New Mission Launch in Jacksonville, FL
August 29, 2012
For more information about the launch of Annunciation Orthodox Church, please see the article on www.oca.org.
All American Council to be Held in Parma, Ohio
August 24, 2012
Please see the recent article on OCA.org for more information on the 17th All American Council.
The 1st Anniversary of Archbishop Dmitri’s Repose
August 24, 2012
by Fr Basil Zebrun
One year ago, on August 28 (Old Calendar Dormition), our beloved Archbishop Dmitri fell asleep in the Lord. Since his retirement in March of 2009, and especially during the last twelve months, our Diocese has felt the need for a resident ruling hierarch to shepherd the Southern flock. Archbishop Nikon — who has been a blessing as our locum tenens — stated at the 35th Assembly in Miami that with the repose of His Eminence, “a void came into our hearts that cannot be filled, and in some sense should not be filled, for no one can replace the 1st Apostle to the South.” He also reminded us that “the Diocese is still dealing with grief, manifesting itself in various ways within the Church: anger, sorrow, and with faith in the Risen Christ as well.”
Many people can identify with Archbishop Nikon’s words. Although life continues in the Diocese and in our parishes, the presence of our founding father is sorely missed. It is a testimony, however, to his vision and leadership that in spite of the fact that he was not known for attention to administrative detail, essential principles and structures remain after his repose — as well as the faith of those he nurtured in Orthodoxy — that enable the Diocese to carry on its tasks of parish development and mission.
Archbishop Nikon further stressed that while the Cathedral in Dallas continues to progress in constructing a final resting place for Archbishop Dmitri, the true monument to his life is not a building; rather it is the lives of the people, essentially the way we conduct ourselves as followers of Jesus Christ: “you are the seal of my apostleship in the Lord” (1 Corinthians 9:2). Finally, we were encouraged in Miami to make Archbishop Dmitri proud by carrying on with the work of evangelism.
Assuredly this work will continue, and part of the effort will be the election of another ruling hierarch for the South. This topic was addressed repeatedly at the Assembly, and it is possible — though not a given — that an election will take place as early as January or February, in conjunction with the Annual Diocesan Clergy Conference.
I cannot help but think, however, that in some ways it is providential that the process of election has not progressed. True, we have been without a ruling bishop for three and a half years, and a resident hierarch will provide possibilities and a stability to Diocesan life that are not currently feasible. In addition, it can be asserted that we are not fully a Diocese without the presence of a bishop.
But in light of Archbishop Nikon’s assessment of our grief, it may be that we need to mourn the passing and celebrate the life of Archbishop Dmitri on the 1st Anniversary of his repose, before we participate in the task of electing a second father in Christ. Perhaps we need this time — alone as it were — to assess the meaning of this occasion, to consider prayerfully the gift of the Archbishop’s fatherly leadership, and in our “anger and sorrow,” put to rest any ambiguities in our hearts.
The grieving process is a complex experience. The loss of a loved one can be dealt with, denied or covered up easily by delving more deeply into “life’s earthly cares.” A good friend recently stressed to me that in the field of grief counseling it is generally advised that after a great loss people refrain from making major life decisions for at least a year. This helps to insure that persons make informed decisions, not impetuous ones based on emotion. In the case of someone seeking remarriage — and a bishop’s relationship to a Diocese is sometimes described as a marriage — time helps prevent a grieving party from focusing only on potential partners who mirror the image of the former spouse.
As they relate to our Diocese the above thoughts are pertinent. They may also appear counterproductive, not in keeping with the spirit of prescribed Statutes and By-Laws, and they certainly will not address the frustrations of those who believe that three and a half years is more than enough time to put forth an episcopal candidate for the South. It is a fact, however, that while he retired in March of 2009, Archbishop Dmitri’s presence and influence was never far from those he formerly served, up to the summer of 2011. It is only during the past twelve months that we have painfully felt his physical absence from our lives.
It is incredibly hard to lose one’s father. It is equally difficult to lose a father in Christ who has shown us the way to salvation. But part of the healing process will be to use the 1st Anniversary of his repose as a time to appreciate all that the Archbishop shared with his flock, while striving to apply his patience and wisdom to the realities of our own lives. A priest of our Diocese recently mentioned that he is just now beginning to understand why His Eminence did many of the things as he did, both administratively and pastorally, and that he misses that example very much. It is true that we often do not realize the full worth of those around us until they have gone to their rest, even someone of Archbishop Dmitri’s stature.
In considering the significance of the upcoming Anniversary I am reminded of the words of Protopresbyter Alexander Schmemann. In an article for the occasion of America’s Bicentennial, reflecting upon the history of Orthodoxy in this country he wrote that, “To love is to remember. And to remember with love is truly to understand that which one loves and remembers, to appropriate it as God’s gift.” On this 1st Anniversary then, we may ask ourselves, “what is it that we understand with regard to God’s gift of His Eminence?”
On one level people will bring multiple “understandings,” but through the Archbishop’s ministry God provided objective signs of His will and design for us — three in particular — points of emphasis for which we may be particularly grateful, that continue as part of Diocesan life. I have in mind signs similar to those indicated by Fr. Schmemann as he spoke of Orthodoxy in America.
The first is that of Mission. The Church is missionary in character, and “the spirit and motivation of Christian mission everywhere is the total identification of the Church with the people, with their real needs, spiritual as well as material” (Schmemann). His Eminence was keenly aware of this dimension of Church life which has been part of American ecclesial history from the beginning. He understood the Southern Protestant tradition, and identified with those searching spiritually for something deeper, more genuine. He also knew the mindset of cradle Orthodox, experiencing his rebirth in the Faith at Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Church in Dallas, and through serving cradle Orthodox Christians as priest at St. Seraphim’s, and then as a bishop in the North. In addition he understood firsthand the struggles of those — such as Orthodox immigrants — who fight to make a living for their families, having himself endured periods of notable hardship in his youth. These experiences the Archbishop brought to his episcopal oversight. To his eternal credit, through his openness, personal experiences resulted in a sensitivity to those around him. He identified with the needs of his flock, whether spiritual or material, and he used his understanding of human nature to profit others. His primary focus, however, was on the “one thing needful” which brings ultimate fulfillment. He sought through various means to impart the message of hope to those with whom he identified: through hospitality, liturgical translations, preaching, writings, charitable donations, and missionary endeavors. Even his desire for a Diocesan Pastoral School was partially rooted in a perceived need for an institution that would specialize in interpreting Orthodoxy to a Southern audience. May his insights and sensitivity to his fellow man continue to be strengthened in us.
A second essential sign and gift, discernible through the life of His Eminence, was a desire for a Church through which Orthodox Christians of various backgrounds would be united administratively as well as in Faith, a Church, “with her own and unique identity, distinguishing her from other Churches” (Schmemann). This unity existed in the nascent stages of Orthodoxy in America. But as Fr. Alexander explains, it was eventually, “broken (administratively) and then…replaced with…”jurisdictional multiplicity.”” Here again, the Archbishop was well aware of the history, but his own experiences resulted in an appreciation for diverse expressions of Orthodoxy, as well as patience — but not passive acceptance — with the “status quo” of jurisdictional pluralism. For the sake of good order he followed the service patterns of the Russian Church, yet many Orthodox customs found their way into the life of the Dallas Cathedral. Noteworthy was the Archbishop’s desire to work as closely as possible with North Texas faithful on Pan Orthodox projects, his efforts to reach out to the Hispanic community, and later to Russian and Ukrainian immigrants. In this area of activity he echoed the sentiments of many in America; “that until Orthodox administrative unity is officially achieved in this country through episcopal action, we can work locally in every city as though unity is a reality.” Anticipating the 1st Anniversary of his repose, it would be our hope that we can continue in the Archbishop’s vision of cooperative efforts with fellow Orthodox Christians of different jurisdictions, while maintaining the vision of an Autocephalous Church in America.
Finally, God through his servant, provided a sign that, “there is no Christian life — personal or corporate — without a Cross” (Schmemann). As a hierarch of the Orthodox Church the number of crosses borne by His Eminence over the span of 40 plus years would be difficult to imagine. He revealed personal frustrations and sufferings as crosses, however, to the measure that he bore them in imitation of Christ. His patience and forbearance — well known characteristics — were signs through which our own sufferings may become crosses, possessing a saving effect if we follow His Eminence’s example.
The continuation of our work in the Diocese is indeed an indication that to a degree we have internalized these lessons personified in the life of the Archbishop, though we still have much to learn. Fr. Schmemann’s words regarding the Orthodox Church in this country, may be applied to our own Diocese still in mourning, yet striving to put into practice the basic precepts of the Faith: “If together we have gone through darkness and difficulties, if we have survived and grown, it means that the Church has truly permeated our lives, that she has become a reality for us.”
In light of the 1st Anniversary of the Archbishop’s repose, I am encouraging everyone to mark their calendars for Sunday, August 26, and Tuesday, August 28. On Sunday the 26th, at 6 pm, Archbishop Nikon will celebrate an extended Panikhida (Memorial Service) for His Eminence at St. Seraphim Cathedral in Dallas. The service will be followed by a reception in the Church hall. On Tuesday the 28th, a Divine Liturgy will be celebrated at the Cathedral at 9:30 am, with prayers for His Eminence. A Panikhida will also be celebrated on August 28 at St. Barbara’s, at 7 pm, for Archbishop Dmitri. It may be that other memorial services, as well, will be held at Churches throughout the Metroplex and I would encourage people to check respective parish websites for differing schedules.
The upcoming anniversary will remain forever a “red letter” day on our Diocesan calendar. St. Paul instructs, “remember your leaders, those who spoke to you the Word of God; consider the outcome of their life, and imitate their faith” (Hebrews 13:7). It is precisely in this spirit that we will gather on August 26 and 28: to remember our first hierarch, to consider the outcome and achievements of his life, to pray for his salvation and that we may be strengthened — even in some small measure — to imitate his resolve.
Planting Grant applications now being accepted
August, 13, 2012
Please see the article on the OCA website for more information on the planting grant. Please remember that planting grant requests must be coordinated through the DOS Chancellor’s office.
Resources in Spanish
August 8, 2012
We have just added a new page to the website which will contain resources for the Spanish speaking community. Please visit that page here and share the information. The page can also be accessed through our navigation menu on the left.
We are now on Facebook!
August 7, 2012
We now have a Facebook page for the Diocese of the South. Please “Like” us to make it easier for us to share information on events in the diocese.
Diocese of the South, Orthodox Church in America
Emergency Appeal for St George Food Pantry in Pharr, TX
August 6, 2012
[PHARR] St. George Food Pantry began in 2003 in response to the great poverty and immediate need found within the local community of Pharr, Texas. Located just miles from the border with Mexico, St. George Food Pantry has fed over 53,000 people, including more than 26,000 children as well as numerous elderly and handicapped since it began.
Sponsored by St. George Orthodox Church, a Parish in the Orthodox Church in American Diocese of the South, the local Church is made up of a diverse population which has consistently served its neighbors since its founding in 1979.
Although the local Parish is small and financially challenged with no Orthodox neighbors or sister Churches nearby to help with this important work, the Food Pantry has been able to keep afloat financially for the past eight and a half years. The Food Pantry has been blessed by financial support shared by both grant sources and individual contributions, and by a rare but most welcomed check sent by other Orthodox Churches in the Diocese.
However, as of August 1st of this year, St. George Food Pantry’s funding balance includes less money than it takes to run the program for a single month. This is due to several factors. First of all, individual contributions have fallen off in recent years, due to the challenging economy. Second, for various reasons, several consistent grant sources did not come through for 2012.
St. George Food Pantry receives most of its food from the Food Bank of the Rio Grande Valley. The program’s per person cost is only $1.25. Several other food pantries in the local community have either scaled down service or closed their doors entirely in recent times. If emergency funds are not quickly raised, St. George Food Pantry must either drastically reduce services or close down until additional funds can be found.
With available funds alone, St. George Food Pantry can open one time in August. After that, unless a funding infusion comes in, the program must temporarily close to participants. This would be a great loss to the local community, as well as to St. George Orthodox Church’s outreach ministries.
Please consider helping St. George Food Pantry as an individual, family, business or parish! All donations are tax deductible. Many heartfelt thanks from St. George Church and its numerous St. George Food Pantry recipients! Donations can be shared by mail at:
St. George Food Pantry
c/o St. George Orthodox Church
PO Box 667
Pharr, TX 78577
Or share online via PayPal at the “Make a Donation” button link on the bottom of the page at: http://www.stgeorgepantry.org/
STS Deaconal Program Begins Sept 15th!
August 4, 2012
SOUTH CANAAN, PA – St. Tikhon’s Orthodox Theological Seminary, in an agreement with the Diocese of the South (OCA), announces that applications are now being accepted for entrance into the Diocesan Certificate in Diaconal Formation Program. This program, started several years ago at St. Stephen’s Cathedral in Philadelphia, PA was later expanded with the opening of a second location in Endicott, NY. The third and newest location is located at Christ the Saviour Cathedral in Miami Lakes, Florida, and is the first such program in the Diocese of the South. The Diaconal Formation Program is open to Orthodox men who are seeking ordination to the Holy Diaconate, or have intentions of future enrollment in full-time seminary degree programs. The program consists of two years of classes that are offered on Saturdays during the academic year. This allows those enrolled in the program to take the seminary-level classes while continuing with their job responsibilities. Besides class participation, an important part of the program is participation of students in the Divine Services and in liturgical practicum. The courses of the Certificate in Diaconal Formation Program consist of 24 academic credits that may subsequently be transferred towards the completion of an Master of Divinity degree at St. Tikhon’s Seminary. A Certificate in Diaconal Formation is awarded at the Seminary Graduation ceremony upon successful completion of the program. Classes begin September 15th, so if you are interested please contact Fr Joseph Lucas soon.
For any inquiries, please contact :
Fr Joseph Lucas Christ the Saviour Cathedral, Miami Lakes (FL) 305-332-4454
St Tikhon’s seminarians collect pre-owned liturgical items for missions
August 2, 2012
Dear Fathers and Brothers,
I would like to introduce you to a new ministry which, God willing, will be beneficial for the Orthodox community in the North America.
Elijah’s Mantle is a ministry that will act as a conduit for used liturgical items to be passed from churches with items to spare, churches that are closing, and retired or reposed clergy, to new missions or churches that are in need of these items, but cannot afford them. Our inventory is comprised entirely of donations, and all items are made available at the cost of shipment. We may, on occasion, arrange for direct shipment of larger items directly to the recipient to save on storage and shipping costs.
Elijah’s Mantle accepts donations of vestments, liturgical vessels and utensils, service books, icons, et al. Once an item is received by Elijah’s Mantle, its condition and history are assessed. If the item is of historical significance, it will be turned over to the Saint Tikhon’s Monastery Museum, run by Father Perich. If it is not of historical significance, but is in good, usable condition, the history of the item will be recorded and it will be put into the inventory for future requests. If a donated item is irreparable and not of historical significance, its history will be recorded and it will be turned over to the monks of Saint Tikhon’s for a proper disposal on the grounds. If items are of this nature, an additional monetary donation may be requested for this service by the monks.
Elijah’s Mantle is organized and run by seminarians at Saint Tikhon’s Orthodox Theological Seminary in South Canaan, Pennsylvania, and is housed on the campus.
Please consider what you might donate to this ministry and your fellow ministers in Christ, or what your parish is in need of, but cannot yet afford. Please visit us on the web at www.elijahsmantle.net.
Your servants in Christ,
Elijah’s Mantle
Theophan Mackey and Gregory Levitsky
Please see an article on it on the OCA website.
OCA and DOS Participate in the Cornerstone Music Festival
August 1, 2012
Over the week of July 4 this year a small number of clergy and laity from the OCA had a wonderful opportunity to share the fullness of the Orthodox faith with folks attending Cornerstone Music Festival in Bushnell, IL. Last year a group went supported through the efforts of the OCA’s Youth and Young Adult Department. As Fr. James Bozeman explained last year, Cornerstone Festival “was created in 1984 by an independent evangelical group known as Jesus People USA, and is now one of the largest Christian Music Festivals in the world. Tens of thousands of people attend Cornerstone Farm in Bushnell, Illinois, each year and see over 300 bands play many styles of music, including rock, metal, punk, folk, hardcore and pop music. In addition to the many musicians, Cornerstone Festival also presents guest speakers, and features independent/foreign film screenings, writers’ seminars, and art workshops.” He goes on to say, “Cornerstone draws many Christians who are on the fringes of culture and are folks who are very hungry to learn more about their Christian faith. They don’t tend to be typical “suit and tie” Christians (one might find it more difficult to find a person without a tattoo there), but many exhibit an extreme fervor for Christ in their own way. Many who attend are seeking to understand God in a deeper way and this festival provides an opportunity for them to share ideas and meet other like-minded Christians from all over the world.” Recently Ancient Faith Radio produced a podcast documenting the work done last year – http://ancientfaith.com/podcasts/features/orthodoxy_and_the_cornerstone_music_festival.
This year they were able to build on the foundation laid last year through the generous support of Saint Tikhon’s Seminary, the Diocese of the Midwest, the Diocese of New York and New Jersey and the Department of Evangelization. They were able to see some of the same people from last year as well as talk with folks who picked up some literature last year. This year the group did things a little bit different. “We scaled back the services and included more dialog and conversation,” said Fr. Christopher Foley, “we began each day with 3rd Hour and the daily Gospel reading followed by a homily. We ended each day with 9th Hour and a short teaching on the Orthodox Faith. Not only were we included in the official Cornerstone speakers program, we also had about twice as many coming to our services and talks each day (40 to 50) as compared to last year. What struck me was the tremendous hunger and thirst people had to learn more. It was like fishing in a fully stocked fish pond.” Cornerstone draws many people who are feeling disenfranchised by the church and who are either trying to make up something new or ready to leave Christianity all together. Fr. Christopher continued, “I feel like this ministry is so vital in that it is like throwing a life preserver to someone who is drowning. Being able to see the lights go on in people’s eyes and have them say that they feel hopeful for the first time in a long time after hearing the Gospel presented to them was amazing.” This year the team also made a concerted effort to plug people into a local parish where they are from and also were able to exchange email and contact information. In addition to the services and talks they were able to have a table in the big merchandise building. Thanks to St. Tikhon’s Monastery Press, Conciliar Press, Death to the World Zine and Ancient Church Arts they were able to have a fully stocked bookstore and t-shirts. It was mostly through conversations at this table that the team was able to share about the Orthodox Church. Festivals such as Cornerstone are the modern day equivalents to the synagogue and Mars Hill where the Apostle Paul and the Apostles preached to those who were hungry to listen. “It was a great opportunity,” said Fr. Christopher, “and please keep the people in your prayers who came by and spoke with us and if they show up at your parishes, please make them feel welcome and, as Christ said to his disciples at the feeding of the 5,000, ‘You give them something to eat’.”
To see a photo report as well as a few other reflections on our ministry please go here:
http://www.stots.edu/news_120719_2.html