MONASTERY BLESSING. + HIS EMINENCE, ARCHBISHOP DMITRI

November,28 / 2009 - MONASTERY BLESSING.     + HIS EMINENCE, ARCHBISHOP DMITRI         November /02/ 1923        + August /28/ 2011

The Nativity of our Lord Jesus Christ Monastery The Nativity of Our Lord Jesus Christ Monastery is an Orthodox Christian women's monastic center located in Kemp TX, withing the Diocese of the South, Orthodox Church in America. The initial planning for the monastary began in late 2000 with the blessing of His Eminence, Archbishop Dimitri. In 2009, with the blessing of His Beatitude, Metropolitan Jonah, a 13 acre property, with an existing house and other buildings, was purchased on the feast day of St. Sergius of Radonezh. The existing house was soon renovated and a chapel was erected from two former rooms of the house. The chapel was dedicated to St. Nicholas and blessed by His Beatitude on November 28, 2009.

Commemorated on December 25 Our Lord Jesus Christ, the Savior of the world, was born of the Most Holy Virgin Mary in the city of Bethlehem during the reign of the emperor Augustus (Octavian). Caesar Augustus decreed that a universal census be made throughout his Empire, which then also included Palestinian Israel. The Jews were accustomed to be counted in the city from where their family came. The Most Holy Virgin and the Righteous Joseph, since they were descended from the house and lineage of King David, had to go to Bethlehem to be counted and taxed. In Bethlehem they found no room at any of the city's inns. Thus, the God-Man, the Savior of the world, was born in a cave that was used as a stable. "I behold a strange and most glorious mystery," the Church sings with awe, "Heaven, a Cave; the Virgin the Throne of the Cherubim; the Manger a room, in which Christ, the God Whom nothing can contain is laid." (Irmos of the 9th Ode of the Nativity Canon). Having given birth to the divine Infant without travail, the Most Holy Virgin "wrapped Him in swaddling clothes, and laid Him in a manger" (Luke 2:7). In the stillness of midnight (Wisdom of Solomon 18:14-15), the proclamation of the birth of the Savior of the world was heard by three shepherds watching their flocks by night. An angel of the Lord (St Cyprian says this was Gabriel) came before them and said: "Fear not: for behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people. For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, Who is Christ the Lord" (Luke 2:10-11). The humble shepherds were the first to offer worship to Him Who condescended to assume the form of a humble servant for the salvation of mankind. Besides the glad tidings to the Bethlehem shepherds, the Nativity of Christ was revealed to the Magi by a wondrous star. St John Chrysostom and St Theophylactus, commenting on St Matthew's Gospel, say that this was no ordinary star. Rather, it was "a divine and angelic power that appeared in the form of a star." St Demetrius of Rostov says it was a "manifestation of divine energy" (Narrative of the Adoration of the Magi). Entering the house where the Infant lay, the Magi "fell down, and worshipped Him: and when they had opened their treasures, they presented Him gifts: gold, and frankincense, and myrrh" (Mt. 2:11). The present Feast, commemorating the Nativity in the flesh of our Lord Jesus Christ, was established by the Church. Its origin goes back to the time of the Apostles. In the Apostolic Constitutions (Section 3, 13) it says, "Brethren, observe the feastdays; and first of all the Birth of Christ, which you are to celebrate on the twenty-fifth day of the ninth month." In another place it also says, "Celebrate the day of the Nativity of Christ, on which unseen grace is given man by the birth of the Word of God from the Virgin Mary for the salvation of the world." In the second century St Clement of Alexandria also indicates that the day of the Nativity of Christ is December 25. In the third century St Hippolytus of Rome mentions the Feast of the Nativity of Christ, and appoints the Gospel readings for this day from the opening chapters of St Matthew. In 302, during the persecution of Christians by Maximian, 20,000 Christians of Nicomedia (December 28) were burned in church on the very Feast of the Nativity of Christ. In that same century, after the persecution when the Church had received freedom of religion and had become the official religion in the Roman Empire, we find the Feast of the Nativity of Christ observed throughout the entire Church. There is evidence of this in the works of St Ephraim the Syrian, St Basil the Great, St Gregory the Theologian, St Gregory of Nyssa, St Ambrose of Milan, St John Chrysostom and other Fathers of the Church of the fourth century. St John Chrysostom, in a sermon which he gave in the year 385, points out that the Feast of the Nativity of Christ is ancient, and indeed very ancient. In this same century, at the Cave of Bethlehem, made famous by the Birth of Jesus Christ, the empress St Helen built a church, which her mighty son Constantine adorned after her death. In the Codex of the emperor Theodosius from 438, and of the emperor Justinian in 535, the universal celebration of the day of the Nativity of Christ was decreed by law. Thus, Nicephorus Callistus, a writer of the fourteenth century, says in his History that in the sixth century, the emperor Justinian established the celebration of the Nativity of Christ throughout all the world. Patriarch Anatolius of Constantinople in the fifth century, Sophronius and Andrew of Jerusalem in the seventh, Sts John of Damascus, Cosmas of Maium and Patriarch Germanus of Constantinople in the eighth, the Nun Cassiane in the ninth, and others whose names are unknown, wrote many sacred hymns for the Feast of the Nativity of Christ, which are still sung by the Church on this radiant festival. During the first three centuries, in the Churches of Jerusalem, Antioch, Alexandria and Cyprus, the Nativity of Christ was combined together with the Feast of His Baptism on January 6, and called "Theophany" ("Manifestation of God"). This was because of a belief that Christ was baptized on anniversary of His birth, which may be inferred from St John Chrysostom's sermon on the Nativity of Christ: "it is not the day on which Christ was born which is called Theophany, but rather that day on which He was baptized." In support of such a view, it is possible to cite the words of the Evangelist Luke who says that "Jesus began to be about thirty years of age" (Luke 3:23) when He was baptized. The joint celebration of the Nativity of Christ and His Theophany continued to the end of the fourth century in certain Eastern Churches, and until the fifth or sixth century in others. The present order of services preserves the memory of the ancient joint celebration of the Feasts of the Nativity of Christ and Theophany. On the eve of both Feasts, there is a similar tradition that one should fast until the stars appear. The order of divine services on the eve of both feastdays and the feastdays themselves is the same. The Nativity of Christ has long been counted as one of the Twelve Great Feasts. It is one of the greatest, most joyful and wondrous events in the history of the world. The angel said to the shepherds, "Behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people. For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, Who is Christ the Lord. And this shall be a sign unto you: you shall find the babe wrapped in swaddling clothes, lying in a manger. Then suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly hosts, glorifying God and saying: Glory to God in the Highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men." Those who heard these things were astonished at what the shepherds told them concerning the Child. And the shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all the things that they had heard and seen" (Luke 2:10-20). Thus the Nativity of Christ, a most profound and extraordinary event, was accompanied by the wondrous tidings proclaimed to the shepherds and to the Magi. This is a cause of universal rejoicing for all mankind, "for the Savior is Born!" Concurring with the witness of the Gospel, the Fathers of the Church, in their God-inspired writings, describe the Feast of the Nativity of Christ as most profound, and joyous, serving as the basis and foundation for all the other Feasts.  Christ is Born! Glorify Him!  Troparion - Tone 4 Your Nativity, O Christ our God, Has shone to the world the Light of wisdom! For by it, those who worshiped the stars, Were taught by a Star to adore You, The Sun of Righteousness, And to know You, the Orient from on High. O Lord, glory to You! Kontakion - Tone 3 Today the Virgin gives birth to the Transcendent One, And the earth offers a cave to the Unapproachable One! Angels with shepherds glorify Him! The wise men journey with a star! Since for our sake the Eternal God was born as a Little Child!

Russian Orthodox Florida Greets its First Hierarch

It was with special piety that the Orthodox Christians of this sunny state planned for the visit of His Eminence Metropolitan Hilarion of Eastern America and New York. This trip always proves a source of spiritual joy for his flock, because the common prayer of all to God for the Orthodox parish, the city, the authorities and the local population, invoked God’s blessing for the entire region. The power, significance and importance of this event is probably understood by all nationalities and confessions. But His Eminence’s visit this time is of particular significance, as he brought invaluable relics for the Church of St Matrona of Moscow to Miami.

By Divine Providence, the First Hierarch’s Florida itinerary changed. Because of the sudden death of Protopriest Damian Criscella of the Russian Orthodox Church Outside of Russia, Metropolitan Hilarion departed New York for Florida on Sunday evening, November 25, 2012, On Tuesday, November 27, the believers of the Eastern American Diocese gathered at St Vladimir’s Church in Miami for the funeral of Fr Damian. The funerary Liturgy and burial was led by His Eminence.

The rest of Vladyka Hilarion’s week was tightly scheduled, interesting and productive.

On Friday, November 30, His Eminence visited the newly-opened school Paideia Classical Academy for the Orthodox Christians of Florida. The director and teachers told him about their achievements and hopes for the future, asking the First Hierarch to bless and pray for them.

On Saturday, December 1, at 10 am, Metropolitan Hilarion gave the Church of St Matrona of Moscow in Hallandale (near Miami), an invaluable gift: a portion of the relics of St Nicholas the Miracle-worker and an icon of St Matrona, gifts from His Holiness Patriarch Kirill of Moscow and All Russia. Metropolitan Hilarion and other clergymen performed a moleben to St Nicholas in the presence of a great multitude of worshipers, and that evening the Primate of the Russian Church Abroad performed all-night vigil.

On Sunday, December 2, Divine Liturgy was celebrated at the Church of St Matrona, at which Vladyka Hilarion officiated, along with Archimandrite Alexander (Belya), the parish rector, Archimandrite Isaac (Chakley), Prior of Holy Trinity Monastery of Khust-Gorodilovo in Ukraine, Protopriest Ernest Rapsun and Protopriest Nikolai Masniuk from the Czech Republic, Hieromonk Nicholas Perekrestov from New York and Priest Josaph Lukash of the Orthodox Church in America. After Liturgy, which filled everyone with great joy, His Eminence warmly greeted the many parishioners who came to piously welcome the holy relics. Vladyka in particular noted the zealous and fruitful labors of Fr Alexander, who over the course of only a year decorated the church with the help of faithful helpers, introduced a regular cycle of divine services, and established a vibrant parish life. The parishioners of the Church of St Matrona and visiting worshipers openly and earnestly expressed their spiritual elation at being given the chance to venerate the holy relics and gave thanks to their First Hierarch for his general archpastoral ministry and prayerful support.

Particularly noteworthy is that some 800 people came to venerate the relics of St Nicholas and icon of St Matrona in a single day.

Coordinating committee for Orthodox-Catholic Dialogue met

(mospat.ru) - On 20 November 2012, Metropolitan Hilarion of Volokolamsk, chairman of the Moscow Patriarchate’s Department for External Church Relations, arrived in Paris with the blessing of His Holiness Patriarch Kirill and All Russia and was met by Metropolitan Emmanuel of France (Patriarchate of Constantinople) at Charles de Gaulle airport.

They proceeded to the premises of the Patriarchate of Constantinople’s Metropolia in France, where the Coordinating Committee of the Joint International Commission for Theological Dialogue between the Roman Catholic Church and the Orthodox Churches holds its meeting. Metropolitan Hilarion takes part in it as representative of the Moscow Patriarchate.

On November 21, the feast day of the Presentation in the Temple of the Birth-Giver of God (according to the new style), members of the Coordinating Committee prayed at the Divine Liturgy celebrated in the Greek Orthodox Cathedral of St. Stephen.

Metropolitan Hilarion is accompanied by hieromonk Antoniy (Sevryuk), secretary of the Administration of the Moscow Patriarchate’s parishes in Italy.

8th Annual Winter Service Retreat

This December, we will host our Seventh Annual Winter Service Retreat for Older Teens and Young Adults. Each year, we schedule this during the week after Nativity, when students are out of school for their winter break in studies. Our parish of St. George Orthodox Church (OCA) is located right on the Texas border with Mexico. In year's past, the week included a visit and work project in an orphanage for girls just across the border in Mexico. However, because of increased border violence in recent years, we no longer cross into Mexico. Thanks be to God, this year, we will have a Brand New Church Hall to help accommodate both our Retreat Participants and our Service Projects!

Some retreat highlights include:
* A Speaker/Retreat Master Sharing Talks on Topics the Participants Themselves Have Requested
* Hands-On Orthodox Service Projects, including Preparing For and Staffing a special Nativity Season Distribution at our St. George Food Pantry - which has fed over 60,000 people in the last few years.
* Working as Teams to Actively Help with Retreat Functions
* Praying Together: Actively Participating in Reading, Singing, Praying & Participating in Liturgical Services
* Time for Fun, Christian Fellowship, including a South Padre Island Beach Trip and Talent Show

Who:  Geared for Older Teens, College Students & Young Adults plus Adult Chaperones & Orthodox Clergy. Orthodox Christians, Catechumins, Inquirers and their Friends from All Jurisdictions are WELCOME

Retreat Master:  To Be Announced SOON!

SPIRITUAL TOPIC: Why Become (or Remain) Orthodox? How Do We Stand Up for & Live the Faith?

Expanded Version: Why become or remain Orthodox rather than simply following the "easier" more populated versions of Christianity practiced by friends and society in general? Why would/should we choose or continue on the more narrow path, which often includes isolation since most parishes are smaller and within which we have few if any peers? How are we to become knowledgeable "apologists" and stand on a firm foundation in the faith? In everyday life? In times when we face special challenges and/or temptations?  How do we stand with our heads held high knowing that our beliefs are right and true? How do we do this without being prideful or thinking "low" of our brothers and sisters in Christ outside of the Orthodox Church? What are the real dividing lines which separate our Orthodox beliefs from those held by other Christians?

Dates:  This year's retreat begins the EVENING of Friday, December 28th and ends AFTER DIVINE LITURGY on Thursday, January 3rd.

Cost:  $225.00 Per Participant - Includes all Food, Lodging, Local Transportation and Fees. Note: If Adult Chaperones prefer an on-site Motel-type room, we can reserve one for an additional fee.We try to keep our registration fees as low as possible so as many students and other young people (who often are financially challenged and/or do not have wealthy parents) can attend. To help with this, we even cook most of the food and the retreat staff do not receive salaries. We do this for the love of Christ and in hopes that this experience will touch the lives of the young people who attend.

Where: St. George Orthodox Church; Pharr, Texas - Rio Grande Valley of South Texas near the Texas-Mexico Border. See Driving Directions: http://www.stgeorgetx.org/directions.html  The church is located at 704 W. Sam Houston in Pharr, Texas and overnight lodgings will be at the Valley Baptist Retreat Center in Mission, Texas. See the retreat center's website at:http://www.valleybaptistretreat.org/
What:  A week of hands-on Service Work, Spiritual Talks & Sessions & Prayers, Christian Fellowship, & Fun. Reunite with your friends and make new friends in a wholesome and spirtually-profitable atmoshere.
Special Dietary Needs: We do make and have available vegetarian and vegan food for our retreat participants, especially those who are still observing the OC Nativity Fast. Let us know if you have additional special dietary requirements or needs!
To learn more or to see photos from previous year's Winter Service Retreats, see links at:
http://www.stgeorgepantry.org/winteryouthretreat.html 

http://www.dosoca.org/

AR Mission Honors Founding Priest and Matushka

November 24, 2012

Fort Smith, AR.  On Sunday, October 28, 2012 Sts. George and Alexandra Mission honored the work of our founding pastor Archpriest John Maxwell and his wife Matushka Debra.  Fr. John and M. Debra faithfully served our mission for 16 years.  In August, Fr. John transitioned to being the priest-in-charge of St. John Kochurov mission in Rogers, AR.  Nearly sixty people attended the Divine Liturgy and banquet celebration.    Fr. John and Debra worked tirelessly at the mission and as one of our founders noted the mission would not be where it is today nor would it have ever existed if it hadn’t been for Fr. John.  Additionally, Matushka Debra was honored for her 15 years of service as the choir director.  God’s providence brought Fr. John and Debra to Fort Smith to care for Fr. John’s ailing father in 1996.  Previously, Fort Smith had a Greek Orthodox Church, St. George’s, but that church had closed several years prior to Fr. John’s arrival.  When Fr. John came to Fort Smith, he was able to organize a few remaining Orthodox families who formed the core group of Sts. George and Alexandra Mission.  Over the years, Eastern European immigrants and converts have been added.  In September, the nave to Sts. George and Alexandra was remodeled and those renovations were blessed at the liturgy.

May God continue to Grant Fr. John and Matushka many blessed years of ministry!

http://www.dosoca.org/

The Rock Hill, SC, Mission Station of the Orthodox Church in America was granted full mission status and received the name of St. Anthony the Great Orthodox Church from His Eminence Archbishop Nikon on Nov. 2. Chancellor Archpriest Marcus Burch conveyed the letter granting mission status and the new name at the Divine Liturgy on Nov. 4 in Rock Hill. Fr. Paul Coats, priest-in-charge, began Vespers services in Rock Hill in the summer of 2010, and the first Divine Liturgy was held at its present location on the Feast of the Entrance of the Theotokos into the Temple in November of that year.

November 6, 2012

The Rock Hill, SC, Mission Station of the Orthodox Church in America was granted full mission status and received the name of St. Anthony the Great Orthodox Church from His Eminence Archbishop Nikon on Nov. 2.  Chancellor Archpriest Marcus Burch conveyed the letter granting mission status and the new name at the Divine Liturgy on Nov. 4 in Rock Hill.  Fr. Paul Coats, priest-in-charge, began Vespers services in Rock Hill in the summer of 2010, and the first Divine Liturgy was held at its present location on the Feast of the Entrance of the Theotokos into the Temple in November of that year.
Nativity of the Holy Theotokos OCA parish in Charlotte (Fr. William Mills, rector) has actively supported the growth of the mission, which has grown from three families to over fourteen families, with about 40 adults and children from Rock Hill and surrounding communities attending.  Through the prayers of St. Anthony may God continue to establish his Church!

Church,World ans Kingdom :The Eucharistic Faoudation of Alexa

November 2, 2012

Fr Bill Mills, Rector of Nativity of the Holy Theotokos Church, Charlotte, NC, has recently published his latest book, Church, World, and Kingdom: The Eucharistic Foundations of Alexander Schmemann's Pastoral Theology (Chicago, IL: Liturgical Training Publications, 2012).   You can purchase the book at amazon.com. This book considers Schmemann's thoughts on the ordained priesthood, lay ministry, and vocation.

"Fr Alexander Schmemann was a man of tremendous theological and pastoral gifts, with uncanny insight into the world and church. In his writing, preaching and teaching he brought theology and life together in a Eucharistic approach that continues to question, critique, inspire and renew. Fr Mills shows convincingly that Schmemann’s work can be seen as pastoral theology. But in doing so, Mills has also beautifully introduced Schmemann to a new generation of Christian readers." 

V. Rev. John A. Jillions, Ph.D.
Chancellor, Orthodox Church in America
Associate Professor of Theology Andrei Sheptytsky Institute University of St. Paul, Ottawa, Canada

"Alexander Schmemann continues to be a major voice in liturgical theology. He guided us back to liturgy as the "first" or "primary" source of theology and his work on Baptism and the Eucharist are required reading in liturgy courses. William Mills has another "first" in this discerning study--of Schmemann as an important voice in pastoral theology... Mills systematically yet very beautifully reveals another side of this great theologian of our time-- that of a wise and caring pastor."  
Rev. Michael Plekon, Ph.D.
Professor, Sociology/Anthropology, Program in Religion & CultureBaruch College of the City University of New York
Associate, St Gregory the Theologian Orthodox Church, Wappingers Falls NY

http://www.dosoca.org/

2nd Annual Taste os St Innocent

November 2, 2012

On Saturday, October 20th, St. Innocent Orthodox Church in Macon, GA held its 2nd Annual Taste of St. Innocent Bible and Barbeque event.  The point of this event is to invite people to our church in an effort to offer them Christian hospitality in combination with exposing our guests to the Orthodox Church and our teachings in a relaxed and informal environment.  This year we offered free southern style smoked barbeque along with some Eastern European food.  Along with the delicious food we offered church tours with a focus on traditional Christian worship as “The Kingdom of Heaven on Earth”, and a talk given twice by Fr. Patrick Henry Reardon on the “Biblical Doctrine of Salvation.”  We served nearly 200 people this year, as we did last year.  By God's grace, strength and direction we hope to continue this event every year. To see more pictures or listen to Fr. Patrick’s talk please visit our website at www.st-innocent.org.

Daily Scripture Readings

22nd Sunday after Pentecost

Luke 8.41-56

And there came a man named Jairus, who was a ruler of the synagogue; and falling at Jesus’ feet he besought him to come to his house, for he had an only daughter, about twelve years of age, and she was dying. As he went, the people pressed round him. And a woman who had had a flow of blood for twelve years and could not be healed by any one, came up behind him, and touched the fringe of his garment; and immediately her flow of blood ceased. And Jesus said, “Who was it that touched me?” When all denied it, Peter said, “Master, the multitudes surround you and press upon you!” But Jesus said, “Some one touched me; for I perceive that power has gone forth from me.” And when the woman saw that she was not hidden, she came trembling, and falling down before him declared in the presence of all the people why she had touched him, and how she had been immediately healed. And he said to her, “Daughter, your faith has made you well; go in peace.” While he was still speaking, a man from the ruler’s house came and said, “Your daughter is dead; do not trouble the Teacher any more.” But Jesus on hearing this answered him, “Do not fear; only believe, and she shall be well.” And when he came to the house, he permitted no one to enter with him, except Peter and John and James, and the father and mother of the child. And all were weeping and bewailing her; but he said, “Do not weep; for she is not dead but sleeping.” And they laughed at him, knowing that she was dead. But taking her by the hand he called, saying, “Child, arise.” And her spirit returned, and she got up at once; and he directed that something should be given her to eat. And her parents were amazed; but he charged them to tell no one what had happened.

Gal 6.11-18

See with what large letters I am writing to you with my own hand. It is those who want to make a good showing in the flesh that would compel you to be circumcised, and only in order that they may not be persecuted for the cross of Christ. For even those who receive circumcision do not themselves keep the law, but they desire to have you circumcised that they may glory in your flesh. But far be it from me to glory except in the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ, by which the world has been crucified to me, and I to the world. For neither circumcision counts for anything, nor uncircumcision, but a new creation. Peace and mercy be upon all who walk by this rule, upon the Israel of God. Henceforth let no man trouble me; for I bear on my body the marks of Jesus. The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit, brethren. Amen.

http://www.dosoca.org/

Venerable Nestor the Chronicler of the Kiev Caves, Martyr Nestor of Thessalonica , Uncovering of the relics of St Andrew the Prince of Smolensk

Martyr Nestor of Thessalonica The Holy Martyr Nestor of Thessalonica suffered in the year 306 in the city of Thessalonica together with the Great Martyr Demetrius of Thessalonica (October 26).

Venerable Nestor the Chronicler of the Kiev Caves Saint Nestor the Chronicler, of the Kiev Caves, Near Caves was born at Kiev in 1050. He came to St Theodosius (May 3) as a young man, and became a novice. St Nestor took monastic tonsure under the successor to St Theodosius, the igumen Stephen, and under him was ordained a hierodeacon. Concerning his lofty spiritual life it says that, with a number of other monastic Fathers he participated in the casting out of a devil from Nikita the Hermit (January 31), who had become fascinated by the Hebrew wisdom of the Old Testament. St Nestor deeply appreciated true knowledge, along with humility and penitence. "Great is the benefit of book learning," he said, "for books point out and teach us the way to repentance, since from the words of books we discover wisdom and temperance. This is the stream, watering the universe, from which springs wisdom. In books is a boundless depth, by them we are comforted in sorrows, and they are a bridle for moderation. If you enter diligently into the books of wisdom, then you shall discover great benefit for your soul. Therefore, the one who reads books converses with God or the saints." In the monastery St Nestor had the obedience of being the chronicler. In the 1080s he wrote the "Account about the Life and Martyrdom of the Blessed Passion Bearers Boris and Gleb" in connection with the transfer of the relics of the saints to Vyshgorod in the year 1072 (May 2). In the 1080s St Nestor also compiled the Life of the Monk Theodosius of the Kiev Caves. And in 1091, on the eve of the patronal Feast of the Kiev Caves Monastery, he was entrusted by Igumen John to dig up the holy relics of St Theodosius (August 14) for transfer to the church. The chief work in the life of St Nestor was compiling in the years 1112-1113 The Russian Primary Chronicle. "Here is the account of years past, how the Russian land came to be, who was the first prince at Kiev and how the Russian land is arrayed." The very first line written by St Nestor set forth his purpose. St Nestor used an extraordinarily wide circle of sources: prior Russian chronicles and sayings, monastery records, the Byzantine Chronicles of John Malalos and George Amartolos, various historical collections, the accounts of the boyar-Elder Ivan Vyshatich and of tradesmen and soldiers, of journeymen and of those who knew. He drew them together with a unified and strict ecclesiastical point of view. This permitted him to write his history of Russia as an inclusive part of world history, the history of the salvation of the human race. The monk-patriot describes the history of the Russian Church in its significant moments. He speaks about the first mention of the Russian nation in historical sources in the year 866, in the time of St Photius, Patriarch of Constantinople. He tells of the creation of the Slavonic alphabet and writing by Sts Cyril and Methodius; and of the Baptism of St Olga at Constantinople. The Chronicle of St Nestor has preserved for us an account of the first Orthodox church in Kiev (under the year 945), and of the holy Varangian Martyrs (under the year 983), of the "testing of the faiths" by St Vladimir (in 986) and the Baptism of Rus (in 988). We are indebted to the first Russian Church historian for details about the first Metropolitans of the Russian Church, about the emergence of the Kiev Caves monastery, and about its founders and ascetics. The times in which St Nestor lived were not easy for the Russian land and the Russian Church. Rus lay torn asunder by princely feuds; the Polovetsian nomads of the steppes lay waste to both city and village with plundering raids. They led many Russian people into slavery, and burned churches and monasteries. St Nestor was an eyewitness to the devastation of the Kiev Caves monastery in the year 1096. In the Chronicle a theologically thought out patriotic history is presented. The spiritual depth, historical fidelity and patriotism of the The Russian Primary Chronicle establish it in the ranks of the significant creations of world literature. St Nestor died around the year 1114, having left to the other monastic chroniclers of the Kiev Caves the continuation of his great work. His successors in the writing of the Chronicles were: Igumen Sylvester, who added contemporary accounts to the The Russian Primary Chronicle; Igumen Moses Vydubitsky brought it up to the year 1200; and finally, Igumen Laurence, who in the year 1377 wrote the most ancient of the surviving manuscripts that preserve the Chronicle of St Nestor (this copy is known as the "Lavrentian Chronicle"). The hagiographic tradition of the Kiev Caves ascetics was continued by St Simon, Bishop of Vladimir (May 10), the compiler of the Kiev Caves Paterikon. Narrating the events connected with the lives of the holy saints of God, St Simon often quotes, among other sources, from the Chronicle of St Nestor. St Nestor was buried in the Near Caves of St Anthony. The Church also honors his memory in the Synaxis of the holy Fathers of the Near Caves commemorated September 28 and on the second Sunday of Great Lent when is celebrated the Synaxis of all the Fathers of the Kiev Caves. His works have been published many times, including in English as "The Russian Primary Chronicle".

Uncovering of the relics of St Andrew the Prince of Smolensk The Uncovering of the relics of Saint Andrew, Prince of Smolensk at Pereslavl occurred in the year 1539 through the involvement of St Daniel of Pereslavl (April 7). The holy Prince Andrew was the son of the Smolensk prince Theodore Fominsky. While still in his youth, he was grieved by the disputes of his brothers, and he left his native city going as a simple wanderer to Pereslavl Zalessk. In humility and meekness he spent thirty years as church warden at the church of St Nicholas, near which he is buried. After his death they discovered a princely ring, a gold chain and an inscription with the words, "I am Andrew, one of the Smolensk princes."

Holly Apostles/St John of the Ladder Annual Church Campout

October 25, 2012 In 2000 Holy Apostles began an annual trek to the mountains to enjoy the cooling weather and the colors of fall.  That first year three families attended.  The next year three families attended. In 2002 some members from St. John of the Ladder and St. Timothy’s in Tacoa joined us with Fr. Marcus.  Eventually Fr. Jacob, Fr. Nickolay and Fr. Thaddeus have joined us.  Some winters it has been rainy, snowy, bitterly cold, and the leaves have been brown.  Others like this past one were like a dream: balmy days, cool nights, and every color of the rainbow in the trees.  The leaves are glorious in their dying.  The river was full, the rapids were noisy, and the endless water flow was mysteriously iconic.  We have witnessed the growth of little children from infancy  to adolescents every year returning to play with each other, compare growing up notes, and make memories.  Each day begins and ends with vespers, and each morning either matins, Liturgy or this year on Saturday morning we chanted the Akathist, Glory to God for all Things.  Read the text of this Akathist and imagine about fifty of us singing by the river, as the early morning sun electrified the colors in the trees, and we shared a morning of glory to God.  Then enjoy these pictures with us.

http://www.dosoca.org/

Episcopical Search Update

October 17, 2012 Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ: Faithful of the DOS, Christ is in our midst! The Synod of the OCA did not vet any potential episcopal candidates during its meetings which concluded last week, this obviously includes Fr Gerasim.  Thus we are still in a  holding pattern relative to a possible DOS Special Assembly.  In further developments, the deans, acting as a nominating group within the Episcopal Search Committee, have received cv's from several additional potential candidates.  Two of these potential candidates are being interviewed in the coming week.  It is my hope that sometime after the AAC in Parma there will be a vetting of episcopal candidates by the Synod of the OCA, and that this will give us a way forward. Thus it is still possible that we might have a DOS Special Assembly in the context of our 2013 DOS Pastoral Conference in Atlanta, GA, and certainly no later than our regularly scheduled 2013 DOS Assembly in late July.  With this in mind and for your planning more generally for 2013, please mark your calendars with the following dates of our regularly scheduled meetings: 2013 DOS Pastoral Conference, Atlanta, GA Feb 4 - 8, 2013 (Diocesan Council Meeting Feb 4, 5) DOS Assembly, Jacksonville, FL (tentative) July 22 - 26, 2013 (tentative) (Diocesan Council Meeting July 22, 23)  If you have any questions or concerns, please do not hesitate to bring them to my attention. in Christ, Fr Marcus http://www.dosoca.org/

Stephen David Gidus-Memory Eternal.

October 9th, 2012 Stephen David Gidus, 50, of Orlando, FL (originally from Ashtabula, Ohio) passed away peacefully on Monday, October 8, 2012. He won his fight to eternal life with the Lord after battling cancer. He was circled in love at the time of his passing with his loving family and close friends. Stephen was well known in the community for his strong faith and family values along with exemplary work ethic. Stephen was a devoted husband to wife, Tara, and father to two young boys, Basil, 5, and Levi, 3. Stephen was a custom home builder. He was in business with his brother, Paul, and owned PSG Construction in Orlando. More recently, he started a consulting business called REMODology and wrote five books for the remodeling construction industry. Stephen had a passion for running and finished 17 marathons, including the Boston Marathon twice. He and his wife, Tara, ran two marathons on their honeymoon in Paris and London. Stephen had a passion for helping the homeless. He organized a clothing drive for the Coalition of the Homeless in downtown Orlando for twenty years. The foundation of Stephen’s life was his strong faith. He attended the Orthodox Church of St. Stephen in Longwood, where he was a reader and active on the building committee and parish council. He went on several mission trips to Guatemala, Africa, and Mexico to spread his strong Christian faith. Next to his faith, his family was the most important thing to him. Along with his wife and sons, he is survived by his father and mother, Tim and Marie Gidus, and his siblings Ann Marie Mecera, Paul Gidus, and James Gidus along with their spouses and seven nieces and nephews. Stephen will have a traditional Christian Orthodox funeral and burial. The viewing and panikhida will be Thursday, October 11 at 6:00 PM followed by the funeral service and burial beginning at 9:30 AM on Friday, October 12 at the Orthodox Church of St. Stephen at 1895 Lake Emma Road, Longwood, FL 32750. A Celebration of Life will be held on Friday, October 12 at 6:00 PM in the Lee Fellowship Hall at First Presbyterian Church at 106 East Church Street, Orlando, FL 32801. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to one of the following: Orthodox Church of St. Stephen (address above), the Coalition for the Homeless of Central Florida, 639 West Central Blvd. Orlando, FL 32801, or to First Presbyterian Church of Orlando (address above). The money donated to First Presbyterian will be allocated to the daycare and preschool that Stephen’s sons attend. In all donations please note In Memory of Stephen Gidus. Dobbs Funeral Home has been entrusted with arrangements. http://www.dosoca.org/

St Vladimirs Seminary

October 10, 2012 [SVOTS Communications / Yonkers, NY] St. Vladimir’s Seminary Press (SVS Press)— the publishing arm of St. Vladimir’s Orthodox Theological Seminary in Yonkers, NY—has garnered a gold medal for its storybook, Saint George & the Dragon, written by Jim Forest and illustrated in iconographic style by Vladislav Andrejev. SVS Press & Bookstore Marketing Manager Dn. Gregory Hatrak was recently notified that the children’s book had received a 2012 Moonbeam Spirit Award. Moonbeam Spirit Awards are given “for dedication to children’s books and literacy and for inspired writing, illustrating and publishing,” according to Jenkins Group, Inc., which bestows the awards. This year, five books in five different areas were chosen, all gold-medal winners: Mentoring: Your Stories, Volume 1, selected and edited by Taylor S. Joseph (Four Star Publishing) Peacemaking: The Sky of Afghanistan, by Ana A. de Eulate; illustrated by Sonja Wimmer (Cuento de Luz) Imagination: Pirate & Hoopoe, by Diarmid Cammell; illustrated by Karima Cammell (Dromedary Press) Preservation: Saint George & the Dragon, by Jim Forest; illustrated by Vladislav Andrejev (St. Vladimir’s Seminary Press) Compassion: Operation Marriage, by Cynthia Chin-Lee; illustrated by Lea Lyon (Reach and Teach) “St. Vladimir’s Seminary Press is honored that the Moonbeam Spirit Award has been bestowed upon our children’s book St. George and the Dragon,” said Theodore C. Bazil, senior advisor at SVS Press. “Many countries have appropriated this universal story, tying it to their particular culture and belief system. “The ‘wedding’ of words by Jim Forest, incredible images by Vladislav Andrejev, and beautiful design by Amber Schley Iragui,” he continued, “represents an effort to communicate Judeo-Christian moral and ethical teaching to children and youth. This book project—conceived of and led by St. Vladimir’s Seminary Press—required the identification and blending of an appropriate author, artist, and designer to publish a unique book that would stir children’s imaginations and touch their hearts.” The Moonbeam Children’s Book Awards are presented by the publishing services company Jenkins Group, Inc., of Traverse City, Michigan. Jenkins Group has been involved in book packaging, marketing and distribution since 1988. The awards ceremony is scheduled for Saturday, November 10, 2012, in conjunction with the Traverse City Children's Book Festival. The festival is open to the public and runs from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.; the awards ceremony will run from 5:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. According to Jim Barnes, awards director at Jenkins Group, Inc.: “The Moonbeam Children’s Book Awards are intended to bring increased recognition to exemplary children’s books and their creators, and to support childhood literacy and life-long reading. The awards recognize and reward the best of these books and bring them to the attention of parents, booksellers, librarians—and to children themselves." Awards are given in 39 categories covering the full range of subjects, styles, and age groups that children’s books are written and published in today. Each year's entries are judged by expert panels of youth educators, librarians, booksellers, and book reviewers of all ages. Award recipients receive gold, silver, and bronze medals and stickers, depicting a mother and child reading and silhouetted by a full moon. http://www.dosoca.org/

MONASTERY NEWS-Saints Mary & Martha Orthodox Monastery

Christ Is Risen! As this issue of “One Thing Needful” is being written, we are coming to the end of the forty days of Pascha (the celebration of the Resurrection of Christ). Truly, He Is Risen!
So many of you are wondering when we’re going to break ground -- when God allows. The only deadline we had was to have part of the land cleared so that it could be blessed at Pilgrimage, April 28th. This was done, with the larger logs (oak and pine) being milled for interior use, the smaller logs for the fire place, and the rest to be burned or possibly mulched. Due to drought conditions we have not been able to burn.
Back in late September, we hired an architect that truly wanted to do the work and had some good ideas; however, his health proved to be too great an obstacle. In March, we started interviewing other architects and obtaining bids. On May 4th we hired another architect. The monastery building can be built in three phases, completing the exterior and roughing in the interior. Then, as we have funds, we will work on the interior, starting with the Chapel and one bathroom. As our contractor teasingly says, “We need to get this built before Mother Thecla changes her mind again.” God willing, there will be updated plans in our next newsletter and, just maybe, a building permit.
Saint Walburga’s Warehouse might be finished by the time you receive this newsletter. Currently, the metal workmen are correcting their mistakes. So much for being required to hire the workmen that the metal building company states you must hire if you purchase their product. We were told that they would have it finished in two days, but figured it would probably take a week. They arrived on the 12th of March, did not have it finished by the end of the week, then finished it incorrectly, and are now having to correct the mistakes. When the job is correctly done, they will be paid. Nothing is ever simple. We just learned that the metal workers are one sheet short. So the saga continues.
On the second Friday and Saturday of February, we hosted our annual Knitters’ Retreat. While only four women attended, the retreat was good for all of them, both spiritually and physically.
As any Southern gardener would tell you, there is always work in the garden, no matter what month it is. There is never any lack of work in a monastery. We received some much needed help from Maria Floyd, Donna Davenport, Debbie Stankus, Debbie Davis, Kathy Smith, Kathy Poole, Rebecca Rommen, Elizabeth Barna, and Fr. Dn. Steve and Nancy Hall.
Each year on the Saturday before Forgiveness Sunday, the Church Commemorates All Departed Monastics. We were blessed to have Liturgy served that day by Fr. Robert Royer. A number of years ago, we added the names of women monastics (nuns) to the list of men monastics (monks) in the canon of Matins. Hearing the names of women along side the names of men, who “fought the good fight, finished the course, and kept the faith” (2 Timothy 4:7), inspires us in our own struggles.
On Friday, March 23rd, one unborn child (a miscarriage) was buried here in the morning. That afternoon Jacob Kowalcheck, a newborn infant whose lungs had not developed was buried. Great sadness enveloped all, then it started to rain, then poured and drenched everyone. With the rain came cleansing and joy in knowing God cares for and comforts all. Glory be to the Father and to the Son and to the Holy Spirit.
Howard Thomas (Peter) Herbert from the Charleston, South Carolina area along with the ashes of his wife, Reva Marie Wine Herbert were buried here on May 16th.
As with all those buried here and throughout the world -- May their memory be eternal.
Lent and Holy Week were challenging on many levels. One level was the goodly number of candle orders, for which we are grateful. As always, praying the Lenten cycle of services, keeping the Lenten fast, as well as other ascetical endeavors are challenging. Holy Week and Pascha services are more demanding, and for most of us exhausting. Keeping the Paschal spirit for forty days, fifty if you add Ascension and Pentecost stretches us to our limit. With Christ’s strength, we can “run the race” of the Pre-Lenten, Lenten and Paschal seasons, which are roughly one-third of the year.
Our annual Pilgrimage on April 28th went well. Liturgy was concelebrated by Fr. Thomas Moore, Fr. Peter Smith, and Fr. John Parker. Forty-four others attended throughout the day. With so many people contributing to the potluck luncheon, the table was full and overflowing. After praying the Akathist to Saints Mary and Martha, the four corners of the cleared land where the monastery will be built were blessed. (God willing, next year we will have a chapel and not have to put up tents.) Then we gathered under the tents again and prayed a forty-day Panikhida (prayers for those who have reposed) for Nona Zheltov, whose son and family now live here. Afterwards, we sang the Pascha Canon of Matins as we processed to the cemetery to bless the graves. After resting for a short time and cooling down from the heat, the few of us remaining, prayed Vespers. (Below are photographic portraits of some of the people who attended.)

On May 8^th and 11^th two groups of home-schoolers came for a candle demonstration and a tour of our monastery. Everyone enjoyed themselves, as they had the opportunity to become acquainted with us, and we with them.
A long-time friend and Orthodox Christian missionary, James Hargrave, visited us in late February after returning stateside from Tanzania in East Africa. With great joy, he and his to be bride, Daphne, will be married on May 27^th. We haven’t met Daphne, but we know James is a very happy man. Both are planning to return to the mission field in Tanzania. May God grant them many years!