in Wichita, KS on Bright Tuesday at 7:00 p.m., with interment followed by a meal of mercy on Bright Wednesday beginning at 11:00 a.m.

Condolences may be sent to Dr. Samir and his brother George at SamCohlmia@yahoo.com.

Spring 2017 Issue of DIAKONIA Available Online

The Spring 2017 issue of DIAKONIA is now available online. This issue highlights the Diocese of Wichita and Mid-America. The issue contains:

  • A greeting from His Grace Bishop Basil
  • A message from Spiritual Advisor Fr. Christopher Morris
  • A message from the Diocesan President Deana Bottei
  • Profiles of diocesan officers
  • Chapter reports, photos and happenings

...and more! Download (PDF) here.

Attention Church Musicians! Audition Recordings for Sacred Music Chamber Choir Due June 1

Paul Jabara, Department of Sacred Music Chairman, is searching for choristers with advanced vocal training and musical experience who will perform in a select Sacred Music Chamber Choir at the Sacred Music Institute on July 12–16, 2017 at Antiochian Village. The chamber choir will sing a variety of Orthodox hymns, both Byzantine and Choral, under the direction of Mr. Jabara.

The choir will be limited to eighteen members. Singers are asked to audition with a piece of their choice that demonstrates their technique and vocal range. The recording can be made on an iPhone or similar device, and emailed to Paul Jabara at sacredmusic@antiochian.org. The audition deadline is June 1, 2017.

The Sacred Music Chamber Choir was formed six years ago, allowing experienced choristers the opportunity to challenge themselves and perform Orthodox music of the highest calibre. Longterm plans for the Chamber Choir include the creation of a recording of Orthodox Christian hymns, and the performance of public concerts throughout the Archdiocese.

His Eminence, Metropolitan Joseph Convenes Second Gathering of Archdiocesan Department Leaders

His Eminence leads the meeting of department and organization heads.His Eminence leads the meeting of department and organization heads.

Following on the success of last year's first-ever exclusive gathering, His Eminence Metropolitan Joseph again convened the leaders of the Archdiocesan departments and organizations at the Antiochian Village Heritage and Learning Center in Bolivar, PA, April 5–6, 2017. Together, they examined their ministries and set immediate and long-term goals aimed at building up their ministries, in order to bring the clergy and faithful closer to our Lord, God, and Savior Jesus Christ, and His Orthodox Church.

Joining His Eminence were His Grace Bishop Thomas of Oakland, Charleston and the Mid-Atlantic; His Grace Bishop John of Worcester and New England; His Grace Bishop Anthony of Toledo and the Midwest; members of the Archdiocesan Board of Trustees; and more than twenty-five department chairpersons and leaders. Each leader reported on his or her current mission and vision for the next several years, accomplishments of the previous year, and any issues that were particular to the specific department in question. Each department head also fielded questions, addressed the audience's concerns, and welcomed new ideas to enhance the work.

Separate one-on-one meetings in which financial projections for the next three years were reviewed were also held between each department head and the Archdiocese finance team, headed by Mr. Salim Abboud, CFO.

The hierarchs, clergy, and lay leaders started each day in Ss. Peter and Paul Chapel with Lenten Daily Orthros, and they partook of Holy Communion on Wednesday night at the Presanctified Divine Liturgy. His Eminence expressed his gratitude to all of the attendees for sacrificing their time to attend this gathering, and he thanked them for all of the good work they do throughout the year.

Lent, 2017: Bishop Anthony's Talks at St. George Orthodox Christian Church

Recently, His Grace Bishop Anthony gave two talks at St. George Orthodox Christian Church in Fishers, Indiana, pastored by Fr. Nabil Hanna. The two talks are titled, "The Second Coming of Christ," and "We are made in the image of Christ."

Fidelity in the Life of Christ: A Lenten Reflection by Bishop Thomas

by Bishop Thomas (Joseph) and Peter Schweitzer
April 5, 2017

In my last article, I wrote about the notion of the Orthodox Church as the Ark of Salvation whose mission concerns the salvation of its members. In so doing, I dismissed the notion that the Church functions as a corporation concerned with the smooth administration of an institution. The corporate mentality has no place in the One, Holy, Catholic, and Apostolic Church of Christ. This affirmation leads to the next issue--what does it mean to be a member of the Church?

At first glance, one could reasonably assume that membership requires a fidelity to the Church’s teachings and, on the local level, participation in the life of the parish. Of course, this is true and a necessary first step but it doesn’t capture entirely what membership in the Orthodox Church implies. Just as a child who is initiated into the Church through the mysteries of baptism, chrismation, and Holy Eucharist must continue to be nourished throughout life by the regular and consistent participation in the Mysteries and the services of the Church, adult members can’t claim fidelity to Christ and His Church without the same.

Metropolitan Joseph Presides at Fifth Annual Syrian Relief Dinner and Prayer Service

Read the article in the Post-Gazette.

On Sunday, April 2, 2017, His Eminence Metropolitan Joseph presided at the fifth annual Syrian Relief Dinner and Prayer Service, held this year at St. Nicholas Greek Orthodox Cathedral in Pittsburgh, PA. His Grace Bishop Thomas was in attendance, along with other Antiochian clergy and hierarchs and clergy from other jurisdictions. The International Orthodox Christian Charities (IOCC) Pittsburgh Metropolitan Committee organized the service and dinner. 

The money will be distributed to programs that aid displaced Syrians internally, as well as to relief efforts that assist refugees in Lebanon, Greece and Jordan, said IOCC spokeswoman Kristen Fianni.

Orthodox Christian Fellowship (OCF) Officially Begins National Search for Executive Director

BROOKLINE, MA — Orthodox Christian Fellowship (OCF) is officially accepting resumes from interested candidates for the position of Executive Director.

OCF is an agency of the Assembly of Canonical Orthodox Bishops of the United States and is the official campus ministry for the twelve Orthodox Christian jurisdictions that the Assembly represents. Its mission is to transform the lives of college students in the U.S. and Canada by guiding them along the path to Jesus Christ through His Church, cultivating a campus community of worship, witness, service, fellowship, and education.

Save the Date! 2017 Sacred Music Institute and Youth Music Ministry are July 12-16




 

 

 

SAVE THE DATE!

  • Summer Sacred Music Institute  (SMI) and Youth Music Ministry, ages 14-18 (YMM)
  • July 12-16, 2017
  • Antiochian Village

For more information, please contact Paul Jabara for the SMI, at sacredmusic@antiochian.org; or Chris Farha for the YMM, at chrisfarha@cox.netLook for preliminary schedules and registration forms after Pascha.

Read about the 2016 SMI and YMM at Antiochian Village

Indiana Deanery Parishes Welcome Bishop Anthony for Pastoral Visits

His Grace Bishop Anthony has been visiting in the parishes of the Indiana Deanery during the 2017 Lenten season. Stops along the way have included St. Mary of Egypt Church in Greenwood, IN; St. Ananias Church in Evansville, IN; and St. Nicholas Church in Urbana, IL.Bishop Anthony with the community of St. Mary of Egypt in Greenwood, INBishop Anthony with the community of St. Mary of Egypt in Greenwood, IN

 

IOCC and Patriarchate of Antioch Minister to Syrian Children at Risk

Photo: iocc.orgPhoto: iocc.org(Baltimore, Md.) – After six years of conflict, International Orthodox Christian Charities (IOCC) is urging continued support for programs to meet the needs of Syrian children and adolescents who face food insecurity, lack access to education, and bear deep psychological scars. Children displaced by the conflict in Syria as well as those who are now refugees outside of the country require support to address all aspects of their health and wellbeing.

The situation of more than 5.6 million children inside Syria, where IOCC has maintained an active presence since 2012 in partnership with the Greek Orthodox Patriarchate of Antioch's Department of Ecumenical Relations and Development (GOPA-DERD), remains the most desperate.

Bishop Nicholas Visits Ss. Peter & Paul, Presides at Sunday of Orthodoxy Vespers

The parish of Saints Peter & Paul in Potomac, MD celebrated the first weekend of Lent with a pastoral visit by the Diocesan Bishop, His Grace Bishop Nicholas of Brooklyn, who also presided over the Pan-Orthodox Vespers for the Sunday of Orthodoxy of the greater Washington, D.C. area. His Grace was accompanied by Deacon Andrew Honoré, who is a seminarian at St. Vladimir’s Seminary.

Sayyidna began his visit by presiding over the Akathist, or Madayeh, service. Sayyidna’s remarks following the service reminded the faithful of the significance of the Sundays that led to the beginning of Lent, and of the purpose of Lent. The service was followed by a potluck dinner during which the faithful greeted His Grace.

On Saturday morning, His Grace met with the Church School children. He engaged the children in a fun and thoughtful discussion about the purpose of coming to church, as well as the Bible’s teaching on the life of Christ. A Lenten lunch was served for His Grace, the Sunday School children, the Parish’s teen SOYO members, and several visiting teen SOYO members from St. George’s Church in Washington, D.C. and St. Mary’s Church in Hunt Valley, MD.

Metropolitan Joseph, Bishop Thomas to Attend IOCC Syrian Relief Dinner and Prayer Service

On Sunday, April 2, 2017, the International Orthodox Christian Charities (IOCC) Pittsburgh Metropolitan Committee will hold a prayer service and fund raising dinner that will benefit our suffering Syrian brothers and sisters. His Eminence Metropolitan Joseph and His Grace Bishop Thomas will be in attendance, along with other Antiochian clergy, as well as hierarchs and clergy from other jurisdictions. The Syrian Relief gathering will be held at St. Nicholas Greek Orthodox Cathedral in Pittsburgh, PA. All Orthodox Christians are cordially invited to attend in support of IOCC's aid efforts in Syria. The recent conflict has been devastating, resulting in the displacement of a substantial percentage of the population which is now hungry, homeless, and lacking essential items. 

During the past four years, four similar Syrian Relief gatherings have been held; approximately 600 people attended last year. These gatherings have been efficient and productive, because the community prepared and donated much of the food and supplies for the events. Over the past four years, $210,000 has been raised, and a net amount of $201,000 has been sent to IOCC. 

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Ancient Faith Publishing Releases New Edition of Bestselling Book, Orthodoxy and Heterodoxy

Ancient Faith Publishing is re-releasing Orthodoxy and Heterodoxy: Finding the Way to Christ in a Complicated Religious Landscape in a new, fully revised and significantly expanded edition. Authored by The Very Rev. Archpriest Andrew Stephen Damick, pastor of St. Paul Antiochian Orthodox Church, the bestselling book now includes several new features: a full chapter on Pentecostalism and the Charismatic movements, and two new appendices, "Relations with the Non-Orthodox" and "How and Why I Became an Orthodox Christian." More detail and more religions and movements have been included, and the book is now addressed broadly to both Orthodox and non-Orthodox, making it even more sharable than before. 
 

Preorder the book

From the Department of Youth: Bible Bowl and Oratorical Website Launched

Attention, youth leaders, parents, and Sunday School teachers: a new Bible Bowl and Oratorical website is up and running, at orthodoxyouth.org!

The following resources are available now:
+Team Registration for Bible Bowl Teams
+Registration for Oratorical Contestants
+Bible Bowl Practice Questions
+Rules and Manuals for both the Bible Bowl and Oratorical Festivals

St. George Church in Cleveland Hosts 2017 Spring Gathering

The Diocese of Toledo is pleased to announce our Spring Gathering, which will be hosted this year by St. George Church in Cleveland, Ohio, March 17–19, 2017. Bishop Anthony will be our keynote speaker.

Please see the attached flier, registration form, parental consent form, and schedule.

Memory Eternal! + John Roman

John Roman (3rd from left) at the 2015 Archdiocesan ConventionJohn Roman (3rd from left) at the 2015 Archdiocesan ConventionMemory Eternal! John Roman, son of the late Daniel and Olympia Roman of Tucson, AZ, reposed yesterday, February 15, 2017, after a valiant battle with cancer. John, a member of Holy Resurrection parish in Tucson AZ, was a past president of NAC Senior SOYO during the year 1978-1979. 

Memory Eternal! +Kevin Speier

Memory Eternal! Kevin Speier, youngest child of Fr. Nicholas and Kh. Jan Speier of St. Athanasius Orthodox Church in Santa Barbara, CA, reposed this morning, February 15, 2015, after a valiant battle with cancer. In addition to his parents, brothers and sister and their families, Kevin is survived by his wife Angel and their two young children. Condolences may be sent to the family at frnicholas@stathanasius.org.

Winter 2017 Issue of DIAKONIA Available Online

The Winter 2017 issue of DIAKONIA is now available online. This issue highlights the Diocese of Toledo and the Midwest. The issue contains:

  • Using our Prayer Books by His Grace Bishop Anthony
  • Information about the 2017 NAB Common Act of Mercy
  • A message from the Diocesan President Cynthia Beckes O'Connor
  • Profiles of diocesan officers
  • Chapter reports, photos and happenings

...and more! Download (PDF) here.

Milestones and Memories: Fr. George Shalhoub Reflects on a Lifetime of Service

In 2017, Fr. George Shalhoub, pastor of The Basilica of St. Mary in Livonia, Michigan, will be celebrating his 45th anniversary of the ordination to the holy priesthood, as well as his 45th wedding anniversary. Throughout these years, he and Khouria Nouhad have served this community, tirelessly and faithfully. His parish recently released this interview with Fr. George.


Q: What are your thoughts as you celebrate your 45th anniversary in our community?

A: We thank God for His guidance that made us grow older, wiser and more patient. Forty five years is almost half a century. Did we know where we were going to be 45 years ago? No, and even though we started out homeless with no church, no family and no community, we never felt hopeless.

Antiochian Village Bookstore Offers St. Raphael's Theological Thesis in English

The theological thesis of St. Raphael of Brooklyn is available for the first time in English. Translated from the Greek by Fr. Patrick Viscuso, The True Significance of Sacred Tradition and Its Great Worth was written by the beloved saint when he was a student at the Theological School of the Ecumenical Patriarchate at Halki. In the thesis, St. Raphael presents an Orthodox response to Roman Catholic and Protestant proselytization efforts aimed at converting Orthodox Christians.

As Fr. Patrick explains in his introduction, complex historical and theological forces were at work in St. Raphael's world. Beginning in the sixteenth century, the Roman Catholic Church—supported by Western powers—began to proselytize the Orthodox Christians of the Ottoman Empire. By the late nineteenth century, Protestant missionaries from the United States also joined in this effort. Saint Raphael's thesis and his refutation of Catholic and Protestant positions present an interesting and active dialogue with Western Christianity.

Now Available! 2017 Christian Education Materials and Order Form, and 2017 Liturgical Books Order Form

The 2017 Christian Education Materials and Order Form (PDF) is now available! Download and use this new form to order materials for your parish programs. Shipping options are available. Call for more information.
 
Also, the 2017 Liturgical Books Order Form is now available! The Antiochian Village Bookstore now carries all of the titles formerly stocked at the Archdiocese. Here is the 2016 Order Form, including special Services and English/Arabic Service books.  Fax or email the form to the AV Bookstore, or call with your order! Note that Shipping options are now available. Credit cards are also accepted!
 
Visit the Antiochian Village Bookstore and Gift Shop for gift ideas for Church School and home.
Phone: 724-238-3677 x406
Fax: 724-238-2102
bookstore2@antiochianvillage.org

Metropolitan Joseph Hosts Luncheon for Local Law Enforcement Officials

On Tuesday, January 31, 2017, His Eminence Metropolitan Joseph welcomed law enforcement officials from the New York City and New Jersey area for a luncheon, to thank them for their help and support throughout the years. The officials who attended were especially helpful during the recent visits of our Patriarch and during the funeral of His Eminence Metropolitan Philip of thrice-blessed memory.

After lunch, His Eminence presented each of them with an icon of the Archangel Michael, the patron saint of law enforcement. In thanking them for their efforts and praying for their safety, Metropolitan Joseph also relayed to them that he hoped to make this luncheon an annual event. Those in attendance included the following: Charbel Atie, Chief of Police for Prospect Park, NJ, Sheriff Michael Saudino of Bergen County, Deputy Inspector Amin Kosseim of the NYPD, Commander Nart Hapatsha, Intelligence Division, Wayne, NJ, Mr. Joseph Hakim, and Mr. Johnny Abuissa. Present from the archdiocese were Metropolitan Joseph, His Grace Bishop Nicholas, and Archpriest Thomas Zain, Vicar General.

Department of Missions and Evangelism Launches New Podcast on AFR

The Department of Missions and Evangelism of the Antiochian Archdiocese has launched a new podcast on Ancient Faith Radio, titled "The 153: In the Boat and on the Shore with the Antiochian Department of Missions and Evangelism." In the podcast, Fathers John Finley and Joseph Huneycutt, the chairman and vice-chairman of the Department, offer audio glimpses of Antiochian parish life and the American mission field. "We want to shed some light on the often unseen world of American Orthodox evangelism," notes Fr. Joseph.

Listen to the podcast on Ancient Faith Radio.

Memory Eternal! + Matushka Juliana Schmemann

Memory eternal! + Matushka Juliana Schmemann, 93, wife of the late Protopresbyter Alexander Schmemann, reposed in the Lord at the Hebrew Home at Riverdale, New York, on Sunday evening, January 29, 2017. Alongside her husband Fr. Alexander—eminent theologian, author, and Dean of St. Vladimir’s Orthodox Theological Seminary—Matushka Juliana played a key role in the founding of the Orthodox Church in America (OCA). She and Fr. Alexander, who fell asleep in the Lord in 1983, ministered to numerous Antiochian seminarians throughout the years they were associated with St. Vladimir's.

Matushka enjoyed a distinguished career as a teacher and headmistress. In later years she traveled widely to speak to women's groups and authored two books:  My Journey With Father Alexander and The Joy to Serve.