Author’s note: During Great Lent Orthodox Christians focus more intently on becoming more Godly and less self-centered. Thus it seemed that Great Lent was the best possible time to feature a series of articles on pursuing virtue. The author spent a series of weeks sharing about virtues and looking at ways to teach our Sunday Church School students about them, so that they can join us in our pursuit of them. All the virtues have been covered on the blog at this point; below please find our introduction. May the Lord have mercy on us and grant us grace as we learn to better walk in His ways!

Read our blog, Orthodox Christian Sunday Church School Teachers

In this series of blogs, we will focus the virtues. There are many, but for this series we will focus on the seven capital virtues mentioned in the Pocket Prayer Book for Orthodox Christians: humility, liberality, chastity, mildness, temperance, happiness, and diligence. As the book mentions, each virtue is the positive counterpart of a grievous sin. In order for us to become more like God, to grow in theosis, we must not only resist and repent from those sins in our life, but we must also labor to attain the virtues. Each blog post will focus on one virtue and suggest ways to help our students learn about it and struggle to acquire it. If you are unable to use these ideas immediately, file them away in your thoughts for a time when you can use them with your students. It is important that our Sunday Church School students learn about the virtues so that they are better able to pursue them.

It is important that we teach our students to expect, prepare for, and carry out the struggle to obtain virtues! We must teach them that when they do so, they are not just running away from evil: they are struggling towards something, towards virtues. Carole Buleza, director of the Antiochian Orthodox Department of Christian Education recently explained it like this: “We are made in God's image and likeness. The image is like God's stamp on us as a human person. It cannot be changed. The likeness, on the other hand, can change and grow. It is the potential to grow evermore godlike… acquiring virtues [is] a way to grow evermore Godlike. The virtues are specific, [as are] the rungs on St. John Climacus' ladder. We can choose one, and with prayer, proceed to discipline ourselves so as to acquire it. When our lives are not focused on a major struggle with evil, we need to struggle in the positive direction by seeking to attain the virtues. The saints tell us that suffering (or struggle) is a necessary component of theosis.”

So, dear teachers, let us learn about the capital virtues and teach our students about them, as well. Along the way, may we all be encouraged to focus in on at least one virtue and struggle towards it with all of our heart. And as we struggle, let us remind both ourselves and our students that we are struggling against sin not just by fleeing/fighting from the passions, but also by actively struggling towards virtues.

This prayer of St. Ephrem will be a great aid to everyone in this struggle:

O Lord and Master of my life, take from me the spirit of sloth, despair, lust of power and idle talk. But give rather the spirit of chastity, meekness of mind, patience and love to Thy servant. Yea O Lord and King, grant me to see my own transgressions and not to judge my brother, for blessed art thou unto ages of ages.  Amen.

Here are some links that will help us as we begin to think about teaching our students about the virtues:
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“If we are to enable our children to hold on to their Christian heritage and Orthodox tradition, and more importantly, if they are to grow up as devout Orthodox believers, first we must teach them the virtues, the Scriptures, the saints, and then our doctrines and beliefs and church practices and customs.” http://www.pravmir.com/orthodox-catechism-teaching-children/

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The Pocket Prayer Book for Orthodox Christians is available here and would make an excellent Pascha gift for Sunday Church School students who are old enough to read. This little book is an excellent companion for any Orthodox Christian! It fits in a pocket or purse and contains prayers, thought-provoking information such as the capital virtues which we are working to attain, the entire Divine Liturgy, preparation for confession, and more. Some of the prayers in the book (but not the section on virtues, unfortunately) are also available online here.

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“Generally speaking, all of the human virtues are attributes of God Himself. They are the characteristics of Jesus Christ, the divine Son of God in human flesh. They are the divine properties which should be in all human persons by the gift of God in creation and salvation through Christ.” find this and more in an introductory article on the virtues, followed by a helpful resource: a series of articles addressing specific virtues, here. 

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“When we teach children to be good, to be gentle, to be forgiving (all these are attributes of God), to be generous, to love their fellow men, to regard this present age as nothing, we instill virtue in their souls, and reveal the image of God within them.” ~ St John Chrysostom http://www.orthodoxchurchquotes.com/2013/07/12/st-john-chrysostom-when-we-teach-children-to-be-good/

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The book Walking in Wonder is an excellent resource for helping adults to nurture the virtues in children. Read a few excerpts here.

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Talk about this quote with older students: “You are angry with your neighbor, you despise him, do not like to speak peaceably and lovingly to him, because there is something harsh, abrupt, careless, unpleasant to you in his character, in his speech, in his manners—because he is more conscious of his dignity than perhaps is necessary; or because he may be somewhat proud and disrespectful; but you yourself, your neighbor’s physician and teacher, are more guilty than him.
‘Physician, heal thyself.’ Teacher, teach yourself.
Your own malice is the bitterest of all evils. Is it then possible to correct malice by means of evil? Having a beam in your own eye, can you pull out the mote from the eye of another?
Evil and faults are corrected by good, by love, kindness, meekness, humility, and patience.”
+ St. John of Kronstadt, My Life in Christhttp://www.orthodoxchurchquotes.com/2014/05/30/st-john-of-kronstadt-you-are-angry-with-your-neighbor-you-despise-him-do-not-like-to-speak-peaceably/

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Find a lesson plan and free printables for an “overview” lesson on the virtues here. 

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Many of the pages in this free printable workbook could be used in conjunction with lessons on the virtues. Some are overarching, about the virtues in general, while others focus on a specific virtue. 

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“Fairy tales say plainly that virtue and vice are opposites and not just a matter of degree. They show us that the virtues fit into character and complete our world in the same way that goodness naturally fills all things.” ~ Vigen Guroian, Orthodox Christian author of Tending the Heart, which could perhaps be a resource for this unit of lessons: 

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Share some of these quotes from Scripture and the Church Fathers with older Sunday Church School students, then challenge them to each pick one with which they’ve connected, to share with the class and explain how/why it connects with them.  

By Chris Andreas

Though it would certainly be difficult to find individuals possessing all the attributes mentioned below, all are desirable for those wishing to hold the position of director of a Sunday Church School (SCS). Directors are those who must make everything “go,” and the programs will be at their best only when the leadership is equal to the tasks.

Faithful Members of the Church Sunday Church School
Directors are role models for the teachers, the students and their parents. A Director who says one should attend and participate in the Divine Liturgy and the sacramental life of the Church should also be a Director who attends and participates in them. A Director should think of her/himself as a continual learner of the Faith, reading, studying and reflecting on the Orthodox Tradition and passing along new books and ideas to the teachers. A Director should be spiritually motivated, filled with fervor and excitement.

Dedication/Motivation
Directors must be dedicated to the program. Only when they love the program and what they are doing, donate their time liberally and look forward with inner pride (not to be confused with false pride) to the positive results of their efforts, will the SCS succeed. In addition, others too will be motivated enough to perform those responsibilities entrusted to them. Directors must also be able to display enthusiasm and a positive attitude, which has a tendency of being very contagious when exhibited in a correct manner.

Diplomacy
Directors must be diplomatic and professional. There are many ways to say the same thing. Only when leaders speak pleasantly to people in getting them to perform particular tasks or duties, will they maintain that dedication needed from their staff. Directors must also understand that they are dealing with volunteers. Though a staff member must never feel that he or she is doing the director a favor by being there, that staff member might be rather sensitive towards a particular tone of voice or action taken by the leader. A rule of thumb that all leaders should maintain is that they should put themselves “into the shoes” of staff members and think about how they might like to hear something coming in the form of a directive.

Adaptability
Directors should be willing to continuously learn and accept new ideas and methodologies. And one need not be a college graduate in order to demonstrate that he can learn quickly, make sound judgments, and not be afraid to try something new within the program. If directors continue to utilize outdated methodologies that have failed in the past, and cannot adjust to new developments or look at them with new eyes, then they are in for a difficult time.

Communication
Leaders must be able to communicate the meaning of decisions and policies to staff members in order to be successful. Therefore, reading, writing, and speaking well are essential ingredients for successful leadership performance.

Connected
Directors should be able to make and maintain good connections with teachers, students, and their parents. Directors also should be working in tandem with their parish priest, in regular contact with him about new programs and resources. Directors should be connected to the Metropolis Religious Education Director and the Archdiocese Department of Religious Education.

Miscellaneous
Directors should be cooperative, have social understanding and the ability to work well with others. They must be individuals who can “turn people on,” rather than “off;” act as co-workers for Christ rather than dictators; willing to listen to suggestions, constructive criticisms, problems and complaints. Only then will they find it easier to get people to work under and with them, and be able to motivate them. It is axiomatic in the business world that the key to success in an office is that managerial positions must be filled by those who understand and work well with others.

Duties of Directors
Read the full PDF for fourteen duties suggested for Directors.

Chris Andreas is a retired administrator from the private sector having work for IBM Corporation for a quarter century before moving onto the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese in New York where he was also administrator for the Department of Stewardship Ministry. He both taught in and directed Sunday Church School, and has written several papers on the Holy Scriptures and various ministries of the Church.

On Bright Thursday, April 20, 2017, the Antochian Archdiocese was joined by co-hosts—the Syriac Orthodox Archdiocese and the St. John of Damascus Fellowship of New Jersey—in sponsoring a timely prayer service at St. George Antochian Orthodox Church in Little Falls, for the abducted Archbishops of Aleppo, Metropolitan Paul and Mar Gregorios Yohanna Ibrahim. Metropolitan Paul and Metropolitan Yohanna vanished without a trace on April 22, 2013, after they drove together in hopes of negotiating the release of hostages in captivity. Metropolitan Yohanna’s deacon escaped, but his driver was killed. (Read the Paschal Message of His Beatitude John X, in which he issues a call for the liberation of Metropolitans Paul and Yohanna.)

Metropolitan Joseph was joined by His Eminence Mor Dionysius John Kawak of the Syriac Archdiocese of the Eastern United States. In the service, Sayidna Joseph implored our Lord, God, and Savior Jesus Christ, for the freedom of the two beloved bishops and an end to the Syrian war. He also encouraged the attendees to urge their representatives and senators to continue their efforts to free the captive bishops, and called on the governments involved in the Syrian conflict to do the same in order to secure political and humane solutions towards peace in the region.

As well, the other speakers expressed their deep concern for the two bishops, and described the emptiness that has been left in the hearts of the clergy and faithful who are hoping and praying for their release. All present prayed to God for peace in Syria, the Middle East, and in all countries affected and besieged by wars and tribulations.

Archbishops of Aleppo, Mar Gregorios Yohanna Ibrahim and Metropolitan PaulAlso present at the prayer service were: His Excellency Bishop Yousif Habash of the Syriac Catholic Church; His Grace Bishop Gregory Mansour of the Maronite Church; hierarchs and representatives of the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of America, the Coptic and Armenian Orthodox Churches, and the Maronite, Roman, and Syriac Catholic Churches; representatives from the Roman Catholic Archdiocese of New York; elected officials and leaders from Passaic County, New Jersey; and the clergy and faithful of St. George. 

(Photos courtesy of the St. John of Damascus Fellowship of New Jersey. The Fellowship is a humanitarian and charitable group that serves the needs of Syrian Christian communities in both North America and overseas.)

Map of participating parishes in 2017 Assembly of Bishops study on evangelization (click on image for larger view)The first national study on evangelization and outreach in Orthodox parishes in the United States has been released by the Assembly of Canonical Orthodox Bishops of the USA. The report can be downloaded in various formats, as an executive summary, or as a full report.

The report, "Go and Make Disciples: Evangelization and Outreach in U.S. Orthodox Parishes," explores the practices and strategies developed by some Orthodox parishes that can be viewed as "exemplary" in their missionary and outreach efforts. Examples of what the readers will find in the report include:

• The "secrets" of being a parish that attracts and welcomes new members;
• Eight good practices of welcoming first-time visitors and inquirers about the Faith;
• How do "exemplary" parishes achieve a high degree of involvement of their members in parish life;
• Four distinct features of religious education in the "exemplary" parishes;
• Six "lessons" that Church leadership (bishops) can learn from the "exemplary" parishes.

The study was sponsored by the Assembly's Committee for Agencies and Endorsed Organizations, and included parishes from seven Orthodox jurisdictions. Ten of the parishes studied were from the Antiochian Archdiocese. The report was prepared by Alexei Krindatch, the Assembly's Research Coordinator, in cooperation with Sdn. Adam Lowell Roberts of the Antiochian Archdiocese, and Fr. Eric Tosi and Fr. John Parker of the OCA.

Subdeacon Adam is the full-time administrator of Becoming Truly Human, a new Antiochian outreach ministry. He authored a helpful resource at the end of the Assembly's evangelization report, titled "10 Steps to a Great Parish Website: What Every Orthodox Church Needs To Know."

This hardworking team is planning the 2017 Miami Convention. 

Summer draws near, and so does the 53rd biennial convention of the Antiochian Archdiocese, July 23-30, 2017 in Miami. The Very Rev. Fouad Saba and the host parish of St. George Cathedral of Coral Gables, Florida took time from their busy schedules to talk about the features of what looks to be a historic gathering of the Archdiocesan clergy and faithful.

Who are the featured and keynote speakers this year?

The Grand Banquet will honor His Grace Bishop Antoun on Saturday night, July 29, where we anticipate our beloved diocesan hierarch will reflect upon his lifetime ministry and experiences in his service to Christ’s Holy Church. Fr. Antoine Melki, professor of computer science and technology at Balamand University in Lebanon, will be the keynote speaker during the General Assembly on Thursday and Friday, July 28 and 29, and in other scheduled workshops and events. The host committee is excited to welcome Fr. Melki, who will present interesting insights on the effects of technology in the modern world on the Orthodox Christian family.

We have learned the convention will honor Metropolitan Joseph, Bishop Antoun, and Bishop Basil. Please tell us about that.

Planning a Convention takes a lot of work!The 2017 Convention will celebrate the 25th anniversaries of His Eminence Metropolitan Joseph and His Grace Bishop Basil in the Holy Episcopacy. We will honor them in the History Journal and during the Grand Banquet. With Sayidna Joseph’s blessing, we are dedicating the Grand Banquet and History Journal to commemorate the retirement of Sayidna Antoun and “His Lifetime of Service and Eight Decades of Love, Humility and Sunshine.” (His favorite song is “You are My Sunshine.”) Bishop Antoun has selflessly served this Archdiocese in many capacities since he arrived in the U.S. in 1959. He has been our beloved bishop in the Diocese of Miami and the Southeast since 2003. The 2017 Archdiocesan Convention Committee is honored to have the opportunity to host all of our brothers and sisters in Christ at the festivities for Sayidna Antoun.

Who is the convention for? What age groups? What key events will the convention offer them? 

The Convention is centered around family with something fun-filled, educational and exciting for every age group. The week will begin with “The Welcome to Miami – Antiochian Game Show,” which promises to be so much fun. There are humanitarian and social events for teens (SOYO) as well as Young Adult Ministry (YAM) which offer great opportunities for interaction and bonding with one another, as well as spiritual development in the Orthodox Christian Faith. The Bible Bowl always bring tremendous excitement for the teen participants and everyone watching and cheering on their Diocesan teams. The Convention will also feature “Club Saint George” for our younger children to come throughout the day and participate in arts and crafts, spiritual lessons, group activities, and more. The 53rd Biennial Convention in Miami will also feature a new and enthusiastic event on Thursday evening, July 27 – The Dinner and National Debke Competition. These are just some of the many exhilarating events awaiting everyone.

How will the convention emphasize spiritual connectivity with Christ?

Meeting with the hotel management is a key part of the planning process.The 2017 Convention Committee will prepare a large, beautiful chapel to serve as the spiritual center for the entire week. The Convention theme this year is “My house shall be called a house of prayer for all nations.” (Mark 11:17) All of the sermons from our gifted clergy will concentrate on understanding this theme. The various spiritual and educational events scheduled promise to help uplift all those present. We will have Bible studies and “Ask Abouna” sessions to revitalize the spirituality of our youth and adults.

Tell us more about "Ask Abouna!" 

“Ask Abouna” is an educational and spiritual event where teens and adults come together to ask the priests any questions they might have on various topics of the Orthodox Christian Faith. Bring lots of questions!

What unique attractions does Miami have to offer?

Miami is home to miles of famous white sandy coastlines. The diverse array of influences from Latin America is evident in the architecture, delicious food, music, and hospitality. All of these amazing and exciting factors can be found at the 2017 Convention venue – the Diplomat Beach Resort and Spa. Need we say more?

Join us from July 23-30! For more information, visit the Convention website.Welcome to Miami!

His Grace Bishop Anthony is pleased to announce this summer's Parish Life Conference for the Diocese of Toledo and the Midwest, scheduled for June 21–25, 2017. The host church is St. George of Cicero, Illinois, and the place is the Oak Brook Marriott Hotel in Oak Brook, IL, just west of Chicago.

Everything you need to know for this once-a-year gathering of our Diocesan Family is available here. Please note that the deadline for placing an ad in the souvenir journal is Monday, May 1, and the hotel reservation deadline is May 31.

A full schedule of events is also available here.

Bishop Anthony is requesting that all of our parishes and missions place an ad in the souvenir journal, and that all clergy attend the conference from Wednesday evening through Saturday.

We look forward to seeing all of you in Chicago!

The community of St. George Antiochian Orthodox Church of Canton, Ohio welcomed His Eminence Metropolitan Joseph to preside over the 95th Anniversary of the parish from April 21–23, 2017. On Friday, April 21, a benefactors' reception was held in honor of Sayedna Joseph at the residence of Dr. Kaleel and Rhonia Shaheen, who also faithfully and elegantly served as the 95th Anniversary Chairs. The reception recognized the fundraising efforts of the benefactors who sponsored the weekend festivities. After Sayedna gathered and thanked them all for their ministry to the church, everyone listened to beautiful paschal hymns chanted by the Metropolitan's newly ordained deacon, Dn. John Al-Massih. On Saturday morning, Sayedna was greeted by over fifty beautiful children and teenagers of the church to the sounds of church bells and the chanting of the Paschal Troparion. After delivering his message to the youth and answering their questions, all were invited to a special breakfast chaired by Nina Shaheen, Malakh Bechara, Laura Kibler, and Nahi Kaed. (View the photo gallery)

Saturday evening began with Great Vespers and Artoklasia for the Feast of St. George, and we were blessed to be joined by His Grace Bishop Anthony and other local clergy. The Grand Banquet and Hafli followed at Brookside Country Club with over 250 in attendance from near and far. Dr. K.J. Shaheen II served as Master of Ceremonies and Sarah Joseph delivered a heartfelt rendition of "America the Beautiful." His Eminence and His Grace were both presented with a crystal plaque dedication by Parish Council Chair Andria Michael, who also was the Chair of the 95th Anniversary Souvenir Journal. Following a poem dedication from Mr. Louis Karoue, speeches were delivered by sons of the parish: Fr. Basil Shaheen and Fr. Michael Massouh. After remarks from Fr. Michael Corbin, His Grace Bishop Anthony introduced His Eminence Metropoltian Joseph to deliver the keynote address. Sayedna Joseph remembered all those who have labored to build up our Archdiocese, including the late Archbishop Michael, a cherished son of the community. At the conclusion of the banquet, His Eminence left all in suspense by declaring that there would be a big surprise at the Divine Liturgy in the morning.

On Sunday, the Feast of St. George, the Hierarchical Divine Liturgy began following Orthros and then came "the big surprise" with the elevation of Fr. Michael Corbin to Archpriest following the reading of the Holy Gospel. All of the parishioners were moved by this special blessing as both Sayedna Joseph and Sayedna Anthony laid their hands on the head of Fr. Michael as he kneeled before the two hierarchs. Soon, chants of "Axios!, Mustahiq!, he is worthy!" filled the church and one could feel the great love and unity of this beloved community. At the conclusion of the Liturgy, three parishioners were inducted into the Order of St. Ignatius of Antioch: Paul and Claudia Shaheen, along with Leila Andrews. Claudia is the Ladies Society President who helped a great deal with the weekend, and Leila also assisted faithfully with the Grand Banquet.

Finally, the St. George Day Luncheon chaired by Karen Davis capped off a beautiful and historic weekend. As parishioners entered the hall, they were greeted with a special video presentation with 95 years of memories organized by Liz Macris. Ladies were also greeted with a pink carnation donated by longtime parishioner Bea McPhearson, who brags about being older than the church! After being introduced by Teen SOYO President Musa Michael, the teen and children's dabke troupes performed and brought joy to all. Then everyone listened to a special performance from the St. George Choir, directed by Jim Shaheen, who recognized the longtime service of Rosemary Shaheen.

Sunshine filled the skies outside, but warmth and love were felt inside as all flocked to greet and receive the blessing of His Eminence Metropolitan Joseph, whose first visit to Canton was incredibly well received. It was a great weekend that will not be forgotten; the celebration of a church community that is ever growing in the love of our Lord and God and Savior Jesus Christ.

We extend our prayers and love to His Eminence Metropolitan Joseph on the occasion of his Name's Day on April 30, 2017 (St. Joseph of Arimathea, Second Sunday after Pascha). May God grant him many years!

Learn more about Joseph of Arimathea
Read about Metropolitan Joseph

Memory eternal! 

Janna Esber Georges, mother of Kh. Lynn Gabriel, reposed in the Lord on Tuesday, April 25th, 2017. She passed into eternity at home, surrounded by her family: Fr. Antony Gabriel, Kh. Lynn, David, Mark and Tamara, Ryan, Jeanne Habib, and Pam Rosenberg. Touching many lives, she will be deeply missed. Janna was born in Damascus, Syria on January 2, 1920, as Janna Esber. Her church was Ss. Peter and Paul in Maryland, with Fr. George Rados.

At her request arrangements will be private. A woman of great faith, she left in the loving embrace of Christ!  

The interior of Ss. Constantine and Helen Church in Nish, Serbia, the birthplace of Emperor Constantine the Great.The Renewal, or Bright, Season following Great and All-holy Pascha continues into the month of May. In the month’s third week, the Orthodox Church celebrates two important saints and a great feast of our Lord, God and Savior Jesus Christ. May’s liturgical texts, blessed by His Eminence Metropolitan Joseph, are now ready for clergy and laity to download from the Online Liturgical Guide.

The theme of water runs through the second half of Renewal Season. At the feast of Mid-Pentecost, we ask our Savior to quench our thirsty souls with “the waters of true worship,” coming from Christ Himself, the “Fountain of life” (apolytikion of Mid-Pentecost). The ancient church (and some of our congregations today) would have just celebrated the soul-cleansing baptisms of catechumens on Holy Saturday, and so we all call upon our Lord to refresh us with His wisdom as we maintain our baptismal purity.

Our baptisms cleanse and heal our bodies as well, which are made mostly of life-sustaining water, as shown in the fourth, fifth and sixth Sundays of Pascha. On the Sunday of the Paralytic, Christ heals at the Sheep’s Pool the man who was paralyzed for 38 years (John 5:1-15). On the Sunday of the Samaritan Woman, Christ tells St. Photeini at Jacob’s Well that she can partake of the “living water,” Christ Himself, and never thirst again (John 4:5-42). On the Sunday of the Blind Man, Christ reveals His creative power and gives eyeballs to the man born without them, and sends him to wash in the Pool of Siloam where he gains his sight (John 9:1-38).

This year, the Sunday of the Blind Man coincides with the commemoration of the holy, glorious, God-crowned and great Sovereigns Constantine and Helen, the Equals to the Apostles (May 21). The Emperor Constantine abolished the persecution of Christians in the Roman Empire in his Edict of Milan in 313. Then, he adopted their faith. His pious mother, Helen, visited Jerusalem, discovered the Honorable Cross of the Lord, built the Church of the Resurrection on Golgotha and other churches throughout the Holy Land (Synaxarion at Orthros).

A few days later, on the fortieth day (or sixth Thursday) after Pascha, the Orthodox Church celebrates the great feast of the Ascension of our Lord into heaven. Even though He is seated at the right hand of God the Father, Christ promised that He would still be with His disciples and all of us, and no one could be against us (kontakion of the Ascension). This great feast prefigures our ascension into heaven to sit next to God Himself.

On the Sunday following the Ascension, the Orthodox Church commemorates the Holy Fathers of the First Ecumenical Council in Nicaea in 325. Once St. Constantine ended the state-sanctioned persecution of the Church, her clergy and laity began to fight over doctrine and the true natures of God in Trinity. St. Constantine called the council which abolished the heretic Arius and his false teaching that the Word was not God consubstantial with the Father, but that He was created as a stranger to the Substance of the Father and His glory (Synaxarion at Orthros). This council also gave us “The Creed” which Orthodox Christians recite to this day.

The Online Liturgical Guide, produced by the Committee on Liturgics, provides the official, uniform word-for-word texts to be used for the divine services in all parishes across the Archdiocese. Should you have any questions, please contact Subdeacon Peter Samore at service_texts@antiochianladiocese.org.

Dear friend of St. Athanasius Academy:

Jesus is the Resurrection and the Life – (John 11:25)

Last Summer we focused on the wonderful woman of the Church. This Summer we will study Lazarus, John 11; ...not unto the death of Lazarus, but unto the glory of Jesus, His Son,.. 11:4.

John 11: 39 Jesus said, "Take away the stone." Martha, the sister of him who was dead, said to
Him, "Lord, by now He is giving off an odor, for he has been dead four days." 40 Jesus said to
her, "Did I not tell you that if you believed, you would see the glory of God."

See the attached PDF files for this month's full teaching and to order the study booklets.

St. Emmelia Homeschool Conference, 2017

Christ is risen!

The St. Emmelia Homeschool Conference 2017 was a great success; glory to God for His generosity in blessing our humble efforts! The theme was "touching heaven" and we really did touch heaven in many various ways as we came together for encouragement, equipping, and refreshment in the God-ordained task of raising His children. Please visit at our website for coming updates and a report.

In the meantime, please save the dates for the next conference at Antiochian Village on April 19–22, 2018; this will be the twelfth event of its kind. The theme of the conference is "Be Not Afraid" and we're pleased to have arranged for Fr. Josiah Trenham to be our keynote speaker.

Also, please pray for this work to continue to flourish. There is serious conversation to hold a similar conference in Texas and in California.

Grateful to be your servant in the Risen Lord,

+ Fr. Noah Bushelli, Director

From the May 2017 issue of The Word:

Ordained

CAVALIER, Abraham (Brian), to the holy diaconate by Bishop Thomas on January 14, 2017, at St. George Church, New Kensington, Pennsylvania. Deacon Abraham is attached to that church.

PHELPS, Deacon John, to the priesthood by Metropolitan Joseph on March 19, 2017, at Holy Cross Church, Yakima, Washington. He is assigned as the Pastor of Ss. Joachim and Anna Mission, Goldendale, Washington.

ROBINSON, Deacon James, to the priesthood by Metropolitan Joseph on February 12, 2017, at St. Andrew Church, Arlington, Washington. He is assigned as the Pastor of St. Innocent Church, Everson, Washington.

SCHROM, John, to the diaconate by Metropolitan Joseph on March 12, 2017, at Holy Myrrh-bearing Women Church, Bonners Ferry, Idaho. He is assigned to that parish.

VOLLMAN, Deacon Jeremiah, to the priesthood by Metropolitan Joseph on February 11, 2017, at St. Paul Church, Lynnwood, Washington. He is assigned as the Assistant Pastor of that parish.

Elevated

AJALAT, Fr. George, to the dignity of Archpriest by Metropolitan Joseph on February 5, 2017, at St. Simeon Church, Santa Clarita, California.

DAVIS, Hieromonk Jeremy, was elevated to the rank and dignity of Archimandrite by Bishop Basil on Sunday, March 19, 2017, at Holy Ascension Church, Norman, Oklahoma

Assignments

ACKER, Priest Herman, has been assigned as Pastor to the mission of Saint Andrew in Lewes, Delaware.

BAKER, Deacon Mark, is attached to St. George Church, Portland, Oregon, effective March 17, 2017.

HANNA, Priest Nicholas, has been assigned as Pastor to Holy Cross Church, Palmdale, California, effective March 18, 2017.

Returned to the Laity

BECK, Fr. Andrew (Randy Beck) has been laicized, effective January 1, 2017.

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!

Saturday afternoon marked an especially warm and touching commemoration of the dedicated service given to the Archdiocese by Mr. Robert Laham. The celebration took place at the home of Mr. and Mrs. Fawaz El Khoury, the Vice Chairmen of the Archdiocesan Board of Trustees. All of the speakers took note of “Bob’s” tireless efforts stewarding the finances of the Archdiocese, and the gentle, humble ways in which he offered this vital ministry. In an especially moving moment, His Eminence Metropolitan Joseph bestowed on Mr. Laham the Order of St. Raphael of Brooklyn, the highest award given by the Antiochian Archdiocese of North America.

The weekend progressed with the celebration of Great Vespers at St. George, ushering in the liturgical commemoration of the patronal feast of the parish and the Nameday of our Chief Shepherd, who is under the heavenly patronage of St. Joseph of Arimathea and celebrates on the second Sunday after Pascha. The service was beautifully chanted antiphonally by Metropolitan Joseph, Dn. John El Massih, and a choir of students from Hellenic College Holy Cross led by Kamal Hourani, a student hailing from the parish and studying at the college. Vespers was followed by a creative culinary experience dubbed “International Night” – featuring New England, Middle Eastern, Asian, and Mexican cuisines.

Hierarchical Divine Liturgy was the apex of the celebratory weekend. Metropolitan Joseph was joined by Bishop John, Protosyngellos Timothy Ferguson, Fr. Gregory Harrigle, Fr. Nicholas Belcher, and Dn. John El Massih. His Eminence left an indelible impact on all during his homily when he reminded the worshippers of the reverence and love with which his patron saint took down the immaculate body of the Savior from the cross; the Metropolitan exhorted all to receive of the precious and life-giving mysteries in a similar manner. The liturgy was followed by a banquet where His Eminence awarded Ms. Linda Ayoub with the Archdiocesan “Meritorious Service Award” for her dedication to all of the ministries of St. George – the parish council, church school, and adult fellowship, as well as co-chairing the weekend’s festivities.

One of the themes shared by His Eminence throughout the festal weekend was that of the connection of the feast of St. George to the joy of the Paschal season. As he noted, the feast is always celebrated during the days of Pascha regardless of whether or not the date falls during Great Lent. All who took part in the weekend are grateful for the radiant Paschal joy that accompanied all of the celebrations that took place. We also wish many years and sincere congratulations to the honorees of the weekend and most especially to our father and chief shepherd, Metropolitan Joseph. 

View the 2016 photo gallery
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The Department of Sacred Music joyfully announces the themes for the next two Sacred Music Institutes (SMI), in which we will more deeply examine our mission: guiding chanters, choirs, and congregations to musical excellence in worship for the glory of God. There is much to learn from these topics! This summer's Institute on July 12–16, 2017, hosted by Antiochian Village, is titled "Music as Ministry: Looking Outward through Orthodox Hymnody." Next summer's SMI (July 11–15, 2018) will continue the topic with the theme "Music as Vocation: Looking Inward through Orthodox Hymnody." 

"Let us strive this year for every parish to send people to make this Institute an even greater experience for all,"urges His Eminence Metropolitan Joseph in his 2017 SMI letter. 

For the first time, and in response to many requests from past participants who would like to learn more about Byzantine notation or western music theory, Optional Intensive Theory Classes will be offered this summer, beginning Wednesday, July 12 at 10 a.m. For more information please contact Emily Lowe at sacredmusicinstitute@gmail.com

We are also excited to offer longer breakout workshops, team-taught by our experienced and educated instructors, covering a variety of topics from Byzantine chant to choral directing (and even how to integrate both in your parish – yes, it can be done!) These workshops will be repeated on Thursday and Friday afternoons, so each participant will have the opportunity to attend two.

Our dynamic Youth Music Ministry promises to be more exciting, spiritually uplifting, challenging, and fun than ever before! We look forward to meeting a new group of inspiring young men and women into our midst, and welcoming back some of our “veteran” teens! For more information please contact Chris Farha at chrisfarha@cox.net For those who require financial assistance, a limited number of scholarships, for both adults and youth, are available. Please contact Chris Farha for details.

PLEASE make your reservations early. We had record attendees last year and used up every bed at the Village! REGISTER HERE

We expect the full schedule, course descriptions and list of presenters, to be posted by the Feast of the Ascension, May 25, 2017.

For more information, please contact Paul Jabara at sacredmusic@antiochian.org; download the flyer HERE.

In the midst of this Feast, O Savior, give Thou my thirsty soul to drink of the waters of true worship; for Thou didst call out to all, saying: Whosoever is thirsty, let him come to Me and drink. Wherefore, O Christ our God, Fountain of life, glory to Thee. (Apolytikion of the Feast, Tone 8)

On the Wednesday of the Paralytic, we celebrate the Feast of Mid-Pentecost.

Standing in the midst of the teachers, Christ the Messiah teacheth at Mid-Feast.

Mid-Pentecost is the midpoint of the fifty days between the Feasts of Pascha and Pentecost. In the Divine Liturgy Gospel passage, we read that “in the midst of the feast Jesus went up into the Temple, and taught” (John 7:14).

The feast in question is the Jewish Feast of Tabernacles which commemorates the Israelites wandering in the desert for forty years, when they lived under tents and tabernacles. “Tabernacles” served as the middle link between the Jewish Passover, which recalls God’s deliverance of His people from the Egyptian pharaoh, and the Jewish Pentecost, which remembers Old Israel’s entry into the “promised land” of Mount Sinai. The risen Christ is the link for New Israel as it celebrates the New Passover (Pascha, the Resurrection) and the New Pentecost, when the Holy Spirit descended upon the disciples and apostles. When Jesus had preached in the temple, he had just healed the Paralytic Man—which the Orthodox Church recalled on the previous Sunday—and was about to give sight to the Blind Man—which the Orthodox Church will recall in ten days. The apolytikion of Mid-Pentecost announces the “waters of true worship”, which Christ will give us to drink, just as He gave the Samaritan Woman to drink; we commemorate that event on the coming Sunday. Thus, Mid-Pentecost reveals to the world that Christ will heal all of its infirmities, both physical and spiritual.

By Thy boundless mercy, O Christ our God, have mercy on us. Amen.

O Sovereign Master and Creator of all things, O Christ our God, Thou didst cry unto those present at the Judaic Mid-feast and address forth immortality’s water. Wherefore, we fall down before Thee and faithfully cry out: Grant Thy compassions unto us, O Lord, for Thou art truly the Well-spring of life for all.

With the streams of Thy Blood do Thou water my soul, which is grown dry and barren because of mine iniquities and offences, and show it forth to be fruitful in virtues. For Thou didst tell all to draw nigh Thee, O all-holy Word of God, and to draw forth the water of incorruption, which is living and which washeth away the sins of them that praise Thy glorious and divine arising. Unto them that know Thee as God, O good One, grant from on high the strength of the Spirit, which verily was borne by Thy disciples, for Thou are truly the Well-spring of life for all.

--Kontakion and Oikos of the Feast

The Living Waters of Mid-Pentecost by Fr. Stephen Rogers
Reflections on Mid-Pentecost by Vassilios Papavassiliou
St. Theophan the Recluse on Mid-Pentecost

By Fr. George H. Shalhoub

This Sunday, people throughout the United States and many places around the world will gather to honor their mothers. Many mothers will receive flowers, breakfast in bed, dinners and other acts of affection. For those who may be away from their children, they will have to be content with a phone call or a card in the mail. But, no matter how admirable this day has become for us in today’s society, honoring one’s mother should not be reduced to a one day activity, because mothers provide the foundation upon which we build our lives.

God gives every created human being a mother here on earth because He loves us. And even after our earthy mother precede us to Heaven, we still have our eternal mother (the Virgin Mary) who always keeps us in the shelter of her wings. As the late Mikhail Naimy stated, “Love is the law of God. You live that you may learn to love. You love that you may learn to live. No other lesson is required of Man.”

It is a well-known fact that Christian scripture states that the role of instructing children belongs to their father. (Eph.  6:4) However, for many of us, especially those of us who come from the Middle East, this duty belongs to the mother.  

What do mothers contribute to their children? Since God is the founder of the first family and every family on the face of this earth, the family is obligated to worship, praise and honor Him and keep His commandments. Therefore, the mother and father are an image of God to their children, and each has a different function, role and duty within the life of the family.

St. Paul stated in Ephesians, Chapter 5, that women are to be like the Holy Church: blameless and without reproach; and husbands are to be the image of Christ: serving and giving of his life to the Church. We do not enter into a debate of who is more important, more educated or makes more money. No one is greater than the other. Both were crowned, in the Sacrament of Marriage, with glory and honor and are, in God’s eyes, equal in creation.

Women of faith, in Holy Scripture, are considered to be “pillars of support” (Proverbs 9:1) and “faithful”. (I Tim 3:11) This equality is well put in the mouth of St. Paul, when he said, “Nevertheless, in the Lord woman is not independent of man, nor is man independent of woman. For as woman came from man, so also man is born of woman. But everything comes from God.”  (I Cor. 11:11-12) Since St. Paul gives this profound image of husbands and wives to be like Christ and the Church and the wife is to be like the Holy Church without distinction, Blessed Augustine once wrote, “He who does not have the church as his mother, does not have God as his father.”

 I can only speak to what my own mother contributed to my life and the lives of my siblings. I vividly recall that by the age of two, any time the church bells rang to signal a service, my mother would take me to church with her. I confess that being so young, I didn’t understand what the worship was all about, and despite being disruptive during the service, as young children are apt to be, I still felt secure and happy within the boundaries of the church. This experience left a longstanding impression on me that caused me to learn a lifetime of lessons as a son, a young man, a husband, a father, a grandfather and of course as a priest.

The lessons instilled by a mother are those emphasized in 2 Peter that says that the seeds which are implanted in our hearts, minds and souls can produce virtues or thorns. A mother’s words can either heal or scar her children. They can encourage or defeat. They can raise up, or put down. These virtues, whether good or bad determine what a child will be like as an adult, as unique individuals. We are a reflection of our parents’ attitudes, yet we bear on ourselves God’s image and likeness. Though we inherit genetics from our parents, we are original and individual in God’s eyes. All the schooling we acquire and the careers we undertake hinge on the lessons we received from our mother. She is the scale which balances life’s experiences. We either love or hate, are generous or greedy based on lessons we learn as children. Even though my mother was illiterate, she taught me the prayers of the Church which she knew by heart. I could summarize what the gospel teaches, what St. Peter insists makes a good life, and about being dedicated as a Christian based on things I learned from my mother, not through her words, but through her actions. She personified this idea from 2 Peter 1:5 “But also, for this very reason, giving all diligence, add to your faith virtue, to virtue knowledge, to knowledge self-control, to self-control perseverance, to perseverance godliness, godliness to brotherly kindness, and to brotherly kindness love.”

The calling of mothers is of self-giving for the sake of the family. St. John Chrysostom states, “A mother experiences more than one death, even though she herself will only die once. She fears for her husband; she fears for her children; again she fears for the women and children who belong to her children....For each of these, whether for loss of possessions, bodily illness or undesired misfortune, she mourns and grieves no less than those who suffer.” Our image of mothers in the Holy Church is the Virgin Mary. John of Damascus describes her calling to motherhood, “O Mother of God! If I place my confidence in thee, I shall be saved; if I am under thy protection, I have nothing to fear; for the fact of being thy client is a possession of a certainty of salvation which God grants only to those whom He intends to save.” This should be the mission of every mother.

The Bible, and especially Proverbs 6:20-23, advises us in this way, "My child, keep your father's command and do not forsake your mother's teaching. Bind them always on your heart; fasten them around your neck. When you walk, they will guide you; when you sleep, they will watch over you; when you awake, they will speak to you. For this command is a lamp, this teaching is a light and correction and instruction are the way to life." An old Arab proverb says that "Heaven bows before a mother's feet. The Book of Proverbs 31:1 also states, "Who can find a virtuous mother, she is more precious than jewels." As Henry Ward Beecher stated, "The mother's heart is the child's first school room."

Today, we are in need of the Church to raise women of faith. Who would take a bullet for you? Or catch a hand grenade? Or step in front of a train for you? Or pray that God will take her instead of her child, but a mother? “A mother’s love is something that no one can explain. It is made of deep devotion and of sacrifice and pain. It is endless and unselfish and enduring come what may, for nothing can destroy it or take that love away.” (Helen Steiner Rice)

As an adult, a man learns how to love his wife and children through the way he loves his mother and the way his mother loves him. A woman learns from the sacrifices of her mother. No one can teach decency, character and dignity but a mother. As children, our bodies are nourished through our mother’s milk and as we grow, our souls are nourished in the same way through the kindness, compassion and generosity she feeds us. 

We are dealing with a new reality of moms and dads both working to meet life’s demands and needs. The question to be asked, “Who can teach decency and respect, form character and dignity, but a mother?

A virtuous mother is so needed to instill in her children the faith we received from the saints. As Gibran Kahlil Gibran wrote, “The mother is everything - she is our consolation in sorrow, our hope in misery, and our strength in weakness. She is the source of love, mercy, sympathy, and forgiveness. He who loses his mother loses a pure soul who blesses and guards him constantly.”

On this Mother’s Day, we salute all mothers and those who are in heaven, we ask for their intercession. For those still on earth, we pray that God gives them a long and healthy life. If your mother has blessed you much, thank her. And if your mother has failed you, the best Mother’s Day gift you can give is to forgive her.

Father George Shalhoub is priest at The Antiochian Orthodox Basilica of St. Mary in Livonia, Michigan.

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.

Dear friend of St. Athanasius Academy:

Jesus is the Resurrection and the Life – (John 11:25)

Last Summer we focused on the wonderful woman of the Church. This Summer we will study Lazarus, John 11; ...not unto the death of Lazarus, but unto the glory of Jesus, His Son,.. 11:4.

John 11: 39 Jesus said, "Take away the stone." Martha, the sister of him who was dead, said to
Him, "Lord, by now He is giving off an odor, for he has been dead four days." 40 Jesus said to
her, "Did I not tell you that if you believed, you would see the glory of God."

See the attached PDF files for this month's full teaching and to order the study booklets.

St. Emmelia Homeschool Conference, 2017

Christ is risen!

The St. Emmelia Homeschool Conference 2017 was a great success; glory to God for His generosity in blessing our humble efforts! The theme was "touching heaven" and we really did touch heaven in many various ways as we came together for encouragement, equipping, and refreshment in the God-ordained task of raising His children. Please visit at our website for coming updates and a report.

In the meantime, please save the dates for the next conference at Antiochian Village on April 19–22, 2018; this will be the twelfth event of its kind. The theme of the conference is "Be Not Afraid" and we're pleased to have arranged for Fr. Josiah Trenham to be our keynote speaker.

Also, please pray for this work to continue to flourish. There is serious conversation to hold a similar conference in Texas and in California.

Grateful to be your servant in the Risen Lord,

+ Fr. Noah Bushelli, Director