5/3/2010

PanARMENIAN.Net/ Serbian filmmaker Emir Kusturica plans to make a movie about Armenia and participate in Golden Apricot film festival.

“I was invited to participate in Golden Apricot film festival this year, but didn’t make it. In near future I will catch up on it,” Serbian filmmaker told a news conference in Yerevan.

Emir Kusturica is currently working on 2 films; in near future, a collection of 12 autobiographical stories will be ready.

“Visit of Emir Kusturica and “The No Smoking Orchestra” is an important event in the cultural life of our country. Acclaimed Belgium-based violinist Khachatur Almazyan is the one we should thank for causing Emir Kusturica’s visit to Armenia,” RA Minister of Culture Hasmik Poghosyan said at news conference.

Today, Emir Kusturica commemorated Armenian Genocide victims in Tsistsernakabed.

Saturday, March 6 Armenian President Serzh Sargsyan and His Holiness Catholicos Karekin II will meet with the filmmaker. The meeting will be followed by visit to the memorial to perished Yugoslavian pilots. In the evening Emir Kusturica will meet Armenian university students.

Source:

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On March 2, the Primate of the Ukrainian Orthodox Church left for Italy. His Beatitude Metropolitan Volodymyr was accompanied by deputy Chairman of the Department for External Church Relations of the UOC Bishop Alexander of Pereyaslav-Khmelnytskyy.

On the Ukrainian delegation also was Serhiy Krolevets (director general of the Kyiv Caves Historical Reserve).

At the airport of Ankona «Rafael Sanzio – Falconara» the delegation was met by: Edoardo Manichelli (Archbishop of Ancona-Osimo), Tetyana Izhevska (Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of Ukraine to Vatican), Third Secretary of the Ukrainian Embassy to the Apostolic capital Dmytro Volovnykov.

Thereafter the guests arrived at once to the palace of Commune (town-hall), where the meeting with the representatives of the city of Ankona and the region of Marche took place.

Then His Beatitude Metropolitan Volodymyr visited the city Cathedral, where, in particular, he prayed at the relics of the saint martyr Dacius (IV century) and of St. Kyriak (IV century).

In the second part of the day the Ukrainian delegation led by His Beatitude Metropolitan Volodymyr, arrived to the town of Loreto, where, according to historical and archaeological data the House of the Virgin Mary (its walls) is situated. The guests from Ukraine were met by bishop of the town of Loreta Giovanni Tonucci.

Thereafter His Beatitude Metropolitan Volodymyr and the accompanying persons arrived to the exhibition hall “Mole Vanvitellianna” inAnkona, where the exhibition Golden Age of the Ukrainian Icon of the XVI-XVIII centuries was conducted.

Greeting the Primate of the Ukrainian Orthodox Church Bishop Edoardo Manichelli of Ancona thanked him for help in organizing the exhibition.

In his turn, His Beatitude Metropolitan Volodymyr expressed hope that the Ukrainian icon will be interesting for those who lives in the Western Europe and believes in God. He also told those present of the meaning of the iconographic image in the spiritual life of every person.

At the end, all those who promoted organization and opening of the exhibition Golden Age of the Ukrainian Icon of the XVI-XVIII centuries were conferred on the jubilee orders of the Pochayiv Icon of the Mother of God.

As a souvenir of the visit Archbishop of Ancona donated a piece of the honourable relics of the holy martyr Dacius to the Ukrainian Orthodox Church.

The same day in the evening the Ukrainian delegation returned to Kyiv.

Source:

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2. His Beatitude Metropolitan Volodymyr Celebrated Divine Liturgy before Pochayiv Icon of Theotokos
3. His Beatitude Metropolitan Volodymyr Conferred Church Distinctions on UOC Delegation Accompanying Pochayiv Theotokos Icon in Moscow

On March 2 at the session hall of the Kyiv-Pechersk Lavra the 1st annual Student’s Conference “Students’ Study at the Theological School” was opened, dedicated to the Union as a phenomenon of the church history. Taking part in the work of the plenary session was Rector of the Kyiv Theological Schools Archbishop Anthony of Boryspil.

The plenary session was opened by the greeting word of the Rector of Kyiv Theological Academy Archbishop Anthony. In particular, His Eminence noted the necessity of constant and stable growth of the theological interest among the students; modern theological problems, according to Vladyka, require true intellectual storming for their solution. In conclusion, Vladyka Rector expressed joy on the occasion of the presence of the specialists in comparative theology from Moscow and St. Petersburg at the conference: archpriest Maxim Kozlov and priest Vladimir Hulap.

Also His Eminence expressed gratitude to Metropolitan Volodymyr of Kyiv for the blessing to conduct the conference mentioned and for the overall support of the Theological schools His Beatitude renders. The greeting word of the Primate of the Ukrainian Orthodox Church to the conference participants was read by the Secretary of the Academic Council of the KTA archpriest Volodymyr Kotsaba.

Permanent link to the material

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2/3/2010

On March 2 at the Kyiv-Pechersk Lavra the session of the commission for Canonization of the Saints to the Holy Synod of the Ukrainian Orthodox Church. The session was presided over by Archbishop Ioann of Kherson and Tavriysk.

The Commission representatives listened to the report of His Grace Seraphim, Vicar of the Kyiv Metropolis, Bishop of Yahotyn on the possibility of glorification among the ranks of the locally venerated saints of the Diocese of Kyiv hegumen Bonifatius (Vynohradskyy) (+27.12.1871. old style), and the report of His Grace Philipp, Archbishop of Poltava and Myrhorod on the possibility of glorification among the ranks of the locally venerated saints of the Diocese of Poltava Archbishop Athanasius (Volkhovskyy) (+01.01.1801. old style).

The Commission approved of the following: to send reports to His Beatitude Metropolitan Volodymyr concerning the possibility of glorification among the saints of the God-pleasers mentioned.

Source:

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2. His Beatitude Metropolitan Volodymyr Conducted Festivities Dedicated to Glorification among Saints of Nun Anastasia (Romanova)
3. Preparation Commission of the Holy Synod of the UOC

Chinese Orthodox Church

2/3/2010

As part of the IV Christian Festival organized by the Chinese University of Hong Kong, an exhibition of contemporary Russian icons is being held from February 2- March 20. The exhibition was organized by the Moscow Patriarchate’s parish of SS Peter and Paul in Hong Kong. The priest-in-charge of the parish, Archpriest Dionisy Pozdnyaev, took part in the exhibition’s opening.

As was reported on March 2 on the website of the Association of Russian culture, “Resurrection”, exhibition visitors can familiarize themselves with Orthodox icons, and also acquire a bilingual Chinese-English catalog of contemporary Russian icons published by the parish of the Holy Apostles Peter and Paul. For those wishing to broaden their knowledge of the topic, the parish of the Holy Apostles Peter and Paul organized a tour in the Chinese language with a detailed explanation of the theological meaning of the iconography, the history and technique of icon painting.

English translation by Nina Tkachuk Dimas

Source:

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Mother See of Holy Etchmiadzin- Armenian Church

3/3/2010

On March 2, His Holiness Karekin II, Supreme Patriarch and Catholicos of All Armenians presided during the meeting of the Supreme Spiritual Council convened in the Mother See of Holy Etchmiadzin.

On the agenda was a discussion of the upcoming visit of His Holiness Kirill I, Patriarch of Moscow and All Russia. Upon the invitation of the Pontiff of All Armenians, Patriarch Kirill I will pay an official visit to Armenia and the headquarters of the Armenian Church, the Mother See of Holy Etchmiadzin, from March 16-18.

His Eminence Archbishop Yeznik Petrossian, General Secretary of Inter-Church Relations of the Mother See presented the details of the visit to the members of the Council.

On March 16, a welcoming service (Hrashapar) will be offered in the Mother Cathedral of Holy Etchmiadzin. Following the service, an agreement will be signed between the cities of Sergiyev Posad, Russia and Vagharshapat, Armenia, according to which they will become Sister Cities.

The two Pontiffs will then visit a monument dedicated to the memory of Russian soldiers who perished during the years of 1826-1828 during the war between Russia and Persia. Together they will place a wreath at the memorial.

On March 17, a visit is planned to Tsitsernakaberd Genocide Memorial and the Armenian Genocide Museum. A tree will be planted in the memorial garden commemorating the visit.

On the same day the Pontiff of All Armenians and the Patriarch of All Russia will also visit the Russian Church of St. Mary in Kanaker, where a meeting will be held with the representatives of the Russian community. Later a Prayer of Thanks will be offered in the Mother Cathedral of St. Gregory the Illuminator. In the late afternoon, the heads of the two Churches will meet Mr. Serzh Sargsian, President of Armenia.

On March 18, a ground blessing ceremony will be held for the St. Mary Russian Church, being built in Yerevan. In the afternoon, His Holiness Kirill I will present his  books: “Sermons of the Priest” and “Freedom and Responsibility”, and their Armenian translations, at the Yerevan State University. There the two Patriarchs will meet with students, professors and the media.

At the conclusion of the visit, His Holiness Karekin II and His Holiness Kirill I will issue and sign a joint statement. The visit will officially end with a farewell ceremony in the Mother See of Holy Etchmiadzin.

Source:

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Archbishop Avak Asadourian

Mother See of Holy Etchmiadzin- Armenian Apostolic Church

2/3/2010

On February 9, a meeting of representatives from the Christian Churches in Iraq was held at the St. Garabed Armenian Church in Baghdad. During the meeting, the representatives created a new organization titled, Council of Spiritual Leaders of the Christian Communities of Iraq.

The Council is comprised of 2 Patriarchs, 26 Archbishops and Bishops representing 30 Christian-Church Communities in Iraq. By unanimous vote, His Eminence Archbishop Avak Asadourian, Primate of the Armenian Diocese of Iraq, was elected General Secretary of the Council.

The aim of the newly formed Council is “to combine the viewpoints, positions and decisions of the Churches of Iraq on issues concerning the Church and State” preserving and strengthening the Christian presence and encouraging cooperation as well as promoting Inter-religious dialogue and relations.

Source:

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1/3/2010

On the second Sunday of the Lent, of Saint Gregory Palama, His Beatitude Patriarch Daniel participated in the Divine Liturgy celebrated at Jercălăi Monastery, county of Prahova – informs the daily newspaper “Lumina”. His Beatitude delivered a sermon in which he underlined the significance of the celebration of the great hierarch, also explaining the wonder of the healing of the paralysed man in Capernaum.

The Primate of our Church explained the reason why Saint Gregory Palama is celebrated on the 2nd Sunday of the Lent and mentioned a few essential data on the life, activity and importance of this saint for the Orthodox Church.

“Saint Gregory Palama appears as a great teacher of the prayer and of the divine light, just on this second Sunday of the spiritual ascension to the light of the Holy Easter, in order to show us that once we confess the right faith, we must intensify and increase more and more our prayer, both for us and for others. Let us pray for our good health and salvation, as well as for that of our dear ones, of our neighbours, relatives and of all the people who have nobody to pray for them and they themselves cannot do it any more, because they are too sick or in too great a sufferance, as this hope that stems from prayer strengthens them a lot. Saint Gregory Palama is remembered today not only because he was a great scholar, but also because he prayed for and defended, at the same time, those who prayed, the hysichast monks whom he called prophets of the Kingdom of Heaven, because some of them were worthy even in this world to foretaste the glory of the never setting light of the Kingdom of Heaven, the light of Tabor”, said His Beatitude Patriarch Daniel.

His Beatitude explained that the Romanian people has a special affection for the personality of Saint Gregory Palama given, on one hand, the fact that he passed away the same year when the Metropolitan See of Wallachia was established, namely in 1359, and on the other hand, the fact that the Romanian monks have been very receptive to the hysichast movement, whose main promoter was Saint Gregory. The close relation between Saint Gregory Palama and the Romanian people is also due to the fact that the first theologian who has discovered the special value of this saint’s writings was a Romanian: Rev. Dumitru Stăniloae.

His Beatitude Patriarch Daniel also referred to the teaching of the Gospel read at the Divine Liturgy and pointed out the importance of praying for other people and the need to fast and do good deeds. “Today’s Gospel shows us that we must have both right faith, much prayer and repentance. We must intensify our confession, confess more often, repent more for our sins, especially during this period, when the entire Church repents.” The Patriarch of Romania explained that Jesus Christ, our Lord, shows us in today’s Gospel that “our diseases are often the result of the sins we made but for which we have never repented. But when the sufferance of disease appears, man is inclined to repent”.

To end with, His Beatitude also showed that “if we go to Christ in faith whenever we are sinful or sick because of our sins, He wants to heal us and, at the same time, to adopt us, to show us the fatherly love of God-the-Father. Christ heals directly and discretely, heals with special compassion, having a together-sufferance with the sick and fallen one, in order to raise him and give him the joy of forgiveness and the light of adoption”.

Source:

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On the occasion of the Sumgait anniversary Hrach Silvanyan the Armenian ambassador to Georgia, Vazgen Mirzakhanyan bishop of the Armenian – Georgians, the head of the Armenian organizations in Georgia, and many Georgian Armenians visited the pantheon of the Armenian writers and social activists and put a wreath on the memorial of the Armenian victims yesterday.

As the RA press, information and public relations department of the Ministry of Diaspora informs the present honored the memory of the victims of the Sumgait massacres with a minute of silence.

At the evening in Tbilisi in the Armenian dramatic state theatre after Petros Adamyan was held a concert with classical music dedicated to the memory of the victims.

On the February 28 in the Armenian apostolic church of Tbilisi and in all the churches belonging to the Georgian Armenian diocese took place ceremonies of Liturgy for the memory of the tragic events.

Source:

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4/3/2010

With a critical vote pending on the Armenian Genocide Resolution in the House Foreign Affairs Committee, the Armenian-American community rallied support for this important human rights measure reported the Armenian Assembly of America.

In response to the Assembly’s initiative, the letter signed by a broad spectrum of religious, civic, humanitarian and advocacy groups said, in part:

“The adoption of H.Res. 252, scheduled for mark-up by the House Committee on Foreign Affairs on March 4th under the leadership of Committee Chairman and original cosponsor, Representative Howard Berman, will not only continue America’s commitment to the people of Armenia, but will also send a strong message that genocide and ethnic cleansing must not go unchecked.”

H.Res. 252, introduced by Representatives Adam Schiff (D-CA), George Radanovich (R-CA), Frank Pallone, Jr. (D-NJ) and Mark Kirk (R-IL), reflects a bi-partisan effort to reaffirm a proud chapter in U.S. history when America alerted the world to the campaign of race extermination against the Armenian people and launched an unprecedented humanitarian relief effort to save the survivors of the first genocide of the twentieth century.

The legislation also reinforces President Barack Obama’s stated commitment that “America deserves a leader who speaks truthfully about the Armenian Genocide and responds forcefully to all genocides.”

“While the denialist forces are hard at work seeking to derail affirmation of the Armenian Genocide in Congress and stifle the teaching of the Genocide in our classrooms, the truth of history is on our side as is the strong support of the community from coast to coast,” stated Executive Director Bryan Ardouny. “We thank everyone for joining in this pan-Armenian effort,” added Ardouny.

Organizations signing the letter include: Armenian Assembly of America, Armenian Bar Association, Armenian Catholic Eparchy in the USA, Armenian Council of America, Armenian Evangelical Union of North America, Armenian General Benevolent Union, Armenian Missionary Association of America, Armenian National Committee of America, Armenian Relief Society, Armenian Rights Council of America, Diocese of the Armenian Church of America – East, Diocese of the Armenian Church of America – West, Knights of Vartan, Prelacy of the Armenian Apostolic Church of America – East, Prelacy of the Armenian Apostolic Church of America – West, and the World Armenian Congress.

Source:

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New York, NY
3/4/2010

Dear Fellow Archons:

This is a friendly reminder that you and your families are invited to attend the Seventh Annual National Archon Lenten Retreat on March 12 and 13. In order to foster greater connection with our sister Orthodox churches under the jurisdiction of the Ecumenical Patriarchate, we have decided to conduct this year’s Lenten retreat at the headquarters of the Ukrainian Orthodox Church of the United States located in South Bound Brook, New Jersey. Our retreat master will be the Reverend Protopresbyter Mark Arey of the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of America. Archon Kastrinsios James D. Speros, Chairman of the Spirituality Committee once again has planned an outstanding retreat that will have a real spiritual impact on all participants.

Please set aside the time on your calendars to join us in fellowship and prayer with your fellow Archons. It is an experience you will not forget and one that will reenergize your spiritual commitment to live a Christ-centered life. All of the information you will need is contained in the attached materials. There are a few actions you must take if you intend to come, including:

Making your reservation with the hotel (remember to mention the group name, “Order of Saint Andrew,” to qualify for the special rate of $59.00 (excluding taxes).

Sending a check for $75.00 (per person) payable to the “Order of St. Andrew the Apostle” and your completed form by NO LATER THAN MARCH 5th.

The retreat will begin on Friday, March 12 at 6pm with services at the St. Andrew Memorial Church followed by a Lenten Fellowship Dinner at the Ukranian Cultural Center. On Saturday, March 13, we will convene in the Church at 8:30am for Divine Liturgy, a light breakfast and the first session of the Retreat. We expect to conclude prior to the 6:00pm Great Vesper Services at the St. Andrew Memorial Church.

In closing, as “Defenders of the Faith” and role models of the Orthodox Christian faith, I urge you to set aside the time for this very special annual event and demonstrate your love for the Lord through action.

Click here to visit the website to download the application form

In Christ,

Anthony J. Limberakis, MD
Archon Aktouarios
National Commander

Source:

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The American Carpatho-Russian Orthodox Diocese of the USA

HOMESTEAD, PA — The National ACRY is pleased to report that a record number of diocesan faithful and friends have registered to participate in this coming Saturday, March 6th’s Central Region Diocesan Lenten Retreat. The retreat is sponsored by the National ACRY and is being hosted by St. Nicholas Orthodox Church of Homestead, PA. It is open to all Diocesan Faithful and Friends.

The day’s events will begin at 9:00 am with the celebration of Divine Liturgy for All Souls Saturday, and will conclude with the celebration of Great Vespers at 4:00 pm.

Highlights will include a presentation by Fr. Stephen Loposky, Administrator of Camp Nazareth on the topic: Accepting the Mercy of God: What To Do When Great Lent Isn’t So Great and a Youth Workshop led by Very Rev. Fr. Miles Zdinak, Pastor of Sts. Peter and Paul Church in Windber, PA You Are The Light of the World.

While the registration deadline has passed, there is still room for more! Just give Barbara Coe a heads-up via email at barbnharry@comcast.net

Source:

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1/3/2010

TO BE READ FROM THE PULPIT

“Now all who believed were together, and had all things in common, and sold their possessions and goods, and divided them among all, as anyone had need.”  (Acts 2:44-45)

Once again we are confronted with the images of destruction, death and human tragedy in the wake of the severe earthquake that struck Chile on Saturday, February 27th, 2010.  More than 700 are confirmed to have died, with the toll expected to be higher.  More than 1.5 million people are homeless or without shelter.  I have been in touch with my brother, Metropolitan SERGIOS (Abd), the Primate of the Antiochian Archdiocese of Chile.  His Eminence is personally safe and sound, but several of his churches have suffered damage from the earthquake, and the status of some of the faithful is still to be determined.  As the quote above from the Book of Acts reminds us, it has always been the tradition of the Church to help any brothers and sisters in Christ who are in need. 

As such, we are asking all of our parishes and missions to appeal for prayers and donations in order to assist those who are in need in Chile.
We do understand that this appeal is coming very shortly after the appeal for Haitian relief, and we recognize that these appeals draw on financial resources which are already strained by the poor economy.  However, the humanitarian need is great, and our people have never hesitated to give generously when people are in need.

May our Lord bless the remainder of your Lenten journey.

Your father in Christ,
Metropolitan PHILIP, Primate
The Self-Ruled Antiochian Orthodox Christian Archdiocese of North
America

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Archpriest John Behr

SVS Dean and Patristics Professor Archpriest John Behr will offer a weeklong academic course, “From Gospel to Creed,” June 13–19, 2010 on the seminary campus, for the public.

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St Vladimir Orthodox Theological Seminary

June 13–19, 2010

“From Gospel to Creed”

Course Details & Registration
Course description

The course will examine the evolution of the Nicene Creed—the “pattern of sound words” that originated in the early Christian community and comprised the apostolic “canon of truth” and eventually crystallized into the Church’s statement of faith. The course will demonstrate how the creedal formula is grounded in the apostolic proclamation of the gospel and how it continues to articulate the basic elements of the Christian faith.

The course also will investigate the connection between the Nicene Creed and the person of Jesus Christ and his relationship to God and the Spirit, and will explain the place of the creed within the broader framework of Scripture and church tradition.

Students will closely study the first Christian writers after the apostles and evangelists—such as St Ignatius of Antioch and St Polycarp of Smyrna—and famed saints who played major roles in the expression of Orthodox theology, such as St Athanasius the Great. Students will proceed through the course via a combination of lecture, discussion, and reading texts.

OCA Diaconal Vocations Program participants seeking to better understand how the Summer Academic Program—“From Gospel to Creed”—can enhance their program please also contact dvp@oca.org This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it . Also see the Diaconal Liturgical Practicum offered June 20–24 the week following the Academic Program.
Course schedule

Orientation: Sunday June 13

Monday, June 14–Friday, June 18

* Morning session 9:15 AM–11:45 AM
* Afternoon session 2:00 PM–4:30 PM

Work will be assigned for both the mid-day period and evenings. The seminary library will be open to participants for research and study.
Registration

To register, please e-mail academic2010@svots.edu This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it with your name, your mailing address, contact phone number, and e-mail address. You will receive, by e-mail, a secure link for finalizing and paying for your registration.
Fees

For 2 academic credits (Association of Theological Schools)

For students from any institution who would like to further their study in an Orthodox Christian academic context and transfer the credit to their own program; or for students in degree programs at St Vladimir’s as an elective toward the MA or MDiv.

Fee = $840 for 2 academic credits

Requirement for credit: Students seeking academic credit must submit a research paper of 20–25 pp, due by August 15, 2010.

Without academic credit

For those interested in pursuing the subject without doing so “for credit,” or for those taking the Diaconal Vocations Program of the Orthodox Church in America (OCA) in partial fulfillment of the 3rd Semester requirement of that program.

Fee = $420 for non-credit

SVS STUDENTS and SVS ALUMNI will receive a 50% discount on the non-credit cost only. Fee= $210

Meal Costs = $300 for six full days (or, Dinner $25 Lunch $15 Breakfast $10)

Room Costs = $65 per night on campus

SVS ALUMNI and SVS STUDENTS will receive a 50% discount on on-campus room costs. Meal costs will remain at full price, as listed above.

Accommodations may be made on-campus, subject to availability. You also may view further details about available accommodations.

Questions? E-mail events@svots.edu This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it . We look forward to meeting you in June!

Source:

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5/3/2010

The Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of America

NEW YORK – The video presentation of “Pascha: The Resurrection of Christ,” a program highlighting Orthodox Christian Pascha, or Easter, will broadcast on NBC affiliates nationwide this April.   The program, produced by Greek Orthodox Telecommunications and sponsored by FAITH: An Endowment for Orthodoxy and Hellenism, highlights Holy and Great Week, focusing on the deeply moving and ancient services that recount the Gospel narrative leading to the Death and Resurrection of Christ.  Archbishop Demetrios of America leads a procession of the faithful around the church and outside where, following the reading of the Gospel of the Resurrection, they proclaim the joyous hymn “Christ is Risen!”

The Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of America is working with affiliates nationwide, urging them to broadcast the program within their local area.  Broadcast information will be posted as soon as it becomes available from affiliates.  Below you will find a listing of  NBC affiliates by state.  Please check the listing for exact date, time and station. Please contact the Department of Communications if you need assistance.  You may also contact the Program Manager locally to request coverage. 

For more information on coverage please log on to www.goarch.org/special/paschatv

DVD copies of the program available for pre-sale ($25, plus $6 shipping).  To pre-purchase please contact the Department of Communications at 212.774.0244 or email gotel@goarch.org.

Source:

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03/03/2010

SOUTH CANAAN, PA [OCA] — History was made on Tuesday, March 2, 2010, as His Eminence, Metropolitan Hilarion, First Hierarch of the Russian Orthodox Church Outside of Russia, visited Saint Tikhon’s Monastery.

Accompanying Metropolitan Hilarion were His Grace, Bishop Jerome of Manhattan; His Grace, Bishop George of Mayfield; and a delegation of over seventy clergy from ROCOR’s Eastern American and New York Diocese.

Metropolitan Hilarion was welcomed to the monastery by the recently elected Abbot, Igumen Sergius, after which they toured the monastery grounds, church and chapels, icon repository, and museum.
His Grace, Bishop Tikhon of Philadelphia and Eastern Pennsylvania; His Grace, Bishop Melchisedek of Pittsburgh and Western Pennsylvania; Father Michael Dahulich, Bishop-Elect of New York and New Jersey; and 35 clergy from the OCA’s Diocese of Eastern Pennsylvania joined Metropolitan Hilarion, Bishops Jerome and George, and the ROCOR clergy for lunch, served by the faithful of Saint John the Baptist Church [ROCOR], Mayfield, PA.

“This event had tremendous significance in so many ways, and hence was a joy for the Brotherhood and community which can only be epitomized by the Palm Sunday Hymn, ‘Today, the Holy Spirit has gathered us together, and taking up Thy Cross we sing: Hosanna in the highest! Blessed is He that comes in the Name of the Lord!’” said a monastery spokesman. “It was truly a a joyful and historic day in the life of the monastery and the Church in America.”

Source:

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Orthodox Church in America

03/05/2010

SYOSSET, NY [OCA] – After discussions that took place at the joint session of the Lesser Synod of Bishops and Metropolitan Council of the Orthodox Church in America at the Chancery here during the first week of March 2010, His Beatitude, Metropolitan Jonah issued the following statement.

“As the Archbishop of Washington, certain matters of the dispute between the Archpriest Raymond Velencia, Pastor of Saint Matthew Church in Columbia, MD, and Kristine Koumentakos fall under our hierarchical/diocesan oversight. This has also been a serious concern within the Chancery of the Orthodox Church in America. Complaints from Ms. Koumentakos were brought to the attention of the administration of the Orthodox Church in America in January 2007. An investigation by the Orthodox Church in America took place in the early part of 2007. Ms. Koumentakos protested that the investigation was incomplete and brought her concerns to the members of the Holy Synod and the Metropolitan Council during the summer of 2007. The response to Ms. Koumentakos by the Orthodox Church in America was inadequate. During that time a private letter containing sensitive information was improperly shared with members of the Metropolitan Council.

“I apologize, on behalf of the Orthodox Church in America, to Kristine Koumentakos and to her family, for the lack of pastoral attentiveness and sensitivity to the matters at hand. The lawsuits that came about as a result of the disagreement between Ms. Koumentakos and Father Velencia were most unfortunate and should have been avoided. At this time the Orthodox Church in America is in the process of revising and updating its Policies, Standards and Procedures that address questions of alleged misconduct. Together with that there is an ongoing review of how to respond to complicated pastoral issues, conduct pastoral investigations, provide pastoral comfort and address allegations of misconduct. We will do all in our power to insure that the response and intervention in such matters of alleged misconduct will be ethical, professional and proper, as is befitting the Gospel of Our Lord Jesus Christ and the teachings and canons of the Orthodox Church.”

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03/03/2010

SYOSSET, NY [OCA] – In a closed executive session at the Chancery here Wednesday, March 3, 2010, members of the Lesser Synod of Bishops and the Metropolitan Council of the Orthodox Church in America heard the report of the Synodal Committee charged with conducting an investigation into financial practices at Saint Tikhon’s Monastery and Bookstore, South Canaan, PA.

At the conclusion of the session, the following statement was issued.
“In January 2009, the Treasurer of the Orthodox Church in America, in reviewing the accounts of Saint Tikhon’s Monastery and Bookstore, became concerned with past management practices at both of these institutions.

“The Holy Synod of Bishops of the OCA then appointed an Investigative Committee, which was composed of clergy and laity and led by His Grace, Bishop Nikon, to conduct a thorough investigation. The Holy Synod is very much aware of the historic and central importance of Saint Tikhon’s Monastery to the life of the entire OCA.

“Therefore, the Holy Synod requested that the Committee share its newly completed report with the Metropolitan Council during its spring joint meeting with the Lesser Synod, in a confidential executive session, even before members of the Holy Synod themselves would have the opportunity to discuss the report.

“Following presentation of the very detailed report, the Council passed a resolution thanking the Committee for its extraordinary work. Members of the Holy Synod will review the report, with its recommendations, at their regularly scheduled spring session to be held March 16-19, 2010.”

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03/02/2010

SYOSSET, NY [OCA] — Members of the Orthodox Church in America’s Lesser Synod of Bishops and Metropolitan Council reviewed a working document on the Strategic Plan during a full-day workshop at the Chancery here Tuesday, March 2, 2010.

One day earlier, the Strategic Plan Committee, chaired by Archpriest Robert Arida, reviewed progress to date on the plan’s development. Concurrently, four other Metropolitan Council committees — the Sexual Misconduct Committee, the Human Resources Committee, the Ethics Committee, and the Finance Committee — met in preparation Wednesday’s Council session, in which members of the Lesser Synod of Bishops also will participate.

As widely reported on www.oca.org and other sites, the Strategic Plan Committee has been meeting regularly for several months. Committee members are intent on soliciting input from every level of the Church, beginning with the Holy Synod of Bishops and the Metropolitan Council, in formulating a final plan.

“Tuesday’s workshop marked the next step in the conciliar process guiding the plan’s development,” said Priest John Vitko, Strategic Plan Committee secretary. “While there is still much work to do and a wide variety of viewpoints that must be carefully considered, especially as input is solicited from the dioceses and parishes, today’s workshop realized broad agreement on the plan’s spirit and principles as they exist at this point.”

A key concern involved the need to better articulate the OCA’s identity as Church.

“From the very first days of Saint Herman and the Alaskan Mission, the focus has been on bringing Orthodox Christianity to America,” Father John said. “And since the era of Saint Tikhon — the late 19th and early 20th century — the Church has pursued a conciliar approach involving the hierarchy, clergy and laity in its decision making. The same characteristics will continue to guide us as we move into the future.”
Another key element is the importance of developing a common, clear understanding of how the parish, the diocese, the Office of the Metropolitan, and the Church’s other institutions and organs should relate to one another effectively in building up the Body of Christ.
“Lesser Synod and Council members offered a variety of suggestions with regard to the tremendous importance of and best ways to garner input from the dioceses, parishes, and other Church institutions in developing the plan,” Father John added.

Archpriest Leonid Kishkovsky, OCA Director of External Affairs and Interchurch Relations, provided invaluable insights on the upcoming Assembly of North America’s Orthodox hierarchs and related issues and how they might relate to the OCA’s strategic planning process.
Lesser Synod and Metropolitan Council members ended the day by participating in a retreat, led by His Beatitude, Metropolitan Jonah, on the theme of discipleship.

On Wednesday, March 3, Lesser Synod and Council members will worship at the Liturgy of the Presanctified Gifts, at which Metropolitan Jonah will preside. The day’s meeting agenda will include opening remarks by Metropolitan Jonah and reports by the Church’s Chancellor, Secretary, and Treasurer. Reports by the Council’s Charity, Ethics, and Strategic Plan Committees will follow, along with reports on Crisis Management and Council Development initiatives. A review of legal issues will follow.

The spring session will end on Thursday, March 4.

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