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Diocese of Worcester News

2019 Diocese Lenten Retreat & Youth Day

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Register ONLINE

All are invited to attend the annual Diocese Lenten Retreat & Youth Day on Saturday, March 30, 2019, sponsored by the Antiochian Women of the Diocese of Worcester & New England. We are very excited to welcome back His Grace Bishop Anthony from the Diocese of Toledo & the Midwest as the Keynote Speaker for 2019 who will be speaking on the topic "Seeing the Target, but Missing the Mark: Sin, Sanity, & Sanctity."

The schedule is as follows:

9:00 am - Divine Liturgy
10:15 am - Registration & Continental Breakfast
10:45 am - Session 1 with Bishop Anthony
12:15 pm - Lunch
1:15 pm - Session 2 and Q&A with Bishop Anthony
Concludes with Great Vespers
Adults are $20, teens and children are free.

Activities will be offered for children ages 2.9-12 during the times that Bishop Anthony is speaking to the adults and teens.

Please register in advance either using the attached form no later than March 15, 2019, or register online no later than March 23, 2019.

Diocese of Worcester Offers "Orthodox Christian Witness Program: Spiritual Pilgrimage"

Fall 2018-Spring 2020

Antiochian Orthodox Christian Diocese of Worcester & New England

The Orthodox Christian Witness Program: Spiritual Program, is a new program sponsored by the Diocese of Worcester & New England offered to clergy, laity, chaplains, counselors, therapists, physicians, parents, and Christian educators. The program will have 8 units over 4 semesters led by His Grace Bishop JOHN, D. Min.; Archpriest Antony Hughes, M.Div.; Ioana Papa, MD; Richard Robbat, PhD; Sebastien Falardeau, Ph.D candidate.

The purpose of the program and journey is an opportunity for anyone interested to learn, to reflect, and to be transformed through the Orthodox Christian Faith in preparation for various ministries.

St. Mary Church in Pawtucket to host YES Trip Providence, May 10-12

Friday - Sunday, May 10–12, 2019

Open to age 13 through College Students
St. Mary Antiochian Orthodox Church: 249 High St., Pawtucket, RI 02865.

We will meet at 5pm and stay Friday and Saturday nights at the church. The weekend will wrap up following Liturgy on the 10th. A registration gift of $175 per person will cover all trip expenses. Teens can register online.

Registration is limited to the first 30 people who sign up.

Packing List:
DO Bring
Sleeping bag and pillow
Personal toiletries (towel, soap, toothbrush, etc.)
Work clothes (don't mind getting dirty)
Long pants (some sites require/ bring 2 pair)
Shorts
Shirts
Closed toe shoes
[Recommended dress: jeans, t-shirt, tennis shoes]
Church clothes for those attending church

DO NOT Bring
Electronics
Valuable jewelry
Cash
Tight fitting clothes

 

Diocese Teen SOYO Service Day is February 2

Diocese of Worcester & New England TEEN SOYO SERVICE DAY
Lend a hand and bring a smile to our community!

Our tentative schedule for Saturday, February 2 will be as follows:

12:30 PM - Check in & Registration (Hall)
12:45 PM - Intro & Blanket Making (Hall)
2:00 PM - Lunch (We will probably pick up pizza's)
2:45 PM - Depart for 2nd Service Activity (Acts of Kindness)
4:15 PM - Return to St. George for Debrief
5:00 PM - Vespers
6:00 PM - Pick up

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Many Years to His Grace Bishop John!

September 26th is the celebration of the Holy Apostle and Evangelist St. John the Theologian and the name day of His Grace Bishop John. May God grant him many years!

Apolytikion of St. John, Tone 2

O Apostle John, speaker of divinity, the beloved of Christ God, hasten and deliver thy people powerless in argument; for He on Whose bosom thou didst lean accepteth thee as an intercessor. Beseech Him, therefore, to disperse the cloud of the stubborn nations, asking for us safety and the Great Mercy.

Second Annual Diocese Family Camp and SOYO Fall Camp

With the blessing of His Grace Bishop JOHN, the Diocese of Worcester & New England is pleased to announce our 2nd annual Diocese Family Camp and Diocese SOYO Fall Camp to be held the weekend of October 5–7, 2018 at the St. Methodios Faith & Heritage Center in Contoocook, New Hampshire.

Family Camp is an opportunity for your family to get away from everyday life and take a weekend as a family to grow closer to Christ. At Family Camp, eating a meal together as a family is the norm, not the exception. Not your typical vacation, Family Camp offers a mini-vacation without maps, lines for popcorn, or decisions over where to eat. Our flexible schedule gives you the choice of "doing it all" from canoeing to volleyball, or just taking it easy and savoring a good view from the waterfront.

Memory Eternal! + Jamila H. Nawfel

Jamila H. Nawfel, 92 of Waterville, ME passed away unexpectedly at her residence on Dec. 29, 2017.  She was born in Natick, Mass. on Feb. 20, 1925, daughter of John A. and Rose J. (Homsy) Haddad.

As a young woman, Jamila was very involved in her church, Saint John of Damascus in Boston, MA, where she was a member of the Syrian Orthodox Youth Organization (SOYO). She played the lead in many Arabic musicals in her church, and continued to recite some of her verses until the present day.

One of the most important aspects of her life was maintaining her Arabic heritage with her family. She demonstrated this through cooking many traditional dishes, as well as baking many Arabic sweets up until the present.

Announcing the 2018 Western Rite Vicariate Conference

The biennial conference of the Western Rite Vicariate will be held Tuesday, August 7 through Friday, August 10, 2018, at St. Peter Orthodox Church in Fort Worth, Texas.

Metropolitan JOSEPH will preside at all liturgical services and will be the keynote speaker.

Under the theme “Celebrating our Western Orthodox Culture,” the conference will celebrate the 60th Anniversary of the establishment of the Western Rite Vicariate by Patriarch ALEXANDER III and Metropolitan ANTONY. Particular attention will be drawn to the constituting Edict from Metropolitan ANTONY (of thrice-blessed memory) at the Archdiocese Convention in 1958.

Metropolitan Joseph will be joined by Bishop JOHN, the Auxiliary Bishop for the Western Rite, and the Very Reverend Edward Hughes, Vicar General for the Western Rite.

Diocese of New York and Washington, D.C. Holds Clergy Synaxis

The annual diocesan clergy meeting for the Diocese of New York and Washington, D.C. was held at the headquarters of the Antiochian Archdiocese in Englewood, New Jersey on January 16, 2018. His Eminence Metropolitan JOSEPH presided over the meeting, which was also attended by His Grace Bishop JOHN, and many clergy from the Diocese, both priests and deacons. Archimandrite Fadi Rabbat from Mexico City was also in attendance.

In the meeting, the attendees decided on a patron saint, forming The Brotherhood of Saint John of Damascus. The Very Reverend Thomas Zain, Archdiocese Vicar General and Dean of St. Nicholas Cathedral in Brooklyn, New York, was appointed as the dean of The Brotherhood.

The meeting commenced with prayer and the reading of the Epistle and Gospel. Metropolitan JOSEPH and the clergy then discussed various topics including liturgical practices, the education of priests, and dealing with both parish and external organizations, including government entities. The underlying themes of pastoral care and the dignity of the priesthood informed the entire discussion.

The meeting adjourned around 1:00 p.m., and was followed by a lunch hosted by His Eminence.

Ordo 2018, Western Rite Liturgical Guide, Available for Purchase

Ordo 2018 (the liturgical guide for Western Rite parishes) is now available for purchase through Lulu. There is a 40% discount on all Lulu products (except eBooks) which expires at 11:59 p.m. EST on November 30, 2017.

The Ordo contains the rubrics for praying the Benedictine office, the Mass (Divine Liturgy), and the daily lectionary for the English Office according to the use and calendar of the Antiochian Western Rite Vicariate.

Use this code when ordering to get the discount: CYBER40.

Order now

Memory Eternal! + Olivia A. Waishek

Olivia A. Waishek, 72, of West Roxbury, formerly of Hudson St. in Boston's South Cove, passed away on Sunday, November 19, 2017. Her commitment to her community was second only to her love of family and friends.

A devoted, life-long parishioner of the Church of St. John of Damascus as a member and past President of the Church Committee, Olivia played a significant role in working to provide the nine beautiful crystal chandeliers that hang in the church today. Olivia was also a member of the Order of St. Ignatius.

Olivia was an incredible asset to the City of Boston and her neighborhood of West Roxbury. She spent many years serving the community as part of various organizations. Extremely proud of her Syrian roots, Olivia worked tirelessly for AABA and was instrumental in the construction and development of Cherition Heights in West Roxbury.

Worcester Diocesan Family Camp is October 13-15 in Contoocook, NH

The Diocese of Worcester and New England Family Camp is an opportunity for your family to get away from everyday life and take a weekend as a family to grow closer to Christ, in the beautiful setting of the St. Methodios Faith & Heritage Center in Contoocook, NH on the shore of Clement Pond. At Family Camp, eating a meal together as a family is the norm, not the exception.

Not your typical vacation, Family Camp offers a mini-vacation without maps, lines for popcorn, or decisions over where to eat. Our flexible schedule gives you the choice of "doing it all" from canoeing to volleyball, or just taking it easy and savoring a good view from the waterfront.

Summer 2017 Issue of DIAKONIA Available Online

The Summer 2017 issue of DIAKONIA is now available online. This issue highlights the Diocese of Worcester and New England. The issue contains:

  • Greetings from His Eminence Metropolitan Joseph and His Grace Bishop John
  • A message from Spiritual Advisor Fr. Ed Hughes
  • A message from the Diocesan President Cindy Hayes
  • Profiles of Worcester officers
  • Chapter reports, photos and happenings

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

Bishop John and Nicholas Mamey to Launch Book on Marriage at Miami Convention

[SVOTS Communications / Yonkers, NY] Orthodox Christian couples are often seeking sage advice on how to strengthen their marital bond, and St. Vladimir's Seminary Press (SVS Press) has just released a book to help them do so: Building an Orthodox Marriage: A Practical Commentary on the Eastern Orthodox Marriage Rite. Written by a long-time married but now widowed bishop and a newly married layman, the book prepares couples to understand marriage as "a great mystery" akin to the relationship between Christ and His Bride, the Church (Eph 5.32), while coaching them in practical ways to strengthen their union.

His Grace the Right Reverend John Abdalah, bishop of the Diocese of Worcester and New England of the Antiochian Orthodox Christian Archdiocese of North America (AOCANA), and Nicholas G. Mamey, a newly married seminary graduate, are coauthors of the volume. In their work, they first establish a grounding for marriage, using Scripture and texts from the Orthodox Christian wedding ceremony, and then go on to offer practical guidance to couples.

What I Wish I Had Known 39 Years Ago

(photo: Adrienne Soper)(photo: Adrienne Soper)His Grace Bishop John offered this address at the 2017 Commencement of St. Vladimir's Orthodox Theological Seminary in Yonkers, NY. Bishop John is an alumnus of St. Vladimir's.

Thirty-nine years ago I left this campus with gifts similar to yours. Like you, I have been blessed to have studied under some of the
greatest Orthodox theologians of the time. Like you, I enjoyed or endured a community that was sometimes supportive and at other times challenging. I forged friendships with peers that would sustain me for a lifetime. Like you, I experienced some of both Crestwood's and New York's air, accents and crowds. And like you, my time at St. Vladimir's came with the responsibility to live among God's people and fulfill my royal priesthood with the added responsibilities that come with the knowledge and understanding gained here.

Metropolitan Joseph Presides Over Joyous Festal Weekend at St. George of Boston

Boston, MA – Saint George Antiochian Orthodox Church of Boston was honored to host our beloved Metropolitan Joseph, as well as Bishop John of Worcester and New England, for a weekend of joyous celebrations from April 28–30, 2017. The patronal feast of the parish wonderfully coincided with the honoring of Mr. Robert Laham for his fifty years of service to the Archdiocese, and with the Nameday of His Eminence. (View the photo gallery)

The weekend began with a special program prepared by the young people of the parish, who enthusiastically greeted Metropolitan Joseph with hugs and shouts of “Christ is risen!” as he entered the parish hall. His Eminence greatly enjoyed the performance of a skit highlighting the life and martyrdom of St. George. The performance was followed by a “pop quiz” where the young people asked questions of the hierarchs and clergy to ensure they were paying close attention!

Metropolitan Joseph Celebrates Sunday of Orthodoxy at St. Nicholas Cathedral, Brooklyn, NY

On March 5, 2017, His Eminence Metropolitan Joseph celebrated the Divine Liturgy and then in the evening, pan-Orthodox Vespers for the Sunday of Orthodoxy at St. Nicholas Cathedral in Brooklyn, NY. His Eminence arrived at the Cathedral for Orthros and was greeted by the Cathedral Dean, Archpriest Thomas Zain. Visiting hierarchs included: His Eminence Archbishop Michael of New York and New Jersey of the Orthodox Church in America (OCA), and His Grace Bishop John of the Antiochian Archdiocese's Diocese of Worcester and New England. (View the photos by Subdeacons Daniel Cripe and Andre Christoforides.)

Antiochian Clergy and Faithful Participate in 2017 March for Life in Washington, D.C.

Antiochian seminarians join Bishop John at the 2017 March for Life (photo: The V. Rev. Dr. Chad Hatfield)Antiochian seminarians join Bishop John at the 2017 March for Life (photo: The V. Rev. Dr. Chad Hatfield)His Grace Bishop John, Diocese of Worcester and New England, reports:

The Orthodox Church was well represented at the 44th annual March for Life in the nation's capital on Friday, January 27, 2017. The theme of this year's March was "The Power of One." Included in the March were Orthodox Christian hierarchs and a large number of clergy, seminarians, and faithful at the annual gathering, during which they witnessed to God's gift of life and the need to speak out on behalf of the unborn.

On Thursday evening, January 26, His Grace, Bishop John of Worcester for the Antiochian Orthodox Christian Archdiocese of North America assisted by Fr. Nicholas Alford, OCA Metropolitan Tikhon, His Eminence, Archbishop Melchisedek; His Eminence, Archbishop Nathaniel; His Grace, Bishop Dimitrios of the Greek Orthodox Metropolis of Chicago; and Bishop Maxim of the Serbian Church, attended the Vigil celebrated at the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception, which was filled to capacity. Representatives of the Oriental Orthodox Church also were present.

Memory Eternal! + Joseph F. Ferguson

Memory Eternal! Joseph F. Ferguson, the father of the Very Rev. Timothy J. Ferguson (Protosyngellos of the Archdiocese and Pastor of St. George Church in Boston, MA), reposed in the Lord on December 10, 2016. Joseph was a beloved husband for 71 years of Agnes M. (Shaffer) Ferguson; devoted father of Rev. Timothy (Louise) Ferguson, Joseph Ferguson, Jr. (the late Noot), Daniel (Christine) Ferguson and Nancy (Michael) Kelly; brother of Maureen Scanlon, James (Loretta) Ferguson, the late John, Edward, Harry, and Patrick Ferguson; loving grandfather of Christina, Brendan, Shane, Jillian, Devin, Douglas, Meghan, Kevin, and Erik; great grandfather of Luke.

Joe was born in County Derry, Northern Ireland, immigrated to Pittsburgh in 1925 and was raised on the North Side. He worked in the Civilian Conservation Corps. prior to enlisting in the U.S. Army in 1941, serving in North Africa, France and Germany. He retired from the U.S. Army Reserves as a Master Sergeant. Joe was a Past Commander of American Legion Post # 0156 - Mt. Lebanon, PA; he was a member of the Knights of Columbus; and was retired from Mellon Bank as a Real Estate Trust Officer. Joe was very involved at Saint Bernard Church serving in many capacities.

Friends will be welcomed at Laughlin Memorial Chapel, 222 Washington Road, Mt. Lebanon, PA, on Thursday, December 14 from 2:00 until 8:00 p.m. Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated in Saint Bernard Church, Friday morning, December 15, at 11:30 a.m. Interment is at Queen of Heaven Cemetery.

2017 Diocese of Worcester Parish Life Conference

The 2017 Diocese of Worcester Parish Life Conference will be hosted by St. George Cathedral, Worcester, MA. The dates are June 17, 2017 and June 23–25, 2017.

Please check back for more information.

Bishop John's Invitation to the 2016 Diocese Parish Life Conference

5/11/2016

Dear to Christ Presbyters and Deacons of the Diocese, Archdiocesan Leaders, Parish Council Members, Members of the Order of St. Ignatius, Parish and Diocese Organization Leaders and Church Leaders within the Diocese of Worcester and New England,

Christ is Risen! I greet you with a holy kiss this glorious Paschal Season.

The Parish Life Conference this year will be held on June 11 and 25. Father Edward and the parishioners of Lawrence have been very attentive to the needs and requests of the Diocesan Conference goers and have planned a very affordable and productive conference. They deserve our cooperation and support.

Youth Update: CrossRoad 2016 Applications Available Now

The Very Rev. Dr. Joseph F. Purpura, chairman of the Department of Youth and Parish Ministry for the Archdiocese, alerts all high school juniors & seniors who may be interested in applying to a 10-day summer program at Hellenic College Holy Cross, that CrossRoad 2016 Applications are available now! CrossRoad is a ten-day academic summer institute that prepares high school juniors and seniors to make big life decisions and connect with the Orthodox Christian theological and spiritual tradition. Hosted on the scenic Hellenic College Holy Cross campus, overlooking the beautiful Boston skyline, participants experience daily worship, visit local parishes, tour Boston, and spend a day at the beach.

Priority application deadline is February 1, 2016. Visit the website to learn more: http://www.crossroadinstitute.org/.

Fall 2015 Issue of DIAKONIA Available Online

The Fall 2015 issue of DIAKONIA is now available online. This issue highlights the newly-elected North American Board Officers and Coordinators! The issue contains:

  • A message from His Eminence Metropolitan Joseph
  • A profile of Antiochian Women spiritual advisor, His Grace Bishop John
  • Biographies of the officers of the 2015-2017 Antiochian Orthodox Christian Women of North America North American Board

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

St. Vladimir's Seminary to Celebrate Orthodox Ed Day October 3

[SVOTS Communications/Yonkers, NY] The community of Saint Vladimir's Seminary has been busy making final preparations for Orthodox Education Day, "East Meets East," slated to be celebrated on the school's campus on Saturday, October 3, 2015. The seminary's annual open house and fall festival will celebrate the relationship between the Oriental and Eastern Orthodox churches and explore the history of their dialogue.

The day will begin and end with Orthodox church services, and a marketplace filled with international cuisine and Orthodox books and gifts will be open all day. Renowned author and scholar Archpriest Dr. John Anthony McGuckin will give the keynote address, "Our Common Father: Saint Cyril;" workshop leaders will address a wide variety of topics, such as Coptic iconography; seminarians will perform a concert of sacred Orthodox music; and a book discussion group will talk about Tito Colliander's Way of the Ascetics.

The full day's schedule is as follows.

Annual Conference for The Orthodox Christian Association of Medicine, Psychology, and Religion is Nov. 5-7

The Orthodox Christian Association of Medicine, Psychology, and Religion is honored that Fr. Stavros Kofinas, D.Min., will give the Keynote Address on Thursday evening, November 5, at its Annual Conference on November 5–7, 2015, followed by a wine and cheese reception.

Father Stavros is the Coordinator of the Network of the Ecumenical Patriarchate for Pastoral Health Care, and also serves as the celebrant at the Holy Monastery of St. Meletios of Kitherona in Greece.

The theme of the Conference is "Caregivers as Confessors and Healers" and will be held at Holy Cross Greek Orthodox School of Theology in Brookline, MA, through November 7. The title of Fr. Stavros' talk is "Holy Confession and the Freedom to Be." He will also give a presentation describing the Patriarchal Program on Health Care during a special dinner on Friday, November 6.