The 61st New England Diocesan Assembly will convene on October 25-26, 2024, hosted by Dormition of the Virgin Mary Church, Cumberland, RI. Registration begins on Friday morning at 8:30 A.M. Clergy and Lay delegates are reminded that this is a two-day assembly, and all are expected to be present for the entire assembly.
To the Reverend Clergy and Faithful of the Diocese of New England,
Christ is Risen!
At the Diocesan Council Meeting on May 21, 2024, we discussed at length our continued search for a property that would provide Diocesan Offices and a residence for the Bishop. We reviewed two recent possibilities we had identified but ultimately decided were unsuitable.
As you are probably aware, in today's market, good properties move quickly. The Council considers that the process of identifying a suitable property, inspecting it with the committee and then with the Council, and then calling a special Diocesan Assembly to approve the purchase, would take so much time that we would lose the opportunity even to make an offer.
With this in mind, and with the consultation and approval of the Diocesan Council, and under my authority as Bishop of New England in accordance with OCA Statutes Art IX, sec. 3 b, I am calling for a Special Diocesan Assembly to be held on Saturday, June 15, 2024 at Holy Trinity Orthodox Church in New Britain, CT. The sole purpose of this meeting will be for the Assembly to authorize the Diocesan Council to acquire property for the Diocese (OCA Statutes Art IX, sec. 4 d) with a purchase price not to exceed $650,000.
The Assembly will begin with the Divine Liturgy at 8:30 AM, with the plenary session following a small breakfast after Liturgy. As is the case with our Annual Assembly, each parish is to send clergy and lay delegates to represent it at this Special Assembly. The clergy delegates are to be the clergy assigned to each parish, and the lay delegates are to be those most recently elected in each parish. Any parish without assigned clergy is to send one lay delegate.
Accompanying this letter are the registration package and the agenda, as well as a financial analysis of the impact of purchasing property, of renting property, and the financial implications of having a full-time Bishop, as a reference to help make an informed decision.
Christ is Risen! It is with great joy and honor that we announce the graduation of Kevin Pimpinelli, grandson of the late Mitred Archpriest Nicholas and Matushka Anastasia Timpko, with a Master of Divinity degree. This significant milestone was celebrated on May 25th at St. Tikhon’s Seminary with a beautiful Liturgy, presided over by His Beatitude Metropolitan Tikhon together with His Eminence Archbishop Michael and His Grace, Bishop Benedict.
The legacy of Archpriest Nicholas and Matushka Anastasia, who devoted their lives to the service of the Church, continues to inspire and guide us. Kevin’s achievement is a testament to their enduring influence and the grace of God in our lives.
We extend our heartfelt congratulations to Kevin Pimpinelli. May his ministry be as fruitful and blessed as that of his grandparents. Let us keep him in our prayers as he embarks on this new chapter of his journey, dedicating his life to the service of God and His Church.
Announcing the Launch of Our New Young Adult Group - 05/11/24
With the blessings of His Grace, we are thrilled to announce the launch of a new young adult group within our diocese! This initiative aims to foster community and fellowship among young adults across our diocese through monthly activities. It’s a wonderful opportunity for participants to share their journeys, connect with peers, and explore our beautiful diocese together.
Monthly Activities & Vespers Visits Each event is designed to be casual and focused on fellowship. After each gathering, we'll have the chance to visit different parishes for Vespers, making each meeting not only a time for fun and relaxation but also spiritual enrichment. Moreover, by rotating locations, we hope to accommodate young adults from various areas, ensuring that everyone can join in.
Summer Plans Here’s what we have lined up for this summer:
· May 18th: Join us for a hike at Pawtuckaway Mt. We meet at the North Mountain Trail in Pawtuckaway State Park, NH, at noon. Following the hike, participants may head to St. Nicholas in Salem, MA, for Vespers at 6 PM.
· June 15th: Our adventure continues with a hike at Sleeping Giant State Park in Hamden, CT. We start at 200 Mount Carmel Ave, Hamden, CT 06518 at noon, with Vespers to follow at Sts. Peter and Paul.
· Potential July 13th Event: We're planning a relaxed beach day at Charleston Beach, RI. Spend the day by the sea, and around 5 PM, we may journey together to St. Nicholas in Norwich for Vespers.
Leadership His Grace has appointed Dimitrios Rentel as the coordinator of this vibrant group, under the guidance of Fr. Moses Locke, the Director of Diocesan Youth & Young Adult Ministry, and Assistant Director Ephraim Mosher.
We invite all our young adults to join these gatherings. Let us pray that this group blossoms into a robust network that not only supports each member but also enriches our diocese. Your participation and prayers are greatly valued as we embark on this exciting journey together!
To the Clergy and Faithful of the Diocese of New England, Greetings in the Lord!
Over the past few weeks of the Fast, by engaging us with readings and fasting and works of charity, the Church has prepared us for the Great Feast of the Lord’s Resurrection. And now that we have arrived at Pascha itself, let us joyfully proclaim that Christ is risen.
And in the Liturgy today, let us, with uplifted minds, “enjoy the Master’s hospitality and the Table of Life Immortal in the upper room; and let us hear the exalted teaching of the Word, whom we magnify” [Canon of Holy Thursday, Ode 9, irmos].
As St John Chrysostom says, “Enter all of you into the joy of our Lord! … You that have fasted, and you that have disregarded the Fast, rejoice today! The table is rich-laden; feast royally, all of you! … Let us all partake of the feast of faith! … Let no one mourn his transgressions, for pardon has dawned from the grave. Let no one fear death, for the Savior’s death has set us free! … Christ, being raised from the dead, has become the First-fruits of them that slept. To Him be glory and might unto ages of ages!”
May the joy of this day ever remain with all of us!
On this auspicious day, we humbly petition our Merciful Lord to bestow upon our esteemed Archpastor, His Grace, Bishop Benedict, abundant years filled with health and continued fruitful ministry within our beloved Diocese. As he commemorates the anniversary of his birth, we celebrate the blessings he brings to our spiritual family.
Wishing you a joyous and blessed Birthday, Vladika!
To the Clergy and Faithful of the Diocese of New England, Greetings in the Lord!
Over the past few weeks the Church has given us examples to prepare us for the Great Fast: Zacchaeus shows us eagerness to see Christ; the Publican and the Pharisee show us pride to be avoided and humility to be cultivated; the Prodigal shows us repentance and the Father shows us mercy; the Last Judgment tells us what Christ expects us to do - I was hungry, you fed me; I was thirsty, you gave me something to drink; I was a stranger and you welcomed me; I was sick or in prison and you visited me.
Today as we begin the Great Fast, we are guided by two great saints of the Orthodox West: Saint Benedict, whose feast we celebrated this past Thursday, and Saint Patrick, whom we remember today. These two saints lived many centuries ago, Benedict in an Italy where Christianity was strong, but paganism had not yet died out, and Patrick in an Ireland almost if not quite entirely pagan. Benedict founded monasteries and wrote a Rule that is a guide to living the Gospel and easily adapted for the use of those in the world. Patrick preached the Gospel and converted a nation to the Orthodox faith.
Both of these saints are examples for us, since our world is becoming less Christian and more pagan, and we can follow both: Benedict in his asceticism and self-discipline, and Patrick in his missionary zeal.
Benedict in his Rule says that the life of a monk ought always to have about it the character of a lenten observance, but few have the strength for that. Then he urges his people, in the days of Lent itself, to do away with the negligences of other times-and all of us can take that to heart.
So let us welcome the season of the Fast with joy, and embrace the opportunity to do away with those negligences of other times in the things Christ told us he wants to do, by observing the fasts more closely, by increasing both our liturgical and private prayer, and by giving alms as we are able – and at least one saint pointed out that by keeping the fast and thus eating less costly and simpler foods, we save some money that is then available for the poor-and thus, as Benedict says, let us look forward with great joy to holy Pascha.
The Nativity Message from His Grace, Benedict, Bishop of Hartford and New England - 12/23/23
To the Clergy and Faithful of the Diocese of New England,
Greetings in the Incarnate Lord!
The birth of our Lord and God and Savior Jesus Christ reminds us once again that He now shares with us the flesh that He created in the beginning, and that as a result of His sharing our flesh, that very flesh is enthroned at the right hand of the Father.
Our very body, then, is the image of Christ.
And so by our lives we strive to act as being that image would require. And we do this by faithfulness not only to the Commandments gifted on Sinai, but even more to the Beatitudes and to the works commended in our Lord's telling of the great judgment (Matthew 25.36 and following).
Calling to mind, then, that we have daily work to do in His name, whether in small things or great, and that we are His image, we remember also with joy that His help is ever present to us, since "Christ is born to raise up again what fell in days of old: His image."
I greet you with the joy and blessings of the Nativity!
From Sunday to Sunday: Living the Christian life in the world with prayer, discipline, and love - 12/04/23
Diocese of New England Advent Youth Event with Fr. John Hopko Come join us for prayer, fellowship, and education as we make our way through the Advent fast in preparation for the Nativity of our Lord. All youth aged 13-17 are invited. Saturday, December 9th, 4pm to 7pm Holy Trinity Church, New Britain CT Vespers, followed by a talk led by Fr. John Hopko and dinner. Please RSVP using QR code or by email to frmoseslocke@gmail.com
In an atmosphere of unparalleled joy and spiritual fervor, we celebrated the consecration of Archimandrite Benedict as the Bishop of Hartford and the New England Diocese, held in the magnificent Boston Orthodox Cathedral of the Holy Trinity. This momentous event, deeply rooted in ancient liturgical traditions, brought together clergy and laity in a resounding affirmation of our unity in faith. Bishop Benedict, ordained amidst the reverent gaze of sacred icons and the heartfelt prayers of the faithful, was adorned in the episcopal regalia, symbolizing his new role as a shepherd of God’s flock. The cathedral resounded with the thunderous chants of “Axios! Axios! Axios!” - a Greek acclamation declaring “He is worthy!” - echoing our collective acknowledgment of his divine calling. This historic day marks not just a new chapter in the life of Bishop Benedict but a reaffirmation of our commitment to the apostolic faith, guided by the teachings of the Bible and the wisdom of our Orthodox tradition. As we embark on this journey under Bishop Benedict’s guidance, we pray fervently for his ministry to be a beacon of Christ’s love, a faithful steward of the Church, and a nurturing father to the clergy and faithful of our diocese. Many Years!
Please see linked the invitation to the consecration services and banquet of Bishop Elect Hieromonk Benedict. Please distribute these freely to your faithful. For those who are unable to attend personally we will be live-streaming the services, which can be accessed by clicking on the links in the invitation.
Also to purchase tickets for the banquet, click on that link in the invitation to register for the banquet and to pay. The hotel requests that these be made by Nov. 19.
In Christ, Archpriest John Kreta Chancellor, Diocese of New England
Holy Synod elects Hieromonk Benedict as Bishop of Hartford and the Diocese of New England - 11/07/23
On Tuesday, November 7, 2023, the Holy Synod of Bishops of the Orthodox Church in America, meeting under the presidency of His Beatitude Metropolitan Tikhon at Holy Trinity Cathedral in Chicago, IL, at its Regular Fall 2023 Session, canonically elected the Reverend Hieromonk Benedict (Churchill) as the Bishop of Hartford and the Diocese of New England. Father Benedict had been nominated by the Diocese of New England by their special nominating assembly on October 28, 2023.
Glory to Jesus Christ! What a monumental and awe-inspiring occasion we were graced with last evening! Following the soul-stirring Vigil service at the sacred grounds of St. Tikhon's Monastery, our dearly esteemed nominee for the Bishop of New England, Fr. Benedict Churchill, was tonsured a Rassaphore monk! How splendid and humbling it is to witness a servant of God stepping into a new phase of deeper commitment and spiritual awakening. May our Good Lord, the giver of "every good gift and every perfect gift" (James 1:17), shower Priestmonk Benedict with abundant blessings, grant him many years, and endow his ministry with heavenly wisdom. Our hearts are aglow with anticipatory joy for the spiritual fruit this dedicated servant will bear! Many Years!
Priest Benedict Churchill Nominated to be Considered for Election as Bishop of New England - 10/28/23
Feast of Ven. Job of Pochaev Saturday, October 28, 2023 New Haven, Connecticut
By Archpriest Joshua Mosher
Calling upon the grace of the Holy Spirit, today the delegates of the Special Nominating Assembly of the Diocese of New England overwhelmingly nominated Father Benedict Churchill to be considered by the Holy Synod of Bishops for election as Bishop of New England. His Beatitude, Metropolitan Tikhon said this would be the first agenda item for the Synod meeting in coming days, and that, if all goes as hoped, our diocese could have a new bishop in as little as three months. Father Benedict asked for all the prayers of the whole diocese.
Saturday began with a Hierarchal Divine Liturgy at Holy Transfiguration Church, New Haven. His Beatitude presided, with Diocesan Chancellor Archpriest John Kreta, Archpriest Steven Voytovich of Holy Transfiguration and Dean of the Connecticut Deanery, and numerous clergy of the diocese celebrating. The church was filled with delegates and many others come to worship and pray this historic day. (video)
Metropolitan Tikhon in his sermon observed that this is the feast of Ven. Job of Pochaev, the patron saint of Archbishop Job of blessed memory, who was a beloved Bishop of New England before being transferred to the Diocese of the Midwest. His Beatitude noted that Archbishop Job had painted the Diocesan Icon of the Sign which held a place of honor throughout this and all Diocesan Assemblies. The metropolitan preached on the Lord instructing us in today’s Gospel that a lamp is set on a lamp stand, not hidden. The saints illumine us in this way, and we can add even Archbishop Job to this, he said. As the psalmist writes, “God is glorified in the council of His saints.” At the same time, the glory we behold is not set out just for us to marvel at, but we all are called to strive to be filled with that Light. He concluded with a recollection of Metropolitan Onufry of Kiev, who has said there is no standing still in the spiritual life. We are either drawing near to the Light, to make it our own, or we are falling away into darkness. At the conclusion of the service, he added further remarks, noting that Lord in the second appointed Gospel called on us to take His yoke upon ourselves. “We are considering whether to ask Father Benedict to take this yoke upon himself to serve Christ in leading this diocese,” he said.
During the Liturgy, His Beatitude, on behalf of the Holy Synod, also awarded Fathers Robert Dick and John Eissman with the jeweled cross and elevated Father Steven Hosking to the dignity of Archpriest.
Following a generous brunch provided by the faithful of Holy Transfiguration Church, Metropolitan Tikhon convened the Special Nominating Assembly. He acknowledged it has been a long four-year process. First we gave time to mourn the well-loved and ever-memorable Archbishop Nikon, who reposed in 2019. Then the Church needed considerable time to identify suitable candidates. But now we have a candidate in Father Benedict Churchill, who is originally from this diocese, which is the ideal case, His Beatitude said. He allowed that Father Benedict since has moved, and thus is not so familiar to many now. But Father Benedict has taken much time to meet on several occasions and become better known throughout the diocese.
Metropolitan Tikhon emphasized the nomination was not a foregone conclusion. We only have one candidate to consider, recommended by the Diocesan Search Committee. The Diocesan Council, after an extensive in-person meeting, asked His Beatitude to convene this assembly. “We call on the Holy Spirit to guide us and raise up a spiritual father for this diocese,” he said.
Diocesan Chancellor Father John Kreta formally presented the name of Priest Benedict Churchill for nomination by the Diocese of New England. While singing “The grace of the Holy Spirit has assembled us today,” the delegates voted by secret ballot. His Beatitude announced the result to the assembly, who, once he had been recalled into their midst, greeted Father Benedict Churchill with gladness.
Friday, Oct. 27, was dedicated to an accelerated annual Diocesan Assembly, compressing the customary two days of business into one. By the grace of God and careful preparation and leadership, the agenda was completed with time to spare. The highlight of the day was a guest presentation by Babette Basil, the great-granddaughter of His Eminence, Platon, first Metropolitan of All America and Canada. She shared stories and historic items from his life, which has not been well-understood until now. Aleksandr Solzhenitsyn had been fascinated to learn of the trove of family history and arranged to have most of it shipped to him in Russia; tragically, he died before publishing anything on Metropolitan Platon and those documents have been lost. However, Ms. Basil has collected the still-precious remaining documents and items, which represent a personal record of the history of the Church in Russian and America before, during and after the Russian Revolution. After years of fruitless efforts to have them translated and curated, she has at last established an encouraging collaboration with Father John Parker and St. Tikhon’s Seminary. In recognition of this close relationship, she entrusted a pectoral cross of Metropolitan Platon to Father Parker.
Ms. Basil spoke movingly of her great-grandfather’s consistent courageous efforts to save lives. Most dramatically, he confronted a murderous pogrom in Kiev, rebuking them in full vestments, until they repented on their knees. Her grandmother spoke of how all her life, Jews would visit her home to express thanksgiving for Metropolitan Platon, without whom they would have been killed.
Metropolitan Platon wrote a chronicle of the martyrdom under the Bolsheviks of a great number of clergy in moving and brutal detail, how they were tortured and executed, how they sang songs unceasingly before being shot. He himself was to be hanged from the Kremlin if caught, and all his immediate family had wanted posters circulated. Elected as Metropolitan of All America and Canada in 1922, he faced the onslaught of the Living Church, which was a Soviet front organization claiming to be the official successor to the Orthodox Church in America. His cathedral of St. Nicholas in New York City was seized in a lawsuit, but in a few years, the Church under Metropolitan Platon’s leadership won later cases and ended the threat of the Living Church.
The presentation was gratefully received and plans are underway to share more of the life of Metropolitan Platon with the whole Orthodox Church in America.
Earlier in the day, noting this was the Sixtieth Diocesan Assembly, Metropolitan Tikhon said he has presided over ten percent of the assemblies of the diocese. Father Kreta in his Chancellor’s Report gave thanks to God for two years of growth in the diocese after many years of decline. He also rejoiced in filling all but one parish vacancy after years of struggle. A new diaconal and catechist training program promises to raise up new leadership in parishes. Individual parishes are undertaking creative outreach.
Diocesan Youth Rally, the annual summer camp, continues a legacy of excellence and enthusiastic participation. Father Kreta emphasized, “Youth Rally is an essential ministry in our diocese. Kids are up against so much confusion in the world. They need an Orthodox environment to ground them for what they face in schools, from their peers. We want this to grow as much as possible. Many youth workers have been inspired by their experience of youth camp. Youth Rally is one of the most important outreach efforts in our diocese.”
Among the final items considered at the Assembly was a resolution expressing profound gratitude for the love that Metropolitan TIkhon has manifested to the diocese in his years of caring for its people.
The business of the Annual Diocesan Assembly concluded with an opportunity for delegates to ask a variety of questions of Father Benedict. Among his responses, he said, “Whatever God expects me to do, I believe He also gives me the strength to do, as well as providing me with help, which comes through your prayers…. Christ will us a test where he has already provided us the questions, and the answers as well! ‘I was hungry and you fed me….’ I don’t have all the methods or ideas, but I encourage each person to think concretely about how to do that in life.”
Friday’s Assembly finished with Daily Vespers and dinner together in warm fellowship.
2023 Diocesan Assembly and Special Nominating Assembly - 09/01/23
This year’s Diocesan Assembly will be different than previous years. We will try to complete the Annual Assembly in one day (Friday, Oct 27) instead of the usual two days. This is so we can call a special nominating assembly on Saturday (Oct 28) following the Divine Liturgy, to nominate a candidate for the office of Bishop of New England for election by the Holy Synod of the Orthodox Church in America.
The Diocese of New England makes available limited scholarships for modest financial assistance according to the following guidelines:
A scholarship applicant must:
1) Be a parishioner of a member parish of the Diocese of New England, Orthodox Church in America;
2) Be currently enrolled, as a full–time student, in a degree granting program at an accredited Orthodox seminary with the knowledge and blessing of the diocesan bishop.
A Possible Candidate for The Office of Bishop of New England - 06/09/23
Dear Reverend Fathers, Brothers and Sisters in Christ of the Diocese of New England The blessing of the Lord be upon you! With gratitude to Almighty God, I am writing to you today to inform you of the progress made in identifying a possible candidate for the office of Bishop of New England. As you know, the Diocese of New England has been widowed since the passing from this life to life eternal of the Ever-Memorable Archbishop Nikon in September of 2019. In July of 2020, in my capacity as Locum Tenens of the Diocese of New England, I informed the Diocese of the step-by-step procedures we would take in finding a Bishop for New England. (I have attached that letter here with this email for your review).
St. Tikhonās Seminary Choir comes again to Connecticut for a special Sacred Music Concert! - 11/28/22
Three Saints Orthodox Church in Ansonia, CT will again be hosting a Concert of Sacred Music, sung by seminarians from St. Tikhon’s Orthodox Theological Seminary in South Canaan, PA on Sunday, December 4th at 4 PM.
As with last year, to honor our former chancellor and beloved pastor emeritus, we will be funding “The Very Rev. Mitered Archpriest Nicholas Timpko St. Tikhon’s OCA Seminarian Memorial Scholarship”. A further blessing has been offered in the form of a $5,000 matching grant from a donor in our parish. There is no admission fee, but donations will help fund the scholarship, to help prepare priests and leaders within the Orthodox Church. Please see the Flyer Posted on your Church Bulletin Board for more information.
Donation checks made out to Three Saints Orthodox Church (with STOTS written on your memo line) may be mailed to: Three Saints Orthodox Church, ATTN: Scholarship, 26 Howard Ave, Ansonia, CT 06401
Don’t hesitate to contact Rdr. Peter Romanovsky at 203-305-5683 or pwromanovsky89@gmail.com for more information or look us up at threesaintschurch.org.
The 58th New England Diocesan Assembly will convene on October 29-30, 2021, hosted by Christ the Savior Church, Southbury, CT. Registration begins on Friday morning at 8:30 A.M. Clergy and Lay delegates are reminded that this is a two-day assembly, and all are expected to be present for the entire assembly.
Live-Stream Schedule for Holy Week and Pascha - 04/12/20
As many of our churches are either closed completely or restricted to the priest and a few others to assist him, we invite you to participate in the services of Palm Sunday, Holy Week and Pascha, joining His Beatitude Metropolitan Tikhon and the brotherhood of the Monastery of Saint Tikhon of Zadonsk through live-streamed services on our Facebook page and YouTube channel.
2020 Diocesan Grant Information Now Available - 01/01/20
At the 2011 Diocesan Assembly, a "Parish Grant Initiative" was approved. Parishes in the New England Diocese can apply for financial grants to support outreach and charity programs in their communities. The diocese has budgeted up to $10,000 in grant monies to help support parishes in these efforts. Applications will be reviewed as received. The files are available in MS Word format.
All are invited to join His Beatitude Metropolitan Tikhon and neighboring clergy on Sunday November 10, 2019 at 4:00 pm for the Vespers of St. Nektarios. Please note this is the Sunday after his Feast Day.
There will be a procession with his relics, prayers for the sick and anointing with the oil from St. Nectarios’ tomb. A light Buffet will follow. On the feast, Saturday November 9, there will be Divine Liturgy at 9:30 am.
Locum Tenens announced for the Diocese of New England - 09/10/19
On Tuesday evening, September 3, the Holy Synod of Bishops of the Orthodox Church met via teleconference in Special Session under the presidency of His Beatitude, Metropolitan Tikhon. At this meeting, the Holy Synod declared vacant the sees of the Diocese of New England and the Albanian Archdiocese following the death of His Eminence, Archbishop Nikon. At this same meeting, His Beatitude, Metropolitan Tikhon informed the members of the Holy Synod that he would be the locum tenens for these two dioceses.
Memory Eternal to Archpriest Steven Belonick! - 08/07/19
Archpriest Steven John Belonick reposed in the Lord Jesus Christ on August 7, 2019, after an extended illness, acute myeloid leukemia. He was 67 years old.
Born October 7, 1951, and raised in New Britain, CT, he was the only son of Steven and Ann (née Kochanowsky) Belonick. He was a graduate of Laurel Crest Preparatory School (1969), and he earned degrees at the University of Connecticut (B.A. in Biology, 1974) and at St. Vladimir’s Orthodox Theological Seminary, Yonkers, NY (M.Div., 1977). He also completed a two-year program in pastoral counseling at Onondaga Pastoral Counseling Center, Syracuse, NY (Certificate, 1992).
On September 3, 1978, he married Deborah Malacky, also a graduate of St. Vladimir’s Seminary, who became his lifelong partner and support in ministry. Father Steven was ordained to the diaconate, March 25, 1979, by His Grace Boris (Geeza), bishop of Chicago and the Midwest, Orthodox Church in America (OCA); he was ordained to the priesthood, May 19, 1979, by His Beatitude, Metropolitan Theodosius (Lazor), administrator of the OCA. Both ordinations took place in Three Hierarchs Chapel at St. Vladimir’s Orthodox Theological Seminary.
Prior to his ordination Father Steven had been inspired to become a pastor by meditating upon his favorite Bible passage, John 21:15–17, in which the Lord instructs his disciple Peter, who professes his steadfast love for Him, to “feed My sheep.” Taking guidance from that passage and seeking to fulfill the Lord’s directive to the best of his ability, Father Steven served three parishes of the OCA as their pastor and shepherd, with zealous love for each flock: The Orthodox Christian Church of the Holy Transfiguration, Pearl River, NY (1979–1983); Dormition of the Virgin Mary Orthodox Church, Binghamton, NY (1983–2000); and Holy Ghost Russian Orthodox Church, Bridgeport, CT (2013–2017).
Additionally Father Steven became a beloved pastor and trusted confessor for many students attending St. Vladimir’s Orthodox Theological Seminary, where he worked in various capacities from 2000–2013: Director of Recruitment and Alumni and Public Relations; Dean of Students; and Chaplain. As a final testimony to his dedication in shepherding souls, he availed himself even to the aides, nurses, and hospital workers who sought his pastoral wisdom occasionally, taking an interest in their joys and sorrows and lending a listening ear.
Besides his pastoral work, Father Steven served as co-founder and co-editor, along with his wife, Deborah, of Jacob’s Well, the official publication of the Diocese of NY and NJ, OCA. He also served in a volunteer capacity on various committees and in various departments under the central administration of the OCA: the Department of Lay Ministry, the Department of Pastoral Life and Ministry, the Liturgical Commission, and the Ethics Commission. As well, also within the central church, he chaired a task force to develop a professional assistance program for clergy and their families and for full-time church workers. Additionally he was involved in an initial study of the OCA to address issues of clergy sexual misconduct. He also acted as co-editor for a very popular book filled with Lenten meditations, A Journey through Great Lent.
As Father Steven passes from death to eternal life, he leaves behind on earth his beloved family: his wife, Deborah; his two sons, Paul (Alexandra) and Daniel (Jennifer Mary), and his grandson, Steven Leland; his sister, Cynthia (Salvatore); and his father, Steven, along with in-laws, cousins, nieces and nephews, and an uncle that was part of his household growing up, John Kochanowski.
Funeral arrangements are being handled by Adzima Funeral Home, Stratford, CT. Calling hours and services will take place at St. Dimitrie Orthodox Church, 504 Sport Hill Road, Easton, CT: calling hours, 2 p.m. to 5 p.m., on Sunday, August 11; Office of the Burial of a Priest, 5 p.m. on Sunday, August 11; Divine Liturgy, 10 a.m., on Monday, August 12, with a repast following. A select choir, directed by Robin Freeman of St. Vladimir’s Seminary, will sing the services. Burial will take place at St. Tikhon’s Monastery Cemetery, St. Tikhon’s Road, South Canaan, PA, beginning with a short Panikhida (Service for the Departed) at the gravesite at noon, on Tuesday, August 13, with a luncheon following in the seminary refectory (not to be confused with the monastery trapeza).
Father Steven expresses his great thanks to all his caretakers: Dr. David Witt, his oncologist and Susanna Cronmiller, APRN, along with all the nurses and aides on the 7th floor oncology unit at Bridgeport Hospital; his family members who undertook the loving task of caring for him during time spent at home in hospice: his sister, Cynthia; his two cousins, Barbara Selarz and Kathleen Santa Maria; and his wife and sons. Additionally he is grateful for pastoral care provided by fellow clergy, especially His Beatitude Metropolitan Tikhon, primate of the OCA, Fr. John Jillions, Fr. Steven Voytovich, his current father confessor, Fr. Adrian Budica and the Spiritual Care Unit at Bridgeport Hospital, and Fr. Michael Westerberg. In particular he is indebted to Fr. Paul Lazor who served as his father confessor and mentor for decades, and with whom he developed a lasting bond of friendship. He also thanks his in-laws Barry and Libby Taylor, and all other friends and family members for their love, support, and encouragement during his long illness.
Because he had suffered and understood the devastating effects of cancer, and because of his gentle care for the children under his pastoral guidance over the years, it was Father Steven’s wish that donations in his memory be made to St. Jude’s Research Hospital for Children, 262 Danny Thomas Place, Memphis, TN 38105, 800-822-6344.
DNE Youth Event @ All Saints -- Hartford on Fri, June 21st
Have you ever wondered, "Why do we exist? What's the point of it all...?" Do have questions about the meaning of life --- or the meaning of your own life? What is a "life worth living...?"
Join us for worship, a "fast-free Friday" dinner, fellowship, and a discussion on the purpose, meaning, value, and key to our lives -- with St. Maria of Paris as our guide.
RSVP by e-mail (FrJames@AllSaintsHartford.org ) no later than Monday, June 17th.
Archpriest John Hopko, Outgoing Youth Rally Director, in his letter about cancellation of the Youth Rally this year says:
Dear Fathers, Mothers, Brothers, and Sisters—all those concerned about Youth Rally: Christ is risen!
I am writing today to announce that the Diocese of New England’s Youth Rally 2019, scheduled to take place this coming August in New Hampshire, has been cancelled.
Youth Rally 2019 has been cancelled because we have failed to put together a staff of adult volunteers sufficient to the task of appropriately preparing for, convening, and safely operating Youth Rally. This decision was made by me, in my capacity as Rally Director and Rector, and this decision has been approved by His Eminence, Archbishop NIKON, our Diocesan Hierarch, and by Archpriest John Kreta, our Diocesan Chancellor.
Our first and highest concern and priority at Youth Rally is to ensure the safety of the Youth Participants (“the Rallyers”). Over the years, we have developed a set of standards for Youth Rally staff, with the intention of ensuring the safety of the Rallyers. This year we were unable to meet those standards. Thus, necessarily, Rally could not take place, and, therefore, has been cancelled.
Our standards for Youth Rally staff include (among other specifications) the following:
· That we secure the services of a Director equal to the task of appropriately leading the Diocesan Youth Rally, whose responsibilities will include the identification, recruitment, training, maintenance, guidance, supervision, and discipline of an appropriate adult staff for the purposes of safely and productively operating our week-long, residential, Orthodox Christian, youth camp program for children between the ages of 10 and 17, which we call “Youth Rally.”
· That we secure the services of a total of two or three Orthodox Christian priests with a proven aptitude for youth ministry to serve as “the Rally priests.” One of these priests will be the Rally Rector, and may, also, concurrently serve as Rally Director.
· That we secure the volunteer services of a licensed healthcare provider (in actual practice most often a registered nurse who maintains current and valid licensure in the legal jurisdiction where Rally takes place) who meets the full legal and licensing requirements set by the host legal jurisdiction (state, county, city, town, etc.) to serve in the capacity of Healthcare Provider at Youth Rally.
· That we secure the volunteer services of ten to twelve spiritually, physically, mentally, and morally healthy and mature Orthodox Christian adult laypersons to serve as counselors at Youth Rally. These counselors will be the persons actually providing and exercising constant, around-the-clock, supervision of and care for the Youth Rallyers. They will share accommodations and facilities with the Rallyers while resident at the Rally campsite. Experience has taught us that it is best if these persons are neither the parents, nor legal guardians, nor older siblings of those for whom they will be directly caring at Rally. Experience has, also, taught us that it is best if these persons are not recent youth participants at Rally. All these persons must have the unreserved endorsement (“blessing”) of their Orthodox Christian pastor, and, concurrent with the time of Rally, must be in full, unfettered, sacramental communion and fellowship with the local Orthodox Christian community where they are members, While, as regards age, the majority of these persons may be young adults in their late teens and early twenties, it is all but absolutely necessary that several of them be older and more experienced and proven persons, who bring to the role of adult staff at Youth Rally a clear history and record of faithful and steadfast Christian responsibility, manner of living, and habit of being.
· All these persons, including the clergy, must be available to be present and to serve the entirety of the week, from beginning to end, at Youth Rally. They must, also, willingly undergo and participate in specific orientation and training for the purposes of serving as adult staff at Youth Rally. They must, also, meet all the stringent requirements and standards set by the Orthodox Church in America (OCA) and the Diocese of New England of the OCA for persons who will be serving as adult staff at a week-long, residential, religious, youth camp program for minor children. This includes clearing a background investigation (“check,” “screen”).
These are our standards. We failed to meet them this year, and, thus, Rally was cancelled.
In the Diocese of New England, we will now begin the process of examining our youth ministry programs and initiatives. Part of that examination will be to consider carefully the future of what we have called “Youth Rally.” Youth Rally, in one form or another, took place annually for the last 32 years in the Diocese of New England, since 1987 through to 2018.
I, myself, participated as an adult leader at Youth Rally for the last 16 consecutive years, including 15 summers in a row as Rector and Director. Going forward, I do not anticipate further service as Youth Rally Director or Rector, but I am committed to helping figure out how Rally might best be revivified and reconstituted. I have strong opinions, based on my lived experience of Youth Rally, and all that pertains to it, about how that might, or might not, occur.
I apologize for my failures, especially as connected to the issue of this summer’s Youth Rally and its unfortunate, but necessary, cancellation.
With prayerful best regards, I remain Your unworthy servant in Christ,
Last "Rally after Rally" pan-Orthodox youth event for 2017 - 02/17/19
On Friday, February 22nd at All Saints in Hartford, all our Orthodox Youth are invited to a "Rally after Rally" event from 6:30pm-9:30pm. In addition to having time for fun, food, and fellowship, our Youth will be continuing a discussion on the theme from Youth Rally (John 10:10b --"I am come that they might have life, and that they might have it more abundantly.") Having looked at doing this "daily" in October & "weekly" in December, we'll now be looking at how to live an abundant life "Seasonally." We'll be using the service of the Presanctified Liturgy and the Prayer of St. Ephraim, as a starting point for looking at how the yearly cycle, including Great Lent, gives us a fuller and more beautiful life that helps us grow to appreciate and enjoy the years, and the months, and the days, and the moments that make it up.
Schedule: Friday, 22 February 2019 @ All Saints Orthodox Church--Hartford, CT 6:30pm Vespers 7:15pm “Fast-Free” Dinner & Fellowship 7:45pm Discussion – “Living an Abundant Life -- Seasonally” 8:30pm Group Activity / Fellowship 9:15pm Night Prayers (Small Compline) 9:30pm Dismissal
Archpriest John Hopko, Rector and Director, has announced that it is now time to put together the adult staff for Youth Rally 2019 in the Diocese of New England of the Orthodox Church in America. Fr. John says, “Youth Rally is looking for mature, faithful, self-sacrificial, Orthodox Christian adults who are willing to volunteer to serve at Rally, especially as cabin counselors, but also as health staff, and in other leadership capacities. Our youth participants make Rally, but our selfless, generous, hard-working adult staff members make Rally possible.” For more information, please, use the link below.
SYOSSET, NY [OCA] -- The search for an experienced, qualified individual to assume the duties of Treasurer of the Orthodox Church in America initially announced in November 2018, continues.
The successful candidate, who will succeed Melanie Ringa, the current OCA Treasurer, will be directly appointed by His Beatitude, Metropolitan Tikhon with confirmation by the Holy Synod of Bishops and endorsement by the Metropolitan Council. The anticipated starting date for the new Treasurer will be mid-February 2019.
The Treasurer will report directly to the Chancellor of the Orthodox Church in America. He or she will be accountable to the Metropolitan, the Holy Synod, the All-American Council, and the Metropolitan Council, reporting regularly on the overall areas of responsibility and the financial management of the OCA. He or she will discuss with the Chancellor priorities, concerns, and financial expectations. In consultation with the Finance Committee, the Treasurer will keep the Chancellor and Metropolitan informed of financial matters and unforeseen events.
A detailed description of duties and responsibilities is available online .
Individuals interested in applying for the position should submit a cover letter and detailed resume indicating relevant educational and professional experience, together with three [3] letters of recommendation, to the Office of the Metropolitan, PO Box 675, Syosset, NY 11791 no later than January 22, 2019.
Enquiries may be directed to the Chancellor, Archpriest Alexander Rentel, at arentel@oca.org.
As we begin to approach the Diocesan Assembly there are various forms and reports needed. To start, here is the Parish Statistical Report. Please note that this report is needed so our Treasurer, John Skrobat can put together the proposed budget and parish assessments.
This report is due by September 1st. Please send a copy to John Skrobat, Bishop Nikon, Fr. Kreta, and myself, Alexia Tassmer.
(Rally Staff arrives the evening before Rally begins, on Sunday evening, August 12)
Who: All diocesan youth who have completed 5th grade and have not yet celebrated their 18th birthday are eligible to attend Youth Rally, (together with adults who are interested in and eligible to serve as leaders!)
Where: At the Campgrounds of the Greek Orthodox Metropolis of Boston’s Saint Methodios Faith and Heritage Center, Contoocook, New Hampshire, (the same place as last year!)
For further information please call or email Fr. John Hopko, Youth Rally Director, at phone number (860) 582-3631, or email address: terryvilleorthodoxchurch@gmail.com
NOTE: The FIRM deadline for youth registration is July 16, 2018.
We can’t wait to see you at Youth Rally this year!
"For All Times sake": This was the title of the message we received a few weeks ago from Fr. Paul Tarazi. Before his retirement, for many years Fr. Paul made Christ the Savior home for the “Connecticut Bible Lecture Series”. There was a following from Orthodox and nonorthodox who came twice a year to hear this Internationally known scholar teach about scripture. Fr. Paul has written many books on scripture, they are available both in our library and bookstore. His latest book: The Rise of Scripture has been written during these days of “retirement’ and just published. What a joy and privilege to have Father return and talk about this work of his. There will also be opportunity for book signing.
If you know Fr. Paul, don’t miss the opportunity to hear him again. If you have never heard him, seize this opportunity. “For All Times Sake”
The Rise of ScriptureThose who experience the Bible as a living text understand that Scripture possesses a life and power all its own. Written by human hands, texts become sacred when they resonate with ultimate truths encountered in the direst of human circumstances. Paul Nadim Tarazi’s The Rise of Scripture offers a cogent argument for the particulars of how it is the Bible as we have it became Scripture. Avoiding futile speculation over Israelite textual and ethnic origins, Tarazi lays bare the Bible’s strategic defense against hellenistic urban hegemony over the fertile clay and desert environs of western Asia. With the help of biblical Hebrew—a “concocted language,” according to Tarazi—scribes wrote and shaped oral and textual materials into a manifesto of cultural resistance in response to the ethnocentric arrogance of the alien occupation. The successful accomplishment of such a defense relied upon a kind of leveling of the playing field, in which the writers of the Bible came to throw all their own false idols into the fire, resulting in the production of the most scathing collective self-examination in human history. It is the thesis of this book that the reading and teaching of Scripture brings human beings together in the barren wilderness of authentic human existence in obedience to, and under the care of the ultimate Shepherd, the God of Scripture.
Saturday, May 5 from 1:00 to 4:30 Christ the Savior Church, Southbury CT.
Lenten retreat for Orthodox Christian adults in the New England area - 02/11/18
Join us on February 24th, 2018 (“Clean Saturday" - the first Saturday of Great Lent), at All Saints Orthodox Church in Hartford, CT for a day-long Lenten retreat for Orthodox Christian adults in the New England area.
The retreat is entitled: Becoming Fire - Christian Living in Turbulent Times, and will be led by Dr. Al Rossi from St. Vladimir's Seminary. (Flyer for download)
Celebrate the sounds of the season at Holy Ghost's 3rd annual Christmas concert, Sunday, December 3rd at 3:00 p.m. This year, we welcome Chamber Singers from the Connecticut Choral Society. Enjoy baked goods and refreshments afterwards. The event is free to all! Hope to see you there!
Diocesan Council Meeting November 29, 2017 - 11/01/17 Wednesday, November 29th at Sts. Peter & Paul Church in Springfield, MADaily Vespers 6:30 p.m. DC Meeting 7:30 p.m.If you cannot not attend please let our secretary know.Download links: Agenda and Minutes
00043
2017 Hierarch's Report - 10/27/17
The report of His Eminence, Archbishop Nikon, from the 54th Assembly of the Diocese of New England is avaliable here.
The Holy Trinity Church community experienced a milestone event on Saturday, September 30, 2017, with the consecration of its new Altar Table by The Most Reverend NIKON, Bishop of Boston, New England, and the Albanian Archdiocese, and assisted by area clergy.
The altar was constructed by faithful Holy Trinity parishioner Jon Matcheson, and assisted by his wife, Mercedes (‘Merci’), as a gift to Holy Trinity in celebration of its Centennial Anniversary on October 9, 2016, was built in memory of Jon’s departed mother, +Mrs Anne Matcheson. The previous unconsecrated altar had been used at Holy Trinity from 1958-2016. The Antimension which was placed on that altar by Metropolitan Theodosius in 1972 contained the relics of Saint Herman of Alaska.
The Rite of Consecration began promptly at 9:30 in the morning, with the reception of the Archbishop by Parish Council President, Mr Timothy Fetzko, who greeted His Eminence and offered the traditional Slavic greeting of rye bread and salt. His Eminence, Archbishop NIKON, received the blessing cross from Holy Trinity Parish Rector, V. Rev. Marc A. Vranes; His Eminence then presented the cross to the visiting clergy for veneration: Archpriest Michael Westerberg, Holy Transfiguration Orthodox Church, New Haven, CT; Archpriest Michael Korolev, Rector at Saints Peter & Paul Church, Springfield, MA, Archpriest Theophan Whitfield, Saint Nicholas Church, Salem, MA, Rev. John McKitish (Holy Transfiguration, New Haven) and Rev. Steven McGuigan, also from Saints Peter & Paul, Springfield. Deacons who assisted included Protodeacon Paul Nimchek, Deacon Andrey Sukharev, and Deacon Gregory Curran. Altar servers included Jeremiah Blankenbaker from Holy Trinity, and Ivan (Vanya) Sukharev, the son of Deacon Andrey, who was a member at Holy Trinity for several years in the early 2000’s when he was a doctoral student at the nearby University of Connecticut.
Archpriest John Hopko, Saints Cyril & Methodius Church, Terryville, CT, guided all those who were serving by handing His Eminence, Archbishop NIKON, and clergy, the necessary liturgical items in order to complete the Rite of Consecration. Fr John had previously formatted the complete the Rite of Consecration document which was available in printed form with accompanying rubrics, so that those in attendance could follow each liturgical action. It proved to heighten the understanding of those who either were not serving, or did not sing in the choir. The honor of reading the Epistle for the day was given to Mr Jon Matcheson. Mr Fetzko, also the Holy Trinity webmaster and photographer, took several hundred photos.
The four stones used to secure the top of the altar table to its base were secured from Rome, Italy (Dr Robert Vranes), Saint Sava Serbian Orthodox Cathedral in the City of New York (His Grace, Bishop Iriney Dobrijevic), from the Gravesite of beloved Holy Trinity Parishioners, +Pafnuty and +Konstantyna Juszczak, and the final stone came from Pine Island on Long Island Sound in Groton, CT, and offered by Mr Thomas Shakun, who has spent his entire life, over eight decades, active in the Orthodox Church. Holy Trinity Reader Tikhon (Erik Wallace, Ph.D.) also gifted a shard from modern-day Hippus in Northern Israel which was the site of the Feeding of the Four Thousand by our Lord. Using wax-mastic, Fr John affixed the shard to the stone from Rome.
His Eminence brought relics of Hieromartyr Hilarion Troitsky of Vereya to set inside the newly consecrated holy altar table. A new Antimension, to replace the previous one, contains the relics of Hieromartyr Sergius Floresnky of Rakvere in Estonia.
At the conclusion of the Rite of the Altar Consecration, the Divine Liturgy followed which was served for the first time ever on a consecrated Altar Table at Holy Trinity in its 101-year history.
“It is overwhelming and indeed humbling to know, this was the first time the Holy Eucharist was served from a consecrated Holy Altar Table at Holy Trinity,” Fr Marc said. “The historical significance of this day should always be remembered by those from our own community. It is the reception of our Lord’s Body and Blood which not only sustains us, but actually gives us the opportunity for a new Life in Christ each time we eat and drink from the chalice of our Lord. We are all called to enter into a deep, intimate, and personal relationship with our Creator, and each time we receive the Holy Eucharist, this is once more made possible. May the Body and Blood our Christ, served from this Holy Altar Table, be a constant reminder to the new life in Christ, and a foretaste of His Kingdom.”
At the conclusion of Liturgy and the veneration of the Cross, each person in attendance was presented an envelope with the sacred remnants of the Archbishop’s apron (“Stratchitsa”), along with piece of wood from the previous altar, which was prepared by Mr Matcheson for this occasion.
A festive meal was held in the church hall, and was organized by Mrs Sonja Chowanec, Dr Barbara Lacey, and Mrs Kathleen Andrzejewski. A special thanks to all those who provided food. Denise Geeza decorated the church with several beautiful floral arrangements, while Jason Geeza conducted a near-flawless choir.
The accompanying photo gallery displays selected highlights from the Altar Consecration. The entire set of 200+ high resolution photos area available on Dropbox. ALL photos may be downloaded used for personal, promotional and non-commercial purposes. A copyright release form is also contained in the folder, and may be downloaded, which grants usage privileges and captioning requirements.
Join CT Deanery Youth for a year of one-night retreats at All Saints Orthodox Church in Hartford, CT.
All youth in grades 6-12 are welcome to join us for food, fun, and fellowship with other Orthodox Christians from all over CT!
If you have to come late - No worries ~ We'll be glad to have you!
Attached is a schedule for Pan-Orthodox Youth Events, hosted by All Saints Orthodox Church in Hartford, CT.
Each month we'll follow a schedule similar to what we did last year:
6:30pm - Evening Worship (Vespers/Akathist)
7:15pm - Dinner & Fellowship
8:00pm - Activity/Education
9:00pm - Night Prayers (Compline/Akathist)
9:30pm - Dismissal
Our first "Rally after Rally" event will be on Friday, September 15th, 2017 @ 6:30pm at All Saints Orthodox Church (205 Scarborough St., Hartford, CT 06105)
For more information, please call or e-mail me at 860-922-5329 / OCAchaplain@gmail.com
St. Tikhonās Seminary 2016 Continuing Education Program - 06/09/16
Our Youth: a Precious Portion of Today’s Church Community in Great Need of Attention
“The Spirit Himself bears witness with our spirit that we are children of God, and if children, then heirs – heirs of God and joint heirs with Christ, if indeed we suffer with Him, that we may also be glorified together.” (Romans 8:16-17)
St. Tikhon’s Seminary Announces its annual Continuing Education Program, to be held at the seminary June 21-23, 2016. The program will begin at noon on Tuesday, and continue through Thursday afternoon. Registration cost for the program is $100, covering overnight accommodations in our dormitory, and meals. The program will be submitted for review for continuing education credit for our clergy. Interested lay persons are also welcome to attend!
Please register by June 15th either by calling St. Tikhon’s Seminary: 570.561.1818, or by e-mailing Teresa Vaux-Michel: teresa.vauxmichel@stots.edu
For clergy and lay leaders from small Orthodox churches, the Small Parish Forum is an intimate, regional conference designed to share helpful, hopeful ideas and tools for stabilizing and strengthening parish life.
The Small Parish Forum is co-sponsored by the OCA’s Archdiocese of Western Pennsylvania and the Diocese of the Midwest.
Dear Friends of the New England Diocesan Youth Rally:
Christ is risen!
Unfortunately, despite ongoing recruitment efforts, at the present time we are still in tremendous need of adult volunteers willing to serve as Youth Rally staff.
Youth Rally 2016 is scheduled to take place from Monday, August 8, through to midday on Saturday, August 13. Staff are scheduled to arrive on site on Sunday evening, August 7.
Specifically, we are in need of active, healthy and committed adult men and women who are able to serve during the week of Youth Rally as cabin staff. Right now, besides the staff members already recruited, we require at least two (2) more laywomen to serve as cabin counselors and two (2) more laymen to serve as cabin counselors.
We will NOT run Youth Rally unless we have adequate and appropriate staffing. I have absolutely no qualms or reservations about cancelling Youth Rally, if I feel that we cannot run it safely and appropriately. Good, sound, and reliable Orthodox Christian adult staff members make the program possible.
Staff members must be adults of legal adult age who are Orthodox Christians in “good standing.” “Good standing” means that they will be able to be endorsed, without reservations, by their Orthodox Christian parish priest/father confessor, as being suitable adult persons to be entrusted with the care, supervision and guidance of young people.
If you know of any person who is willing, able and appropriate to serve as a Youth Rally volunteer staff member, please ask them to contact me at their earliest convenience.
Again, we will NOT run Youth Rally unless we have adequate and appropriate staffing.
[NOTE: Our outreach efforts have including reaching out to the parishes and institutions of our Diocese of New England, to Saint Tikhon’s and Saint Vladimir’s Seminaries, and to the national Orthodox Christian Fellowship (OCF is the official campus ministry arm of SCOBA). We have also reached out to our Orthodox Christian family members, friends and acquaintances all across the country. In past years, we have been able to build a staff this way. So far, this year, these efforts are not bearing sufficient fruit.]
In Christ,
Fr. John Hopko
Youth Rally Rector and Director (2004-Present)
00051
Youth Rally 2015 - 05/28/15
The Attendee packets for this year's Youth Rally are now available!
Please see the accompanying link to download a PDF of this information.
All Saints of America Parish Celebrates Its 25th Anniversary - 04/25/15
At 9:30 a.m. on June 14th, on the Feastday of All Saints of America, we will officially mark our 25th Anniversary with a Hierarchical Divine Liturgy with His Emminence, Archbishop Nikon, followed by a celebratory luncheon banquet nearby. The evening before, on June 13th, at 5:00 we will be singing the Akathist Hymn to the Saints of North America, with the veneration of the relics of St. Herman of Alaska, St. Innocent, Apostle to America, St. Tikhon, , St. Raphael, St. Nicholai of Zicha, St. Alexis of Wilkes Barre, and being received on this day, incredibly, also the relics of St. Basil of Afognak, St. John of San Francisco, and a relic of St. Gregory the Theologian as well! Glory be to God! Glory forever! We are continuing to plan events, God willing, through the end of the year, so hop on the web site, www.allsaintsofamerica.us for more information!
Calling all Diocesan Youth and Young Adults - 04/25/15
Youth Rally Will Soon Be Here!
Especially, we are now recruiting volunteer adult staff members for Rally. Adult Staff Members need to be active Orthodox Christian communicants of at least 18 years old who have the blessing of their parish priest (i.e., the priest who regularly hears their confession) to participate and who have been approved as staff by me (Fr. John Hopko), in my capacity as Rally Director, on behalf of the Diocese of New England.
The Archpastoral Message of His Beatitude, Metropolitan Tikhon on the Great and Holy Pascha 2015 - 04/08/15
To the Very Reverend and Reverend Clergy, Monastics, and Faithful of the Orthodox Church in America: It is the day of Resurrection! Let us be illumined, O ye people! Pascha! The Pascha of the Lord from death to life and from earth to heaven has Christ our God has led us, as we sing a song of victory. (Paschal Canon, Ode I)
Calling all youth and youth volunteers! - 04/06/15
Why are we having a youth program?
In the past, the OCA Department of Youth and Young Adult in conjunction with the Department of Christian Education was very successful in reaching hundreds of OCA youth and young adults at the All American Councils. At the height of this ministry run by Fr. Michael Anderson and with the blessing of the OCA bishops, there were nearly 400 youth participating. We are bringing back the program in an attempt to reach out to our youth and help them to grow in the church and meet other Orthodox Christians from across the OCA. We hope that it is successful.
OCA Statutes Revision: Public commenting deadline is April 20th.
The opportunity for discussion at the ACC has yet to be clarified, so if you would like to suggest changes, now is the time to do so.
"While the final agenda is still being approved by the Holy Synod, the AAC will devote most of an entire Plenary session to discussion of the Revised Statutes. The form of that discussion is still being planned so that it will be directed and inclusive while considering the size of the Council and the time limitations." —The Preconciliar Commission
At the 2011 Diocesan Assembly, a "Parish Grant Initiative" was approved. Parishes in the New England Diocese can apply for financial grants to support outreach and charity programs in their communities. The diocese has budgeted up to $10,000 in grant monies to help support parishes in these efforts.
The diocese reached its highest level of ONE Stewards donations in 2014, over $25,000. Our Diocesan Archbishop Nikon continues to set the example of generous stewardship with his personal donations to ONE Stewards throughout the year. The "Bishop's Circle" donors ($500 or more) also are very crucial in meeting the goals of ONE Stewards and in 2014 there were three new donors to this select group. This past year also included a new category of "anonymous" donations totaling over $3000 to ONE Stewards. Show your support of our diocesan Youth by sponsoring a "rallyer" through ONE Stewards. In addition our diocesan Seminarians, our diocesan Missions, and our diocesan Charity donations are supported by your "Giving Above and Beyond" to ONE Stewards. You should be receiving your ONE Stewards appeal envelope in late February. Remember, March is ONE Stewards month. Let's all join Archbishop Nikon in supporting ONE Stewards in 2015.
Winter 2015 āMind and Spirit Momentsā - 12/19/14
Register now for a weekly public continuing education course in Byzantine Music beginning Tuesday, February 3, 2015, on the campus of St. Vladimir’s Seminary.
Beginners Class will meet from 6:45 p.m. to 8 p.m., and Advanced Class will meet from 8:10 p.m. to 9:25 p.m.
Contact Dr. Nicholas Reeves, assistant professor of Liturgical Music at the seminary, at 914–961–8313 x353, or email byzantine@svots.edu.
His Grace Nicholas (Ozone), auxiliary bishop of Brooklyn for the Self-Ruled Antiochian Orthodox Archdiocese of North America (AOCANA), will speak at the 32nd Annual Father Alexander Schmemann Memorial Lecture, Friday, January 30, 2015, 7 p.m. on "The Life and Ministry of St. Raphael of Brooklyn."
Grief and Loss: Finding Our Way Into The Arms Of The Church - 02/26/14
FORCC will hold it's religious ed. seminar entitled "Grief and Loss: Finding Our Way Into The Arms Of The Church" on Sat., March 29th starting at 9am- noon. Location is Christ the Savior Orthodox Church in Southbury. Please post/announce the information. Dr. Albert Rossi will be the speaker. This workshop is free, however, for planning purposes we would like to have an approximate number of attendees. Please RSVP to Matushka Jenny Mosher at proekopten@gmail.com or Nina Kosowsky at nk246@aol.com.
St. Ambrose Society at St. Vladimir's Orthodox Theological Seminary - 02/20/14
The St. Ambrose Society at St. Vladimir's Orthodox Theological Seminary is sponsoring a free and public lecture on February 23, Sunday, 3:30 pm, in the Metropolitan Philip Auditorium on its campus in Yonkers, NY. “Preaching the Word of the Lord: Being an Orthodox Christian in the Post-Christian Public Square,” will be presented by Dr. Herman Tristram Engelhardt, who holds doctorates in Medicine (Tulane University, 1972) and Philosophy (University of Texas, 1969). A public reception will follow. Dr. Engelhardt's principal research has been in the area of bioethics, and his major contribution to Orthodox ethics is his book, The Foundations of Christian Bioethics. He is presently Professor of Philosophy at Rice University and Professor of Medicine at Baylor College of Medicine, both in Houston, Texas.
31st Annual Father Alexander Schmemann Memorial Lecture with The Very Rev. Dr. John McGuckin - 01/25/14
The 31st Annual Father Alexander Schmemann Memorial Lecture titled "On 'The Mystical Theology of the Eastern Church'" will be presented by The Very Rev. Dr. John McGuckin, a leading international commentator on Eastern Orthodox theology and early Christian history. The free and public lecture, Friday, January 31, 2014, will be immediately preceded by an academic convocation at 7:00 p.m., at which Fr. John will be awarded a Doctor of Divinity degree honoris causa.
Father John is professor of Byzantine Christian Studies at Columbia University, and Union Theological Seminary's Ane Marie and Bent Emil Nielsen Professor in Late Antique and Byzantine Christian History, an endowed Chair created in 2008 out of one of the oldest Church History departments in America. Father John has authored 23 books and has served as visiting professor and guest lecturer in many universities and colleges in England, Ireland, Greece, Romania, Ukraine, Russia, Italy, and the United States. On November 7, 2013, he was a featured guest speaker at St. Vladimir's 75th Anniversary Gala Banquet.
A public reception will follow the lecture, which will be held in the Metropolitan Philip Auditorium of the John G. Rangos Family Building. The lecture will also be made available as a "Voices from St. Vladimir's Seminary" podcast on Ancient Faith Radio.
St. Emmelia Orthodox Homeschooling Conference - 01/24/14
Antiochian Village Thursday, March 27, through Sunday, March 30
Details about speakers, topics, costs, schedules, and staying at Antiochian Village are available online at the Antiochian Village website under "Upcoming Events."
St. Nectarios of Aegina, a 20th century saint, is considered the patron of those suffering with cancer, heart trouble, arthritis, epilepsy, depression and injustice. On the eve of his feast, Friday November 8 at 7:00 PM, Great Vespers will be served by area clergy at Christ the Savior Church 1070 Roxbury Rd in Southbury. At the conclusion of the service there will be an outdoor procession, prayer for the sick and anointing with oil. It will be followed by a dessert buffet.
On Saturday there will be Divine Liturgy at 9:30 AM .
For directions or more information please call 203 267 1330 or visit our web site at www.christsaviorchurch.org
Very Reverend Jonathan Ivanoff led a Parish Growth Ministry Seminar at Holy Trinity Orthodox Church on Saturday, April 20, 2013, attended by 27 participants from parishes throughout Connecticut. Fr Ivanoff has long been considered a leader in the field of church growth ministry, and his three presentations served to enlighten and uplift. Pastor at Saint John the Theologian Orthodox Church, Long Island, NY, for the past two decades, Fr Jonathan is the Director of Orthodox Natural Church Development. Since 1998, Fr Jonathan has worked with more than 80 parishes in the field of Parish Growth Development.
We require volunteer adult staff members for the New England Diocesan Youth Rally 2013. Adult Staff Members need to be active Orthodox Christian communicants of at least 18 years old who have the blessing of their parish priest to participate and who have been aprroved as staff by Fr. John Hopko, Rally Director, on behalf of the Diocese of New England
Archpastoral Message of His Beatitude, Metropolitan Tikohn - 03/16/13
On Friday, March 15, 2013, the Archpastoral Message of His Beatitude, Metropolitan Tikhon, for Great Lent, which begins on Monday, March 18, was released.
The James C Rouman Lecture Series: The Development of the Early Papacy - 02/04/13
Professor Demacopoulos is a specialist in the History of Christianity for Late Antiquity, the Early Medieval West, and Byzantium. American born and educated, Dr. Demacopoulos is an active participant in the on-going Orthodox/Catholic Dialogue at Fordham, and has written extensively on the subject. Perhaps the most contentious of all issues requiring resolution before union can take place between Eastern and Western Christianity is that of papal authority. As he has in his book, The Invention of Peter, Professor Demacopoulos will examine for us how the historic Peter and the Roman Church strengthened, shifted, and evolved during the papacies of two of the most creative popes of Late Antiquity, ultimately shaping the Catholic Church as we know it today. An important lecture and one of interest to Orthodox Christians, this event should be on everyone’s calendar to attend. Questions and answers following the Lecture.
Sunday, February 17, 2013 5 pm St. George Greek Orthodox cathedral 433 Fairfield Avenue, Hartford, Connecticut
Ansonia to celebrate Patronal Feast Day - 01/23/13
On Wednesday January 30th Three Saints in Ansonia will celebrate our Patronal Feast Day with Divine Liturgy at 9 am to be followed by breakfast and fellowship. Vespers the night before will be at 6:30 pm. It would bring us great joy if you and your parishioners would be present to worship with us.
On Sunday, February 3rd, the parish of St. Alexis in Clinton, CT will host it's annual Chili/Chowder Cook-Off. Parishinoers bring in their favorite receipes and tasters vote for their favorite chili or chowder by making contributions. The dish that brings in the most contributions wins the coveted "CHILI Trophy." All contributions to support the IOCC.
Louis Zagami, IOCC Development Officer will be in attendance to answer your questions as well.
HOLY CONVERSATION: Marriage and Sexuality: an OCA event with the Diocese of New England - 01/14/13
A full account, an apologia for marriage, including the sexual blessing in it...A discussion, with hope of more holy conversation about sexuality...Issues of sexuality are most pressing concerns in society. We embrace these issues as opportunity to gather in Christ that He may baptize our mind and will in teaching and conversation in holy mysteries. In this coming together we hope for ‘issues’ to be transformed into love. Our adversary seeks division in our sexuality before one another. Broken and aware of the awesome responsiibility in our sexality we seek council together in the common mind that God withholds no good thing from His Beloved.
SYOSSET NY [OCA] ~ Holy
Trinity Church, Parma OH, will be the site of the 17th All-American
Council of the Orthodox Church in America, a one-day gathering on
Tuesday, November 13, 2012 -- the Feast of Saint John
Chrysostom -- at which a new Primate of the Orthodox Church in America
will be elected. The Council will open with the celebration of the
Divine Liturgy, followed by brunch. An electoral plenary session will
follow, after which the newly elected Primate will be installed prior to
the closing session. Space for observers will be limited. Additional
information will be released in the coming weeks as final plans become
available.
Don't forget about ONE Stewards during the summer months. Check out the note about the progress of the 2012 Campaign from Prdn. Paul Nimchek, ONE Stewards Director.
Statement issued in the
name of the Assembly of BishopsĀ in response to recent infringement of religious liberty by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services.
"On
Mid-Pentecost we hear the call of the Lord: 'Whosoever thirsteth, let
him come to Me and drink' (John 7:37).Ā If this is so, then let us all
run to Him. Whatever you thirst for - so long as it is not contrary to
the Spirit of the Lord - you will find relief in Him."Ā Ā -Ā St Theophan
the Recluse, 1815-1894
Mid-Pentecost is, in the words of the Pentecostarion, "the middle of
those days which commence with Christ God's saving Rising and which are
sealed by Pentecost."Ā It is a most radiant and majesticĀ feastĀ in that
it isĀ "illuminated by both the feasts" -Ā flashing forthĀ like
aĀ flawlessĀ diamondĀ upon which brilliant light isĀ shined fromĀ right and
left, and gushing forth like aĀ powerfulĀ fountain of waterĀ which is fed
by two mighty streams.Ā Let us all quaff deeply ofĀ "the waters of piety"
which flow from Him Who is the veryĀ Well-spring of Life!Ā "Having been
enlightened by the Resurrection and Christ the Saviour, O ye brethren,
and having reached the midst of the feast of the Master, let us truly
keep the commandments of God, that we may be counted worthy to celebrate
the Ascension and be vouchsafed the coming of the Holy Spirit"
(Doxastikon on the Praises).
Beginning on the Leavetaking of the feast of Mid-Pentecost,
Wednesday, May 25th and continuingĀ through Friday, May 27thĀ we members
of the Assembly of Canonical Orthodox Bishops of North and Central
AmericaĀ willĀ gather in ChicagoĀ to pray and work together, doing our
partĀ in building up the Holy Church in this landĀ to the glory of God and
the salvation of souls.Ā Among things to be discussed during
theĀ sessionsĀ in Chicago will beĀ the work ofĀ our Assembly's thirteen
committees, its Secretariat, and the fourteen agencies and
endorsed-organizations.Ā The prayers of all our Christ-loving clergy,
monastics and layĀ peopleĀ are earnestly requested, that the same Spirit
Whom our Saviour poured forth as Living Water to sate the thirst of His
Holy Disciples might inspire us as we labor for His glory.
The Members of the Assembly of Canonical Orthodox Bishops of NorthĀ and Central America
"Orthodox Natural Church Development: A New Paradigm for Parish Health" will be co-sponsored by the Diocese of New York and New Jersey and the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese on Monday, February 7 at 2:00 pm and 8:00 pmĀ EST (you
can pick either time but do not have to pick both). Father Jonathan
Ivanoff (Director, Commission on Mission and Evangelism of the Diocese
of New York and New Jersey) will be the presenter, Fr. James Kordaris,
Chairman of the GOA's Department of Stewardship, Outreach and
Evangelism, will be the moderator, and both warmly invite your
participation. Ā For further information about this webinar, visit the special link on the Orthodox Natural Church Development website at: http://oncd.us/webinar2.htmlĀ
Fr. Justin Mathews of FOCUS North America will be speaking about the fundamental Gospel message and practical possibilities of serving our neighbors in need on Sunday, Aug. 22.
Follow the travels of Fr. Vladimir & Matushka Susanne Aleandro on the OCMC Kenya Travel Blog. The Aleandro's will be in Kenya from February 17th - March 1st.
00170
40th Day Panikhida for Archbishop JOB - CT Deanery - 01/27/10
His Grace, Bishop Nikon celebrates the 40th
Anniversary of his Ordination to the Holy Priesthood on July 6, 2009:Ā Ā Many Years,
Master! Ā Per Shume Vjet, O Kryezot!Ā Eis Polla Eti
Despota!
Pentecost 2009: Holy Trinity, New Britain - 06/07/09
His Grace, Bishop NIKON, made an archpastoral visit to Holy Trinity Church, New Britain on the Great Feast of Pentecost the patronal feast of the parish. Following the Festal Divine Liturgy and "Kneeling" Vespers a picnic was held on the parish grounds.
On the 2nd Sunday of Great Lent the Connecticut Deanery Lenten Vespers was held at
All Saints Church, Hartford andĀ on the 4th Sunday of Great Lent they were held at the Dormition of the Virgin Church, Stamford.
The 45th Diocesan Assembly was hosted by Dormition of the Holy Virgin Church, Cumberland, RI. Opening sessions were held at the Marriott Providence Downtown in Providence, RI.
New to the Diocese: Deacon Christopher Westrate - 07/15/07
Deacon Christopher Westrate: A Short Biographical Sketch
Ā
Ā
By the Grace of God, Deacon Christopher Westrate was recently ordained to the Holy Diaconate by His Grace, Bishop Nikon (on May 6th 2007).Ā He feels very blessed to serve in the Diocese of New England and at Holy Trinity Orthodox Cathedral in Boston.Ā Ā
Deacon Christopher was born in Danvers, Massachusetts in 1976.Ā Most of his early life was spent in Beverly and Hamilton, but for Chrisās high school years, the Westrate family moved to Safety Harbor, Florida.Ā Dn. Christopher was not raised in the Church, but came to faith in 1989 when he was 13 years old.Ā At 14, he was baptized in a Baptist church and continued to explore the Christian faith throughout his formative years.Ā
In Florida, Dn. Christopher was very involved in a Methodist church a few blocks away from his home.Ā He worked for the churchās Youth Group and Childrenās Ministry, and he participated in a number of mission experiences in Washington D.C., Haiti and Mexico.Ā Alongside his church experience, Dn. Christopher came to love the study of history and literature, two fields which would influence him in his journey to the Orthodox Church.Ā
After high school, Dn. Christopher attended Gordon College, a liberal arts evangelical school in Wenham, Massachusetts, where he studied history and literature.Ā It was there that he fell in love with Lisa N. Hall, who became his wife the summer before their senior year.Ā Though Christopher studied Church History at Gordon, it was Lisa who introduced him to his first significant experience of Orthodoxy when she encouraged him to read Dostoevsky, and specifically The Brothers Karamazov.Ā
Christopher and Lisa were part of an Anglo-Catholic Episcopal parish in Hamilton, Massachusetts for the first three years of their marriage.Ā There they came to appreciate and embrace the sacramental life through the beautiful liturgy served at the parish.Ā While studying literature at the University of Massachusetts, Boston, where Dn. Christopher earned his M.A., he began to more deeply investigate the Churchās history and the place of the Orthodox Church in the development of doctrine and Christian spirituality.Ā After much study and a very inspirational catechumenate, the Westrates were received into the Orthodox Church at Holy Trinity Cathedral in Boston.Ā
Deacon Christopher and Lisa live in Amesbury, Massachusetts with their two year old daughter Anna.Ā Anna is a source of great joy for them, and they love being parents.Ā They all enjoy taking walks together, exploring new gourmet recipes, and reading lots of books.Ā Deacon Christopher and Lisa lead the Youth Group at Holy Trinity Cathedral.Ā The group has enjoyed a number of retreats, social outings and service projects and meets regularly for church school.Ā The kids at Holy Trinity have a special place in the Westratesā hearts.Ā
Dn. Christopher has taught literature and writing courses for eight years at New Hope Tutorials.Ā New Hope is an ecumenical educational hybrid, which enables homeschooling parents to supplement their at-home curricula with small group classes (8-10 students).Ā New Hope offers educational resources to parents in the content areas they find most difficult.Ā Dn. Christopherās classes (8th-12th grades) offer high level studies in the language arts.Ā He feels very blessed to work at New Hope, where he can teach and explore the subjects he loves, and where he is free to relate his academic discipline to the life of faith in Christ.Ā
Deacon Christopher is indebted to His Grace, Bishop Nikon, to his cathedral rector, Archpriest Fr. Robert M. Arida, and to his church community at Holy Trinity Orthodox Cathedral in Boston.Ā His Grace has always been very supportive, a wonderful Arch-pastor and guide through the process of vocation discernment. Ā Deacon Christopher has enjoyed serving His Grace as subdeacon, both at Holy Trinity and around the diocese.Ā Fr. Robert Aridaās mentorship has been an immeasurable gift in Dn. Christopherās coming to the Orthodox faith, growing as an Orthodox Christian, and discerning ordination to the diaconate.Ā Fr. Robert has been an incredible source of inspiration, light and life.Ā Finally, all of the Westrateās friends at Holy Trinity have offered such a vital gift of support, fellowship and friendship.Ā Deacon Christopher and Lisa feel exceedingly blessed for all that God has given them in life and in this new ministry.Ā
00212
New to the Diocese: Archpriest Michael G. Roshak - 06/04/07
Father Michael was assigned to Three Saints Orthodox Church in Ansonia on December 1, 2006.
Archpriest Michael G. Roshak
Father Michael Roshak served the Church in various responsible positions during his over twenty-year Diaconate. For a decade he served as Instructor of Russian at St. Vladimir's Orthodox Theological Seminary in Crestwood, New York, as its Director of Public Relations & Resources, and as Executive Director of the St. Vladimir's Theological Foundation. During that period he also served as Protodeacon for the Primate of the Orthodox Church in America, His Beatitude Metropolitan Theodosius, and accompanied him on official visits to Russia, Japan, and South America. As Protodeacon, he led numerous Orthodox Church-related travel serinars and pilgrimages to the former Soviet Union, to the Holy Land, Turkey, Egypt, and Greece. He also served as the first Chairman of the Orthodox Christian Broadcasting Commission of SCOBA (Standing Conference of Canonical Orthodox Bishops in the Americas).
From 1985 to 1991 Father Michael served as the first Director of the Europe Office and the US/USSR Church Relations Office of NCCCUSA (the National Council of the Churches of Christ in the USA). In 1991-1992 he represented the United Bible Societies, including the American Bible Society, in Moscow, Russia, and was instrumental in the formation of the Bible Society in Russia, which has grown to become the largest national Bible Society in Europe. From 1993-1996 Father Michael served as the United Bible Societies' Eastern Europe Information Officer and led international delegations to Albania, Armenia, Latvia, Lithuania, Estonia, Russia (including Siberia and the Far East), Ukraine, Belorus, Moldova, Romania, and Bulgaria. He also did extensive speaking engagements in Australia, New Zealand, Ireland, Great Britain, Canada, Norway, the Netherlands, Finland, and Bermuda. His last assignment for the United Bible Societies was the establishment of the Bible Society in the Republic of Georgia, laying the groundwork for translations, production, and distribution of Holy Scripture editions in the Georgian language and as a personal liaison with the Georgian Orthodox Church.
During the past ten years of priesthood, Father Michael served as Rector of OCA St.Ā Andrew's Orthodox Church, Baltimore MD and Chaplain at the VA Hospital inĀ Baltimore; served on loan to the Greek OrthodoxĀ Archdiocese at St. Katherine's Church, Falls Church VA and at the Nativity of the Theotokos Church in Fredericksburg VA; andĀ as the founding Rector of the OCA Christ the Savior Orthodox Mission in Stafford VA.
Father Michael received his Bachelor's of Science degree in education from Millersville State University in Millersville PA, with a major in Russian. He earned a Master of Arts degree in Slavic Languages and Literature from Ohio State University where he also taught Russian and led the University's Semester Abroad Program to the USSR. He earned a Master of Divinity degree from St. Vladimir's Orthodox Theological Seminary, Crestwood NY, with additional graduate studies at Indiana University, Bloomington, Indiana; at the St. Sergius Orthodox Theological Institute, Paris, France; and at theĀ Leningrad Theological Academy, Russia. In 1988 he was selected as one of the USA's 10 "most promising emerging leaders in the field of religion" to participate with 10 counterparts from the Soviet Union in a conference co-sponsored by both governments.
Father Michael has three children who live in Yonkers NY: Michael, 30, Peter, 28, and Julianna, 26.
New to the Diocese: Father Jason Vansuch - 05/24/07
At the request of Bishop NIKON to write a brief biography, Father Jason offers the following...
I would like to say, how humbled I am at the request of Bishop Nikon.I therefore offer the information below to give you an idea of 'Who is Rev. Jason Vansuch.'
I am the son of VRev. Eugene and Mrs. Fran Vansuch. They currently reside in Easton, PA where my mother works for an Insurance Agency and my father works at the National Chancery of The Orthodox Church in America in Syosset, New York as the Executive Director of the Fellowship of Orthodox Stewards. My father is the former rector of St. Nicholas Russian Orthodox Church in Bethlehem, PA. St. Nicholas is my home parish. I was born on July 8, 1976 in Bridgeport, CT. I was baptized into the Orthodox Faith at St. George Albanian Orthodox Church in Trumbull, CT. I spent my life within the Albanian Archdiocese for a little over 7 years. My father was also the rector of St. John's Chrysostom Albanian Orthodox Church in Center-City Philadelphia. Then we moved to Nanticoke, PA and then finally to Bethlehem, PA where I lived for about 10 years. I served in the altar and assisted my father with all of the Divine Services. I assisted with the cleaning of the church, helping at church functions, as well, as assisting with the altar boys.
While we were in Bethlehem, I attended BethlehemCatholicHigh School. Upon graduation of High School, I enrolled as a Full-Time Student at NorthamptonCountyCommunity College. I graduated May of 1996 with an Associate's Degree in Liberal Arts. In September of 1996, I enrolled as a Full-Time Seminarian at St. Tikhon's Orthodox Theological Seminary in South Canaan, PA. in the Master of Divinity Program. Throughout my seminary education, I had the distinct honor and blessing of serving in the altar as a 'blessed' subdeacon for two years for, then, His Eminence Archbishop HERMAN. On the eve of The Feast of Archangel Michael, November 7, 1999, I was blessed to wear the orarion and later tonsured a Reader by His Eminence on The Feast of The Entrance of The Theotokos into the Temple on November 21, 1999.
During my years in seminary, I had the distinct honor of meeting many respectful Hierarchs of Orthodox Churches in America as well as from around the world. While I was in seminary, I was blessed to work at the National Chancery of The Orthodox Church in America in Syosset, New York during the summer and winter breaks. My duties consisted of maintaining the chapel as well as maintaining the grounds. There were times when I was called upon to assist and travel with His Beatitude, Metropolitan Theodosius as his driver and subdeacon.
Upon graduation from Seminary in 1999, I was approached by Protopresbyter Robert Kondratick, at the time he was Chancellor of the Orthodox Church in America, to take up my new position in the life of the Church as personal aide to His Beatitude, Metropolitan Theodosius, a duty I had already served for three and one half years.
During my years as the assistant and Aide to Metropolitan Theodosius, I traveled with His Beatitude to many parishes around the Orthodox Church in America attending many parish celebrations and functions. In addition, I assisted His Beatitude at two All-American Councils -- Pittsburgh in 1999 and Orlando in 2002. Further, I had the distinct honor and blessing of accompanying His Beatitude on many trips abroad: to the Church of Russia on two occasions, to the Church of Japan, twice to the Church of Finland as well to archpastoral visitation to Germany.
I had the great honor of serving with many heads of Churches including His Holiness, Patriarch Alexey of Moscow and All Russia, His Eminence, Metropolitan Daniel of Tokyo and All Japan, His Eminence, Archbishop Leo of Helsinki and Finland, His Beatitude, Metropolitan Sawa of Warsaw and Poland, His Holiness, Catholicos-Patriarch Ilia of Georgia. I was blessed to serve at the following Canonizations of two Saints: St. Alexis of Wilkes-Barre in1994 and St. Raphael of Brooklyn in 2000.
Prior to his retirement, Metropolitan Theodosius bestowed upon me the Order of Saint Innocent, Bronze Class. In July of 2002, upon the retirement of Metropolitan Theodosius, I took my new responsibility as Personal Aide to His Beatitude, Metropolitan HERMAN. I participated in and assisted with organizing the Liturgical services for The Enthronement of His Beatitude Metropolitan HERMAN in Washington, DC in September of 2002. With my new assignment, I continued my services as the assistant to the office of The Metropolitan. This consisted of not only traveling with His Beatitude to the many church functions within our own Church here in America, Canada and Mexico, but also to accompany His Beatitude on the many trips that he took to the Churches Abroad. I had the distinct honor and blessing of accompanying His Beatitude to the Church of Georgia, to the Church of The Ukraine, to the Church of Poland, to the Church of Russia. I was blessed to serve at the celebrations of the Return of The Tikhvin Icon of The Mother of God in June and July of 2004.
In the fall of 2002, I had the distinct honor of having dinner with a good friend, Katherine Moroz. Katherine, or Katia as most people call her as a shortened form of her name, and I have been close friends for about 10 or so years. We did not know that after dinner that night, we would one day be husband and wife. Katia and I were engaged on October 26, 2002.
We were married at St. Nicholas Russian Orthodox Church in Bethlehem, PA on October 3, 2004. In preparing for my new step in life and my new role in life as a husband, I had spoken with my Spiritual Father concerning beginning a new life with my wife somewhere other than Syosset, NY. I felt that I could no longer fulfill the duties and responsibilities that are called upon as The Personal Aide to the Office of The Metropolitan. It was time for someone younger and with more flexibility to come in and serve the Church and serve His Beatitude in the way that the one in that position should. I was now contemplating my future ministry within the Life of the Church.
After Katia and I settled in our new home and starting to build our new life together in the Philadelphia area, we became parishioners of SS Peter and Paul Albanian Orthodox Church in Philadelphia. We were active members there. I served in the altar assisting Fr. Stephen Siniari, our Pastor, with the Divine Services. I oversaw the decorum of the sanctuary, delivered sermons, and sang in the choir. In addition, we began to have Reader's Services on Saturday evenings, services during Great Lent, the Nativity Fast, and other services during the course of the week.I also held a weekly Adult Bible Education and Bible Study for our parishioners as well as served as the Church School Coordinator for our Church School Program.We did all of this with the blessing of the Bishop and Fr. Stephen in order to provide more opportunities for the faithful to come and pray. Katia assisted with the Russian Community in translating for them on occasions as well as leading an Orthodox Education Class in Russian.I also assisted Fr. Stephen with visiting the sick in the parish, making the meshe for Liturgy and many other functions within the life of the parish.
Throughout our time at Ss Peter and Paulās, Katia and I begin to contemplate the next step in the life of our ministry ā being humble servants in the Lordās Vineyard as a Deacon and Diakonitsa.By the Grace of God, I was ordained to the Holy Deaconate by His Grace on Lazarus Saturday, April 23, 2005 at St. Nicholas Church in Bethlehem, PA.
Upon my ordination, I was attached and assigned to Ss Peter and Paul Albanian Orthodox Church of the Albanian Archdiocese located in Philadelphia, PA.There, I continued my work as a deacon under the guidance of our pastor, Archpriest Stephen Siniari. Along with fulfilling my responsibilities at Ss Peter and Paulās, I served at St. John Chrysostom Church in Center-City Philadelphia assisting Archpriest Matthew Searfoorce with the Divine Services, ministering to the needs of the faithful, as well as maintaining the good order of the Altar.
As we were approaching our one-year wedding anniversary in October of 2005, Mat. Katia and I began to contemplate the next step in the life of our ministry ā being humble servants in the Lordās Vineyard as a Priest and Matushka.In preparing ourselves for this next step and with the blessing of His Grace Bishop NIKON and with the blessing of His Grace Bishop TIKOHN of the Diocese of EPA, Mat. Katia and I began to attend St. Stephen Cathedral in Philadelphia on a rotating basis between Ss Peter and Paulās.I assisted the Cathedral Dean, Priest Victor Gorodenchuk, a close friend and former classmate of mine in seminary, with the Divine Services, maintaining the good decorum of the Altar as well as ministering to the needs of the faithful.Mat. Katia assisted with singing and reading during the Divine Services. This was good practice for both of us as we are serving a Slavic style parish here at St. Nicholas in Norwich, CT. where Mat. Katia is the Choir Director.We are both truly blessed and humbled with the experience that God has given us in our ministry in Philadelphia.
By God's Grace, both Mat. Katia and I have prepared ourselves for our new ministry in the life of the Church as a Priest and Matushka.
We are indeed humbled and honored to be called and chosen by God to be servants in His Holy Church. In addition, we are very excited for this has been my dream ever since I was a young altar boy serving with my father in the altar at the age of five. By the Grace of God, His Grace Bishop Nikon ordained me a priest on Saturday June 17 at St. Stephen Cathedral in Philadelphia, PA. Upon my ordination, I was assigned to St. Nicholas Orthodox Church in Norwich, CT., a parish within the Diocese of New England under the Omophorion of His Grace Bishop NIKON.
As we begin our ministry, we humbly ask for your continued love, guidance, and prayers that we may fulfill those tasks and responsibilities given to us. Thank you for this opportunity of allowing me to provide some information on my life so I may better assist you to answer the question of 'Who is Rev. Jason Vansuch.'
With love in Christ,
Rev. Jason Vansuch
00216
New to the Diocese - 05/24/07
Over the past few years, there have been several ordinations in the Diocese of New England. Additionally, a number of clergy have moved to the Diocese to serve with us in our work of building up the Body of Christ.
Over the coming weeks, we will be publishing a number of articles about our new clergy so that you have a chance to get to know them better.
To all who are new to the Diocese of New England, and to all who are newly ordained, God grant you many years!
00217
Send in your parish news! - 05/11/07
Baptisms, Chrismations, Weddings, Outreach...what is going on in your parish? Please let us know.
We are holding a subdeacon and altar server workshop at All Saints in Hartford on Saturday, December 7 from 9:30-12:30. Last year's workshop was a success, and we are hoping for another good turnout. The goal of this workshop is to sharpen our liturgical skills for hierarchical services.
Do you desire to connect with Orthodox youth, have questions about living our ancient faith in a modern world, or just plain love the outdoors? If you are an Orthodox youth between the ages of 9 and 17 sign up for Youth Rally 2023! Held in beautiful Contoocook, NH, this is a chance to make friends and memories for a lifetime! All the information for registration can be found at: www.dneyouthrally.com
A New Bishop for Our Diocese ā Some Questions and Answers
A New Bishop for Our Diocese – Some Questions and Answers
The Diocese of New England, under the leadership of our Locum Tenens, His Beatitude Metropolitan TIKHON, is now engaged in the process of nominating a man to be considered for election as our new bishop. What are some questions we might have about this process? And, what might the answers be to those questions?
Where can I find official information concerning the Diocesan Bishop, as that position is understood and carried out in the Orthodox Church in America (OCA)?
When thinking about any matter concerning the official administration of the OCA, the place to begin is the Statute of the Orthodox Church in America, which is the official document that legislates how the OCA is organized and operates. That document can be accessed in full at the official website of the OCA, at this link: https://www.oca.org/statute. Article VIII of the Statute is specifically about the Diocesan Bishop, but reference to the role of the bishop, and the bishops, as a group, appear in almost every part of the Statute.
What is a Locum Tenens?
Locum Tenens is a Latin phrase meaning “placeholder.” In the practice of the OCA, when a diocese does not have in place a duly elected Diocesan bishop, the Holy Synod of Bishops declares “the see” vacant, and the Metropolitan, in his capacity as Primate, appoints a Locum Tenens. The role of the Locum Tenens is to administer the Diocese until such time as a new, full-time, Diocesan bishop can be elected. In the case of the Diocese of New England, following the death of our beloved archpastor, His Eminence Archbishop NIKON (Memory Eternal!), His Beatitude Metropolitan TIKHON appointed himself to serve as our Locum Tenens. We are privileged to enjoy such an honor as the Primate of the OCA himself serving us in this significant role.
What is “the see”?
Referring to “the see” is a way in which we can refer to the position of the Diocesan Bishop in his diocese. The term “see” is said to derive from the Latin word for seat (sedes), and to refer to the formal seat on which the bishop sits when in his cathedral. The cathedral is the primary church of the Diocese, and the word cathedra, from which the word cathedral derives, is both the Latin and Greek word for the large, formal, chair in which the bishop sits. We might, in certain contexts, even use the word “throne” to describe this chair. In any case, all these terms are interconnected.
What is the process by which a new bishop is elected for the Diocese?
The process for electing a new bishop for the diocese is defined and described in Article VIII of the Statute of the Orthodox Church in America. (Article VIII can be viewed at this link: https://www.oca.org/statute/article-viii .) In summary that process works as follows:
1. A special Diocesan Assembly is convened at which the gathered delegates (each parish body usually has a clergy and a lay delegate representing them at this special Assembly) nominate a candidate. The candidate must be a celibate (never-married or presently widowed) Orthodox Christian man of at least 35 years of age (in practice, of at least 30 years of age), who has no impediments that would impede his service as a bishop. In the Church, the word “impediment” means a specific condition or situation that might disqualify a person from holding a particular office, or carrying out a specific role. For example, one impediment to consecration as a bishop would be if the candidate in question was physically unable to perform the rites of the Church. Another impediment to consecration as a bishop would be that there is some circumstance in a given candidate’s life that is properly private and confidential, but, which (if by some unfortunate occurrence that matter became publically known) would be a source of serious scandal to the Church. It is incumbent upon any man being considered for election and consecration as a bishop to decline to be considered if he knows he has such a history—he need not be specific about the matter, he just has to indicate that he does not wish to be considered any longer.
2. It is not permissible to nominate a man who is already a Diocesan Bishop elsewhere. That man already has his responsibilities. (The OCA Holy Synod of Bishops has been known in the past to transfer a bishop from one diocese to another, if such an action seems, for weighty reasons, to be proper. Our Diocese of New England has, at least twice, had a bishop transferred away from us to another diocese of the OCA.)
3. At the time of his nomination, the nominee does not have to be an ordained person—pious laymen have been elected as bishops, and subsequently gone through all the steps necessary to be consecrated to the episcopacy. (Saint Ambrose of Milan was famously elected to be a bishop while still a catechumen, not yet a baptized Christian. This took place in AD 374. He was subsequently baptized, and then, over the course of seven days, went through all the steps necessary to be consecrated a bishop.) The nominee must be willing to take, at least, preliminary monastic vows, and he must be willing to accept consecration to the episcopacy.
4. Consecration of a bishop takes places during the Divine Liturgy. Bishops are consecrated by other bishops. Usually this consecration is accomplished by, at minimum, three other bishops. Before being consecrated a bishop nowadays, one must have been a tonsured Reader, a set-apart Subdeacon, an ordained Deacon, and be, presently, an ordained Priest in good standing. One must, also, as mentioned already, have taken at least preliminary monastic vows—that is why the bishop dresses in a monastic habit. (Bishops are often in the stage of monasticism titled rasophore—also sometimes spelled riasaphor. This is the stage of monasticism where the candidate receives monastic tonsure, is given the distinctive clothing (“habit”) of a monk, and, in fact, takes on the responsibilities of monastic life, but does not actually pronounce the full, formal vows of a monastic. For further information about the stages of monasticism, as implemented at Saint Tikhon’s Monastery in South Canaan, Pennsylvania, which is the monastery where many of our OCA bishops are enrolled as monks, please see this link: https://www.stots.edu/article/The+Monastic+Grades .)
5. Once the Diocese nominates a candidate, he is examined by the Holy Synod of Bishops of the Orthodox Church in America (OCA), under the chairmanship of the Metropolitan. Once the Synod examines the candidate, they either elect him or refuse to elect him as the new bishop. (If refusal of the nominee occurs, then the Diocese must reconvene an Assembly in order to nominate a different candidate.)
6. If, for whatever reason, the Diocese fails to nominate a candidate, the Holy Synod does have the right and privilege to elect their own choice as the duly elected Diocesan bishop.
7. Once elected by the Holy Synod, the bishop-elect proceeds through whatever steps are necessary for him to serve as bishop, including formal episcopal consecration by his fellow bishops at a Divine Liturgy, and then is formally enthroned as the new Diocesan hierarch. Upon consecration as a bishop, or if already a bishop, the bishop-elect has all the prerogatives of Diocesan bishop, even if not yet formally enthroned.
8. All the above being said, it should be noted, that in the Orthodox Church generally speaking, bishops are elected by bishops, from among eligible candidates identified by the existing bishops. Thus, strictly speaking, nomination by the Diocese is not absolutely necessary. The OCA Statute does specify a nomination process, but this is a local procedure of the OCA, not a universal (or even common) Orthodox practice—and, even in the OCA, formal and canonical election of a bishop is accomplished by the Holy Synod of Bishops.
What is the practical role of the Diocesan Bishop?
The exact “competencies” of a Diocesan Bishop are laid out in the OCA Statute. (Competencies, in this context, mean the actions that the Diocesan bishop has the authority to accomplish.) These competencies include such things as the right and responsibility to guide and lead the faithful of the Diocese as Christians, to open and close parishes and institutions in the Diocese, to convene and preside over Diocesan meetings, to have ultimate say about the management of the Diocese’s material possessions, to ordain and assign clergy to their duties, to provide antimensia for the celebration of the Divine Liturgy, to exercise ecclesiastical discipline over the members of the Diocese as might be necessary, to provide essential and even binding guidance in times of difficulty and crisis, to adjudicate difficult issues that might require the application of pastoral mercy (or discipline) as regards the pastoral care of the clergy and faithful, and to visit the people and places of the Diocese at his initiative in order to exercise oversight over the Diocese and its faithful people. This is not an exhaustive list.
What are antimensia, and why are they essential to the life of the Church?
The antimensia are the special cloths, on which are depicted representations of Our Lord Jesus Christ lying dead in His Tomb, on which the Divine Liturgy must and can only be celebrated. This cloth is consecrated and signed by the bishop himself, indicating his spiritual blessing and spiritual presence among the people when the Divine Liturgy is celebrated. A priest cannot serve the Divine Liturgy without an antimension, because the antimension connects the priest to the bishop, and (as we will explain further in answering the next question) the bishop in turn connects the priest and the local community that he is serving to the whole Church, across space and through time. (The word antimension literally means “the instead-of-the-table,” because the antimension is, in fact, a portable altar. When an antimension is placed on any table, no matter how humble, that table becomes an altar on which the Divine Liturgy can be celebrated.)
In a broader sense, what does the Diocesan Bishop do for the Diocese?
One of the most important things that the Diocesan Bishop does for the Diocese is connect the faithful clergy and people of the Diocese to the entire Church, both over time and through space.
When we see our bishop, we know that we are part of the worldwide communion and fellowship of the entity known most often in the world as “the Eastern Orthodox Church,” but what we, who dwell in this entity, would simply call “the Church.”
In this present time, our Diocesan bishop is in communion and fellowship with the other bishops of the OCA, and our OCA bishop are in communion and fellowship with all the canonical Orthodox bishops in the United States, and all those bishops are in communion and fellowship with all the canonical Orthodox bishops throughout the world. When any one Orthodox bishop formally addresses any other Orthodox bishop, he addresses him as “my brother and concelebrant.” This phrase means that these two men can go to Church together, and celebrate the Divine Liturgy together, and receive Holy Communion together. There is no stronger bond between any two humans than the sacramental bond made perfect in the common reception of Holy Communion. We are made one in Holy Communion with God and with each other, our fellow communicants. Every dividing wall, every division, is overcome in the act of Holy Communion. (We should note here that the word “canonical” means officially recognized and officially operative. The word “canonical” has its roots in the Greek word kanon meaning “measuring stick,” so something canonical is something that meets the standards by which it should be measured.)
However, there is, also, another dimension to the communion and fellowship of the Church that is made present in and through our Diocesan bishop. For our Diocesan bishop is not only in communion and fellowship with the other bishops who presently sit on their cathedras in their dioceses, as he sits on the cathedra in our Diocese of New England. Our bishop is also in communion with all the other Orthodox bishops who have ever lived, going back through time two thousand years to the age of the Holy Apostles. The first bishops were consecrated by the Holy Apostles themselves, and then, generation after generation, the bishops consecrated the bishops that followed them. This reality connects every Orthodox bishop to Jesus Christ Himself, He who called the Apostles to their Apostolic ministry. This reality—often termed in the Church “Apostolic Succession”—unites all of us Orthodox Christians, for we all live “under the omophorion” of our bishop, and our bishop connects us to the Church, across space and through time.
What does the phrase “under the omophorion of the bishop” mean?
The distinctive vestment of the bishop is the omophorion, the broad, scarf-like, vestment that he wears over his shoulders. So, all the faithful clergy and people living under the archpastoral care of any given bishop are said to be living “under his omophorion.”
Why do we show the bishop such honor when he is in our presence? Why do we call him Master? Why do we bow before him? Why do we, sometimes quite literally, “place him on a pedestal” in the middle of the Church?
The ways in which we honor the bishop are about the man, for sure, but they are even more so about the office of bishop, which he occupies and makes present among us . Yes, of course, we are meant to honor one another, being the men and women that we are, made in God’s image and likeness. We should be treating each and every fellow human being with the same dignity and honor with which we traditionally treat the bishop. However, the office of bishop—the importance of the bishop in the Church, across time and through space, as we have just described above—is an important part of why we show the bishop such honor when we are in his presence. Also, the bishop in his office, stands in the place of Our Lord Jesus Christ, in the present, temporal life of the Church. For the Lord Jesus Christ Himself, is the one and only bishop, the one and only all-seeing overseer (episkopos) of the Church. The Lord Jesus Christ is, as we pray during the Divine Liturgy, not only the Offering and the Receiver of the Offering, He is the Offerer. The bishop when he stands among us, leading us—especially when presiding at the Divine Liturgy and making the Offering that is the central act of the Liturgy—makes present for us Our Lord Jesus Christ, Who is the Great High Priest. (So that we do not miss this connection, icons sometimes depict Our Lord Jesus Christ wearing the vestments of a bishop, especially the omophorion.)
What, ultimately, is the role of the Diocesan Bishop in the Diocese?
Ultimately, the role of the bishop is to be the man around whom the clergy and the faithful of the Diocese gather, as if at home with their father. Like a father in a family, the bishop is the one who leads us along the right path, following Our Lord Jesus Christ. Our bishop does have the right and responsibility of authority, but that authority is to be exercised, not as a tyrant or dictator, but as one who has the best interests of all as the priority which guides his every decision. The burden of the episcopacy is the burden of living and humble service, the burden of loving each and all, just as Our Lord Jesus Christ loves each of us, and us all. The bishop is not meant to drag his flock along behind him. Nor is the bishop meant to drive the flock ahead of him. Rather, the bishop is to walk alongside his flock, attentive to their every step, supporting them, guiding them, and teaching them.
A wonderful image for the bishop is to be found in the story of Our Lord Jesus Christ’s post-resurrectional appearance to Luke and Cleopas on the road to Emmaus (Luke, Chapter 24). In that case, the Lord walks with his disciples, and talks with his disciples, and enlightens his disciples, and makes their hearts burn within them. Then, finally, He reveals Himself fully to them in the blessing and breaking of the bread. This is how the bishop, the archpastor, is to be among the people.
To the Reverend Clergy and Pious Faithful of the Diocese of New England, Christ is in our midst!
With this letter, I am happy to announce the procedure by which, God-willing, a new bishop will be nominated and elected for the Diocese of New England. This procedure is in conformity with the standard procedure for such an election in the Orthodox Church in America.
The procedure is as follows:
This present letter will serve as notice to all parishes of the Diocese of New England that any parishioner in good standing can identify one possible candidate for possible nomination as diocesan bishop. Names may be submitted directly and confidentially to the Chancellor of the Diocese of New England, Archpriest John Kreta, at the following email address: fjkreta@snet.net. All names of candidates must be submitted for nomination by August 31, 2020, and no names received after that date will be considered.
When identifying candidates, please note that according to the Statute of the Orthodox Church in America (Article VIII, Section 6), the following are the qualifications for a diocesan bishop:
If he is not already a bishop, the candidate for the office of bishop shall be nominated from among the clergy or laity, monastic, celibate, or widowed.
To receive episcopal ordination, the nominee must satisfy all the requirements of the Sacred Canons pertaining to this highest of all ecclesiastical offices.
It is preferable that the candidate have completed a course of study in a graduate school of Orthodox theology.
He should be conversant in the English language and, as appropriate, in another language commonly spoken among the faithful of the Diocese.
If at the time of his nomination he is a layman or a celibate or widowed priest, he shall pronounce at least the first monastic vows (rasophore), if he has not already pronounced such vows.
Diocesan bishops shall not be eligible for nomination for another Diocese.
The chancellor will initially discern simply that the qualifications of bishop are met by candidates whose names have been submitted.
At its meeting on February 18, 2020, the Diocesan Council established a Search Committee that includes: the Chancellor of the Diocese, Archpriest John Kreta; the three deanery deans, Archpriest Vasily Lickwar, Archpriest John Hopko, and Archpriest Mark Korban; and Fr. Steven Voytovich who has previously served as a Dean of St. Tikhon’s Seminary. The Search Committee will review the candidates initially vetted by the Diocesan Chancellor (from #2) and from among them confidentially select three candidates.
The Search Committee will then meet, separately and confidentially, with these three candidates, informing them of the Search Committee's intent to present them as candidates.
The Search Committee then must send the names of the three candidates to the Secretary of the Holy Synod, His Eminence Archbishop Michael, for him to confirm which of these candidates are named in the list of candidates, which has been approved by the Holy Synod, that he maintains as Secretary of the Holy Synod. If any of these candidates are not already named on the Synodal list, the Search Committee will forward the name of such a candidate to the Metropolitan with a request that the candidate be vetted according to the process established by the Holy Synod for possible approval. Subsequently, the Holy Synod will inform the Search Committee if the vetted candidate has, or has not, received approval from the Holy Synod.
The candidate(s) nominated by the Search Committee and vetted and approved by the Holy Synod will be asked by the Search Committee to prepare a brief autobiography, and will then meet with the Diocesan Council which shall serve as the Nominating Committee. The Diocesan Council may request further background information and will interview the candidates at an appropriate time.
Next, the Diocesan Council will decide which of the candidate(s) will be forwarded to the Special Diocesan Assembly.
The Special Diocesan Assembly will follow this procedure for the nomination of a candidate, which has been approved by the Holy Synod:
PROCEDURES CONCERNING THE ELECTION OF THE RULING BISHOP
The Special Diocesan Assembly shall begin with a Divine Liturgy and a special service of Invocation to the Holy Spirit.
Following the Divine Liturgy, the Special Diocesan Assembly shall meet in accordance with the provisions of the Statute (Article VIII, Section 7; and Article IX). The Assembly shall then elect tellers entrusted to count the votes.
The Committee on Credentials, appointed in advance by the Diocesan Council (Article IX, Section 8) shall then report the exact number of voting delegates.
The Locum Tenens, as chair of the Special Diocesan Assembly, shall call on the Nominating Committee to present the names of the candidates. Nominations will not be allowed from the floor. There shall be no speeches in support of or against any candidates.
The balloting will take place in secret, and diocesan-certified ballots shall be distributed to all delegates.
On the first ballot one name shall be written. The ballots containing more than one name or names other than officially listed candidates shall be declared void.
The results of the ballot, with figures, shall be announced by the Locum Tenens.
If at the first ballot a candidate receives 2/3 of the accredited votes, he shall be declared by the Locum Tenens as the designated nominee to the See and his name shall be submitted to the Holy Synod of Bishops for approval and canonical election.
If no candidate receives 2/3 of the accredited votes, a second ballot shall take place and two names shall be written on each ballot. The ballots with fewer or more than two names, or names other than those of officially listed candidates, shall be declared void.
The Locum Tenens shall then announce the results. The names of the two candidates with the largest pluralities shall be submitted to the Synod for canonical election.
However, if no candidate received more than 40% of the accredited votes, the Locum Tenens shall declare the ballot as non-conclusive and the Assembly as having failed to nominate a candidate for the office of Diocesan Bishop (Article VIII, Section 7.e). In this case, the Synod may elect another qualified candidate as Diocesan Bishop, or they may authorize another Diocesan Assembly to nominate a candidate.
The Nominating Committee may also, at the beginning of the Special Diocesan Assembly, announce its failure to nominate a candidate, move that the Assembly waive its right to nominate the Bishop, and request that the Holy Synod directly elects a candidate.
Since the Assembly only nominates a candidate and the latter is to be approved by election of the Holy Synod, a nominated candidate is not to be declared as “Bishop-elect”. The Locum Tenens and the Diocesan Council shall inform the Primate of the Orthodox Church in America and request him to convene the Synod for the canonical approval and election of the nominee. As mentioned above, if the nominee is not approved by the Holy Synod, the Synod shall direct the Diocesan Assembly to reconvene and elect another candidate.
The Diocesan Assembly shall adjourn with a Thanksgiving Service.
Following his canonical election by the Holy Synod, the new Diocesan Bishop, if already of episcopal rank, has full authority and prerogatives as Diocesan Bishop of the Diocese of New England. If the canonically elected candidate is not already a bishop, he will receive ordination (consecration) to the holy episcopacy, after which he will have full authority and prerogatives as Diocesan Bishop of the Diocese of New England.
The date and place of the consecration, if necessary, and the enthronement shall be announced to all parishes so that the entire Body of the Faithful may take part in this event.
As the assigned Locum Tenens of the Diocese of New England, I encourage everyone involved to carry out this process in a spirit of peace, integrity, and love for Christ and His Body the Church. I
pray that we may all make our best efforts to "be united in the same mind and the same judgment" (1 Corinthians 1:10) so that the God's will may be done for the Diocese of New England.
Do you desire to connect with Orthodox youth, have questions about living our ancient faith in a modern world, or just plain love the outdoors? If you are an Orthodox youth between the ages of 9 and 17 sign up for Youth Rally 2022! Held in beautiful Contoocook, NH, this is a chance to make friends and memories for a lifetime! All the information for registration can be found at: www.dneyouthrally.com
On Friday, May 1, 2020, meeting under the Presidency of His Beatitude Metropolitan Tikhon, the Holy Synod of the Orthodox Church issued the following Pastoral Letter, and Synodal Directives related to COVID-19.
Each Diocesan Bishop will be releasing diocesan specific guidelines shortly.
To the clergy, monastics, and faithful of the Orthodox Church in America,
Today is spring filled with sweet fragrance And creation, renewed, does exult. Today, the keys are removed from the doors, As is the unbelief of Thomas, the friend of Christ, Who crieth, ‘My Lord and my God.’ We are completing the second week of our celebration of the great feast of feasts, Holy Pascha, in which we are reminded of the blessed unbelief of Thomas. All of us have longed to touch the life-giving side of the risen Christ with an eager hand even as Thomas did when our Lord came to the apostles through closed doors. And yet, many of us were deprived of the opportunity, not only to touch His side, but even to enter the temple in order to sing: “Bless God in the congregations, the Lord, O you who are of Israel’s fountain.” (Psalm 68:26)
Our encounter with the pandemic brought about by the coronavirus came upon us in the midst of our journey through the desert of Great Lent. The struggle remains with us during the bright season of the resurrection but now we sense the fragrance of the eternal and physical spring, which brings with it the hope of good things to come. Indeed, with you, the Holy Synod of Bishops longs for the full opening of our churches, missions, monasteries, and seminaries so that we all might return to the fullness of our church life, and with Thomas, offer our worship to the Lord by crying out: “My Lord and my God!”
While the dates for a full opening are still unknown, we are convinced that the time has come for us to begin the preparatory work that will bring us closer to those days. This preparatory work will be difficult as we make our way through the spiritual, emotional, and psychological effects of isolation and quarantine. This preparatory work will also be slow, for we must test the procedures and steps that we will collectively take in restoring our church life, so that we might responsibly navigate the many challenges that will confront our communities on the local level.
Above all, we issue a spiritual call to the clergy and faithful of the Orthodox Church in America. While the spread of this virus has caused death, sickness, anxiety, and economic distress, this time has offered us, and continues to offer us, an opportunity to strengthen our prayer life, to perform works of charity, and to show compassion and love to our brothers and sisters in the Church and in our communities. All Orthodox Christians should remember in their prayers those who have fallen asleep, those who are sick, those who have recovered, those who are suffering from fear, anxiety, and distress brought upon them by this virus. Further, we should offer our prayers and sincere gratitude to all those laboring to insure the necessities of life, healthcare workers and first responders, food supply workers, and other essential occupations who have sacrificially offered themselves for the benefit of their neighbor.
The Holy Synod also provides the following fundamental principles that will guide our steps forward:
As we have always acknowledged, each diocesan bishop is entrusted with the spiritual and pastoral care of the clergy and faithful, protecting their wellbeing as he determines necessary, while always remaining of one mind with the Holy Synod. The same principle applies in the process of re-opening the churches. Any interpretation or clarification of the following guidelines should be directed to the diocesan bishop. Decisions requiring approval of the Holy Synod will be addressed as needed. To provide for unity and to allow the bishops greater guidance and support regarding how and when to re-open their churches and institutions, the Holy Synod has adopted new directives for use throughout the Orthodox Church in America. This detailed document, entitled, “Towards a Re-opening of our Churches,” is provided as a reference point for the bishops and should be carefully reviewed by all levels of diocesan leadership (Chancellors, Deans, Diocesan Councils, Rectors, and Parish Councils). Implementation of these synodal directives takes place under the authority of the diocesan bishop. It should be understood that there may be variations in the application of these new directives. These variations will parallel those that are found among regions, states, provinces, counties, and municipalities. It is incumbent therefore upon the church leadership, under the direction of their bishop to be familiar with and understand both the civil guidelines and the Church directives that appertain to their local circumstances. We must continue to adhere to the civil guidelines, beginning with those of our federal governments and then the particular and localized guidelines from the civil authorities, recognizing that there is a diversity from state to state, province to province, county to county, and even municipality to municipality. While the civil authorities have been reluctant to impose restrictions on the churches, our communities are expected to respond in a way that is consonant with the public welfare. The Holy Synod, concerned for the health and well-being of all, intends to follow in the spirit in which those decrees are given. During these initial stages of re-opening, when church attendance will, of necessity, remain limited, the clergy are instructed to consult their diocesan bishop for direction on the celebration of the holy, life-giving mysteries of the Church (the eucharist, baptism and chrismation, marriage, etc). The Holy Synod will consider the need for further church-wide directives in these areas as the process of re-opening unfolds. The above principles, in conjunction with the synodal directives, are offered with the understanding that they are general principles and directives that may provide for the possible opening of parishes, as long as the local conditions warrant this, and with the consent of the bishop. These are not mandatory steps that must be taken by a certain calendar date.
Finally, we note that there is much to cause anxiety in the current circumstances, from political debates to scientific quarrels and the pitting of experts against other experts. We remind the clergy and the faithful that this current pandemic is unprecedented and that even the experts, faithfully following the scientific method, must have time to gather and analyze data. In such a fast-moving situation, even these studies are provisional and subject to correction. This is the nature of the scientific model.
While being mindful of all this, we also offer a word of encouragement to our clergy and faithful by reminding them of the words of the psalmist: Thy mercy, O Lord, shall follow me all the days of my life. Let us trust the Lord to guide us, rely on each other to support and help one another, and kindle in our hearts the fire that Luke and Cleopas felt burning in themselves when the risen Lord appeared and spoke to them on the road to Emmaus.
The Holy Synod of Bishops of the Orthodox Church in America approved and issued a revised Policy, Standards, and Procedures on Sexual Misconduct at their Fall 2013 Holy Synod meeting. This policy is now in force in the Church. It is the goal of the entire Church to provide a safe and healthy environment for all of the faithful of the Orthodox Church in America. The Church laments the sin of sexual misconduct, and will not tolerate sexual misconduct by its clergy or any layperson.
At the March 2014 meeting of the Holy Synod of Bishops of the Orthodox Church in America, revisions to the Policies, Standards, and Procedures on Sexual Misconduct [PSP] were approved.
The OCA Sexual Misconduct Prevention and Response webpage is here.
To confidentially report a case of misconduct please use the toll-free number 855-398-2600. All calls will be confidential.
00232
Guidelines on background checks now available
At the spring session of the Holy Synod of Bishops of the Orthodox Church in America, held at the Chancery March 18-21, 2014, “Guidelines on Background Checks” were issued. [See related article.] The Guidelines, which offer detailed information on how and for whom “basic background checks” are required, are available in PDF format. Included in the Guidelines are recommended sources for conducting checks and information on on-line sexual abuse prevention training.
The Diocese of New England invites you to join us on August 9th through the 15th this summer in NH for Camp St. Herman! Camp St. Herman is an opportunity for children (grades 4-12) from across the diocese to come together in a safe place to learn about the faith of our fathers, participate in the sacraments and make lasting friendships. The program of Camp St. Herman is modeled after the program of the Antiochian Village (Pennsylvania) of the Antiochian Archdiocese, and continues the tradition of the annual Diocese Youth Rally of the OCA Diocese of New England. Camp is held at the St. Methodios Faith & Heritage Center in Contoocook, NH.
Jesus Christ taught us to love and serve all people, regardless of their ethnicity or nationality. To understand that, we need to look no further than to the Parable of the Good Samaritan (Luke 10:25-37). Every time we celebrate the Divine Liturgy, it is offered "on behalf of all, and for all." As Orthodox Christians we stand against racism and bigotry. All human beings share one common identity as children of God.
"There is neither Jew nor Greek, slave nor free, male nor female, for you are all one in Christ Jesus" (Galatian 3:28)
Note that the dead line is October 5th. This is to be able to firm numbers with the retreat center. We are doing something different this year, as everything on Friday will be held at the Immaculata Retreat Center. The cost to the Diocese is ALL Inclusive. Please if you are attending the Assembly, plan on attending the Banquet.
00240
CT Deanery Lenten Service Schedule
The schedule for Lenten Services for the Deanery of CT and the Orthodox Churches of Greater Bridgeport area is now available.
The 2015 ONE Stewards donations as of mid-May are lagging behind our record of donations in 2014. Our ONE Stewards donations support our diocesan Youth, our diocesan Seminarians, our diocesan Missions, and our diocesan Charity donations. The annual Diocesan Youth Rally is scheduled again for August. The total cost just for the rally is over $20,000. Therefore ONE Stewards donations are critical in supporting all the diocesan activities mentioned. Show your support by "Giving Above and Beyond" with a 2015 summer donation to ONE Stewards so that we can set a new donation record again this year. A ONE Stewards envelope will be included in the July issue of the ONE Newsletter or send your donation to:
The Diocese of New England of the OCA is holding it's 52nd Annual Assembly on October 23-24 at Holy Trinity, Willimantic, CT. The reports from the Assembly are now available.
The diocesan "Parish Grant Initiative" will continue in 2014. Parishes in the New England Diocese can apply for financial grants to support outreach and charity programs in their communities. The diocese has again budgeted up to $10,000 in grant monies to help support parishes in these efforts. Applications will be reviewed as received.
The Diocesan Grant program awarded three grants to the Southbury, Clinton, and Ansonia parishes in 2014.
Christ the Savior (Southbury) received a grantfor the third year to support and expand the Connecticut Bible Lecture Series (CBLS) which they have sponsored for several years. The mission of CBLS is to educate, inspire, and challenge participants of all backgrounds'to hear and understand the Word of God. Twice ayear, Fr. Paul Tarazi (lecturer at St. Vladimir's Seminary, Holy Cross Seminary, and Balamand, Lebanon) presents a day long course on one book of the Bible, equivalent to one of Fr. Paul's seminary classes.
St. Alexis of Wilkes-Barre (Clinton) received a grant for the second year to expand the "Clinton Garden for All". The Clinton parish partners with a neighboring parish, Holy Advent, on this project. This year's Grant helped to expdnd the two acre community garden near the Holy Advent parish and increase and improve the irrigation system for the garden. All the produce is donated to the local Food Pantry. Members of St. Alexis are actively involved in the gardening and in managing the plot of land. This has included donations to build needed structures and a water source.
Three Saints (Ansonia) received a grant for second year to support their week-long summer Vacation Church School (VCS). The grant money allowed them to keep the registration fee at a minimum and to provide needed materials for the theme-based activities during the week. The summer program continues to expand in size with participants ranging in age from 5 - 13, mostly Orthodox and some non-Orthodox. The coordinators of the VCS continue to reach out in the local community and invite more non-Orthodox as a way to introduce them to the Orthodox Faith.
00250
51st Diocesan Assembly
The Diocese of New England of the OCA concluded it's 51st Annual Assembly on October 25th. The reports from the Assembly are now available.
=/images/News/2024/20240525_092509.jpg;){kind=link}
