NOV. 2005 WORD FINAL - Iglesia Ortodoxa

Volume 49 No. 9 November 2005

VOLUME
contents
49 NO. 9 NOVEMBER 2005
2 The Word
The Most Reverend
Metropolitan PHILIP, D.H.L., D.D.
Primate
The Right Reverend
Bishop Antoun
The Right Reverend
Bishop Joseph
The Right Reverend
Bishop Basil
The Right Reverend
Bishop Thomas
The Right Reverend
Bishop Mark
The Right Reverend
Bishop Alexander
Founded in Arabic as
Al Kalimat in 1905
by Saint Raphael Hawaweeny
Founded in English as
The Word in 1957
by Metropolitan Antony Bashir
Editor in Chief The Very Rev. John P. Abdalah, D.Min.
Assistant Editor Joanne M. Abdalah, MSW
Editorial Board The Very Rev. Joseph J. Allen, Th.D.
Anthony Bashir, Ph.D.
The Very Rev. Antony Gabriel, Th.M.
The Very Rev. Peter Gillquist
Ronald Nicola
Najib E. Saliba, Ph.D.
The Very Rev. Paul Schneirla, M.Div.
Design Director Donna Griffin Albert
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COVER
Metropolitan PHILIP
3 EDITORIAL
by Very Rev. John Abdalah
4 MINUTES OF THE
47TH GENERAL CONVENTION
OF THE SELF-RULED ANTIOCHIAN
ORTHODOX CHRISTIAN ARCHDIOCESE
OF NORTH AMERICA,
DEARBORN, MI
54 ANTIOCHIAN WOMEN
57 ARCHDIOCESAN OFFICE
58 DEPARTMENT OF DEVELOPMENT
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editor’s letter
Praying, Fasting, & Tithing
God has given us three tools to help us love Him with all of our hearts, souls and minds: praying, fasting
and tithing. Each of these tools brings us into a correct relationship with the living God. Each puts God
first, and shows us how to organize our lives and set our priorities. Each gives us freedom from material
things, and allows us to meet our Master face to face. Metropolitan PHILIP has led us to God using these
traditional biblical tools.
The history of our God-protected Archdiocese could be understood as a progression of three eras, the
implementation of each of these three tools. In the early years of Metropolitan PHILIP’s ministry, our
Archdiocese emphasized prayer and worship. The liturgical cycles of the parishes were expanded to
include vesperal liturgies for major feasts, and parishes that hadn’t yet been serving weekly vespers and
orthros began serving these services. The faithful were encouraged to attend to their prayers at home, and
they were encouraged to confess their sins and commune regularly. The Archdiocese printed prayer and
liturgical books to support this work, as well as printed music for all of these services. Praying allows us
to put God in the center of our lives, and to plan our days, weeks, months and years around Him. Prayer
lets us get past ourselves, and relate to the God who created us, loves us, teaches us and sends us to serve
Him through service for each other. Our prayer teaches us and nurtures us.
The second era can be characterized by fasting. Metropolitan PHILIP inspired a generation of dedicated
clergy to call the people of his Archdiocese to a deepened level of spiritual life. Fasting is a tangible
way of taking charge of our lives and declaring freedom from anything that holds us back from God. By
taking charge of what goes into our mouths, we can be free to remember God and control what comes out
of our mouths. By fasting from frivolous activities, we focus on God as the center of our lives and take our
freedom to follow Christ. This era has been an era of fervor and growth.
At our Archdiocese Convention this year in Detroit, Metropolitan PHILIP initiated an era of tithing.
He led the assembly to an even greater level of commitment to Jesus Christ than we had been previously
called. When the assembly followed our shepherd in making this historic step, we recognized that it was
time to demonstrate the freedom that began with our praying and fasting. It is time indeed to “put our
money where our mouths are,” and place God in the center of our lives. Tithing, like praying and fasting,
puts God first and teaches us to trust Him, rather than ourselves, as our leader. When we tithe, God is given
the first part, the first tenth of the gifts that He gave to us. When we tithe, we enter into His ministry at a
serious level that will allow the parish and the Archdiocese to minister as they should. Only when the
parish and the Archdiocese operate at a level pleasing to God, can the people receive the ministry that
God wants them to have. Only when the parish and Archdiocese have the funds they need to operate can
they call the world to Christ as we have been commanded to do.
Contributing tithes to the Church is different than making a pledge. Tithes are based on what God has
given us, not what we think the local parish needs to operate. Tithes also represent the first part, not what
is left over after we pay our bills and have our recreation. Tithing represents a significant shift in thinking.
That is why tithing, like praying and fasting, is a spiritual gift that deepens our relationship with God
and changes our life.
I recognize the action of God through our General Assembly in Detroit as the start of another era of
our Archdiocese, an era that is exciting and invigorating. I can’t wait to see what God will do with us now
that we have taken this great step of deepened commitment. This is a step that will allow the seeds planted
by our praying and fasting eras to thrive. I applaud Metropolitan PHILIP for his vision. I applaud the
delegates to the General Assembly for their leadership. I applaud the faithful of this Archdiocese, who
accept this mandate and respond with faith and courage — faith and courage that God will care for us as
we trust Him with our money; faith and courage as we demonstrate our faith and trust in God.
by Fr. John Abdalah
The Word 3

THURSDAY, JULY 28, 2005, 10:30 AM
1. Metropolitan PHILIP opened the General Assembly with
prayers. He conveyed the blessings of His Beatitude Patriarch
IGNATIUS IV and the Holy Synod of Antioch. He introduced and
welcomed Metropolitan PAUL, the Metropolitan of Australia and
New Zealand. He introduced our own Diocesan Bishops: Their
Graces Bishop ANTOUN, Bishop JOSEPH, Bishop BASIL, Bishop
THOMAS, Bishop MARK, and noted that Bishop ALEXANDER
would arrive soon, following the funeral of his mother in
Lebanon. His Eminence then asked for the Roll Call of official
delegates.
2. FR. GEORGE KEVORKIAN, Chairman of the Department of
Statistics and Credentials, presented the Department’s report
and declared a quorum:
Statistics & Credentials, Article V, Section 4, 5 and 6, and Article
VI Section 2 of the Archdiocese Constitution.
Your Eminence Metropolitan PHILIP, beloved Hierarchs, brother
Clergy, members of the Archdiocese Board of Trustees, distinguished
guests, brothers and sisters in Christ.
“Let all things be done decently and in order” (1 Corinthians
14:40)
I like to think of this exhortation from St. Paul as the goal of this
department. I would like to take this opportunity to thank
Metropolitan PHILIP for allowing me to serve as Chairman of the
Department of Statistics and Credentials.
4 The Word
Minutes of the
General
Assembly
of the Forty-Seventh
General Convention
of the Self-Ruled
Antiochian Orthodox
Christian Archdiocese
of North America
Metropolitan PHILIP leads the General Assembly
Dearborn, MI
July 28-29, 2005
I respectfully submit to you the report of the Department of
Statistics and Credentials.
We have 90% of the total votes present, either in person or by valid
proxy, and it is declared that there is a quorum to officially open the
General Assembly. The committee convened earlier this week in
order to complete this report.
CREDENTIALS/STATISTICS FORMS SUBMITTED IN 2005
The Antiochian Orthodox Christian Archdiocese of North America
currently has a total of 236 parishes and missions. There are 134
parishes paying assessments, 33 parishes with fewer than 50 people
who are exempt from assessments, 31 tithing parishes, and 38 missions.
The missions are exempt from assessments until they reach
parish status, however some of the missions voluntarily pay assessments.
The missions are full participants in the work of this convention
and General Assembly.
COMMUNICANTS
A total of 51,320 communicants were reported in the compilation.
There has been an increase of 1,229 communicants since the
2003 Archdiocesan Convention, according to the census reports submitted
in 2005. This represents an increase of 2.5% over the twoyear
period.

STATISTICS REPORT 2005 2003
Baptisms 1,400 1,475
Chrismations 541 527
Marriages 521 519
Funerals 681 696
Number of people moving To 1,695 2,150
Number of people moving From 2,746 2,164
These figures are based on statistics received from 208 of a possible
236 parishes and missions in 2005, and 200 of a possible 228
parishes and missions in 2003.
There has been an increase in assessment income resulting from
the addition of new parishes and missions and the increase in the
per-baptized-soul amount from $25.00 to $35.00. However it must be
pointed out that some Pastors and Parish Councils have noted
decreases in membership, and therefore in the assessments. From a
total of 208 reporting parishes and missions a total of 73 reported a
decrease in number. Even more disturbing is the fact that the number
of baptized souls reported by assessed parishes actually decreased for
the first time in recent history. This will result in a $110,000 budget
shortfall in the assessment income for fiscal year 2006.
New Parishes and Missions
We welcome the following 9 parishes and missions to their first
Archdiocesan Convention.
Church City State Pastor
Annunciation Mission Birmingham AL Rev. Nabil Fino
Mission of Langley BC Langley BC Rev. Michael Gillis
St. Raphael of Brooklyn Mission Iowa City IA Rev. Stephen Rhudy
Virgin Mary Mission Alsip IL Rev. Malek Rihani
St. Michael Mission Wichita KS Rev. John Flora
St. Catherine Mission Ann Arbor MI Rev. Steven Von Bronkhorst
Holy Ascension Mission Frazer PA Rev. Joseph Butts
St. Sophia Mission Dripping Springs TX V. Rev. James Kenna
Christ The Savior Mission Spokane Valley WA Rev. Michael Shanbour
TITHING
It is noteworthy to point out that 31 parishes are currently tithing
which represents 13% of the Archdiocesan parishes.
DIOCESAN BREAKDOWN OF COMMUNITIES AND COMMUNICANTS
Number of % of Communities No. of Baptized Souls % of Total Baptized Souls
Communities in Archdiocese
Ottawa 19 8.05% 6,029 11.75%
Oakland, PA 26 11.02% 5,757 11.22%
Toledo 41 17.36% 10,231 19.93%
Worcester 11 4.66% 4,452 8.67%
Miami 34 14.41% 3,841 7.48%
Los Angeles 34 14.41% 8,175 15.93%
New York 13 5.51% 4,407 8.59%
Eagle River 18 7.63% 1,994 3.89%
Total 236 100% 51,320 100%
Fr. George Kevorkian, assistant to Metropolitan PHILIP, reports on statistics
and credentials
VOTING
The detailed breakdown of all of the eligible votes, and those present
either in person or by valid proxy, is as follows:
Votes Present and Voting
(in person or by Proxy)
564 Parishes/Mission 519
218 Pastors 190
57 Retired Pastors/
Other Full Time Clergy
48
46 Archdiocese
Board of Trustees
43
7 AOCWNA 7
7 Fellowship of
St. John the Divine
7
7 Order of St. Ignatius
of Antioch
5
8 Teen SOYO 8
914 Total 827
This represents 90% of the eligible votes according to the total of
914 votes.
To all who faithfully comply with the Archdiocesan directives and
expedite the work of this department, we heartily thank you for your
diligence.
Respectfully submitted,
Rev. Fr. George Kevorkian
Chairman — Department of Statistics & Credentials
3. Metropolitan PHILIP appointed the Convention Officers:
a) Dr. George J. Farha, Vice-Chairman
b) Mr. Charles R. Ajalat, Chancellor
Mr. Robert A. Koory, Chancellor
c) Mr. Daniel J. Abraham, MI (Sergeant-at-Arms)
Dr. David G. Bojrab, IN (Sergeant-at-Arms)
Dr. Richard Khattouf, FL (Sergeant-at-Arms)
Mr. William D. Morrison, IL (Sergeant-at-Arms)
d) Fr. Michael Ellias, Secretary
Dr. John D. Dalack, Secretary
4. Metropolitan PHILIP introduced the members of the Board
The Word 5

of Trustees of the Archdiocese:
Rt. Rev. Paul M. Doyle, V. Rev. Elias S. Bitar, V. Rev. Michael Ellias,
Dr. George J. Farha, Mr. Alan G. Abraham, Mr. Daniel J. Abraham, Mr.
Charles R. Ajalat, Mr. Nicola M. Antakli, Mr. Edward F. Assile, Dr.
Anthony S. Bashir, Dr. David G. Bojrab, Mr. Daniel E. Braun, Dr. John
D. Dalack, Mr. George G. Darany, Mr. Fawaz R. El Khoury, Mrs. Laila
R. Ferris, Mr. Joseph F. Hanna, Dr. Elias K. Hebeka, Mrs. Elaine
Heider, Dr. Donald C. Howard, Mr. Anton K. Khoury, Mr. Robert A.
Koory, Dr. Sam H. Kouri, Dr. Raymond J. Kyriakos, Mr. Robert H.
Laham, Mr. William D. Morrison, Mr. William J. Nassir, Mr. George N.
Nassor, Miss Ruth A. Nimee, Mr. Walter Parhamovich, Mr. Mansour
Rayan, Dr. Raymond J. Rishwain, Miss Jean Sam, Dr. Joseph J.
Samra, Dr. Eugene J. Sayfie, Kh. Gizelle “Gigi” B. Shadid, and Mr.
Kory W. Warr; and Honorary Members: Mr. Walid K. Khalife, Dr. Alan
E. Matook, and Mr. A. Ernest Younes. Additionally, His Eminence
appointed Dr. Eugene Sayfie as an Honorary Member of the Board of
Trustees and acknowledged Mrs. Joan Farha as the newly-elected
president of the North American Council of the Fellowship of St.
John the Divine.
Metropolitan PHILIP also introduced the following members of
the Board of Trustees of the Archdiocese of Australia and New
Zealand who accompanied Metropolitan PAUL:
Dr. Afif Hadj, Vice-Chairman of the Board of Trustees; his wife,
Mrs. Carol Hadj; Mr. Alex Salem, Chairman of the Religious
Education Committee; his wife, Mrs. Mary Salem; Dr. Zaki Dorkham
Very Rev. Joseph Allen speaks of the 25th Anniversary of the St.
Stephen’s Course
of the Religious Education Committee; Mr. Rejaie Nasrawi, Chairman
of the Finance Committee; his wife, Mrs. Nadia Nasrawi; Mr. Tony
Wassif of the Legal Department; and his wife, Mrs. Yvette Jamal-
Wassaf, the Events Coordinator.
5. Metropolitan PHILIP introduced the Minutes of the Forty-
Sixth Archdiocese Convention held in Miami, FL, as printed and
distributed in the November 2003 issue of The WORD magazine.
Moved by MR. FAWAZ R. EL-KHOURY of Worcester, MA, seconded by MR.
CHARLES AJALAT of Glendale, CA, the minutes were adopted.
6 The Word
6. Metropolitan PHILIP invited His Eminence Metropolitan
PAUL to address the General Assembly. Metropolitan PAUL
warmly thanked Metropolitan PHILIP and provided an overview
of the Archdiocese of Australia and New Zealand. He noted that
the state of his archdiocese is comparable to that of the
Archdiocese of North America during the 1960’s. During his metropolitanate
the number of parishes has increased from nine (9)
to thirty-one (31). The largest populations are in Sydney and
Melbourne, where meetings are currently underway with certain
groups who are interested in the historical Orthodox Church. The
archdiocese is currently opening two schools and two nursing
homes. Metropolitan PAUL concluded his remarks by presenting
a souvenir journal of Australia to Metropolitan PHILIP.
Dr. Afif Hadj made a slide presentation as an introduction to
Australia and the archdiocese. He highlighted the monastery in
Melbourne and noted that the number of parishes in New Zealand
has increased from one to seven since 1999. Dr. Hadj stated that the
University of Melbourne houses an Institute of Orthodox Studies,
which has potential to develop into a seminary. He also highlighted
the social ministries of the archdiocese.
7. Metropolitan PHILIP welcomed Fr. Chris Metropulos, the
host of “Come Receive the Light,” the SCOBA-endorsed radio
broadcast, to make a brief presentation. Fr. Chris reported that
the program now appears in twenty (20) local markets and on
the internet world-wide. He pointed to the success of “Share the
Light Sundays” and indicated that another appeal would occur in
2006. Fr. Chris emphasized that the Orthodox Christian Network
(OCN) had tremendous evangelical potential for the United
States and Canada.
8. Reports of the Departments and Commissions of the
Archdiocese:
8/1. FR. GEORGE KEVORKIAN presented the list of candidates
for election to the Board of Trustees:
Mr. Daniel J. Abraham Grand Rapids, MI
Mr. Nicola M. Antakli Troy, MI
Dr. Anthony S. Bashir West Roxbury, MA
Mr. George G. Darany Troy, MI
Dr. George J. Farha Wichita, KS
Mrs. Elaine Heider Johnstown, PA
Dr. Richard Kattouf Naples, FL
Dr. Sam H. Kouri Wichita, KS
Dr. Raymond J. Kyriakos Brooklyn, NY
Mr. Kenneth M. Laham West Roxbury, MA
Mr. William D. Morrison Warrenville, IL
Miss Ruth A. Nimee Worcester, MA
Mr. Walter Parhamovich Las Vegas, NV
Mr. Philip N. Saliba Brooklyn, NY
Moved by FR. JOSEPH ALLEN of Bergenfield, NJ, seconded by DR. ALAN
MATOOK of Cedar Grove, NJ, the report was received.

Clergy
8/2. In order to facilitate the awarding of degrees,
Metropolitan PHILIP called on FR. JOSEPH ALLEN to report for
the Antiochian House of Studies. FR. JOSEPH ALLEN also presented
the report of the Department of Theological and Pastoral
Education.
This year ten (10) candidates received Master of Arts degrees and
two (2) received Doctor of Ministry degrees. FR. ALLEN presented
Rev. Dr. Donald Bolls, Dn. James Bryan, Wilfred P. DeJunco, Dn.
Dean Katsilas, Mr. Jay Barker, Mother Melania Salem, Fr. Taras
Maximstev, Dr. Paul Strausfield, Mr. Richard D. Spain, and Dn.
Thomas Underwood to receive Master of Arts degrees, and Fr. Remus
Grama and Mrs. Demetra Jaquet to receive Doctor of Ministry
degrees. Metropolitan PHILIP awarded the respective degrees.
DEPARTMENT OF THEOLOGICAL AND
PASTORAL EDUCATION
By Father Joseph Allen, Director
The Department of Theological and Pastoral Education is responsible
for the following three programs:
1. The Antiochian House of Studies,
2. St. Athanasius Academy of Orthodox Theology, and
3. The Biennial Clergy Symposium.
The following are the highlights in each program.
1. The Antiochian House of Studies includes three (3) faculties in
each of the following: St. Stephen’s Diploma Course of Study; The
House of Studies Residency Program; and the Doctor of Ministry
Program. The total number of students spread across these three
programs is two hundred three (203).
A. St. Stephen’s Course has reached its 25th Anniversary in
2005. When we began in 1980 we opened the door of
Orthodox Theological study to a mere thirteen (13) students.
That began our “school of theology without walls.”
What characterized that small group was variation, that
variation still existing until today: some have finished non-
Orthodox graduate degrees in theology; some have Masters
and Doctoral degrees e.g., in education and medicine; some
were ordained in the Roman Catholic and Protestant communions;
some were locked into a life and career situation
that precluded attendance at an Orthodox seminary, etc.
But each was dedicated enough to undertake what was
meant to be a very rigorous program, now comprised of
12,500 pages of study over the three years, three (3) ministerial
field projects (one in each of the three years) and
three (3) Residency Units at the Heritage and Learning
Center in Ligonier, PA. That dedication to “stay the course”
is — as it has always been — conditioned by the hard work
and the willingness to serve Christ’s Body according to the
oversight of the Hierarchy.
This year Metropolitan PHILIP will present ten (10) Master
of Arts Degrees in Applied Orthodox Theology and two (2)
Doctor of Ministry Degrees. These two accredited degrees
are presented every July, one year at the Clergy Symposium,
one year at the Archdiocese Convention.
B. We are pleased to announce the new YOUTH MINISTRY
track within the scope of The Antiochian House of Studies,
thus giving those who desire to work in the area of Youth
ministry an opportunity to acquire a Masters Degree in that
area.
The Word 7

C. It should be remembered that no student will receive the
St. Stephen’s Diploma unless he or she completes the entire
three-year course, three Residency Units and three
Ministerial Projects. It should also be remembered that no
student will be accepted into the Masters Degree Program
unless he or she completes the entire diploma program
(with no failures)and has earned an accredited BA or BS
degree. Those applying to the DMin Degree Program must
have served a three-year ministry and hold a MA or MDiv
Degree.
2. St. Athanasius Academy of Orthodox Theology, currently
being administered from Eagle River, Alaska, by Father Jack Sparks,
reported to the Metropolitan the following programs:
A. The Correspondence Studies, which continues to be built
by inquiries from potential students (many of which are
Protestants interested in Orthodoxy), has accepted 25 new
students. More than 40 courses have been completed, and
several students are on the verge of completing the
“Diploma in Orthodox Christian Studies.”
B. The Prisoner Education Program, which continues to grow,
receives regular inquiries from prisoners, many of which
have been chrismated and baptized. There are, currently,
three courses in the area of “Spirituality,” to which the prisoners
respond with enthusiasm. Scholarships are provided
to prisoners according to their determination to finish the
course. There are about 30 new prisoner students, some of
which have even earned the “Diploma in Orthodox
Christian Studies.”
C. Books and Booklets, have always been a vital part of the
ministry of St. Athanasius Academy. There are 29 booklets
for adults, eight for children. Father Jack Sparks’ new book,
“Irenaeus’ Preaching of the Apostles,” has been published
in a beautiful spiral binding, as well as Father Jack’s reading
of the “Seven Letters of St. Ignatius” on a 125 minute
CD.
D. The Orthodox Study Bible: Old Testament Project. This
project, which began seven years ago, includes the work of
over 100 pastors, scholars and teachers. A 2006 publication
is anticipated. With the approval of Metropolitan PHILIP,
the Orthodox Study Bible remains the most important priority
for St. Athanasius Academy.
3. The Clergy Symposium. Last year, July 18-24, 2004, our Clergy
Symposium had as its theme A Diversity of Ministries, the Same
Lord. The three main speakers and their presentations were:
A. Archbishop Peter L’Hiullier, “Forms of Ecclesial
Governance for our Ministry Today,”
B. Father Alkiviadis Calivas, “Liturgical Practice Relevant to
our Ministry Today,” and
C. Father John Breck, “Ethical Issues Facing our Ministry
Today.”
The afternoon workshops dealt with the various ministries in our
Archdiocese. There were ten (10) areas of concentration. Daily
Orthros, Divine Liturgies, Vespers and Small Complines were celebrated,
followed each night by an “Evening Meditation.”
8 The Word
It should be remembered that preparation for the Symposium
begins a year in advance, at the Archdiocese Convention, e.g., at
the Wednesday Morning Departmental Meeting in Dearborn,
Michigan. Next year The Symposium will be offered on the week of
July 17-21, 2006, and will be dedicated to the Fortieth Anniversary
of His Eminence, Metropolitan PHILIP whose presentations over
those 40 years will guide the selection of the theme and the various
presentations.
4. Finally, the Department of Theological and Pastoral Education
continues to attempt a very close communication with the
Ordination Review Board, chaired by His Grace, Bishop ANTOUN. We
do remind all students that a MDiv from an accredited Orthodox
Seminary is normative for ordination to any major Order in this
Archdiocese. Others who have earned a MDiv from a non-Orthodox
School must finish all three years of the House of Studies’ St.
Stephen’s Diploma Program in order to apply to the Ordination
Review Board.
We do owe a special thanks to the following: Deacon Peter
Boulukos and Genny Mandalakis, Registrars for the St. Stephen’s
Diploma Program and the MA Program; Becky Spargo, Registrar for
the House of Studies Residency Program; Fathers George Kevorkian
and David Betras and Cheri Mullins, Administrative Assistants at
The Residency Program; Father James Dougherty, Research
Director for the MA Thesis Program; the Symposium Planning
Committee; and Metropolitan PHILIP for his continuing interest and
support in the Theological and Pastoral Education for the Clergy of
our Archdiocese.
Moved by MISS RUTH A. NIMEE of Worcester, MA, seconded by FR.
GEORGE SHALHOUB of Livonia, MI, the report was received.
8/3. FR. MICHAEL MASSOUH presented the report of the
Antiochian Village Heritage and Learning Center. At the conclusion
of his report Fr. Michael introduced MR. BRUCE JABBOUR,
the new General Manager of the Heritage Center and Museum.
HERITAGE AND LEARNING CENTER ANNUAL REPORT
FOR FISCAL YEAR 2005
Metropolitan PHILIP, Esteemed Bishops, & Brothers and Sisters in
Christ:
The most significant achievement during the year was the completion
and dedication on June 4-5, 2004 of the Antiochian Heritage
Museum. This climactically controlled museum opened with an exhibition
of the original drawings and paintings of Kahlil Gibran from
the Mary Haskel Collection at the Telfair Museum of Art in Savannah,
Georgia, and of religious and cultural items from our permanent collection.
Metropolitan PHILIP blessed the new building in the presence of
members of the Antiochian Archdiocese Board of Trustees and other
guests including the Syrian Ambassador to America, His Excellency,
Ambassador Imad Moustapha. We enjoyed excellent media coverage
and were included on a new cultural map of Westmoreland County.
Approximately three thousand people visited the museum to see the
opening exhibition.

Robert Laham reports on the Antiochian Village Council
I am pleased to report that fifteen new groups visited the Center
for their meetings; twelve of which were non-religious groups.
Included were a group of state judges from throughout the country
brought here by the University of Memphis, a group of social workers
from Pittsburgh, a state-wide child death review group, and an international
group conducting a week long educational program on
house design. These groups suggest that we are beginning to attract
non-profit associations and educational institutions, two markets
that we are aggressively pursuing in addition to our primary market
of religious groups.
It is also heartening to report that Orthodox groups, Antiochian
and others, accounted for thirty-six percent of the year’s revenue up
from twenty-nine percent in the previous year. During the two weeks
for the Antiochian House of Studies, the Center is abuzz with activity
from morning till night. It is an exciting time for us and for
Orthodoxy. Moreover, our own programming increased slightly. All of
this is good news as it represents an increased usage of the Center
as a spiritual oasis.
Speaking of spiritual oases, the Center is truly becoming one as we
host a greater number of people wanting a personal retreat: a time
to read in the library, to pray in Ss. Peter & Paul Chapel, and to walk
the Meditation Trail. In addition, many wish to have a conversation
with me about Orthodoxy. We are also attracting groups who come
just to tour the Museum and have me lecture to them about Orthodox
theology, history, and icons. Our outreach to the community expanded
through the generosity of a local Orthodox woman who donated a
group of books on Orthodoxy to the Ligonier Public Library.
Financially, as you will see from the attached financial report we
transferred funds to the Reserve Fund and enjoyed greater revenues
than expenditures. We hope to improve on this performance with the
addition of a Sales Director, Anne Peagler, who joined our staff in
November.
I thank Metropolitan PHILIP, Bob Laham, and the Village Council
for their support and encouragement during this very active year.
In Christ’s Name
Fr. Michael Massouh
Executive Director
ANTIOCHIAN VILLAGE CAMP OPERATION
Statement of Operating Receipts and Expenditures
For the Fiscal Years Ended January 31, 2005 and 2004
YEAR ENDED JANUARY 31
2005 2004
RECEIPTS
SUMMER CAMP RECEIPTS
Summer Campers (Note 1) $449,827 $414,510
Special Olympics 35,596 27,414
Winter Camp 17,590 29,628
Weekend and Other Groups 16,105 5,027
Total $519,118 $476,579
OTHER RECEIPTS
Bookstore 32,572 $43,208
Miscellaneous Donations and
Other Receipts 8,165 11,587
Photo and Video Income 16,777 12,849
Interest Income 643 592
Total 58,157 68,236
TOTAL RECEIPTS $577,275 $544,815
EXPENDITURES
Salary — Administration $93,729 $93,730
Salary — Maintenance 42,143 36,582
Salaries — Staff 102,017 83,310
Fringe Benefits &
Employees Taxes 54,658 52,611
Food Costs 141,502 128,975
Insurance — Liability, Fire,
Theft, Vehicle, Work Comp. 29,637 30,222
Winter Camp Expenses 19,833 36,239
Repairs & Maintenance —
Camp Facilities 26,015 20,038
Bookstore Purchases 19,420 36,697
Liturgical Supplies 1,019 1,156
Propane Gas 8,809 7,038
Electricity and Fuel Oil 23,385 22,015
Infirmary Supplies 839 61
Janitorial & Paper Products 2,823 2,823
Office Supplies & Postage 11,849 10,362
Special Programs —
Supplies and Instructors 36,479 40,797
Telephone 7,153 7,126
Travel Expenses 6,799 5,535
Advertising &
ACA Membership Dues 4,313 5,072
Vehicle Expenses —
Fuel & Repairs 7,931 8,854
Photo and Video Expenses 7,733 7,849
Miscellaneous Expenses 3,057 3,900
TOTAL EXPENDITURES $651,143 $640,992
Excess of Expenditures Over Receipts
(Deficit) $(73,868) $(96,177)
The Word 9

Bishop MARK (second from left) with Fr. George Eber, Fr. Dan Daly, and
Khourieh Elfriede Daly (l. to r.)
ASSISTANCE FROM THE
ARCHDIOCESE $64,520 $62,521
Total Receipts Over Expenditures
(Deficit) $(9,349) $(33,656)
Notes: (1) Includes $63,252 of Camp Scholarships given by the
Order of St. Ignatius in 2005, and $67,117 in 2004.
Moved by MRS. ELAINE HEIDER of Johnstown, PA, seconded by
WILLIAM J. NASSIR of LaJolla, CA, the report was received.
8/4. MR. ROBERT H. LAHAM presented the report of the
Antiochian Village Council.
10 The Word
ANTIOCHIAN VILLAGE COUNCIL MEETING
Members Present:
His Grace Bishop ANTOUN
His Grace Bishop THOMAS
Robert Laham (Chairman), George Nassor (Vice Chairman),
Evelyn Koury, Walter Parhamovich, Peter Dacales, Dr. Donald
Howard, Stephen Koury (Acting Secretary), Robert Koory, Bruce
Jabbour (General Manager), Father Michael Massouh, Father
Joseph Allen
Guests: Mr. Rudy Rainer (Consultant to the Village), Father
Joseph Purpura
Mr. Laham called the meeting to order at 10:00 AM. Opening prayer
was led by His Grace Bishop THOMAS and Father Joseph Allen.
Mr. Laham opened the meeting calling for:
Consultant’s remarks:
Mr. Rainer offered his recommendations and summary. (Summary
and recommendations are with Mr. Laham.)
Motion to approve Mr. Rainer’s report
Made by Mrs. Evelyn Koury, Seconded by Mr. Dacales, motion
approved
The Minutes of the February 11 meeting were reviewed; Motion
to accept minutes of this meeting were made by Mr. Parhamovich,
seconded by Mrs. Evelyn Koury
Bishop ANTOUN
States that Bishop THOMAS will now sit on Village Council. Bishop
ANTOUN states that everyone is responsible for the success of the
Village for our children. All organizations should use the Village in
ALL circumstances for their events! The Council thanked him for his
years of service to the Village, and welcomed him back at any time!
Correspondence
Mr. Laham read a thank you letter from Father Michael Nasser
regarding the cross and monetary gift for his elevation to Archpriest.
Building Committee
Roofing Bids
Mr. Jabbour reported that the roof for the center is leaking severely.
We have 3 guest rooms not capable of renting as the water damage
has caused mildew buildup, making the rooms uninhabitable.
It was discovered that the felt paper in original construction was
shorted, and water leaks into the walls and into the guest rooms. We
have spent $97,000 on current maintenance for chapel and library
roof repairs.
3 bids have been received to replace the roof, overhang and balcony
enclosure. The bid includes the canopy roof for the port, and
the rear patio roof:
Exact specification for each bid was detailed and reviewed:
1. $175,000 Tuscano-Maher Roofing
2. $139,000 Denis Michaels
3. $117,481 One Call
Upon acceptance of bid, we will require bonding and proof of liability
certificates prior to deposit paid. Mr. Jabbour read the entire bid.
Motion to accept lowest bid by One Call for $117,481: Mr.
Parhamovich, seconded by Mrs. Evelyn Koury
Discussion:
Dr. Samra asked about balcony use. The Bishops will use the balcony
for social time. The balcony also serves as the roof over phase
one rooms on the first level.
Mr. Jabbour demonstrated that the balcony serves an important
capacity for rain and water flow.
Mr. Jabbour expressed concern that the mildew and mold may
cause serious financial liability to the Village.
Mr. Jabbour feels that this is best solution to solve the water
problem.
Dr. Samra asked if the balcony enclosure will create additional
maintenance costs and upkeep.
Mr. Koury asked if instead of the enclosure, can we create a slant
in the balcony for water flow.
Motion passed.
New Dining Hall
Mr. Laham reported that Metropolitan PHILIP will visit the Village
to break ground on August 4. Projected cost is $1.2 million. Mr.
Zakzak will contribute $500,000 towards this project and will attend
the ceremony. It is expected that Father Nasser will bring details of
the new dining hall to the General Assembly and will be ready for bid
August 15.
The Order has pledged $700,000 to the dining hall.
Father John Namie fund is up to $36,000. Amount pledged is not
known.
Father Joseph Purpura
Father Joseph wants to bring more SOYO business to the Village.
It is the best place to have these events, but he has cost concerns.
Teen SOYO leadership training equips new leaders for our
Archdiocese and will have training every off year of the Convention
for one week following the Clergy Symposium.

Policy request: Father Joseph has requested that each child have
their own bed, 2 per room request versus 4 per room. The Council
agreed with this request.
Mr. Jabbour thanked Father Joseph for bringing these groups to
the Village.
Mr. Jabbour offered savings of $2,000 to the teen groups, as well as
better meals.
Rates quoted Single $68/night, plus $22.40 food
Double $39.00/night, plus $22.40 food
Mr. Robert Koory suggested that NAC move their meeting to the off
season. Father Joseph stated that due to school, that is not possible.
Mr. Dacales suggested that the Order may fund a portion of the
meetings. The request will be made during the Order meeting.
Bishop THOMAS requested that the Order fund $5,000 for the NAC
meeting in order to subsidize the cost for NAC.
New Business
Auditor’s report was distributed to each member for their review.
Mr. Koury asked if we are making all the necessary arrangements
for the proper checks and balances. Mr. Jabbour stated that he is
doing his best given the amount of work, and asked for the assistance
of the Council and their expertise in certain business matters.
Motion to adjourn — 3:25 PM, Mr. Nassor, seconded by Dr. Samra
Moved by MRS. EVELYN KHOURY of Irwin, PA, and seconded by MRS.
CAROLE BULEZA of York, PA, the report was received.
8/5. In FR. PAUL SCHNEIRLA’S absence, FR. OLOF SCOTT
presented the report of the Inter-Faith and Inter-Orthodox
Commission.
REPORT OF THE DEPARTMENT OF
INTER-ORTHODOX AND INTER-FAITH AFFAIRS
Introduction
The following notices of the relations of the Antiochian
Archdiocese in the ecumenical field are largely excerpts from the
reports of our representatives to the several religious bodies of which
we are members or in theological or other dialogues. It should be
noted that our membership in the World Council of Churches is,
under our new arrangement, the responsibility of the Patriarchate of
Antioch headquartered in Damascus.
The National Council of Churches of Christ (NCCC)
As he has for several years, Archpriest Olof Scott, Charleston, West
Virginia, Vice-Chairman of this Department, has guided our membership
with the NCC. Of particular interest to our faithful is a statement
this year from NCCC delegations to the Middle East entitled,
“Barriers Do Not Bring Freedom,” a protest regarding the erection of
the wall along the eastern board of Israel. The statement calls for an
even-handed American policy toward the State of Israel and the
Palestinians.
The Subcommittee of the Eco-Justice Working Group of the NCCC
Father Terence Baz, Syracuse, New York, represents us in this ministry.
He reported, in part:
As a sub-committee of the NCC, this group meets twice a year at a
pre-determined venue to discuss matters specifically pertaining to
Bishop BASIL (center) with Fr. Theodore Daoud (l.) and Fr. Paul Hodge (r.)
the environment. Funds are available for the representatives of the
Orthodox Churches to attend, if they apply. I first attended one of
these meetings in 1998 in Washington, DC. I was impressed by their
talent as well as the respect they showed one another and their obvious
dedication to the issue. Contrary to my expectations, I was surprised
at how seriously they took the Orthodox representatives in the
discussions that ensued. At this meeting, an Orthodox priest was
asked to present a theological talk on ecology and was very well
received. The priest was Fr. Christopher Bender, Parish Priest of
Assumption Greek Orthodox Church in Morgantown, WV, of the
Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of America, who serves under the
omophorion of official representative of the Greek Orthodox
Archdiocese to both the NCC Eco-Justice Working Group and the
NCC Justice and Advocacy Commission.
I was to find out in further discussions that, while many Protestant
Churches embarked on admirable pastoral projects to help in this
matter, they really had no sound theology to expound on it and relied
upon Orthodox theology to explain the principles behind their projects.
I also discovered that, with the blessing of His Eminence and Fr.
David Smith, a parishioner of his, Mrs. Christine Shahin-Wood, who
has involved herself in this issue for many years, also represented the
Archdiocese on this sub-committee.
I have attended these meetings about once every two years and
have found that the pattern has been much the same. The thrust of
their goals has been to seek more involvement from all the various
constituent parishes and to explain their Christian responsibilities
to care for God’s creation. Details of their activities can be viewed at
their web site at www.nccecojustice.org.
North American Orthodox-Roman Catholic Theological
Consultation
The spring 2005 meeting of the Consultation was held at St.
Vladimir’s Seminary from June 6-8. Our delegates are Archpriest
Paul Schneirla, a charter member of the Dialogue, Dr. Robert
Haddad, and Dr. Susan Ashbrook Harvey.
The general theme, with papers by Roman Catholic and Orthodox
theologians, was the question of Primacy in Christianity. Just prior to
the meeting, a Synod of the World Orthodox episcopate, exercising
primacy, adjusted a canonical dislocation in the Patriarchate of
Jerusalem.
Orthodox-Lutheran Ecumenical Dialogue
Our delegates are Archpriest John Morris and Dr. Bradley Nassif.
A summation of their report is as follows:
The Word 11

Archdiocese Board members at the General Assembly
The North American Orthodox Lutheran Dialogue between representatives
of SCOBA and the Evangelical Lutheran Church in
America (ELCA) has not met for two years. At this time it is apparent
that the Lutherans have no desire for further discussions. Last
year, they told the Orthodox that they did not have time to prepare
for a meeting of the dialogue. This year, the Ecumenical Commission
of the ELCA has sent the Orthodox a notice informing us that the dialogue
has been suspended.
An example of the radical differences between Orthodoxy and the
ELCA concerns abortion. Orthodox Christians believe that abortion
is a major sin. For this and other reasons, it is apparent that there is
no realistic expectation that future dialogue with the ELCA should
the Lutherans decide to meet, which is doubtful, will reach agreements
that would provide for close relations between Orthodoxy and
the ELCA. A more realistic approach to discussions with representatives
of the Lutheran tradition may be to seek dialogue with the
Lutheran Church Missouri Synod, which has taken positions on
issues that are in agreement with the teachings of the Orthodox
Church.
Christian Churches Together (CTT)
Our delegate to this fellowship, in the process of formation, is
Archpriest Michel Najim of Los Angeles. You are referred to the
report of this body at the last Archdiocese Convention, Brooklyn,
New York, June 3-5, 2005.
Standing Conference of Orthodox Bishops (SCOBA)
Our representatives are Metropolitan PHILIP, Archpriest Paul
Schneirla, and Chancellor Charles Ajalat.
2005 is the 40th Anniversary of the Standing Conference. Father
Paul Schneirla is the surviving member of the organizing body which
was founded under the inspiration and leadership of Metropolitan
Antony Bashir with support of Greek Orthodox Archbishop Iakovos.
Considering the still persistent ethnicity of American Orthodoxy, the
SCOBA continues as a center of unity and conversation for the
American Orthodox Churches. As described by the late Metropolitan
Antony, “it is the achievement of the possible.”
+++++++
In concluding this report, I must tell you that, after serving our
Archdiocese in the capacity of Ecumenical Officer for over half a century,
late this winter I told Metropolitan PHILIP I wished to retire as
12 The Word
Chairman of the Department.
Compared with the ecumenical programs of other Christian bodies
in America, ours has been a modest effort. It has, however, fulfilled
the desire of its founder: “Let our fellow Christians know we
exist.”
My deepest thanks to the many persons, priests and laity, who
have carried this ministry forward, largely as volunteers, through the
years.
I would especially like to mention Fr. Olof who appears to have
been born an ecumenist; Drs. Haddad and Brown; Fr. Morris; as well
as all those who served so effectively and willingly. And eternal memory
to those who have already transcended ecumenical barriers.
Respectfully submitted,
Father Paul Schneirla
Fr. Scott indicated that the Commission had recently concluded
that it was time for the Antiochian Archdiocese to withdraw
from the National Council of Churches, due to the NCC’s consistent
drift away from the foundations of historic Christianity. The
Commission will now focus its efforts in the area of inter-
Orthodox relations. The assembly endorsed this decision resoundingly.
Moved by FR. EDWARD HUGHES of Lawrence, MA, seconded by FR.
JASON DEL VITTO of Bridgeville, PA, the report was received.
8/6. In FR. PAUL SCHNEIRLA’S absence, FR. EDWARD
HUGHES presented the report of the Western Rite Vicariate.
REPORT OF THE WESTERN RITE VICARIATE
This year represents somewhat over a half-century of our Western
Rite project. The first missions were founded in the early 1950’s, following
similar enterprises by the Russian Church, subsequently initiated
by the Orthodox Churches of Poland and Romania. Presently,
the Serbian Church is considering a petition of the French Western
Rite Church to affiliate.
At this writing there are Vicariate parishes in Washington, DC;
Whittier, CA; Denver (2), Boulder, CO; Eustis, Miami, North Miami,
FL; Wichita, KS; Omaha, NE; Melville and Hudson Valley, NY; Fort
Worth, Mesquite and Wichita, TX; Spokane, WA. All except the
Hudson Valley mission have their own church edifices and support
pastors.
Additional missions exist in Florida (1), Illinois (1), Kansas (1),
Texas (3), and Washington (1). These are served by visiting neighboring
pastors, resident clergy (self-supporting) or deacons.
Unlike the usual Archdiocese Missions with scattered Byzantine
Orthodox as a base, the Western parishes represent converts with no
Orthodox background who are attracted by the Western form of worship.
The clergy are graduated from the seminaries used by the
Archdiocese (Holy Cross, St. Tikhon, St. Vladimir), supplemented by
a specialized course at Ligonier taught by Fr. Edward Hughes. One
parish has an assisting priest on loan from the Greek Archdiocese.
There is no organized program of proselytism but interested
inquirers are supplied with information on request. In the badly

troubled waters of the Roman and Anglican Churches, there are frequent
inquiries and these are followed up by the Vicariate and its
pastors.
The accusation is sometimes made that the purpose is to lure
Westerners into the Church and then gradually “Byzantine” them.
This is not a policy and has never occurred. Western missions unable
to survive beyond the initial enthusiasm sometimes fail to reach a
viable status and if isolated from other Western Orthodox centers,
remaining members may enter nearby Eastern parishes.
Aside from its current minimal impact on the Church, the Western
Rite project sustains the Orthodox claim to be the original Church
which began with Western and Eastern forms of worship.
Those who have a longer period of experience in Orthodoxy, note
that in America there are strong movements to “Westernize” the traditional
Eastern liturgy. The mysterious, and attractive, aura of the
past is threatened by the adoption of Western customs, the public
reading of formerly secret prayers, etc.
The Vicariate’s Bishop of Reference is His Grace, Bishop Basil of
Wichita, whose diocese includes the majority of the Western parishes.
The bishop is a paternal and encouraging shepherd and has contributed
to the growth and progress of the Rite equally with his own
Eastern use.
At the 2004 Pittsburgh and the present Archdiocese Convention,
the Western Rite clergy and laity have met, planned and prepared for
the future. A national periodical is in the planning state for a beginning
in Advent, Missals (liturgical books), Rituals, Prayer books and
other materials are printed by several sources.
Under the primacy of Metropolitan PHILIP, a consistent and supportive
patron of the Rite from the beginning, assisted by Bishop
Basil, and a Vicar who is a specialist in the Rite, the structure
includes the Western Rite Commission, a Committee on Liturgical
Standards (to vet publications), a Christian Education Commission,
and a number of intra-parish devotional societies.
Respectfully submitted,
Fr. Paul Schneirla
Western Rite Vicar General
Moved by FR. OLOF SCOTT of Charleston, WV, seconded by DR. ELIAS
HEBEKA of Naples, FL, the report was received.
8/7. FR. EDWARD HUGHES presented the report of the
Department of Liturgics.
THE DEPARTMENT OF LITURGICS AND TRANSLATIONS
The Liturgy of the Church stands at the intersection between
earth and heaven, time and eternity. Like an icon, liturgical worship
allows us to perceive aspects of reality that go far beyond the limits
of the scientifically observable; and like an icon, it allows transcendent
light and truth to penetrate into the realm of our personal and
ecclesial experience.
The Liturgy is thus characterized by a double movement. By
means of our celebration, we undertake a journey of the soul, whose
end is communion with the eternal God. At the same time, God
approaches us through our celebration, to give content and direction
Metropolitan PHILIP dialogues with his clergy
to our worship, and through it to unite us to Himself. (V. Rev. John
Breck, God With Us, Ch. 10)
The goal of this Department is to provide the Liturgical texts and
resources needed and desired by the parishes of our Archdiocese for
the enrichment and support of their Liturgical life according to the
vision of Metropolitan PHILIP.
In addition, the Department seeks to educate and encourage the
clergy toward an increased appreciation of our Liturgical heritage,
toward the recovery of a fuller Liturgical life, and the best and most
appropriate practice of Liturgics according to our unique
Antiochian-American Liturgical customs, especially those handed
down to us by our own St. Raphael of Brooklyn.
The Department works closely with the Department of Music,
inasmuch as that Department is concerned with the sung musical
texts of our Liturgical services, and the participation of choirs and
chanters in the celebration of these services. The Department also
works with the Western Rite Vicariate through the St. George
Institute to provide Liturgical support, texts, and music for our
Western Rite parishes as well.
We are very grateful to the Very Rev. Elia Shalhoub for his work on
the Liturgical Guide since 1998. Fr. Elia very carefully checks both
the Typikon rubrics and the Lectionary to provide a high quality
Guide each year. It is important to note that while we generally follow
the Typikon of Metropolitan George Violakis first published in
1888, we modify that according to the customs of the Antiochian
Patriarchate and especially those of our own Archdiocese as developed
and handed down since the time of St. Raphael. We tend to rely
on the older Typikon a little more than is typical of modern Greek
practice.
We were very excited to begin offering the Liturgical Guide
enhanced with complete texts for chanters through the Archdiocese
web-page. This has turned out to be a very well received resource,
especially by mission parishes. We are very indebted to Elaine
(Hayeck) Moore for doing all the work in posting this each week;
especially as she combined all that with her job and preparation for
her marriage in May. We also thank the Very Rev. Nabil Hanna for his
interest and most valuable help in this project.
We are also very excited that His Eminence Metropolitan PHILIP
has appointed Bishop Demetri to work part-time entirely on the work
The Word 13

of this department. As a long-time former chairman of the
Department of Liturgics and Translations, the editor/compiler of our
Gospel Book and the Presanctified Liturgy books, Bishop Demetri
has a strong background in the work of this department. Among the
projects upon which he has worked, are the Euchologion in English,
with complete rubrics for celebration of all the Sacraments and
blessings; and a complete collection of services, rubrics, and instructions
for an English language Archieratikon with everything needed
for services with Bishops present or celebrating. Bishop Demetri’s
experience with computers and web-site management will also be a
great gift for our Department.
We are very grateful to Benjamin Anderson and the Rev. Bernard
Kinnick for their work on the Ordo, which is the Liturgical Guide for
the Western Rite parishes and missions of our Archdiocese. Unlike
the Liturgical Guide, the Ordo provides an outline for Matins,
Liturgy, and Vespers for each and every day throughout the year.
The Liturgical texts for the regional Parish Life Conferences were
prepared bi-lingually and mailed to each host parish, as well as the
texts for the Archdiocese Convention, Clergy Symposium, Antiochian
House of Studies, and individual parish needs such as an Episcopal
visit or joint Orthodox celebration. Please remember, however, that
we need time to prepare these texts. They cannot be put together
overnight.
The second edition of the Holy Week services as compiled by the
Very Rev. Joseph Rahal is either at the printers or about to go to the
printers. The text is exactly the same with improvements in graphic
layout and typesetting provided by Fr. John Winfrey. It will be about
the same size as the red Service Book printed on off-white Bible paper
in red and black, with one or two ribbons sewn into the binding.
Our department wishes to serve the needs of the parishes in our
Archdiocese. Comments and suggestions from the priests and people
throughout the Archdiocese enable us to continue our ministry in a
responsive and responsible fashion. Please feel free to contact us
whenever we can be of service to you.
We would like to thank all the Priests, Deacons, Choir directors,
and other members of our Archdiocese who have helped us in our
projects, provided their expertise and time, and have shared their
comments and criticisms with us.
We also thank our Metropolitan PHILIP for his leadership and
guidance, as well as Bishop Antoun, Bishop Joseph, Bishop Basil,
and Bishop Demetri for their on-going interest, help, and support for
the work of this Department. We also look forward to working with
Bishop Thomas, Bishop Mark, and Bishop Alexander. Without their
active participation and cooperation we would have no ministry.
Respectfully submitted,
V. Rev. Edward Hughes
Moved by FR. PATRICK KINDER of Madison, WI, seconded by FR.
JOHN MORRIS of Vicksburg, MS, the report was received.
8/8. FR. MICHAEL ELLIAS presented the report of the
Department of Clergy Insurance and Retirement.
14 The Word
THE DEPARTMENT OF CLERGY INSURANCE
AND RETIREMENT
SIGNIFICANT POLICY CHANGES
The most recent edition of the Clergy Compensation Manual
appeared in July 2003 and incorporated the policies endorsed by the
Miami Convention. At its most recent meeting the department recommended
the following changes for publication in the next edition
of the manual:
1. Stipend Guidelines — We continue to operate in a low inflation
environment; therefore, the department has recommended an
increase of 6-7% over current levels. Parishes should keep in mind
that these levels are “guidelines” and “minimums.” Parishes should
continue making Cost of Living Allowance (COLA) increases as well
as merit raises. Under the new diocesan structure, parishes must
submit compensation proposals for incoming pastors to the diocesan
bishop for his blessing.
2. Life Insurance — The previous life insurance carrier proposed
premium rate increases of 26% for life insurance and 100% for disability
coverage. The department shopped the policy around and
retained Reliance Standard Insurance Company for this coverage.
We will continue to receive the same rate with no change in benefit.
Reliance guarantees these rates until November 1, 2006. Reliance
carries an A+ rating by AM Best. In addition, Mr. Peter Dacales will
contact our broker to investigate increasing coverage to keep pace
with inflation.
3. Health Insurance — While the cost of health insurance premiums
has increased as much as 16-18% per year throughout the
industry for the last two years, the Orthodox Health Plan, administered
through Aetna Insurance, had a very modest increase of
approximately 5% in 2004 and 6.9% in 2005. For the period May 1,
2005 through April 30, 2006 the new rates will be $720/month for an
individual and $1,520/month for a family.
LONG-TERM CARE
The Department has begun to study offering enrollment in a group
Long-Term Care plan. Enrollment would be at the discretion of the
participant and at his/her own expense. We are seeking a plan that
features group rates, a rate locked in at the applicant’s current age,
and guaranteed coverage with no medical questions for active
employees during open enrollment periods and for new employees.
CONFIDENTIAL ASSISTANCE PLAN (CAP)
The CAP is a service available to clergy and full-time employees of
the archdiocese and their family members to provide immediate,
confidential assistance from trained counselors for any problem.
Such problems include but are not limited to: marital, family and
relationship issues; emotional, stress and work issues; grief counseling;
mental illness; child and elder care; financial and legal problems;
substance abuse; and domestic violence. Confidentiality is
strictly maintained. Information or records kept by CAP will not
become part of the participant’s personnel file. Counselors are available
24 hours a day, 365 days a year by calling (800) 531-0200.

Although we originally contracted with the oldest and best known
CAP provider, the industry has grown considerably, and we are currently
investigating other carriers who provide a wider range of services,
including relocation services, at comparable rates.
BISHOPS’ RETIREMENT STIPENDS
The Department unanimously approved and recommended to the
Archdiocese Board of Trustees a retirement stipend for the hierarchs
of the archdiocese. The stipend (see addendum), approved by the
Archdiocese Board in June, will include: the standard clergy housing
allowance, calculated according to the date of ordination to the
priesthood, plus one-half of the bishop’s annual salary at the effective
date of his retirement (provided he has served as a bishop for at
least ten years, or reduced in proportion to the number of years as a
bishop), plus the full cost of life and medical insurance.
RETIRED CLERGY ALLOWANCE
The most significant initiatives are in the area of the Clergy
Housing Allowance, a non-contributory and non-vested benefit. Mr.
George Nassor arranged for his daughter-in-law, Mrs. Christine
Shaffer Nassor, to perform a professional actuarial study of the
“housing allowance.” While we had hoped that the study would
empower us to increase the allowance, her analysis concluded that
we were badly underfunded even to maintain the current formula.
We are, therefore, especially grateful to NAB Antiochian Women for
committing themselves to the clergy retirement project to raise
$500,000 over the next five years and to the Order of St. Ignatius of
Antioch for increasing its annual contribution by $50,000 per year.
These contributions will stabilize the fund but will not allow an
immediate increase.
In this light, then, the Department is seeking the endorsement of
the General Assembly to investigate the establishment of a formalized
pension program. We are in the very early stages of this investigation
and still have more questions than answers at this point. We
must, for example, determine whether or not the clergy might be
able to afford contributing approximately 3% of their salaries to such
a plan, and whether or not the parishes are willing to match those
contributions. Such a plan might also require an additional commitment
of administrative support at the archdiocese headquarters.
The Department further recommends that parishes facilitate an
ongoing contribution to the pastor’s 403(b) plan in order to provide
for a comfortable and dignified retirement. These contributions are
especially important for those clergy who reside in parish rectories
and are not building equity for their retirement years.
CLOSING REMARKS
The Department extends its deepest gratitude to Metropolitan
PHILIP for his paternal concern for the stability of the clergy and
their families, to Bishop ANTOUN for his dedicated supervision of
the department, and to the Order of St. Ignatius of Antioch and the
Antiochian Women for their faithful and generous support of the
clergy and full-time employees of Archdiocese.
Respectfully submitted,
Very Rev. Fr. Michael Ellias, Chairman
Moved by MR. EDWARD ASSILE of Cresskill, NJ, seconded by MR.
DANIEL J. ABRAHAM of Grand Rapids, MI, the report was received.
Fr. Elias Bitar moved that the General Assembly endorse the
initiative of the Department of Clergy Insurance and Retirement
to establish a voluntary “defined contribution pension plan” for
the clergy and full-time employees of the archdiocese, whereby
the priest/employee would voluntarily contribute 3% of their
salaries to be matched by the parish/employer. Fr. Thomas Zain
seconded the motion. After discussion the motion carried.
THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY RECESSED FOR LUNCH
UNTIL 2:25 PM.
8/9. FR. PETER GILLQUIST, Chairman, presented the report
of the Department of Missions and Evangelism.
1. New Missions. Since His Eminence Metropolitan PHILIP established
a full-time Department of Missions and Evangelism in 1988,
the Archdiocese has founded 99 new Eastern Rite missions
throughout the United States and Canada, of which 53 have grown
to full parishes. Since the summer of 2003 the Archdiocese has
received 14 new missions. At present we are developing 11 mission
projects, and exploring the possibilities for mission starts in over a
dozen additional cities and towns.
Department mission priests Frs. Peter Gillquist, Michael Keiser,
and John Finley have worked closely with local clergy and lay leaders
to start new missions. Our staff priests have celebrated hundreds
of Divine Liturgies and other services, provided careful liturgical
training for Protestant clergy converting to Orthodoxy, and instructed
countless laity in the Orthodox Christian Faith. In addition, Fr.
Gordon Walker, who formally retired from the Department in June
2002, continues to volunteer his time to advise and serve some of the
developing missions near his home in Nashville. He also has been
working with numerous Protestant pastors who are en route to the
Orthodox Church. Howard Lange and Carolyn Tanguay have supported
these missionary efforts through their technical and administrative
work at the Santa Barbara, California, office.
2. Parish Growth. Staff have visited several dozen established
Orthodox parishes to conduct Orthodoxy Seminars, provide outreach
training for clergy and lay people, and preach and teach on a variety
of subjects relating to Church planting and evangelism. Many non-
Orthodox clergy and laity attend these functions, so they serve as
both training for Orthodox believers and outreach to inquirers.
Department priests are frequently invited to speak at events of other
jurisdictions, which we accommodate as scheduling permits.
3. Evangelism. Staff have spoken on Orthodox Christianity at a
number of non-Orthodox venues, including Protestant colleges and
seminaries, secular colleges and universities, and fraternity houses.
We also address Protestant congregations where the pastor and laity
are interested in Orthodoxy.
The Department’s reputation among non-Orthodox clergy as a
point of first contact with the Orthodox Church and general resource
The Word 15

on the Faith continues to grow. We are in
ongoing communication with well over 50
Protestant clergy across the nation who
have expressed strong interest in the
Orthodox Faith, most of whom we have successfully
placed in personal contact with
local Orthodox clergy. In some cases these
men are attempting to lead their congregations
into the Orthodox Church.
4. The Annual Orthodox Conference on
Missions and Evangelism. A trademark program
of this Department, the Conference
attracts clergy and laity from most Orthodox
jurisdictions in America, as well as
Protestant clergy who are seriously considering
conversion. Several such clergy are
now priests in our Archdiocese. In 2004 we
held the Conference in the central part of
the United States for the first time, at the
University of Oklahoma, and in 2005 we will
be back at Antiochian Village.
In May 2004 we presented our fourth
annual Canadian Orthodox Conference on
Missions and Evangelism in Edmonton,
Alberta, in addition to our regular Labor Day
Weekend Conference. The Canadian
Conference has become an established tradition,
due in part to strong endorsements
from His Eminence Metropolitan JOHN, primate
of the Ukrainian Orthodox Church in
Canada. In 2005 we will take this
Conference to St. Andrew’s Seminary in
Winnipeg, Manitoba.
5. Publications and Public Information.
The Department produces a semi-annual
newsletter to inform constituents of the
domestic outreach activities of the
Archdiocese, and publishes a missions and
evangelism manual. Of late we are producing
the first in a series of DVDs explaining
specific topics relating to Orthodox
Christianity to a non-Orthodox audience.
The Department is working ever more closely
with Conciliar Press to develop evangelistic
literature, and over the last year has
worked very hard at helping St. Athanasius
Academy complete work on the historic
Orthodox Study Bible — Old Testament.
6. The Future. We have developed a
strategic plan for taking Metropolitan
PHILIP’S vision of “Bringing America to
Orthodoxy” to the next level. While reaffirming
and redefining many of our existing goals
16 The Word
for mission building, we have prioritized five
objectives relating to parish growth and
evangelism for the coming years.
• Improve and expand evangelism training
of laity and clergy, in both missions
and established parishes.
• Begin proactive outreach to the unchurched
(nominal Christians, non-
Christians, and non-religious.)
• Focus more attention on helping
Protestant ministers bring their congregations
along with them into
Orthodoxy.
• Make a concerted effort to bring the
Orthodox Faith to Black and Hispanic
America.
• Orchestrate a national public information
campaign to promote Orthodox
Christianity.
CHURCHES, MISSIONS
AND MISSION PROJECTS
Antiochian Orthodox Christian
Archdiocese of
North America
Department of Missions and Evangelism,
1988 to present
Missions
Birmingham, AL (205) 980-1231
Annunciation Mission
Fr. Nabil Fino
Dothan, AL (770) 489-0010
St. Michael Mission
Fr. Andrew Moore
Homer, AK (907) 235-8871
All Saints of America Mission
Fr. Paul Jaroslaw
Mesa, AZ (480) 892-6224
St. Ignatius Mission
Fr. James Coles
Springdale, AR (479) 751-2522
St. Nicholas Mission
Fr. John Atchison
Little Rock, AR (401) 664-6668
Holy Trinity Mission
Fr. Joseph Bittle
Langley, BC (604) 512-1013
Antiochian Orthodox Mission
Fr. Michael Gillis
Anaheim, CA (951) 907-7783
St. James Mission
Fr. Stephanos Farahat
Modesto, CA (209) 522-7800
St. James Mission
Fr. Thomas Zell
Palm Springs, CA (760) 322-0960
St. Raphael Mission
Fr. David Kruse
Rohnert Park, CA (707) 664-9892
All Saints Mission
Fr. Iskandar El-Far
Melbourne, FL (321) 385-1322
St. Anthony Mission
Fr. Paul Moses
Boise, ID(208) 375-9630
Holy Transfiguration Mission
Fr. Patrick O’Grady
Orland Park, IL (630) 782-0740
Virgin Mary Mission
Fr. Malek Rihani
Peoria, IL (309) 689-3339
St. Elias Mission
Fr. Habib Ghantous
Iowa City, IA (319) 338-7653
St. Raphael Mission
Fr. Stephen Rhudy
Hillsboro, KS(620) 947-3194
Holy Transfiguration Mission
Fr. John Baize
Kansas City, KS (913) 663-2200
St. Basil Mission
Fr. Elias Issa
Lafayette, LA (409) 866-7721
Archangel Gabriel Mission
Fr. John Badeen
Fall River, MA (401) 726-1202
St. Elias Mission
Fr. Isaac Crow
Hingham, MA (781) 740-0220
All Saints Mission
Fr. Dionysios Wilhelm
Ann Arbor, MI (734) 994-3664
St. Catherine Mission
Fr. Stephen Von Bronkhorst
St. Louis, MO (352) 409-1313
Antiochian Orthodox Mission
Fr. Michael Keiser

Poughkeepsie, NY (845) 462-2951
St. James Mission
Fr. Hisham Nimri
Ashville, NC (828) 778-6531
St. Raphael Mission
Fr. Joseph Huneycutt
Boone, NC (423) 543-8887
Sts. Peter & Paul Mission
Fr. Daniel Thomas
Fargo, ND (712) 258-7166
All Saints Mission
Fr. Thomas Begley
Columbus, OH (614) 891-7748
St. Barnabas Mission
Fr. Athanasius Dresdow
Solon, OH (440) 582-2076
St. Luke Mission
Fr. Elias Meena
Norman, OK (405) 579-9190
Ascension Mission
Fr. Justin McFeeters
Great Valley, PA (610) 326-5737
Holy Ascension Mission
Fr. Joseph Butts
Surfside Beach, SC (843) 238-8636
St. Nicholas Mission
Fr. Gabriel Bullock
Rapid City, SD (352) 409-1313
St. John the Theologian Mission
Fr. Michael Keiser
Johnson City, TN (352) 409-1313
Holy Resurrection Mission
Fr. Michael Keiser
Abilene, TX (352) 409-1313
St. Luke Mission
Fr. Michael Keiser
Dripping Springs, TX (512) 301-2216
St. Sophia Mission
Fr. James Kenna
Sugar Land, TX (281) 240-4845
Forty Holy Martyrs of
Sabaste Mission
Fr. John Mefrige
Newport News, VA (757) 223-4159
St. Basil Mission
Fr. Gregory MacGregor
Spokane, WA (509) 891-7632
Christ the Savior Mission
Fr. Michael Shanbour
Mission Stations
Fort Saskatchewan, AB
(780) 998-7972
Fr. Bernard Funk
Angels Camp, CA (209) 754-9430
Fr. John Finley
Cumming, Ga (678) 352-9522
Fr. David Hudson
Stillwater, OK (918) 584-7300
St. James Mission Station
Fr. George Eber
College Station, TX (713) 973-7001
Fr. Matt MacKay
San Antonio, TX (210) 558-4554
Fr. James Kenna
Snohomish-Monroe, WA
(425) 771-1916
Fr. James Bernstein
Missions Now Churches
Wasilla, AK (907) 373-5254
St. Herman Church
Fr. Michael Molloy
Calgary, AB (403) 217-1131
Church of the Annunciation
Fr. Ibrahim Chahoud
Vancouver, BC (604) 572-8661
St. Joseph Damascene Church
Fr. Michel Boghos
Fairfield, CA (707) 864-6236
St. Timothy Church
Fr. Silas Ruark
Palmdale, CA (661) 245-3571
Holy Cross Church
Fr. Nicholas Neyman
Riverside, CA (951) 369-0309
St. Andrew Church
Fr. Josiah Trenham
San Diego, CA (858) 458-0992
St. Anthony Church
Fr. Jon Braun
San Dimas, CA (909) 599-2378
St. Peter Church
Fr. Joseph Corrigan
San Jose, CA (408) 370-0704
St. Stephen Church
Fr. Patrick Jackson
San Juan Capistrano, CA
(949) 240-7376
St. John Church
Fr. Andrew Welzig
Upland, CA (909) 985-6844
St. George Church
Fr. George Manneh
Arvada, CO (303) 463-1864
St. Elias Church
Fr. Seraphim Gisetti
Ft. Collins, CO (970) 221-4180
St. James Church
Fr. Mark Cranor
Lafayette, CO (303) 665-4013
St. Luke Church
Fr. David Mustian
Wilmington, DE (302) 798-3888
St. Athanasius Church
Fr. James Dougherty
Holly Hill, FL (386) 255-7671
Holy Cross Church
Fr. Michael Byars
Naples, FL (239) 348-0828
St. Paul Church
Fr. Joseph Shaheen
Post Falls, ID (208) 777-1128
St. John the Baptist Church
Fr. Gregory Horton
Twin Falls, ID (208) 375-9630
St. Ignatius Church
Fr. Patrick O’Grady
Chicago, IL (773) 481-1090
All Saints Church
Fr. Patrick Reardon
Urbana, IL (217) 328-9643
St. Nicholas Church
Fr. James Ellison
Wheaton, IL (630) 836-1319
Holy Transfiguration Church
Fr. William Caldaroni
Bloomington, IN (812) 331-7086
All Saints Church
Fr. Athanasius Wilson
Topeka, IN (574) 534-8410
St. Mary Church
Fr. Anthony Bell
Manhattan, KS (785) 823-3735
St. Mary Magdalene Church
Fr. Daniel Griffith
Salina, KS (785) 823-3735
All Saints Orthodox Church
Fr. Daniel Griffith
The Word 17

Topeka, KS (785) 354-7718
SS Peter & Paul Church
Fr. Joseph Longofono
Shreveport, LA (318) 797-2226
St. Nicholas Church
Fr. Stephen Burke
Baltimore, MD (410) 850-5090
Holy Cross Church
Fr. Gregory Mathewes-Green
Cotuit, MA (508) 420-1113
St. Michael Church
Fr. Nicholas Manikas
Williamston, MI (517) 655-4788
St. James Church
Fr. Richard Peters
Santa Fe, NM (505) 983-5826
Holy Trinity Church
Fr. John Bethancourt
Raleigh, NC (919) 859-1332
All Saints Church
Fr. Nicholas Sorensen
Loveland, OH (513) 583-9600
St. James Church
Fr. George Sayaf
North Royalton, OH (440) 582-5673
St. Matthew Church
Fr. Andrew Harmon
Mississauga, ON (905) 212-9046
St. Mary Church
Fr. Boulos Moussa
Beaver Falls, PA (724) 847-1111
St. John the Evangelist Church
Fr. Chris Davis
18 The Word
Chambersburg, PA (717) 249-5319
St. Mary Church
Fr. Theodore Pulcini
York, PA (717) 751-4709
St. John Chrysostom Church
Fr. Peter Pier
Charlottetown, PE (902) 892-6914
SS. Peter & Paul Church
Fr. Stephen Allen
Montreal, PQ (514) 858-7004
Virgin Mary Church
Fr. Michel Fawaz
Aiken, SC (803) 641-0695
St. Catherine Church
Fr. Gregory Rogers
Anderson, SC (864) 224-7478
Christ the Savior Church
Fr. David Randolph
Charleston, SC (843) 554-8691
St. John Maximovich Church
Fr. Titus Fulcher
W. Columbia, SC (803) 641-0695
St. Barnabas Church
Fr. Gregory Rogers
Austin, TX (512) 258-1711
St. John the Forerunner Church
Fr. Aidan Wilcoxson
Houston, TX (713) 973-7001
St. Joseph Church
Fr. Matt Mackay
Salt Lake City, UT (801) 532-5456
SS. Peter & Paul Church
Fr. Basil Hartung
Arlington, WA (360) 966-3055
St. Innocent Church
Fr. Melvin Gimmaka
Cedarburg, WI (262) 377-6902
St. Nicholas Church
Fr. William Olnhausen
Madison, WI (608) 273-0133
St. Ignatius Church
Fr. Patrick Kinder
Gillette, WY (307) 682-3225
Holy Resurrection Church
Fr. James Thayer
Mission Projects
(potential missions)
Pleasanton, CA (925) 580-1771
Fr. John Finley
Lewes, DE (215) 721-4947
Fr. Boniface Black
Midland, MI (810) 732-0720
Fr. Joseph Abud
Vernon, NJ (201) 871-1355
Fr. George Kevorkian
Hickory, NC (919) 859-1332
Fr. Nicholas Sorensen
Brampton, ON (905) 731-7210
Fr. Iskander Younes
Hamilton, ON (905) 212-9046
Fr. Boulos Moussa
Kitchener, ON (905) 731-7210
Fr. Iskander Younes
Niagara Peninsula, ON
(905) 835-2884
Fr. Paul Solberg
Murfreesboro, TN (615) 791-0658
Fr. Stephen Rogers
Centreville, VA (703) 641-8448
Fr. Nicholas Alford
Sites Being Explored
Conway, AR
Creston, BC
Durango, CO
Protopresbyter Thomas Hopko, Dean Emeritus
of St. Vladimir Seminary, offers lectures

Chanhassen, MN
Shelby, NC
Mt. Vernon, OH
Bend, OR
Salem, OR
Pierre, SD
Texarkana, TX
Burlington, WA
Appleton, WI
Waukesha County, WI
Moved by MR. WILLIAM J. NASSIR of La Jolla, CA, seconded by MR.
DANIEL E. BRAUN of Goleta, CA, the report was received.
8/10. FR. THOMAS ZELL presented the report of the Conciliar
Press Council.
BRINGING ORTHODOXY TO NORTH AMERICA
In 1987, Sayidna PHILIP commissioned Conciliar Press to become
a beacon of Orthodox evangelism in North America, shining out to a
darkened world with the Light of Christ and His Church. It has been
our privilege — and our fervent desire — to carry out that commission
for these past eighteen years. With St. Paul, we have had the joy
to proclaim: “As much as is in me, I am ready to preach the gospel to
you … For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ, for it is the power
of God to salvation for everyone who believes” (Romans 1:15-16).
The opportunities for evangelism in the 21st century are both
exciting and challenging. Traditional printing and publishing technologies
have improved radically since 1987. Today, it is relatively
easy to produce professional quality materials which compare favorably
to those of much larger publishing houses with large staffs and
expansive budgets. In addition, the ever expanding horizons of the
internet have opened new vistas. This technology has helped us to
develop a growing stable of skilled and highly dedicated Orthodox
professionals from many fields. Today, a host of top quality authors,
editors, artists, photographers, technicians, staff personnel, marketing
and advertising experts, and support staff are available to us at
the click of a button.
The same technologies which have allowed us to improve the quality
and professionalism of our materials have also opened vast new
opportunities for outreach. Our growing website and internet presence
is putting us in contact with a far greater number of inquirers
than ever before. As these technologies develop, and as we seek to
expand our audience, we look for opportunities to partner with similarly
minded organizations such as OCMC and OCN. Working first
within our own Archdiocese, then expanding our base through ongoing
dialogue with the Greek Archdiocese and the OCA, we continue
to look at ways to collaborate and to increase the effectiveness of our
ministry outreach. At the same time, we continue to develop traditional
markets through strong book distribution channels here in the
U.S. and Canada, in the U.K., and now in Australia.
While the technologies may be new, the realities remain the same.
Evangelism is a work of the Holy Spirit, and apart from His presence,
and the support of our brothers and sisters in Christ, progress is
impossible. “Unless the Lord builds the house, they labor in vain who
built it” (Psalm 127:1). Conciliar Press is committed to the commis-
sion we received from Sayidna PHILIP in 1987, and to carrying out
the great tradition of evangelism and outreach which is the heritage
of the See of Antioch. Please pray for our efforts, and consider joining
our “Partners in Publishing” program, as we seek to grow, and to
fund this ministry in this time of unparalleled opportunity.
Moved by DR. RAYMOND J. RISHWAIN of Stockton, CA, seconded by MR.
NICOLA M. ANTAKLI of Troy, MI, the report was received.
8/11. FR. DAVID OGAN presented the report of the Orthodox
Christian Prison Ministry.
DID YOU KNOW
Orthodox Christian Prison Ministry (OCPM), with the blessing of
Metropolitan PHILIP, primate of the Antiochian Orthodox Christian
Archdiocese of North America, has pioneered prison work throughout
the United States.
As of September, 2004 there are over 2,000,000 people in prison in
the United States. Approximately 10,000 prisoners pass through our
jail and prison systems each year.
There are over 1,452 correctional facilities in the United States.
The average cost for each person incarcerated is over $24,000.00
per year.
Four out of five crimes are committed by past offenders, and those
in prison are generally young. One third are under 25 years old and
more than two-thirds are under 35 years old.
The Holy Apostle Silas was named Patron Saint for prison ministry
by Metropolitan PHILIP. The Parish of St. Silas is a growing community
of Orthodox Christians in prisons across North America.
“Remember those in prison as though you were a prisoner with
them” (Hebrews 13:3).
“It is a divine commission that we visit those who are in prison, giving
them hope and spiritual healing” (Metropolitan PHILIP).
You can make a difference! Though not everyone can personally
visit a jail or prison to minister the gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ,
all Christians can be involved! Through your prayers and financial
support, you are actually helping change lives.
“Remember to pray for prisoners and for their salvation.”
Moved by FR. TROY MASHBURN of Memphis, TN, seconded by MISS
RUTH ANN SKAFF of Washington, DC, the report was received.
Metropolitan PHILIP introduced Mr. Charles Ajalat, who welcomed
Army National Guard Chaplain Captain R. George Hill.
8/12. FR. NABIL HANNA presented the report of the
Department of Communications and Information.
When we met in Miami, brethren from both the floor and the dais
of the general assembly rose and declared that it was time for the
Archdiocese to invest in technology by hiring at least one full-time
professional, even though the budget presented then did not comprehend
it. His Eminence and members of the Board pledged to find
a way to do it. Individual trustees pledged funds to accomplish it, and
I offer you my most sincere appreciation! You made it possible for us
The Word 19

to hire Sean Buscay as our first ever full-time staff member on
December 15, 2003. Though we continue to be stretched very thin, I
think it is plain to everyone that we have made great strides.
The Department of Communications and Information serves in a
support role to assist the various ministries, departments, organizations,
parishes and institutions of our Archdiocese in being as effective
and efficient as possible. Through the use of technology, we promote
within the Archdiocese the sharing of information that our various
ministries need to do their work, and we help them to communicate
their work and the Gospel to Church members and to the general
public.
The Department of Communications is charged with providing the
following services:
• Setup, manage and coordinate the Archdiocese website and
email system.
• Develop —and support others in developing — communications
to the Church and the general public to promote awareness
of the Orthodox Faith and the work of the Archdiocese
through various media.
• Establish and maintain standards across the site to ensure content,
artistic ‘look and feel’ and accessibility, maintain integrity,
including establishing graphic standards.
• Establish and maintain an enterprise information system (database)
to be made available to the entire Antiochian
Archdiocese, tying together the work of the parishes, regions,
chanceries, organizations, departments, camps, institution and
headquarters.
• Provide systems for supporting the stewardship ministry of the
Church through databases for planned giving development,
online donations, purchases and payments.
• Specify, install, upgrade and maintain computer hardware and
software for the Archdiocese headquarters, institutions and
departments in order to provide maximum reliability, cost effectiveness
and ease of administration with particular concern for
data security and backup. We also manage a program for the
Archdiocese, parishes, clergy and lay workers to purchase quality
equipment and software at a discount.
Over the past two years, accomplishments have included:
• Established an advisory council to assist in shaping the
Department’s mission and the Communications and
Information policies of the Archdiocese. I appointed as initial
members Sean Buscay (our full-time staff member), Fr. George
Kevorkian (our information officer), Daniel Abraham, Edward
Assile, Ruston Miles and Andrew Nassir.
• Designed, developed, and launched new Archdiocese website inhouse,
having terminated our contract with a previous vendor.
• Programmed and built a system to manage site content
• Provided hands on training to over 140 users of our Content
Management System (CMS)
• Antiochian.org now has over 4,000 pages of quality Orthodox
Christian Content, indexed and searchable for our web visitors
• We have gone from fifteenth place in search results for the term
‘Orthodox Church’ on any search engine, to being number 3 on
Google, number 1 on MSN, and number 2 on Yahoo.
20 The Word
Comparing web statistics before the launch of our new site, and
statistics from March, 2005, we have grown 87% in the number
of unique visitors to our site each month and 375% in the number
of pages visitors are reading on our site each month.
• Ongoing technical and technology purchasing support for our
parishes and departments
• Ongoing provision, support, and training for free hosting for all
parish sites, as well as hosting for other Antiochian
Archdiocese websites such as ConciliarPress.com and
AntiochianVillage.org
• Developed specifications for, purchased, and installed a powerful
new file server for the Antiochian Village, which will save
time and money in software and network management and by
decreasing the need for major hardware upgrades. We also consulted
on making the Heritage and Learning Center more marketable
as a facility equipped for teleconferencing and for wireless
internet access in both meeting rooms and guest rooms.
• Developed specifications for, purchased, and installed a powerful
new web server which will help us continue to provide all of
the existing services, maintain our current rate of growth in visitors
and hosting, email services, and to begin offering e-commerce
for our departments and dioceses.
• Selected eTapestry as our vendor for the Archdiocese-wide
database and worked with them weekly to migrate the previous
database, and are close to completion of the data importation
phase of that project.
Many needs remain unmet, however, due to the lack of manpower.
We need at least one more full-time person immediately in order to
meet the growing workload and increasing expectations placed on
us. Note that implementation of the new database has lagged
because of our limited resources thus far, and far more resources will
be required as we move from working with our vendor to actually
beginning to configure it for our use and maintaining it. If we try to
do the job with too few resources, then we don’t get a satisfactory
result, it’s as if we’ve wasted those monies spent. Thus, once again, I
offer my profound gratitude to Sayidna and the Board of Trustees for
seeing this; they have allowed for doubling our budget, so that we
may hire a second full-time employee in the near future. I thank you
for your support, as we strive to support you.
Respectfully submitted,
V. Rev. Nabil L. Hanna, chairman
Moved by MRS. LUCY HANNA of Corona, CA, seconded by MRS. SUZY
HADEED of West Lynn, OR, the report was received.
8/13. MR. RONALD NICOLA presented the report of the
Department of Stewardship.
The Department of Stewardship has been busy since the conclusion
of the 46th Archdiocese Convention in Miami, Florida.
Department efforts have been directed toward two areas of concentration:
encouraging parishes to implement tithing as the proper and
preferred method of member giving, and studying the role and function
of the parish council. Working hand in hand with the
Department of Lay Ministries, a number of programs have been

implemented in order to further the progress with respect to these
two initiatives.
In October and December, 2003, workshops were conducted for
parishes in the Houston, Texas, and Grand Rapids, Michigan areas.
At the specific invitation of St. Anthony the Great Church in Spring,
Texas and St. Nicholas Church in Grand Rapids, Michigan, all parishes
in each area were invited to gather for workshops dealing with the
dual issues of member giving and the role and function of the parish
council. The clergy and laity who attended were committed, positive,
and open minded about the topics presented. In each location, participants
were willing to consider the fact that past practices in their
respective communities were not always consistent with scriptural
teachings or traditions. Situations such as this can lead to practices
which are not only ineffective, but which run counter to church
teachings. The approach of examining and comparing current practices
with scriptural teachings is typically used to encourage the educational
process to produce self-motivated change with a parish community.
Two articles have appeared in The WORD magazine designed to
discuss tithing and member giving. In October, 2003, “Money and the
Church,” and in February, 2004, “Our Patterns of Giving,” discussed
the need to change how members in many of our parishes typically
approach the issue of giving. Often tied to past practices, people tend
to give based on their own personal habits and on some perceived
notion of how much money their local parish needs. The two articles
presented the idea that our giving should be an extension of our
faith. How much do we acknowledge that all that we have is a gift
from God? How much do we give to show our thanksgiving for the
gifts He has allowed us to have on this earth? A third article has been
submitted for publication in The WORD which will explore ways to
encourage parish members to change their patterns of giving to be
more in line with tithing and giving based on a percentage of annual
personal income. In the coming months, a seven part article series
on stewardship and its scriptural basis is being planed.
Following the Miami Convention in July, 2003, the Department of
Stewardship and the Department of Lay Ministries continued to
combine their efforts to further their respective initiatives. At the
suggestion of Metropolitan PHILIP, a team of dedicated, trained
leaders was recruited to better respond to requests from parishes
looking for help with their stewardship programs and their parish
council training efforts. The following individuals are part of this
newly formed team.
V. Rev. Joseph Abud, pastor, St. George Church, Flint, Michigan
Ron Nicola, Chairperson, Department of Stewardship and member,
St. John Church, Orinda, California
Dr. John Dalack, Co-Chair, Department of Lay Ministries, member,
St. Mary Church, Brooklyn, New York and Archdiocese Board of
Trustees
Dr. Anthony Bashir, Co-Chair, Department of Lay Ministries, member,
St. George Church, West Roxbury, MA and Archdiocese Board of
Trustees
William Morrison, member Archdiocese Board of Trustees and
Holy Transfiguration Church, Warrenville, IL
John Truslow, member St. Elias Church, Atlanta, Georgia
Frank Barrett, member St. Philip Church, Souderton,
Pennsylvania
In conjunction with the Orthodox Institute sponsored by the
Department of Christian Education, the 2004 parish Council
Symposium was held at Antiochian Village from November 4 to 7,
2004. The team of individuals listed above, in addition to Daniel
Abraham, Archdiocese Board of Trustees member and Vice-
Chairperson of the Order of St. Ignatius, served as presenters for this
gathering. Fifty-five (55) participants, representing thirty-eight (38)
parishes and missions came together for this three day exploration
of tithing and the role of the parish council in moving a parish toward
this member giving practice. With His Grace, Bishop Basil, giving the
keynote address to both the Orthodox Institute and Parish Council
Symposium participants, the backdrop of the Antiochian Village
once again served as the perfect setting for an honest, thorough, and
enlightening exploration of these topics. This was the second time
that the Parish Council Symposium was held at the same time as the
Orthodox Institute. This combination is proving to be a productive
and positive combination. We thank Carole Buleza, Chairperson of
the Department of Christian Education, and Rev. Michael Massouh,
Director of the Antiochian Village Heritage and Learning Center, for
their help and cooperation in the planning and presentation of the
Parish Council Symposium. We look forward to a continuing relationship
with these departments.
In April, 2005, the chairpersons of the Department of Stewardship
and Department of Development met to discuss mutual initiatives
and possible areas for cooperative efforts. Materials and ideas were
exchanged which suggested the possibility of many productive joint
activities in the future. The creation of this department holds much
promise and potential for the Antiochian Archdiocese. Metropolitan
PHILIP has once again demonstrated his great vision by creating the
Department of Development and by appointing a very experienced
and dedicated individual, Ruth Ann Skaff, to lead this initiative. We
look forward to working closely with this department.
Throughout the past two years, the Department of Stewardship
has continued to respond to parish requests for materials and information
about their parish member giving program and their parish
council development efforts. Working with the Department of Lay
Ministries, we look forward to continuing our work in these two
areas. Our Archdiocese is growing and changing in many profound
ways. We thank Metropolitan PHILIP and all of our bishops for their
help and their support. Their leadership is helping to chart the
course we are following which we pray will lead many new areas of
progress in the coming years. God bless and keep them all in His care
and may their wisdom fall on the receptive ears of all the dedicated
clergy and laity of this great Archdiocese.
Moved by DR. ANTHONY S. BASHIR of West Roxbury, MA, seconded by
FR. JOSEPH ABUD of Flint, MI, the report was received.
8/14. In MR. JAMES MEENA’S absence, DR. MICHAEL FAR-
ROW presented the report of the Department of Sacred Music.
Your Eminence, Metropolitan PHILIP, Your Graces, Bishop
ANTOUN, Bishop JOSEPH, Bishop BASIL, Bishop THOMAS, Bishop
The Word 21

MARK, Bishop ALEXANDER, members of the Archdiocese Board of
Trustees, delegates, ladies and gentlemen.
The Department of Sacred Music has been actively pursuing the
fulfillment of the mission statement drafted in 2002 through the
approval and distribution of music, the institution of new programs,
the continuation of successful programs, and the ongoing communication
with choir directors, chanters, composers, and clergy.
Music distribution and the worldwide web
The Department extensively uses the Sacred Music Department
page on the Archdiocese website to provide downloadable music in
PDF files. To date, there are more than 300 music selections available
through the Archdiocese website, and the Department page receives
the second highest number of hits each year. This valuable tool will
continue to grow in the future, and this past year, the Department
included the following works on the website for easy access:
1. Simple congregational liturgy by Richard Toensing;
2. Simple four-part liturgy by Fr. John Finley;
3. Fifteen Carols for the Nativity based on the texts from the Pre-
Nativity and Nativity Matins by Richard Toensing;
4. The major Prosomia (Troparia with special melodies) for the
entire year in Byzantine chant with ison;
5. Many individual compositions including music for Weddings,
Troparia and Kontakia for several Saints and Feast Days, 17 settings
of Many Years, Memory Eternal, 13 settings of Receive Ye
the Body of Christ, bringing the total number of compositions
available for free download to more than 300;
6. The entire National & Diocesan Conference Music Book is now
available for free download via the Archdiocese website.
7. The publication of a manual on pitch giving for the a capella
choir.
This coming year, the following publications will be available as well:
1. The Arabic liturgy by Professor
Michael Hilko, now translated into
English including the Hierarchical
Trisagion.
2. The Feast Day Music Project which
includes the music for all of the
Major Feast Days plus many of the
Minor Feasts. The majority of the
music is Byzantine, in both four
parts and melody with ison. This
important project has taken more
than 15 years to complete, with the
text of each setting having been
coordinated with the Department
of Liturgics.
3. The Canon of St. Andrew of Crete.
4. The Unction Service in Byzantine
chant.
Additionally, the following music projects
are in progress and should be completed
within twelve to eighteen
months:
1. The computerization of the Matins
22 The Word
service, Byzantine chant realized by Basil Kazan. (Note: The
Vespers is now available through the Archdiocesan bookstore.)
2. The computerization of the Holy Week Services, Byzantine
chant realized by Basil Kazan.
3. The Akathist Service
These new computerized editions are time consuming to create,
but are a tremendous improvement over previous editions.
Throughout the process, the Department verifies the source of each
piece of music and has it computerized according to a set of professional
standards.
All the work is being done by volunteers who merit the thanks of
the entire Archdiocese for their devotion and donation of their skills
and time. We acknowledge Michael Kargatis, Daniel Johnson, Emily
Lowe, Debbie Abraham, Jamil Samara, Robert Stadler, and especially
Fr. John Winfrey whose talent in design is proving indispensable to
creating new publications that are of the highest quality.
Programs
1. Sacred Music Institute. The major programs of the Department
continue to be the Sacred Music Institute at the Antiochian Village,
under the direction of Dr. Michael Farrow, which will celebrate its
20th year this summer. Three years ago, with the support and encouragement
of His Eminence Metropolitan PHILIP, the Department
instituted the Sacred Music Institute on the west coast, under the
direction of Fr. John Finley. While this was not presented in 2005 due
to scheduling conflicts, the west coast SMI will take place in 2006.
2. Diocesan Workshops. Programmatically, our goal for 2006-2007
is to establish Diocesan Workshops at each Parish Life Conference,
organized by the Department of Sacred Music. This will require the
cooperation of the Fellowship of St. John the Divine and each host
parish, and will be valuable support to the annual Sacred Music
Institutes.
Nancy Hanna Long leads the choir

Other Accomplishments
In addition to the publications and programmatic activity of the
Department, our Vice Chairman, Dr. Michael Farrow, completed an
inventory of Department Chairman Ray George’s, of blessed memory,
archives which reflect the Department’s history. Michael has also completed
an inventory of the music library of Fr. David Abramtsov, who
composed and arranged many pieces for the Church during the 1950’s.
Email list serve
The Department email list serve continues to communicate on an
ongoing basis with list serve members. We express our thanks to
Chris Farha of Wichita for her devoted service to maintaining the list
serve and sending regular communiqués to list serve members. If you
are not a member of the Department of Sacred Music list serve,
please contact us.
We wish to thank the devoted service of the members of the
Department — Regional Representatives — Venice Kousaie, Can-
Am; Nadeen Nerenberg, Eastern; Olga Atty, Midwest; David
Franciosi, New England; Chris Farha, Southwest; Mareena
Boosamra-Ball, Western; Members at Large — Dr. William Attra, Fr.
John Finley, Albert Hazeem, Nancy Hanna Long, Norman Henry
Mamey, Al Mamary; Byzantine Music Committee — Fr. Elias Bitar,
Fr. David Barr, Joyce Black, Fr. Elias Meena.
In closing, special acknowledgement goes to Al Mamary, who coordinates
the work of the Editorial Board, and to the Vice Chairman of
the Department, Dr. Michael Farrow, whose tireless devotion has
permitted the Department to grow in its effectiveness for the benefit
of parishes across the Archdiocese.
Respectfully submitted,
James Meena, Chairman
Moved by KH. NANCY LONG of Butler, PA, seconded by MRS. NADEEN
NERENBERG of Altoona, PA, the report was received. Metropolitan PHILIP
asked the Department to change its designation of “regional representatives”
to “diocesan representatives.” His Eminence also extended his sympathies
and those of the entire General Assembly to James Meena and the
Meena family on the recent passing of Archpriest Elias Meena.
8/15. MRS. CAROLE BULEZA, Director, presented the report
of the Department of Christian Education.
Staff Members
V. Reverend George Alberts — Eastern Region
Mr. Robert Snyder — Midwest Region
Mr. Joseph Tershay — Western Region
Kh. Linda Funk — Diocese of Eagle River and the Northwest
Ms. Jacquelyn Fadel — Can-Am Region
Mrs. Vasiliki Oldziey — Southwest Region
Kh. Anna Timko-Hughes — New England Region
Kh. Betty Randolph — Southeast Region
Kh. Leslee Abud — Associate
Kh. Gail Meena — Associate
Reverend Daniel Thomas — Associate
Ms. Catherine Sullivan — Associate
Mrs. Sandra Mitchell — Associate
The Department consists of Carole A. Buleza, Director, Rosemary
Shumski, Administrative Assistant, and a volunteer staff, listed
above. The Department gratefully acknowledges the support of
Metropolitan PHILIP and all the diocesan bishops, and partial funding
of its budget by The Order of St. Ignatius.
As the current administration is five years old, a departmental
self-study was recently completed in conjunction with the next budget
request. The study provided a valuable document, and although
not a narrative, an abridged version is offered to the delegates as a
concise report of projects and future plans.
Respectfully,
Carole A. Buleza
I. Public Relations/Communication/Regional Coordinators
Specific Need — Improve image of teachers, communicate with,
serve church school staff
Status — 2000: Reformatted departmental pages in The WORD to
serve as our newsletter. Our PLC Departmental meetings are now
courses for continuing education; 2005 topic: stem cell research.
Future — Continue
Specific Need — Improve visibility of Regional Coordinators
Status — Coordinators names and phone numbers in every
newsletter. Coordinators to hold 1 training/year.
Future — Regional Coordinators will plan for a 3-4 year rotation
of parish visits.
Specific Need — Assist Regional Coordinators in serving
parishes.
Status — 2005: Added Kh. Linda Funk as a Regional Coordinator
for Diocese of Eagle River and the Northwest. Added Ms. Catherine
Sullivan as an Associate for small church guidance, Fr. Daniel
Thomas as an Associate for adult education, Mrs. Sandra Mitchell as
an Associate for Western Rite parishes.
Future — A regional database will soon be available for
Coordinators’ use, and for statistical tracking. Will add Coordinators
and Associates as necessary.
Specific Need — Mission priests, transfers need update.
Status — 2004: New priest folder with Departmental information
sent to all priests.
Future — Continue.
II. Creative Festival
Specific Need — How to work with theme
Status — 2001: Provided lesson plans
Future — Continue.
Specific Need — How to improve festival experience
Status — 2002: Overview of festivals completed, work began with
FSJD.
Future — Exploring options for further involvement of department.
III. Church School Directors (CSD)
Specific Need — How to successfully transition from teacher
Status — 2001: CSD Manual printed and seminar offered. The
Orthodox Institute offers a track for CSDs.
Future — Continue. Offer certification for CSDs, “mentor CSDs.”
IV. The Orthodox Institute (replaced Fall Conference)
Specific Need — Increase participation
Status — 2001: Began three-track event (CSD’s, Teachers,
The Word 23

Orthodox Theology) with 15+ courses. Attendance began at 37 and is
now 90.
Future — Offer the Institute in each region. In 2005, mini-OIs in
Livonia and Oklahoma City.
V. Recruiting Teachers
Carole Buleza tells us about our Christian Education Department
Specific Need — Recruit teachers by providing training
Status — 2003: I devised a three-part seminar, “Intro to
Teaching,” “Overview of Orthodoxy,” and “Curriculum and
Resources.” In 2004 the Orthodox Christian Education Commission
(OCEC) appointed a Director of Teacher Training and offered a certificate
for completion of the seminar.
Future — Teachers may contact their regional coordinators if
they wish to attend, or host a training.
Specific Need — Retain teachers by providing training and recognition
Status — 2005: An advanced certificate is now available. Courses:
“Overview of Moral issues,” “Utilizing Crafts,” and “Enhancing the
Classroom Experience.”
Future — Specialized certificate programs are now being developed.
Recognitions are being studied.
VI. Pageants
Specific Need — Need for Orthodox scripts
Status — 2003: Pageant courses offered at the OI. Manuscript of
nine scripts developed.
Future — Book to be published.
VII. Curriculum and Home
Specific Need — Immediate revision/creation of middle and high
school programs.
Status — 2001: Contracted for web-based publication, Cross and
Quill. Eighteen issues are on website, with articles available individually,
and indexed by subject. Produced 10 units of “interim curricula.”
2003: Directed The Way, The Truth, and The Life.
Future — In progress: The Biblical Times: Old Testament, and
New Testament (2 years of middle school lessons.) High school texts
24 The Word
being developed.
Specific Need — Standards for each of the current OCEC texts
Status — Phase one of research on educational standards complete.
Future — Editing and preparation of teacher notes required.
Specific Need — Materials for Parents
Status — 2004: Developed the web page, Antiochian Gospel
Program, offering the reading for each Sunday in five levels with
questions for discussion.
Future — Continue. Develop prayer cards, posters, and other
home materials.
Specific Need — Form Children in Regard to Tithing
Status — 2004: Comprehensive Plan developed to serve as foundation
for Archdiocesan Program, and the source for including
tithing in all the new OCEC texts. Lesson plans and materials sent to
242 parishes. Order of St. Ignatius covered material expenses and
postage. Evaluations requested. 2004 PLC Workshop topic: Tithing.
Future — Evaluations are being taken into consideration as the
2005 program is being prepared. Possibly develop a coordinating
adult program. Coordinate with Parish Council Symposium.
VIII. Small Church Schools
Specific Need — Materials to serve small church schools
Status — Revised “Resources for Small Church Schools,” which
can be found on the website. Contracted for a unit of lesson plans
specifically for small church schools.
Future — Unit of lesson plans specifically for small schools to be
made available.
Specific Need — On-going service
Status — Appointed Catherine Sullivan as Associate to begin
addressing the needs.
Future — OI to offer course for small church schools.
IX. Website
Specific Need — Website to fulfill its potential to serve needs of
church school staff and parents
Status — Materials for feastdays are being developed. The pages
“Out-of-the-Box,” with ideas for teachers, “Feastdays,” with educational
lessons for the major feasts, and “Raising Children Orthodox,”
with materials and advice for parents, are not yet available.
Future — As budget will allow, make these materials, which are
not available elsewhere on the web, available to our faithful.
X. Adult Education
Specific Need — Request for adult education packages by both
priests and laity.
Status — 2002: Offered some of the GOA materials for review;
judged not engaging. 2004: Assigned Fr. Daniel Thomas as an associate
for development of programs.
Future — As Fr. Thomas finishes Ph.D., will develop materials.
Specific Need — Priests request specifically “catechumenate”
packages as our Archdiocese continues to lead in receiving converts.
Status — (2003: Fr. Don Hock completed a three-stage catechumenate
instruction based on the model of the early church, on
request of Bishop Basil.)
Future — As budget allows, the department will reformat it for
maximum benefit to the instructors, to be published in a 3-ring
binder. Additions and supplements will be available on the website.

XI. Girls not seeing the value of an Orthodox home, questions
about ordination of women.
Specific Need — Develop a program to introduce middle school
girls to the essential role of women as caretakers of the “domestic
church,” encourage interaction with mothers in regard to faith.
Status — 2003: Piloted “Girls Tea” program, which only partially
met the objective. Appointed a young woman to be project director.
She has developed a three-year program for my review. Appointed
Kh. Joanne Abdalah as committee person for addressing needs of,
and educating, the mothers.
Future — As budget will allow, program will be reviewed and
implemented.
Moved by FR. GEORGE ALBERTS of Danbury, CT, seconded by MR.
WILLIAM D. MORRISON of Wheaton, IL, the report was received.
Mrs. Buleza presented a copy of The Way, The Truth and The
Life to iconographer Mrs. Diane Koory.
8/16. DEACON HANS EL-HAYEK presented the report of the
Department of Publications.
Deacon Hans noted that he has served as Metropolitan PHILIP’s
personal assistant for twenty-nine years and has simultaneously
chaired the Department of Publications. He reported that there is a
decline in orders from the parishes and asked that the parishes place
their orders with the archdiocese department and not with other
Orthodox sources. In the ensuing discussion, commenters asked for
a link to the bookstore from the archdiocese web site and for the use
of credit cards.
Moved by BISHOP ANTOUN, seconded by DR. GEORGE FARHA of
Wichita, KS, the report was received.
8/17. DR. JOSEPH SAMRA and MS. RUTH ANN SKAFF presented
the report of the Department of Development.
Your Eminence, Your Graces, Members of the Clergy, Members of
the Board of Trustees, Delegates, Brothers and Sisters in Christ:
This is the first of, hopefully, many reports to the General
Assembly of this Archdiocse by the re-activated Department of
Development.
The reality is in spite of the tremendous accomplishments of the
Order of St. Ignatius, the continued generosity of the members of the
Board of Trustees and so many others, and the vital financial contributions
of our churches, the various departments of our Archdiocese
are justifiably requesting additional funding to achieve their
missions.
Saidna PHILIP, at a Board of Trustees meeting in Toledo, Ohio on
November 1, 2003, appointed a search committee consisting of
Anthony Bashir, Fawaz El-Khoury, Robert Laham, Ruth Nimee, Ed
Assile, Arlene Assile, and myself, and participation from Sheryl
Bourisk from Worcester, Marlene Samra from Pawtucket, and Suzie
Sayfie from Miami to fill the directorship. The Metropolitan told us
to hurry up but to take our time in deciding on the most qualified
Antiochian Orthodox person to become the director.
After many meetings and a year long search by this dedicated,
focused committee, interviews were held in Pittsburgh and Boston
and one of our interviewers who agreed to assist us in the process
impressed us all. She was subsequently herself interviewed by the
committee and then by His Eminence in December 2004 at the
Archdiocesan Headquarters in New Jersey. This person is Ruth Ann
Skaff of St. Peter and Paul Church in Potomac, Maryland. The
Deacon Hans reminds us to order our Church School materials from the
Archdiocese
Metropolitan hired Ruth Ann on January 1, 2005. Her impressive
resume was in The WORD and AGAIN periodicals and on the
Archdiocesan web site. She will be introduced momentarily.
Saidna PHILIP initiated and determined for this department
three priorities which were discussed at our two committee meetings
in Miami in January and in Austin in April. This committee consists
of Father Robert Bethoney of El Paso, Texas, Kevin Allen of
Orange, California, Suzie Sayfie of Miami, Florida, Gene Attal of
Austin, Texas, and Dr. Duke Haddad of Indianapolis, Indiana.
The Department of Development will concentrate on completing
the initial financial goal of $1 million for each of the three endowments
which were established in 1995.
The Endowment for Missions and Evangelism. This Department is
chaired by Fr. Peter Gillquist.
The Endowment for Youth Ministry. This Department is chaired by
Fr. Joseph Purpura.
The Endowment for Christian Education. This Department is
chaired by Carole Buleza.
Each of these endowments now has approximately $400,000 and
our goal is to have each with $1 million by December 2008. The additional
$1.8 million will be raised through major gifts.
The second initiative we are undertaking is the Endow
Orthodoxy: Leave a Lasting Legacy for Tomorrow program. The
previous program featured a single product — insurance. This program
includes all forms of planned, or deferred giving, such as
bequests where an individual leaves cash, stocks, insurance, real
estate, anything of value to the Archdiocese in his or her will, trust
or estate plan. Of course, the donor can designate the bequest be
The Word 25

allocated for general support or for specific projects.
The third initiative is applying for grants from foundations. We
have started this process and hope to have more information for you
at our next meeting.
I would like to thank Father George Rados, the parish council and
all the parishioners of Ss. Peter and Paul Church in Potomac for
allowing the Department of Development the use of office space in
their beautiful complex. This gracious gesture is very much appreciated.
I would also like to thank Saidna PHILIP for reactivating this
department.
Respectfully submitted,
Dr. Joseph J. Samra, Chair
Moved by MR. TONY KHOURY of Coral Gables, FL, seconded by MR.
WALID KHALIFE of Troy, MI, the report was received.
THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY RECESSED AT 5:15 PM AND
RECONVENED AT 10:15 AM FRIDAY.
8/18. KH. MAGGIE HOCK, Chairman, presented the report of
the Department of Marriage and Family Ministries.
Your Eminence Metropolitan PHILIP, Your Graces, Reverend
Clergy, Esteemed Members of the Board of Trustees and Fellow
Laborers in the Antiochian Orthodox Christian Archdiocese.
The Department of Marriage and Parish Family Ministries has
been formed to address the many challenges that currently face
Orthodox Christian marriages and parish family concerns. The recommendation
for this department originated in the report of the
Task Force On The Church In The 21st Century. This report acknowledged
the unprecedented difficulties that Orthodox families and
marriages are facing today and the need for the Church to intervene
“to secure the place of Christ and the Church as an absolute priority
in family life.”
This new department has been active in providing resources to
enhance and equip marital, parenting and parish dynamics. The
department has begun by developing a series of fourteen seminars
on marriage and family life for presentation at regional Parish Life
Conferences, Archdiocesan Conventions and for individual parishes.
Marriage Enrichment Weekends are now held annually at Antiochian
Village. These seminars are receiving very positive responses from
the participants and the parishes. Interviews with Come Receive The
Light and regular articles appear in The WORD, and other Orthodox
publications. Several new books on marriage and parenting dynamics
are also being planned.
In addition, presentations were made to the clergy at the Clergy
Symposium in July 2004 regarding the necessary tools for pre-marital
counseling and preparation in order to make a statistical difference
in the successes of our marriages.
Since this is only the second presentation for this department to
the General Assembly, a review of the Mission and Vision Statements
and initial goals follow.
26 The Word
Mission Statement
The Department of Marriage and Parish Family Ministries exists
to preserve and enhance the marriages and parish families of this
Archdiocese utilizing Orthodox Christian principles and resources.
Vision Statement
The Antiochian Orthodox Department of Marriage and Parish
Family Ministries serves to build a comprehensive archdiocesan network
of Orthodox materials and resources to assist the healthy development
and maintenance of Christ-loving marriages and families.
Goals
1. To instruct couples and families on Orthodox marital, family life
and parish dynamics.
2. To provide resources for development and maintenance of relationships
within an Orthodox Christian context.
3. To provide a network of Orthodox Christian professionals and
laity who are available to assist individuals and families facing
difficulties and challenges.
Inclusive in these goals is the need to address the following challenges:
pre-marital counseling, marriage enrichment, establishing
an Orthodox Christian home, challenged marriages, parenting skills
for all ages, as well as bereavement, communication and conflict resolution
skills, and all pertinent issues that arise in the context of
parish life. The scope of this new department is immense and it will
take concerted time, effort, and finances to provide the resources
outlined in the goals.
Khouriye Maggie extends her gratitude to His Eminence
Metropolitan PHILIP, Our Hierarchs, the Board of Trustees, and the
Order of St. Ignatius for their generous support and vision for the
health of the marriages and families of the Antiochian Orthodox
Church. Thank you to Sean Buscay in the Department of
Communication and Information for his invaluable assistance in
website development.
Moved by FR. DON HOCK of Omaha, NE. seconded by FR. MICHAEL
MASSOUH of Ligonier, PA, the report was received.
8/19. FR. JOHN and KH. JOANNE ABDALAH presented the
report of The WORD magazine.
The WORD is the news publication of the Self-ruled Antiochian
Orthodox Christian Archdiocese of North America. It was founded as
an Arabic-language publication in 1905 by St. Raphael of Brooklyn
and was first published in English as The WORD in 1957 by
Metropolitan Antony Bashir. Presently, The WORD is circulated to
the homes of the faithful throughout the Archdiocese, as well as to
those who subscribe, including libraries and seminaries throughout
the world. The WORD strives to support the Archdiocese by sharing
with the faithful parish, diocesan, archdiocesan and world news, as
well as information about Orthodoxy. Since we last reported to you,
Metropolitan PHILIP has approved two significant improvements —
the change to a full-color publication, and an updated format which
reflects current standards within the publishing industry.
Postal regulations and costs continue to make advertisement costs
prohibitive. Because of this, we can only accept advertisements that

originate from the Archdiocese headquarters. We will continue our
policy of making diocesan parish life conferences an exception to
this rule, allowing each diocese to submit three (3) one-quarter page
ads each year.
Articles submitted for consideration should contain a brief biography
of the author. Submissions for Communities in Action must
carry the endorsement of the pastor of the community. One or two
photos may be included if the quality/resolution is appropriate for
reproduction; brief, descriptive captions must be included for each
photo. Letters to the editor should be signed, kept to a maximum of
150 words, and mailed to The WORD editorial office. All submitted
materials become the property of The WORD, are subject to editing
for space and content, and cannot be returned. Materials must be
received six weeks before publication in order to be considered for a
specific issue.
Subscription information and changes of address should be directed
to the Archdiocesan office in Englewood, NJ.
We thank Sayidna PHILIP and his office for their confidence and
support over the last eight years and eighty issues. Our thanks also
to Donna Albert for her diligent work on layout and design.
Respectfully submitted,
Fr. John Abdalah and Joanne Abdalah
Moved by MR. WALTER PARHAMOVICH of Las Vegas, NV, seconded by
GRACE MARY PARHAMOVICH of Las Vegas, NV, the report was received.
METROPOLITAN PHILIP presented bound volumes of The WORD
to Fr. and Mrs. Abdalah for 2003 and 2004.
8/20. MRS. LAILA FERRIS, President, presented the report of
the Antiochian Orthodox Christian Women of North America.
Prior to beginning her formal report Mrs. Ferris announced
that, on Wednesday at their luncheon, she had presented a check
on behalf of the Antiochian Women to Metropolitan PHILIP in
the amount of $115,000, as the first installment of their commitment
to the Retired Clergy Fund.
The Antiochian Orthodox Christian Women of North America have
diligently been working to fulfill their ministry in the service to our
Lord through their service to others. The work and activities, of the
Antiochian Women, of this blessed Archdiocese, has been continuous
and fruitful. As always, the work of these dedicated and committed
women can never truly be described in mere words. They truly exemplify
those characteristics, established by His Eminence,
Metropolitan PHILIP, as to who we are in this Sisterhood, especially
in our care and service of others and those in need.
As our tradition has called for every year, for the past several years,
we continue to support, with love and honor, three very worthwhile
projects. The Antiochian Women have continued to perform the following
services.
• Present the Married Seminarians, at Christmas time, with a
monetary gift of $500.00 each, which are disbursed through the
Married Seminarian’s Fund, established in 1986, through an
Antiochian Women’s Project (1984/1986). We feel that this is
Officers of the Antiochian Women
only a small token of our appreciation for their dedication and
service, presently and in the future, to this Archdiocese.
• Award Antiochian Women of this Archdiocese with scholarships
so that they may be able to begin or continue their studies at the
college/university level in order to better support themselves
and their families. This long-standing tradition of supporting
women in our Archdiocese is also momentarily funded through
a special account which supports such worthwhile projects as
this one.
• Our children, the orphans of this world, have continued to be
cared for through the direct disbursement of funds, to orphanages
around the world, supported by the Project Orphanage:
Antiochian Women and Katherine Ajar Endowment Fund,
Especially Saidnaya. This million dollar endowment will allow
for the perpetual support of our children and those who care for
them.
The Antiochian Women are diligently working on our Antiochian
Women’s Project: Retired Clergy Fund, 2005. It has been a true
honor to work towards the goal of $500,000.00, in five years, for this
very worthy project. It is so very important to “Care for those who
care for us”, as our project motto states. We believe that it is not any
typical project, but one in which every member of this Archdiocese
should be involved.
Our clergy give to each and everyone of us, 24 hours a day/365 days
a year to ensure that we are always well cared for, especially that
most important part of us, our souls. Through our campaign with
Project Retired Clergy Fund, now and over the next four years, we
not only wish to make parishioners aware of the fund but to understand
its importance and the need to continually support those,
whom it supports, our clergy.
The Antiochian Women also work in various ways to grow as an
organization of this blessed Archdiocese. Through the work of the
Officers and Coordinators, we work towards serving those in need
through: many humanitarian venues; spiritual growth activities; the
continued growth and strengthening of this organization through
membership and fellowship activities; and constant communication
The Word 27

Drs. Antony Bashir and John Dalack report on Lay Ministries
of all that is covered in this report, most especially through our web-site.
I would like to extend our sincerest thanks to Metropolitan
PHILIP and our beloved Hierarchs for their continued support and
trust. Many thanks, to our Reverend Clergy and all of our Brothers
and Sisters in Christ, who have unceasingly supported our efforts.
Also, with much appreciation to Fr. John Abdalah, for his guidance
and support, and to the N.A.B. Officers and Coordinators for their
tireless work — Cindy Nimey, Violet Robbat, Diane O’Regan, Janice
Saba, Marilyn Robbat, Joanne Bitar, Sherry Abraham Morrow, Lucy
Hanna, Peggy King, Vera Bahbah, Saydeh Karabatis, and Elinor
Bourjaily. Many thanks also goes to our Diocesan Presidents for their
leadership: Kh. Barbara Baz, Diocese of Canada/Upper State New
York; Ina O’Dell, Diocese of the East; Judy Stevens, Diocese of Mid-
America; Mary Ellen Mabardy, Diocese of New England; Marie
Bojrab, Diocese of the Midwest; Sarah Hodges, Diocese of the
Southeast; and, Widad Tarazi, Diocese of the West. Our sincerest
appreciation goes to the women of the local chapters without whom
nothing could be achieved. They are truly the backbone of the hard
work and success of this organization. We look forward to our continued
work in the support of those in need and to the strengthening
of this most wonderful Sisterhood and blessed Archdiocese. Please
continue to pray for us in all that we do, as we will pray for you.
Laila Rizk Ferris, President
North American Board
Antiochian Women
Moved by the Executive Board of the Antiochian Women, seconded by the
Regional Presidents of the Antiochian Women, the report was received. Mr.
Peter Dacales noted that Dr. Gregory Esper sends a check every month in
support of the Retired Clergy Fund.
8/21. DRS. JOHN DALACK and ANTHONY BASHIR presented
the report of the Department of Lay Ministry.
Metropolitan PHILIP, Bishop ANTOUN, Bishop BASIL, Bishop
JOSEPH, Bishop MARK, Bishop THOMAS, Bishop ALEXANDER,
Reverend Clergy, Brothers and Sisters in Christ,
Since our last report to you in Miami, 2003, we have endeavored to
see to it that we “fulfill the ministry received from the Lord.” We have
28 The Word
based our work during the past two years on the following goals:
a. to provide for and involve the laity and clergy in a series of
encounters intended to foster the development of their knowledge
of the Orthodox faith;
b. to create forums in which laity and clergy can join in mutual
sharing about problems, conflicts and solutions for living an
Orthodox life in the parish and in today’s society;
c. to collaborate with the Department of Stewardship and other
departments and organizations of the Archdiocese in the development
of program initiatives in the areas of parish development
and planning as well as participation and parish life.
Our work these past two years has focused on the following:
A. Lectures and retreats for parishes — Across the year, we have
provided lectures and retreats for parishes. These lectures and
retreats focus on understanding Scripture and the teachings of the
Orthodox faith as they relate to living a spiritual and balanced life.
Working with Orthodox Christian adults and teens is an exciting
encounter and provides all of us with a way to untangle the misunderstandings
of the Faith as it is filtered through western logic and
western cultural perspectives. We will continue to work with pastors
and parishioners of our parishes to develop and offer programs that
enhance our understanding of the Orthodox Faith and provide
frameworks for integrating our Faith into our lives and daily
practices.
B. Antiochian Village Camping Program — We continue our close
working association with Fr. Michael Nasser and the staff and counselors
at the Antiochian Village Camping Program. Our work has
included participating in counselor training week, providing ongoing
support across the summer camping period to Fr. Michael and
staff, and debriefing the staff and counselors of the camp at the end
of each season.
For the past two years and at the request of Fr. Michael Nasser, we
have conducted a two day focus group with staff and counselors at
the Antiochian Village Camping program. These focus groups occur
at the end of the camping season and include administrative staff,
program directors, and counselors. Information from these focus
groups result in specific recommendations with regard to staffing,
administration, management, daily schedules, program development,
and Christian Education activities at the Camp. A summary
report is provided to Fr. Michael for his review, study and implementation.
We will continue this activity again in August, 2005.
C. Enlivening sessions — The Enlivening to Christ program was
conducted for thirty years at the Diocesan Conferences. Each
Diocese Conference is responsible for providing Enlivening sessions
at their respective conferences. We continue to provide the sessions
at the Archdiocese Conventions as well as the Eastern and New
England Regions. As we did in Los Angeles, we will present an
Enlivening here in Dearborn on July 30th.
D. Collaborations — The Department is gradually changing its
focus. We initiated collaboration with the Department of
Stewardship and its chair Mr. Ron Nicola. This is an exciting development
and one that complements each of our departments. This
year we presented with Ron at the Stewardship Retreat for Parish
Councils in October, 2004, at the Antiochian Village. We presented

papers on tithing and its implication for change and the change
process. It was an effective collaboration and one that we hope to
continue. During this convention, the two departments met to discuss
future relationships and collaborative projects.
E. Assistance to Pastors and Parishes — We continue to provide
on-going consultation to pastors who contact us. In addition, we are
working with several parishes on the development of long range
developmental plans and have developed an approach that facilitates
the participation of the parish as a whole in the long term
development process. We continue to offer assistance to pastors and
parishes who find themselves in situations that need resolution and
renewed communication frameworks.
F. The Orthodox Women’s Meeting: We presented at the Orthodox
Women’s Retreat at the Antiochian Heritage and Learning Center on
Service and Ministry in the Church.
What’s next for the Department of Lay Ministry?
a. continue our commitment to provide quality programs intended
to enhance the personal and spiritual development of the
laity;
b. develop our work relationship with the Department of
Stewardship and Ron Nicola with the intention of developing
meaningful offerings to our parishes and pastors;
c. serve as a liaison to The Orthodox Christian Association of
Medicine, Psychology and Religion and disseminate information
and documents from this group that may benefit our laity
and pastors;
d. continue our work at the Antiochian Village Camping Program
in providing focus group work as a means of evaluating administrative
and programmatic activities;
e. develop programs to enhance parish change and problem solving
approaches that can be used as an alternative dispute resolution
framework for addressing serious misunderstandings
and differences within the parish.
In closing we wish to offer our gratitude to Metropolitan PHILIP
for your trust and confidence in our work. To all of you who participate
in our work — for talking with us, for being honest with us and
each other, and most of all for sharing the way — thank you. May the
Lord continue to sustain, inspire, and direct you in His ways.
Respectfully submitted,
John D. Dalack, Ph.D. and Anthony S. Bashir
Co-Chair — Department of Lay Ministry
Moved by MR. RONALD NICOLA of Walnut Creek, CA, seconded by FR.
THOMAS BEGLEY of Sioux City, IA, the report was received. Dr. Dalack
then commented that he chairs the SCOBA Commission examining current
ethical issues, and that commission has not yet issued a statement
with regard to stem cell research. Bishop BASIL recommended the inclusion
of Dr. Tristan Englehart on that commission, and Metropolitan
PHILIP appointed Dr. Englehart to represent the Antiochian Archdiocese.
8/22. MR. GEORGE DARANY and FR. MICHAEL ELLIAS presented
the report of the Department of Conventions and
Conference Planning.
George Darany and Very Rev. Michael Ellias report on Convention
Planning
CONFERENCE AND CONVENTION MANUALS
Since the last archdiocese convention in Miami, FL, the department
has substantially edited and reformatted the Planning Manuals
both for the Archdiocese Convention and the regional/diocesan
Parish Life Conferences. Both manuals will be available on-line on
the archdiocese website pending approval by the Metropolitan. The
manuals cover all aspects of conference and convention planning
from the bidding process to final reporting.
Through its partnership with the Fellowship of St. John the Divine
the Department also makes available conference and convention planning
software to facilitate both management of these events and final
reporting. We extend our sincere thanks to Mr. Michael Srour of Encino,
CA, for his tireless efforts with both the manual and the software.
REGIONAL PARISH LIFE CONFERENCES
The department extends its thanks and congratulations to the
host parishes, pastors and committees for the sacrificial work on the
recently completed 2005 Parish Life Conferences. We note with some
interest that this year the Southeast Region/Diocese of Miami chose
to host its conference as a region under the direction of their new
hierarch, Bishop ANTOUN.
2005 Parish Life Conferences:
Region: Ottawa (Can-Am) — May 19-23
Host Parish: St. Anthony, Halifax, NS
Host Pastor: Fr. Maximos Saikali
Region: Wichita (Southwest) — June 9-13
Host Parish: St. Thomas, Sioux City, IA
Host Pastor: Fr. Thomas Begley
Region: Worcester (New England) — June 22-26
Host Parish: St. George, Lowell, MA
Host Pastor: Fr. Leonard Faris
Region: Toledo (Midwest) — June 22-26
Host Parish: St. George, Cicero, IL
Host Pastor: Fr. Nicholas Dahdal
The Word 29

Teens at the General Assembly bring a supply of snacks
Region: Miami (Southeast) — June 22-26
Host Parish: Fellowship of St. John
Host Pastor: By Region
Region: Eagle River/LA (West) — June 29-July 3
Host Parish: St. Nicholas, San Francisco, CA
Host Pastor: Fr. Nicholas Borzghol
Region: New York/Pittsburgh — June 30-July 3
Host Parish: St. George, Little Falls, NJ
Host Pastor: Fr. Elias Bitar
2006 Parish Life Conferences:
We also congratulate the parishes and pastors chosen to host next
year’s conferences and encourage them all to submit their contracts
to the Department for approval prior to signing.
Region: Ottawa (Can-Am) — June 29-July 2
Host Parish: St. George, Toronto, ON
Host Pastor: Fr. Iskander Younes
Region: Wichita (Southwest) — June 15-18
Host Parish: St. George, El Paso, TX
Host Pastor: Fr. Jehad Michael
Region: Worcester (New England) — June 22-25
Host Parish: St. George, Boston, MA
Host Pastor: Fr. Timothy Ferguson
Region: Toledo (Midwest) — June 22-25
Host Parish: St. Matthew, N. Royalton, OH
Host Pastor: Fr. Andrew Harmon
Region: Miami (Southeast) — June 14-18
Host Parish: Hiram, Georgia
Host Pastor: By Region
Region: Eagle River/LA (West) — June 29-July 2
Host Parish: St. George, San Diego, CA
Host Pastor: Fr. Hanna Sakkab
Region: New York/Pittsburgh — July 6-9
Host Parish: St. George, Pittsburgh, PA
Host Pastor: Fr. John Abdalah
30 The Word
ARCHDIOCESE
CONVENTION REPORTS
47th Archdiocese
Convention — July 24-31,
2005 — St. George Church,
Troy, MI; Very Rev. Fr. Joseph
Antypas, Host Pastor
48th Archdiocese
Convention — July 2007 —
St. Nicholas Church,
Montreal, PQ, Canada; Very
Rev. Fr. Peter Shportun, Host
Pastor
NEW BUSINESS
49th Archdiocese Convention Bids — July 2009
St. Michael Church, Van Nuys, CA; Very Rev. Fr. Timothy Baclig,
Pastor
The Department will discuss two significant policy proposals:
First, the archdiocese may be well advised to begin planning conventions
with six (6) years of lead time compared to the current four
(4) years because of an increasingly competitive convention market
and in order to match qualified host parishes and desirable, affordable
and available convention cities. In conjunction with this longerrange
planning, the archdiocese may also want to consider the possibility
of rotating the convention among the seven new dioceses.
Second, because of the rapid growth of the archdiocese and rising
postage costs, the Department will explore the possibility of using
The WORD magazine to a greater extent in disseminating conference
and convention information and for distributing hard copy registration
forms.
With gratitude to His Eminence Metropolitan PHILIP for his continuous
interest in and support of the conference planning process,
we remain
Respectfully,
Mr. George Darany, Co-Chairman
V. Rev. Fr. Michael Ellias, Co-Chairman
Moved by MR. NEIL NORGROVE, seconded by FR. JOSEPH ANTYPAS,
both of Troy, MI, the report was received.
8/23(a). FR. JOSEPH PURPURA, Chairman, presented the
report of the Department of Youth and Parish Ministry.
MEETING THE NEEDS OF OUR YOUTH
Our Youth Ministry efforts continue to grow to meet the ever
expanding needs of our youth. The Department of Youth Ministry is
dedicated to the growing needs of our young people in order to bring
them to and keep them in a committed relationship with Jesus
Christ and His Holy Orthodox Church. This report highlights some
areas in which the Department of Youth Ministry is actively responding
to the needs of our teens.
Efforts to keep our teens in the Church, in an ever changing and
challenging world, while successful, are limited by resources and the

number of well trained Youth Ministry personnel available to our
parish teens. In the 2004 teen parish survey our pastors told us that
52% of the teens in the parishes of this archdiocese are active in Teen
SOYO, an increase of 5% in the past two years. All but 8 of our parishes
with 10 or more teens in the parish have a youth group. There are
18 paid and 411 volunteer youth workers across the archdiocese. The
total amount budgeted by all reporting parishes for youth ministry in
2004 was $295,485.00. We hope that more parishes will add a line
item for Teen SOYO (Youth Ministry) to their parish budgets. The
Department is largely dependent upon the hundreds of volunteers
across this archdiocese who so willingly give of their time, talent and
resources.
We are continuously seeking out new and more effective ways of
ministering to young people and those who serve our youth. Our most
intensive effort this year has been towards raising the level of education
and training of our parish youth workers.
I thank Metropolitan PHILIP and our six diocese Bishops for their
continued efforts and support of Youth Ministry across this archdiocese.
We thank the Order of St. Ignatius for their concern and financial
support. We are especially grateful to our past NAC Teen SOYO
Spiritual Advisor the Very Rev. Timothy Baclig for his 12 years of
faithful service to NAC Teen SOYO, and the Very Rev. Anthony Yazge,
the new NAC Teen SOYO Spiritual Advisor who brings to this position
13 years of youth ministry experience. We thank the hundreds of volunteers
that minister daily to our teens.
Yours in Christ,
Archpriest Joseph F. Purpura
Opportunities for Youth Workers
In an ongoing effort to educate our parish Youth Workers we will
co-sponsor the annual Inter-Orthodox Youth Worker Conference
October 14-16, 2005 at the Life-Giving Spring Retreat Center,
Boulder City, NV, as well as a second conference: October 21-23,
2005 at the Diakonia Center in Salem, SC with other Orthodox
Youth Departments.
This year’s topic: “Today you found out one of your teens is: a.
Depressed; b. Pregnant; c. Using drugs — Pick one. Are you
ready?” More information can be found at www.orthodoxyouth.net.
We have partnered with the Antiochian House of Studies to educate
our Parish Youth Workers through the St. Stephen’s program.
The St. Stephen’s program is a graduate-level directed-reading
course of studies in Applied Orthodox Theology. Successful completion
of the program leads to a certificate in Applied Orthodox
Theology. A brief outline of the Youth Ministry concentration of the
Program is offered here. Complete details and application are
offered online at
www.antiochian.org/education_parish_youth_directors. We are
currently accepting applications for our second entering class, for
course work starting this September.
YOUTH MINISTRY CONCENTRATION OVERVIEW
The Youth Ministry concentration in the St. Stephen’s Program
comprises 15 directed-reading courses, three projects, and three
weeks of residency (one week each year). Each entering class completes
the coursework, projects, and residency on the same trimester
schedule (two long sessions and one residency) during the course of
the program. Each Fall session includes three directed-reading
courses; each Spring session includes two reading courses and one
directed project course; and each Summer session includes one
week of residency in the Antiochian House of Studies.
MASTER’S DEGREE PROGRAM
Students who successfully complete the St. Stephen’s certificate
program and who satisfy the other prerequisites may apply to enter
the Master’s Degree Program, leading to a Master of Arts in Applied
Orthodox Theology with a concentration in Youth Ministry.
The Master’s Degree Program with the Youth Ministry concentration
focuses on a practical need in Youth Ministry and, in general,
includes:
• Presentation of a Thesis Proposal (abstract)
• Two Trimesters (Fall and Spring) of thesis research and preparation.
• Completion and defense of the Master’s Thesis.
Additional information on this program can be found at: www.antiochian.org/education_parish_youth_directors.
Catalogues may be
requested by emailing or writing to:
St. Stephen’s Studies
Antiochian House of Studies
385 Ivy Lane
Bergenfield, NJ 07621-1607
Tel. 201-569-0095
theoedu1@aol.com
SCHOLARSHIPS
Funding Youth Worker Education
After two years of recording our teens singing the beautiful hymns
of the Church we released and sold nearly 1,600 Music CDs. The
remaining CDs from this production are being sold at this
Convention at the Teen SOYO Display Booth. All proceeds from this
CD will go to the NAC Teen SOYO St. John Chrysostom Youth Worker
Scholarship Fund.
We recorded these hymns during the Miami and Pittsburgh
Conventions. This CD captures our teens’ love of Christ, His Church
and Her worship. Our teens offer these hymns as a thanksgiving to
Metropolitan PHILIP, and the Holy Synod of Antioch for their bold
steps towards Orthodox unity on the North American Continent. The
inscription on the CD reads:
Sing Praises is presented by Teen SOYO. This collection of hymns
was recorded by members of Teen SOYO gathered from across the
archdiocese for the 2003 Archdiocese Convention in Miami and the
2004 Special Archdiocese Convention in Pittsburgh. These conventions
took historic steps towards realizing self-rule granted by the
Holy Synod of Antioch. Our teens present these hymns in thanksgiving
for the foresight and courage of Metropolitan PHILIP, His
Beatitude Ignatius IV, and the Holy Synod of Antioch who have
acted to create a stronger and united Orthodox Christian Church
The Word 31

Metropolitan PHILIP at the Oratorical Festival
here on the North American Continent for the teens of this present
age and generations to come.
Stop by the Teen SOYO display booth. Purchase your Music CD and
see the many other wonderful things that Teen SOYO is doing across
this great Archdiocese.
SCHOLARSHIP FUND
NAC Teen SOYO is committed towards realizing their goal of educating
Orthodox Parish Youth Workers to more effectively minister to
the youth of our parishes. As of July 2005 Teen SOYO has raised
$72,500 towards realizing their goal of establishing a fund of at least
$250,000. NAC Teen SOYO intends to utilize this Scholarship Fund to
provide scholarships to men and women studying Orthodox Youth
Ministry in the St. Stephen’s Youth Ministry Concentration and
Balamand Master Program. In appreciation of the Scholarship assistance,
Teen SOYO expects recipients to serve a youth group within
the Antiochian Archdiocese for at least a five year period.
Our teens have raised funds through local youth groups and
regional Teen SOYO contributions, as well as a matching grant from
the Order of St. Ignatius. We thank the Order of St. Ignatius for their
support of this important ministry by matching the first $10,000
raised each year by Teen SOYO. We intend to increase our efforts to
fund raising this year, through active fundraising during January
which is Teen SOYO’s Education Month, as well as through sales of
Teen SOYO’s new Music CD. Contributions to the Youth Worker Fund
may be made online at www.teensoyo.org and by mail in care of the
Department of Youth Ministry. Checks should be made payable to
NAC Teen SOYO Youth Worker Ministry, PO Box 389, Westwood, MA
02090.
THIRTY-FIFTH ANNIVERSARY
Below are quotes from individuals in the archdiocese expressing
their thankfulness for Teen SOYO:
Teen SOYO kept me involved in the Church and taught me to
have a great appreciation for my faith. —Kristen Abraham
I had great friends and role models to look up to. We always had
great times, shared our love for Christ and the Church with each
other. —Todd J. Mokhiber
My experience in Teen SOYO has shaped my life in many ways.
As an officer I learned many life skills regarding leadership and
financial responsibility. The spiritual life of Orthodoxy was
32 The Word
revealed to me through participation in Teen SOYO retreats. —V.
Rev. Fr. Anthony G. Yazge
Through retreats and other activities, and through my participation
at the Special Olympics sports camp, I found the answers I
was looking for, and finally felt at home in the Church. —Fr.
Michael Nasser
I feel I have grown closer to God and have learned so much about
the Orthodox faith. —Amanda Haddad
SOYO strengthens the foundation of a Christian and it shows us
how to be Christ-like people. —Michael Haddad
With Teen SOYO you share the same faith, beliefs, and you are not
afraid to express it. I learned that being Orthodox is not just on
Sundays but being Orthodox all throughout the week. —Dolly
Bahbah
Thirty five years ago Metropolitan PHILIP envisioned the youth of
the Antiochian Archdiocese as faithful stewards of the Church who
needed an avenue to express their faith in fellowship with other
teenagers. With the assistance of Helen Rihbany and others, His
Eminence, Metropolitan PHILIP, established the North American
Council (NAC) of Teen SOYO, the governing body of the youth movement
of the archdiocese. At the time, Teen SOYO adopted the platform
of Senior SOYO (the adult fellowship of the archdiocese) of
Love, Honesty, Unity and Devotion. Shortly thereafter, both Senior
and Teen SOYO then added Awareness and Commitment. These six
traits epitomized the characteristics of our youth who enjoyed serving
the Lord in a variety of ways.
Over the years Teen SOYO developed a variety of ministries for the
benefit of both the youth of our archdiocese and others. Helping others
has always been at the heart of Teen SOYO — whether it was
raising funds for the Chapel of St. John Chrysostom at the
Archdiocese headquarters; keeping vigil at the Tomb of Christ on
Great and Holy Friday; doing outreach to others through the Special
Olympics Sports Camp or OYO (the Orthodox Youth Outreach). Each
of these ministries are consistent with our Lord Jesus Christ’s teachings
and desires for us.
At the Archdiocese Convention we have a display booth that highlights
our ministry for the past 35 years. A video regarding the history
of Teen SOYO is being displayed at the booth as well as scrapbooks
of each of our Diocesan Teen SOYOs. In an effort to continue to equip
the saints, our teens, for the work of the Church, we are also conducting
Leadership Training sessions the first four days of the convention.
We look forward to the future as our teens develop, as well
as continue, their lives as stewards of Christ’s Holy Church.
MEETINGS AND RETREATS
Over the past several years we have been working towards transforming
the standard SOYO business meeting into an opportunity to
grow in the faith and serve others, while conducting the business of
the deanery, region, and NAC. We have been blessed with excellent
Teen leadership. Elaina Matook, NAC Teen SOYO President and the
officers, as well as our diocesan (regional) leadership have distinguished
themselves.
Teen SOYO continues to hold retreats and workshops for the spiritual
and personal development of its members and teens from

across the country. Retreats are held on a regular basis on the parish,
deanery, and regional level for teens. Many deaneries and regions
host several retreats each year. Many parish retreats also take place
across the archdiocese. With the institution of deanery youth coordinators,
we have been working towards opening up these parish youth
retreats to all of the members of local Orthodox parishes and teens
from across the deaneries to increase the availability of retreat
opportunities to our teens. Retreats afford our teens opportunities to
explore their faith, their relationships with God and others, as well
as to explore the multitude of questions they have about life, who
they are and what they want to become. Retreats also offer teens
direct time with the many talented clergy and youth workers from
around the archdiocese affording teens the opportunity to ask questions
and explore areas of their life they might otherwise not examine.
This is essential to the spiritual development of our young
people.
WILDERNESS RETREAT
Our Pacific Northwest Deanery SOYO continues to develop our
SOYO Wilderness Retreat Program, under the guidance of Kae
Lourie. This year the Orthodox Fellowship of the Transfiguration
together with the Pacific Northwest Deanery Teen SOYO program
will host an eight-day pilgrimage into the spiritual lessons of wilderness.
The group will hike into the North Cascade Mountains from
August 1st through August 8th, 2005 to explore prayer, spiritual
reflection and the patristic understanding of nature. The Louries,
owners of Peaceful Partners Llama Company, will provide pack llamas
and guide service.
This year’s program takes place alongside the scenic North
Cascades National Park in Washington State. This area is one of the
most beautiful areas in the entire Pacific Northwest. Time will be
provided for orientation plus an introduction to the patristic understanding
of creation as it applies to wilderness. The llama-aided trek
will travel up the Pacific Crest Trail into the Okanagon National
Forest where camps will be set up along the trail. Daily hiking in this
spectacular wilderness area will augment times for prayer, discussion
and reflection.
You may view pictures from the 2002 Teen SOYO llama trek at
www.peacefulpartnerllamas.com/id3.html. More information on
this and future programs may be obtained by contacting our wilderness
retreat coordinator Kae Lourie, Peaceful Partners Llama Co.,
PO Box 389, Everson, WA 98247 — (360) 966-2375 or on the web at
www.antiochian.org/SOYO/wilderness.
OYO — ORTHODOX YOUTH OUTREACH
Orthodox Youth Outreach (OYO) is now in its second year of ministry!
Youth from all over the Archdiocese have joined us now in the
urban settings of Los Angeles, San Francisco, Chicago, Houston,
Philadelphia, Washington D.C., and Mexico. Most of our programs
happen over the weekend — Friday afternoon through Sunday afternoon.
We spend a half day in orientation where the students learn
about inner city life and the challenges that the urban poor and
homeless face. After orientation we tour the inner city and all of its
different neighborhoods, pointing out the variety of difficulties that
Young people chanting during Communion
each have — for most students, it’s a picture of the city they’ve never
seen before. The ministries in which the students engage vary from
city-to-city; most of them, however, are interpersonal in nature —
feeding the homeless at a shelter or on the street, playing with homeless
children at a variety of inner city programs, visiting the forgotten
elderly, etc. In addition to ministering in the city, the students
also eat and sleep in the city — giving them a “feel” for the daily
experience of the urban poor. The entire experience is contextualized
by daily prayers, the study of Scripture, daily debriefs, and worshipping
at one of the local Orthodox parishes. The overall effect of
the program has been powerful. The students remark over-and-over
again how life changing the OYO experience has been for them —
many of them participate in multiple trips, as many as three or four
times.
In addition to the weekend trips, this year OYO offered a service
project in Mexico for those students who had participated in at least
two other OYO projects and who were interested in being a part of
next year’s Student Leadership Team. In June, nine students served
and trained at Project Mexico — next year these same students will
share in the responsibility of orienting, leading, and debriefing our
weekend projects. The goal in OYO has always been to move students
from observation to action — utilizing their God-given gifts and talents.
We believe that the inner city exposure that students receive in
OYO helps foster a deep respect for the image of God in every person
and a strong desire to be an agent of change for His Kingdom.
Finally, two significant events have happened this year to
strengthen the foundation of this young program. In January, OYO
was awarded a $5000 grant from the Farah Foundation for marketing
expenses, as well as a $10,000 grant from the Order of St. Ignatius to
hire a part-time Program Coordinator. The combinations of consistent
administrative help and monies to market the program have
been an indispensable combination. Over the next year, OYO hopes
to maximize these resources by hosting weekend service opportunities
in Manhattan, Toronto, Nashville, and San Francisco. If you’d
like to know more about OYO or any of our upcoming events, you can
log onto www.orthodoxyouthoutreach.net for more information.
SPECIAL OLYMPICS TWENTY-FIFTH ANNIVERSARY
This summer, August 12-20, NAC Teen SOYO will host the 25th
Anniversary SOPA SOYO Multi-Sports Training Camp at the
The Word 33

Antiochian Village Camp. Hundreds of our teens have had their lives
changed forever after being staff members of the Special Olympics
Camp. Each day is filled with adventures into the human spirit as led
by the Spirit of God. Our teens will meet people of character and
their lives will never be the same again. Teen SOYO coaches assist
the Special Olympics Pennsylvania sports clinicians and staff in
training the athletes. They will share fellowship with the entire camp
at meals and evening programs. A special treat includes an evening
trip to Idlewild Amusement Park and Soak Zone for all of the camp
participants (athletes, coaches, clinicians and committee
members).
NAC Teen SOYO extends our grateful appreciation to all of the
faithful of the Antiochian Archdiocese for their support offered on
Special Olympics Awareness Day each October. We also offer our
gratitude to the Order of St. Ignatius for the continued commitment
to assisting Teen SOYO with the Special Olympics camp. Without this
continued support, our teens would not be able to fulfill their commitment
to helping the wonderful athletes of Pennsylvania’s Special
Olympics.
AWARENESS DAY
Special Olympics Awareness Day 2004 took place the third Sunday
of October to raise funds for the 25th NAC Teen SOYO Special
Olympics Sports Camp to be held in August of 2005 at the Antiochian
Village.
Last year (October 2003) Teen SOYO raised $36,796. This amount
combined with the annual $8,000 contribution from the Order of St.
Ignatius nearly covered the costs of this past summer’s Sports Camp.
The rest of the funds came from the Teen SOYO General Fund.
2004 Program Costs:
Antiochian Village Camp Rental Costs: $35,595.90
Special Olympics Awareness Day: $2,150.00
Camp Program: $7,668.00
2004 Total Costs: $45,413.90
The 2004 Special Olympics Awareness Day (October 2004) raised
$35,800. We thank the many donors to this ministry. Special contributions
can be made at www.teensoyo.org or by mail to: NAC Teen
SOYO Special Olympics, Department of Youth Ministry, PO Box 389,
Westwood, MA 02090.
BIBLE STUDY CD —
INTERACTIVE TOOL FOR BIBLE BOWL PREPARATION
As a means of raising the level of the Teen and Adult Bible Bowl
experience, we have developed and distributed an interactive study
guide on CD for the Bible Bowl participants. Jason Barker, one of our
Antiochian House of Studies Masters Degree Graduates, for whom I
was his reader, has worked with this department to provide a unique
experience for this year’s Bible Bowl participants to help them learn
the text of the letter to the Romans, as well as its meaning. We have
received permission from Nelson Publishing to use the full text of the
letter to the Romans, as it appears in the Orthodox Study Bible.
This CD was distributed free of charge to all of our parish Teen
Bible Bowl Teams through a grant from the Order of St. Ignatius and
34 The Word
Youth Department Funds. We hope to develop a similar Interactive
CD for the Book of Acts for next year’s Bible Bowl, if we can obtain
the funds to do so.
An on-line version of the Bible CD on Romans is available at
www.orthodoxyouth.org. This website received the following positive
review in the Dallas Morning News:
“Do you wish you could transform your life?” this site asks. It’s a
wide-ranging collection of Bible study material for teens, based on
the book of Romans, which urges believers to “be transformed by the
renewing of your mind.”
There are commentaries on all 16 chapters in the book of
Romans. (If you’ve got high-speed internet, select the Shockwave
versions for an interactive version of the same material.) Visitors
can download study sheets and quizzes for each chapter — no
charge, and no need to register. There’s a “Time Travel” section
explaining the historical context of the book — defining terms like
“zealots” and “Pax Romana.” Teens are urged to apply the teachings
in the section “Look at Myself,” which poses questions such as
“Do I boast?” and “Do I fast?”
This exhaustive site was created by Jason Barker, a member of
St. Peter Orthodox Church in Fort Worth and part of the youth ministry
of the Antiochian Orthodox Archdiocese of North America.
According to Mr. Barker, it’s the only multimedia Orthodox
Christian Bible study for teens. However, visitors will find much of
the material applicable for teens of all denominations.
This review was also published in the Seattle Times, San Jose
Mercury News, Tallahassee Democrat, Fort Wayne News-Sentinel,
Colorado Springs Gazette, and the Fort Myers News-Press.
More information on the 2006 Conference Theme and Festival
Themes is available on page 10 of this report, as well as on the web
at www.antiochian.org/festivals.
2006 CONFERENCE AND FESTIVAL THEME
“And it shall come to pass afterward, that I will pour out my spirit
on all flesh; your sons and daughters shall prophesy, your old men
shall dream dreams, and your young men shall see visions” (Joel
2:28).
BIBLE BOWL
The Book of Acts, as found in the Orthodox Study Bible.
ORATORICAL FESTIVAL
Please note that there are two different Oratorical topics this year
— One for the Senior Division and another for the Junior Division.
Senior Division
In light of the Conference Theme: “And it shall come to pass afterward,
that I will pour out my spirit on all flesh; your sons and daughters
shall prophesy, your old men shall dream dreams, and your young
men shall see visions” (Joel 2:28), and taking into account the context
in which it appears in the Book of Joel 2:28 and the Book of Acts (Acts
2:17) share your vision and dreams for the Orthodox Church here in
North America. Be specific as to what the Orthodox Church currently
does and most importantly what you envision the Church needs to
do for you, your peers and the people of North America.

Junior Division
In light of the Conference Theme: “And it shall come to pass afterward,
that I will pour out my spirit on all flesh; your sons and daughters
shall prophesy, your old men shall dream dreams, and your
young men shall see visions” (Joel 2:28) and taking into account the
context in which it appears in the Book of Joel 2:28 and the Book of
Acts (Acts 2:17) what does the Church currently do for you as a
young person living in North America and most importantly what do
you and your peers need the Church to do so that you can live a more
wholesome and godly life.
Suggested Orthodox Reading material is listed on the archdiocese
website at www.antiochian.org/recommended_reading.
Please note: Complete topics and rules are available on-line.
Please download the complete set of Creative Festival Topics, Rules
and Church School Classroom Guide for 2006 from the Archdiocese
Web Site at www.antiochian.org/festivals.
YOUTH MINISTRY: CONTINUING OUR WORK FOR
ORTHODOX YOUTH
Francis Maria
For the second year and third year we have presented four scholarships
in the amount of $2,500 each, to young people, from the funds
donated by the Francis Maria Foundation. These funds were donated
specifically to recognize young people that excel in their Church
and Community Service. Last year, at the Special Archdiocese
Convention, on behalf of The Francis Maria Scholarship Fund, four
scholarships were presented to the following people:
1 — Elaina Matook, a member of St. Mary, Pawtucket, Rhode
Island and the daughter of George and Sandra Matook of Johnston,
Rhode Island.
2 — Sarah Wolf, a member of St. George, Kearney, Nebraska and
the daughter of John and Theodora Wolf of Kearney, Nebraska.
3 — Robyn Joyce Haas, a member of Holy Trinity, Corpus Christi,
Texas and the daughter of Fr. Mark and Rebecca Haas.
4 — Nicholas P. Abud, a member of St. George, Flint, Michigan
and the son of Fr. Joseph and Leslee Abud.
The 2005 recipients will be announced during the 2005
Archdiocese Convention. This year we expect to grant 5 scholarships.
Applications will be available each year starting in December on
the Archdiocese Web Site at www.antiochian.org/scholarships.
I continue to manage the day to day work of the Archdiocese
Department of Youth Ministry, which consumes much of the daily
office time. Some of the daily work includes:
• Responding to the needs of NAC and Regional Teen SOYO officers,
advisors and youth directors.
• Responding to the needs of Pastors and Parish Youth Workers
concerning their Youth Ministry needs.
• Fielding the many daily questions concerning youth ministry
resources and organizational matters.
• Handling periodic mailings to clergy and Youth Workers to disseminate
Youth Ministry information and material.
• Managing the Youth Department Internet presence.
• Managing Youth Ministry and Teen SOYO data and organizational
structure.
Metropolitan PHILIP listens to his young people
• Developing a four page Youth Ministry insert for The WORD
magazine four times a year.
• Last year I attended six of the seven Parish Life Conferences
and this year have attended four Diocese Conferences and presented
workshops at many of those.
• Teaching Youth Ministry at the Antiochian House of Studies residency
program.
• Conducting retreats for teen groups.
I take this opportunity to thank you the members of the
Archdiocese for your continued support of our teens, the
Department of Youth Ministry and the Pastors and Youth Workers
who minister to our teens. It is your dedication, love, prayers and
continued financial support that allows us to minister to the young
people entrusted to our care. On behalf of all the young people, the
recipients of our ministry, we thank you.
As you well know, we can accomplish what is needed, so long as we
have sufficient financial resources and well trained and dedicated
youth workers. We thank you for helping with both of these needs.
Moved by MATTHEW YAZGE of Terre Haute, IN, seconded by KRYSTAL
SAYEGH of Phoenix, AZ, the report was received.
8/23(b). MISS ELAINA MATOOK, President, presented the
report of the North American Council of Teen SOYO. Her report
began with a film celebrating the 35th Anniversary of the establishment
of Teen SOYO. She also presented an icon to
Metropolitan PHILIP to mark the anniversary.
TEEN SOYO
Introduction
Greetings in the name of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ!
The North American Council of Teen SOYO is blessed to have completed
two more years filled with exciting projects and ideas. This
year has been especially exhilarating, as 2005 marks the culmination
of NAC Teen SOYO’s 35th Anniversary. To all those who have supported
the youth of this Archdiocese throughout the years, as members
of Teen SOYO or our many advisors, and all our parents and
faithful who offered their help and prayers, we say a heartfelt “Thank
The Word 35

You.” I’d like to offer a special thank you to Fr. Timothy Baclig who
served as the NAC Teen SOYO Spiritual Advisor for twelve very productive
years. To those who have dedicated a portion of their lives to
serving as an officer of Teen SOYO, your work is greatly appreciated,
Bishop BASIL introduces Joe Samra, OCF Program Director
and the continued participation of the teens in leadership roles
through Teen SOYO is still essential to the youth living the Orthodox
Faith in Christ through Worship, Witness, Fellowship, and Service.
Through the prayers of our patron saint, St. John Chrysostom, may
each of us work together in faith during our time at this year’s
Archdiocese Convention.
Yours in Christ,
Elaina Matook,
NAC Teen SOYO President
SOYO MUSIC CD — SING PRAISES
Teen SOYO has diligently worked over the past couple of years to
compile music sung by the youth across our Archdiocese into a music
CD to reflect our love of the hymns of the Church. This year, our goal
was achieved, and Sing Praises was completed. This collection of
Orthodox hymns beautifully sung by members of Teen SOYO is available
for purchase on-line at www.antiochian.org/SOYOcd. We also
encourage you to stop by the SOYO 35th Anniversary Booth here at
the Convention to view our media presentations, receive some literature
and purchase your own copy of this CD. All of the proceeds
from the sales of this CD will benefit the St. John Chrysostom Youth
Worker Scholarship Fund.
ORTHODOX YOUTH OUTREACH
Orthodox Youth Outreach (OYO) is a ministry of Teen SOYO which
enables teens to make a difference in the underserved communities
of North America through short-term mission trips promoting oneon-one
contact between the youth and their neighbor in need in
keeping with Jesus’ call to love in Matthew 22. In locations, including
South Central Los Angeles, Chicago, and Tijuana, Mexico, among
others, our teens are given the opportunity to step outside their com-
36 The Word
fort zone, open their eyes to the homeless community as well as the
ability to “do something beautiful for God.” For information about
upcoming trips or to make on-line contributions, please visit the OYO
website at www.orthodoxyouthreach.net.
ST. JOHN CHRYSOSTOM
YOUTH WORKER SCHOLARSHIP FUND
NAC Teen SOYO has established the St. John Chrysostom Youth
Worker Scholarship Fund to support the education of those doing
youth ministry at the parish level. Our teens across the Antiochian
Archdiocese are in need of trained youth workers who will guide
them on their journey to the understanding of the faith, God, the self
and their neighbor within the structure of Teen SOYO. As of today, we
have accumulated $72,500 for this fund through generous donations
from both organizations and individuals of our Archdiocese. Once
the goal of $250,000 has been achieved, the application process will
begin in order to facilitate the education of parish youth workers. To
help us reach our goal and to learn more about the St. John
Chrysostom Youth Worker Scholarship Fund, visit www.antiochian.org/youth_worker_fund.
ASK ABOUNA
Teen SOYO has always been known to facilitate “Ask Abouna” online
sessions during which teens can direct any questions concerning
the Church, their spirituality, or faith in general to an Antiochian
Orthodox priest. This Fall we will be implementing a new message
board system which will allow teens to post a question on the website,
whenever they like, which will be answered by various priests of
our Archdiocese through the same website. Keep checking
www.antiochian.org/SOYO to see when the Ask Abouna site is ready
for your questions!
ORTHODOX CHRISTIANS WALK FOR LIFE
NAC Teen SOYO is very excited to have received the blessing of
Metropolitan PHILIP to participate in the January 2006 Walk for Life
in Washington, D.C. Teens from across the Archdiocese will travel,
many by bus with a stop-over at the Antiochian Village, to our
nation’s Capitol to participate in a peaceful walk in support of human
life. We are thrilled to have this opportunity and are greatly looking
forward to planning and participating in this worthy cause.
25th ANNIVERSARY TEEN SOYO SPECIAL OLYMPICS CAMP
Teen SOYO members between the ages of 16 and 19 have helped
staff the Teen SOYO Special Olympics Sports Camp, which we hold
each year at the Antiochian Village, by volunteering as coaches for
the athletes. These young people challenge themselves physically,
emotionally, and spiritually to connect with Special Olympics
Athletes for the week-long sports training camp. NAC Teen SOYO
also raised over $35,000 each year to run this annual Sports Camp,
through the Special Olympics Awareness Day, held the third Sunday
of October across our archdiocese. This year is particularly special
for the Teen SOYO Special Olympics Sports Camp, as it is our 25th
Anniversary Camp. As part of the celebration, there will be a reunion
during the last two days of this year’s camp for former Teen SOYO

and SOPA coaches. For more information about the 25th Anniversary
Reunion or to support the camp, contact Fr. Anthony Yazge at (812)
232-5244 (office) or aboona@joink.com or visit
www.antiochian.org/SOYO_special_olympics.
The report concluded with the announcement of the NAC Teen SOYO officers
for the new year: Charles Abdelahad, President; George Sackllah, Vice
President; Brigitte Ayoub, Treasurer; and Sarah Kurian, Secretary. Moved
by KH. GISELLE SHADID of Wichita, KS, seconded by MR. ROBERT BAY-
OUK of Montreal, Quebec, the report was received.
8/24. KH. GIZELLE SHADID, President, presented the report
of the Fellowship of St. John the Divine.
Your Eminence Metropolitan PHILIP, your Graces, Reverend
Clergy, esteemed members of the Board of Trustees, and my brothers
and sisters in Christ:
Greetings on behalf of the North American Council (NAC)
Fellowship of St. John the Divine!
It has been an honor and a blessing to serve you as your NAC
Fellowship President for the past four years. I thank God for all the
wonderful Presidents, Spiritual Advisors, officers and other valuable
North American Council members for their leadership and friendship
and pray that God will continue to bless those who serve Him in
this God-protected Archdiocese.
What unites us all in this organization we call “The Fellowship” is
our willingness to SERVE. We are an organization of servants, and as
our new Episcopal Overseer, Bishop THOMAS said in our last meeting,
“We do what needs to be done.” Thank God. Historically, fullyrunning
Archdiocese Departments have been birthed from this adult
lay organization. On a local level, there exist ministry teams that
help give our people a place to plug in their talents and serve Christ
and His Holy Church. When we surveyed our priests, many indicated
that their parishes have young adult groups that meet for fellowship,
singles groups, and Senior Fellowships just to name a few. The survey
results indicated that:
• 50% of our churches have “Parish Ministry Teams”
• 45% of our parishes have Young Adult groups
• 19% have a group in their parish for Seniors
On a diocesan level, we have become a fellowship of parishes that
gather for family reunions (Parish Life Conferences), diocesan and
deanery retreats, and help conduct the business of the diocese.
The following is a number of important announcements and
details — please read and take action as is needed.
Library Project: Thank you to all of the individuals and parishes
that helped to donate hundreds of Orthodox books to our local
libraries and communities over the past three and a half years! So
many articles regarding this project have been published in local and
city newspapers, and because of your efforts, seeds of our great Faith
have been planted! May we always remember to WITNESS to our
communities.
Young Adult Retreat: The teens and the college students of our
archdiocese have been taken care of. They have great programs to
keep them connected. For the young adults who get lost in the shuffle,
PLEASE READ! There will be a national Young Adult Retreat this
September 23-25, 2005 held in Brookline, MA at Holy Cross. The outstanding
keynote speaker is Rev. Fr. Dan Suciu who will speak on the
retreat theme: “God is Spirit, and His worshippers must worship Him
in Spirit and in Truth” (John 4:24). Please go to www.yal.org for reg-
Bishop THOMAS addresses clergy families
istration information and retreat details. Pass it on dot com!
OCMC Fellowship Mission Trip
Stay tuned! In the summer of 2006, the Fellowship of St. John the
Divine will be taking on a 7-10 day mission trip with OCMC
(Orthodox Christian Mission Center)! Possible locations include
Alaska and Guatemala with dates and details to follow soon. Get
involved with OCMC — you will be glad you did. More information
will be posted on our Archdiocese website as it becomes available.
Fellowship DVD Project: We initiated a Video Project which has
three members on the committee: Fr. Michael Abdelahad (New
England), Abdallah Daud (Eastern), and Chuck Nassif (Western).
They are working on a video history of the Fellowship from when
before it was even called “SOYO” to the present-day “Fellowship”.
This will be helpful to new members of our Archdiocese (as we are
getting many converts, thank God) and also help those of us who
have been involved for years to better understand where we came
from and where we are going.
Is Your Diocese Utilizing the Archdiocese Website? The archdiocese
website was founded by the NAC Fellowship of St. John the
Divine and is now maintained by a fully funded Department, thanks
to the vision of our Metropolitan PHILIP! Be sure to contact the
Director of Communications and Information, Sean Buscay at sbuscay@antiochian.org
for information on how to get your information
posted on the website.
Diocese Grants: Each diocese has been given the opportunity to
request a $500 Speaker Grant and a separate $500 Special Grant (for
camps, special projects, etc.). As a North American Council, we want
our dioceses to have retreats and workshops and thought that we
should support that effort. The other grant money was initiated to
help some of the starter camps in the dioceses. Two of the camps were
initiated at a diocesan Fellowship meeting. To our delight, almost
The Word 37

every diocese has requested the funds and put them to good use!
Resource Books: Remember, every parish received a copy of the
Fellowship Resource Book over a year ago. Do you know where it is?
Have you opened it up yet? Please notice all the ready-to-go great
ideas and activities that you can participate in on a local level. There
are retreat topics, Young Adult Fellowship programs, Senior
Fellowship activities, a whole section on Family Life, and a section
on Community Service “how-to’s”. Ask your parish priest or contact
your diocesan President if you are not sure where to get one. We
must take ACTION! The heart of the ministry of the Fellowship of
St. John is at the local level. Our Lord commands us to SERVE and to
Bishop MARK serving
use the TALENTS He has given us, as he speaks in the parable of the
Talents (Matthew 25:15).
Does your parish have active Ministry Teams? If not, get started!
Take Nike’s advice and “Just do it”! It’s really not as hard as you
think. Would you like to start a Senior Fellowship and call it “The
Young at Heart”? Wait no longer! The fall is approaching and it is a
perfect time to start. Young Adults, there’s a national retreat for you
in September — sign up! Get together for dinner and fellowship on
a local level if you aren’t already doing it. It’s as easy as showing up.
God is waiting to work in us, but we have to get up and JUST DO IT.
Thank you for taking the time to be involved and for sharing your
gifts. That is why you are here. You are answering God’s call to work
in you. May we always continue to SERVE Christ and His Holy Church
in all that we do!
Yours in Christ,
Gigi Shadid
NAC President
In response to a question from the floor about a structured program
for college students and young adults at the parish life conferences
and other meetings, Metropolitan PHILIP commissioned
Frs. Joseph Purpura and Michael Nasser to investigate the need for
a structured program. Mrs. Kathy Abraham noted that there is at
least one event at all diocesan conferences and meetings for this age
group.
38 The Word
The report concluded with the announcement of the Fellowship officers
for the new year: Mrs. Joan Farha, President; Mrs. Jane Tadros, Vice
President; Mr. Robert Bayouk, Treasurer; and Mrs. Linda Simon,
Secretary. Fr. John Nosal will serve as the Spiritual Advisor. Mrs. Shadid
presented a pair of “Nike” sneakers to Metropolitan PHILIP for his perseverance
and commitment to the Fellowship. Moved by ELAINA MATOOK of
Newton, MA, seconded by NAC SOYO, the report was received.
8/25(a). FR. MICHAEL NASSER presented the reports of the
Antiochian Village Program and the Department of Camping.
ANTIOCHIAN VILLAGE
Your Eminence, Your Graces, my Brother Clergy, Brothers and
Sisters in Christ,
This morning we concluded Session 3, one of four sessions in
which nearly 900 campers will enjoy the Antiochian Village this summer.
With more camps now in operation all over the Archdiocese,
most of our sessions are much more available than in previous years,
and this year, only Session 4 is completely full. We have been visiting
the parishes within a five hour drive from the Village which send few
or no campers to the Village in hopes that more children from nearby
parishes would take advantage of our programs. At the same time,
we hope that a number of the young people from every diocese would
continue to come to the Antiochian Village. The bonds forged at
camp, in which people from all parts of the Archdiocese come
together to grow in God and close to each other, will be even more
important as we strive to maintain the unity of the Archdiocese with
our new diocesan structure.
NEW PROGRAMS
Three years ago, we began a new program, Family Camp, which
provides families of our Archdiocese an opportunity to come to the
Village and grow closer with each other, and with God. Families that
don’t often have the opportunity to eat dinner together are able to
share in church services, arts and crafts and even the Challenge
Course. This year, we are introducing our newest Village Program:
Villedge Adventures. Villedge Adventures will allow our older
campers, ages 16-18, to choose between two types of activities:
Villedge Roadtrip and Extreme Villedge. The roadtrip will travel to
various sites of historic importance to both our Archdiocese and our
country, including St. Vladimir’s Seminary, Ellis Island, St. Nicholas
Cathedral, Brooklyn, Philadelphia and much more. In contrast, the
Extreme Villedge will be just that — Extreme. It will include whitewater
rafting, caving, mountain biking, hiking and the rock wall of
our Challenge Course.
THE VILLAGE 2010 CAPITAL CAMPAIGN
Having celebrated 25 years of camping at the Village a year ago, we
are continuing our program of updating the aging facilities at the
camp. In the past five years we have seen several projects to completion:
the Metropolitan PHILIP Welcome Lodge, two double
camper cabins, two volunteer cabins, a new maintenance facility,
new water system, and a renovated pool.
In the current phase of renovations, we plan to continue replacing
all the girls’ cabins, most of which have been in use for over 40 years

and are in poor condition. We are also moving forward with plans for
a new Dining Hall and other projects that have been long needed at
the camp. In order to have the funds needed to pay for these and
other needed projects, I am now very happy to use this occasion to
announce publicly, for the first time, the Village 2010 Capital
Campaign. Our Alumni Association, The Villagers, received a blessing
from His Eminence to conduct a capital campaign to raise the
$3.7 million needed for all of the projects mentioned above. I am
even happier to announce that as of this month, we have received
gifts and commitments totaling over $2 million! Chief among those
making commitments are His Eminence Metropolitan PHILIP, who
has pledged $450,000 from the Metropolitan PHILIP Endowment for
the Antiochian Village, the Order of St. Ignatius of Antioch which has
committed $750,000 over the next five years, and Mr. George ZacZac
of Miami, Florida who has committed $500,000 toward the new
Dining Hall. Our hope is that all camp families, camp alumni, parishes
and individuals throughout the Archdiocese will come forward
when asked and support this vital effort.
I want to express my appreciation to His Eminence Metropolitan
PHILIP, His Grace Bishop ANTOUN, Mr. Robert Laham, all the members
of the Village Council and the many members of the Order of St.
Ignatius of Antioch for their consistent support of the camp program.
I wish my brother, Fr. Michael Massouh, the best of all things as he
begins a new phase in his work in our Lord’s Vineyard and I welcome
my new colleague and friend, Bruce Jabbour, wishing him the best in
his new position. I know you share my deepest appreciation to our
Village staff, both our year round staff as well as our dedicated summer
staff, each of whom is firmly committed to our vital ministry. May
God bless all of your work this weekend, and grant you all good
health and His protection.
Respectfully submitted,
Rev. Michael Nasser
Camp Director
DEPARTMENT OF CAMPING
Your Eminence Metropolitan PHILIP, Your Graces, Reverend
Clergy, Delegates to the General Assembly, Honored Guests, and
Brothers and Sisters in Christ,
Summer Camping Programs have become a major part of our
young people’s growth and development in the Faith. Many of the
clergy and laity gathered at this meeting have heard their calling to
serve Christ’s Holy Church when they were at one of our summer
camps. As the number of camping programs in our Archdiocese has
grown, more direction and guidance is needed to oversee these
camps. The Department of Camping was created this year to ensure
the safety and quality of all camping programs in our Archdiocese.
His Eminence Metropolitan PHILIP has assigned me to serve as the
Director of this department, and Kahlil Samara as the Assistant
Director.
Current Status of Camps
Last summer (2004), we had eight (8) camping programs in our
Archdiocese. This summer, Camp of the Life-Giving Spring in northern
California had to cancel their program due to not being able to
find an ACA accredited site to rent. The Department of Camping will
work with this program after the summer to help with preparations
for next summer. The other seven camps will have expected camper
attendance as follows for the 2005 season:
Antiochian Village — Bolivar, PA
Camp Director — V. Rev. Michael Nasser
888 Campers, 57 Staff, 8 Weeks of Camp
Camp of the Life Giving Spring — Felton, CA
Camp Director — Rev. Patrick Jackson
NA Campers, NA Staff, NA Weeks of Camp
Camp St. George — Cedar Rapids, IA
Camp Director — Rev. Patrick Kinder
Bishop ALEXANDER preaching
55 Campers, 22 Staff, 1 Week of Camp
Camp St. Nicholas — Frazier Park, CA
Camp Director — Ms. Katrina Bitar
260 Campers, 30 Staff, 4 Weeks of Camp
Camp St. Raphael — Wagoner, OK
Camp Director — Rev. James Shadid
280 Campers, 35 Staff, 2 Weeks of Camp
Camp St. Thekla — Mt. Juliet, TN
Camp Director — Mr. H. Paul Finley
55 Campers, 15 Staff, 1 Week of Camp
Camp Transfiguration — Montreal, PQ
Camp Director — V. Rev. Peter Shportun
60 Campers, 14 Staff, 2 Weeks of Camp
St. John Summer Camp — Eagle River, AK
Camp Director — Mr. Bob Shaw
40 Campers, 10 Staff, 1 Week of Camp
TOTALS
1638 Campers, 183 Staff, 19 Weeks of Camp
Accreditation
Before we can offer our young people a living experience of our
Holy Orthodox faith, we must first fully prepare our programs and
run a safe facility. To help accomplish this goal, His Eminence
Metropolitan PHILIP requested that each camping program be
accredited by the American Camping Association (ACA) or the local
The Word 39

Canadian Camping Association by June of 2003. In addition, the
facility that each camping program in our Archdiocese rents or owns
must be accredited.
We are happy to announce that this year, three of our camps, the
Antiochian Village, Camp St. Nicholas, and Camp St. Raphael, have
all received accredited status from the ACA. Camp St. George and
Camp St. Thekla will be seeking accreditation this summer during
their camping programs.
Goals for 2005-2006
The Department of Camping hopes to provide a vehicle for the
sharing of resources for all camping programs within the Antiochian
Archdiocese. Increased cooperation with camping programs in other
Orthodox jurisdictions will also be improved, mainly through the 4th
annual Orthodox Camp Directors Conference (OCDC) in January
2006. Additional goals for this year include:
• Development of Department of Camping website
(http://www.antiochian.org/camps) to include resource section
for Camp professionals.
• Increased communication and sharing of resources between
Antiochian camps.
• Edit and revise Antiochian Archdiocese camping manual and
guidelines.
• Continued training for all Antiochian Camp Directors and staff.
• Oversight of all camp programs within the Antiochian
Archdiocese.
• Assist camping programs to find appropriate camp facilities,
receive ACA accreditation, and development of programs.
On behalf of all the campers, parents, staff, and volunteers of all of
our camps, I would like to thank His Eminence Metropolitan PHILIP
for his vision and dedication to giving every child the opportunity to
attend summer camp, and for his support in establishing this department
and the many camping programs in our Archdiocese. I would
also like to thank the Order of St. Ignatius for their generosity in supporting
our camps, and for providing scholarships for campers to
attend any of the camps in our Archdiocese. Please keep the
campers and staff of all of our camps in your prayers throughout this
camping season.
Respectfully submitted,
V. Rev. Michael Nasser
Director, Department of Camping
Moved by DR. ANTHONY BASHIR of West Roxburg, MA, seconded by FR.
PATRICK KINDER of Madison, WI, the reports were received.
8/25(b). MISS KYRA PELACHIK, Chairman of the North
American Student Board, and MRS. KATHY ABRAHAM, Lay
Advisor, presented the report of the Department of College
Ministry.
Your Eminence, Your Graces, Reverend Fathers and brothers and
sisters in Christ,
I am happy to share with you the activity of the Department of
College Ministry, which has been charged with maintaining a connection
between the Church and the thousands of Antiochian students
who are away each year studying in colleges and universities
40 The Word
across North America. Listed below are the projects the Department
has been working on this past year, through the leadership of its
North American Student Board (NASB):
~Every 2005 Diocese Parish Life Conference has a college activity
for college students to gather, meet and have fellowship.
~The Spring WORD Up newsletter written by the NASB representatives
was published in May and sent to our mailing list. Along
with the newsletter, the gift of our red bracelets with the letters that
read “Live Faith” were sent to remind every college student to live
their faith everyday and in everything that they do.
Bishop ANTOUN asks God to bless the congregation at the hierarchical
Liturgy
~The Board continues its effort on the Internship Connection
giving Antiochian college students the opportunity to get their foot
in the door of their career choice. Parishioners from across the
country have offered information about current internships in
their companies and corporations or offered themselves to be a
mentor in a specific career field.
~There will be a NASB Representative Alumni Lunch on
Saturday of this Convention to reunite past representatives.
~Information on all the mentioned above can be found on our
website: www.antiochian.org/college
It is with great pleasure that I announce that our new NASB
Chairman is Elaina Matook, our outgoing NAC Teen SOYO President.
Please welcome her to this position as we have on the Board! She will
continue for now to be the New England Representative as well as
take on the chairman responsibility. She has great experience with
her involvement in the NAC Teen SOYO, and being a part of the staff
at the Antiochian Village Summer Camp. I know she will do a great
job with the Department of College Ministry as well.
I just want to say thank you again for all your support of our programs.
I continue to see improvements in this department among the
representatives and look forward to seeing the future college students
participate and become more involved in the church as they go
through school as well as through their life.
In Christ,
Kyra Pelachik

Moved by FR. MICHAEL NASSER of Ligonier, PA, seconded by MR.
DANIEL ABRAHAM of Grand Rapids, MI, the report was received.
8/26. METROPOLITAN PHILIP delivered his Message to the
47th Archdiocese Convention. (The text appeared in the
September issue of The WORD.)
THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY RECESSED AT 1:10 PM AND
RECONVENED AT 2:50 PM.
Bishop JOSEPH and George Darany before the Grand Banquet
8/27. FR. GEORGE RADOS presented the report of the
Department of Antiochian Charities, including the Children’s
Relief Fund. MISS ROBIN NICHOLAS presented the report of
Food for Hungry People.
DEPARTMENT OF ANTIOCHIAN CHARITIES
The Department of Antiochian Charities consists of five programs:
1. Children’s Relief Fund
2. Middle Eastern Relief Fund
3. Emergency Relief Fund
4. Special Parish Community Ministries
5. Food for Hungry People
1. Children’s Relief Fund: Report submitted by V. Rev. George
Rados
2. Middle Eastern Relief Fund:
A. Four Homes of Mercy — Jerusalem
B. Deir Natour Project — Tripoli, Lebanon
(School for mentally handicapped children)
C. St. Elias Orphanage — Tripoli, Lebanon
D. St. Gregory Orphanage — Damascus, Syria
E. Convent of Saidnaya
F. Scholarships to needy students
G. Needy people and families within the Patriarchate of Antioch
3. Emergency Relief Fund:
2004 — Iranian Earthquake Victims $42,000.00
2004 — Eastern Seaboard Hurricane Relief 95,000.00
2004 — Iraqi War Victims 60,000.00
Tsunami Relief
(Several thousands of dollars were collected by our
Parishes and given directly to IOCC)
4. Special Parish Community Ministries:
Food Baskets
Blood Drives
Food Banks
Visiting Senior Citizens
Visiting Shut-ins
Special Olympics
Serve Daily Lunches
Operation School Bell
Operation Santa Claus
Sponsor Senior Citizen Homes
Sponsor Nursing Homes
Ronald McDonald House
Meals on Wheels
Salvation Army
Goodwill
Orthodox Food Centers
Children’s Relief
Make-a-Wish
Caroling at Nursing Homes
Serving Meals at Shelters
IOCC
Donating Eye Glasses
Inter-Racial Relations
Rape prevention
Book Drive for Kenya
Donations to Monastery
Sun Youth Organization
Pregnancy Centers
Toys for Tots
Project Angel Heart
“Soup”er Bowl Sundays
Adopt Families at Christmas
Friends of Ministries
Hospice Programs
Canned Food Drives
Support Rescue Missions
Manning Hot-Lines
Clothing Drives
Project Mexico
Trinity Homes
Prison Ministry
Serve Christmas Dinners
Serve Thanksgiving Dinners
Battered Women Shelters
Open Door Parties
DARE
Loaves & Fishes
Kid’s Club
The Word 41

Serve Weekly Meals
Food Pantries
Furniture Drive
Easter Baskets for Needy Children
Emergency Assistance for Needy Families
American Life League
Children’s Health & Safety Council
Child Abuse Prevention & Intervention
Orthodox Christian Mission Center
Monthly Meals
Out and About Ministry
Support Orphanage in Guatemala
Christmas Toys for Prisoner’s Children
Homeless Shelters
EPS (Emergency Pregnancy Services)
Habitat for Humanity
Boy Scouts of America
Children’s Hospital Visits
5. Food for Hungry People Program:
A. World Food Day: (Annual Canned Food Drive)
From October thru December 2003 121,895 lbs.
From October thru December 2004 101,084 lbs.
Since 1984 we have collected 2,521,361 pounds of food (many
parishes collect and distribute food all year long and many parishes
collect and distribute food but have not reported their total weight).
B. Food for Hungry People
For thirty-one years SOYO/The Fellowship of St. John the Divine
have raised funds to feed their hungry brothers and sisters. Since
1975 we have collected and distributed $3,242,838.03!
Reaching Out Around the World —
Los Angeles, CA — Children of the Night, Orthodox Street &
Prison Ministry, Southern California Earthquake victims
Pasadena, CA — Union Station Foundation
Seattle, WA — New Horizons
Detroit, MI — Gleaners Food Bank
Pittsburgh, PA — Community Food Bank
New York — Covenant House, Under 21; Emmaus House
Ethiopia — Famine Relief
Houston, TX — Covenant House, Under 21; Northwest Assistance
Ministries
Charleston, W VA — Samaritan Inn
Montreal — Canadian Syrian Lebanon Ladies Aid Society; Helping
Hand Committee
Yugoslavia — Serbian Orthodox Community of Kosovo
Toronto — Covenant House, Under 21
Florida — Hurricane Andrew victims
Ft. Lauderdale, FL — Covenant House, Under 21
Eustis, FL — Teleios Prison Ministry
Chile — St. Paul Foundation
Syria — Relief Agency of the Patriarchate; Orthodox Relief
Service; Archdiocese of Hamma & Lattakia; St. Gregory Orthodox
Society for Orphans & the Elderly; Convent of St. Thekla; Orthodox
Relief Agency — Archdiocese of Homs and Aleppo
Nazareth — Orthodox Aid Society
42 The Word
Jerusalem — Orthodox Aid Society, Four Homes of Mercy
Kenya — Orthodox Church of Kenya
Mozambique — World Vision
Uganda — Orthodox Church in Uganda
Mexico — Tacati Shelter Project; Orthodox Church in Mexico
Armenia — Relief Agency of the Patriarchate
Cambodia — Relief Fund
Cleveland, OH — St. Herman’s Monastery
Guatemala — Covenant House, Under 21
Ghana — Orthodox Church in Ghana
Lebanon — Project Parrainage of Beirut; Shreen Al-Matn;
American University of Beirut; Beirut University College; Orthodox
Relief Service; Archdioceses of Akkar, Beirut, Mt. Lebanon, Zahleh,
Tripoli, Tyre and Sidon; Orthodox Community, Marjayoun; St. George
Orthodox Hospital, Beirut; Deir Natour Project, Tripoli; Dhour
Cheweir Hospital; Oasis of Joy School; Deir Natour Monastery;
Women’s Renaissance Gathering; Rene Mouawad Foundation
Pawtucket — Rhode Island Food Bank
Wichita, KS — Venture House; Operation Recovery; HopeNet
Brazil — La da Crianco Menino Jesus
Nigeria — Holy Brethren School
Palestine — Orthodox Relief Agency, United Palestinian Appeal,
Inc.
Beaumont, TX — Some Other Place
Oklahoma City, OK — Daily Bread Ministries; Bombing victims;
Feed the Children
Homestead, PA — Methodist School of Social Services
Georgetown _ The Jerusalem Fund
West Bank — Beit Jala Society for the Aged
Brunswick, GA — MAP International
Russia — Relief Agency of the Patriarchate
Worcester, MA — Orthodox Food Ministries; Interfaith Coalition
for the Homeless
Baghdad & Kuwait — Orthodox Relief Agency
Lompoc, CA — St. Timothy’s Food for Hungry People program
Costa Mesa, Ca — Orange County Interfaith Shelter
Tucson, AZ — Primavera Foundation
Portland, OR — Flood victims
Romania — St. Nicholas Orphanage
Souderton, PA — The King’s Jubilee
Salina, KS — All Saints Church, Christmas Food Program; Ashby
House
St. Augustine — Orthodox Christian Mission Center
The world of hunger, poverty and homelessness seems a long way
from most of our Parishes. Yet, as caring Christians we bring that
world closer to us. Hunger is one of the world’s most pressing problems
affecting over one billion people. Behind the grim statistics are
children and families loved by God, who are deprived of their right to
a full life because they do not have enough to eat. Whenever there is
a need to help anyone, or any emergency, we are there to help. Over
the years we have extended ourselves to thousands of men, women
and children in an attempt to improve their lives and alleviate their
suffering.
God Bless you and thank you again for caring and sharing a part of

your lives with those less fortunate than
ourselves.
REPORT OF THE CHILDREN’S
RELIEF FUND
Beloved Hierarchs, Priestly Brothers,
Esteemed Board Members and Fellow
Delegates:
As our Nation secures itself from repeated
foreign attacks, we, as Christians, must also
concern ourselves with the plight and insecurity
of the world’s innocent people, especially
children, living in areas where danger
lurks on every street corner. Imagine what
such insecurity weighs on their minds and
hearts in anticipation of peace and safety.
The deprivation of such basic human needs
is forever confronting us and inevitably our
response will be the measure of our worth.
The Children’s Relief Fund is only one of the
many charities to which this Archdiocese
addressed itself. It is unique, however, in the
personalization of one’s support. You will
know who your child is and they will know
who their sponsors are through correspondence
and any other means of communication.
Presently, we are supporting 240 children
and to date our sponsors have donated
$1,810,387 since the inception of the
Department of Charities. Over the past two
years we have been able to successfully facilitate
ten adoptions.
Once again, I would like to recommend
that every church in this Archdiocese support
at least one child. While a few churches
are sponsoring several children through
their organizations, the greater majority are
not sponsoring any children at all. Let us all
heed the psalmist’s admonition when he
writes:
“Defend the cause of the weak and fatherless,
Maintain the rights of the poor and
oppressed,
Rescue the weak and needy, deliver them
from the hand of the wicked.”
82:3-4
Please review the details of this report
and if there are any errors, please bring
them to my attention. I thank all those who
have helped this project succeed in aiding so
many young lives. We appeal to your vigi-
lance in spite of our shortcomings. Just
remember that the child you sponsor might
have a shirt on his back or shoes on his feet
or a book in his hand because of you. These
small tangibles are but tear drops on suffering
humanity. They do, however, make a difference.
In closing, I wish to acknowledge and
thank my co-workers Wafa Atiyeh, Janan
Sarkis and Edward Bitar for their devotion
and dedication to this work of love.
Respectfully submitted,
Fr. George Rados
List of Current Sponsors
Individuals
Abdow, Mr. & Mrs. Ronald, MA
Abdow, Mrs. Caleema, VA
Aborjaily, Ms. Catherine, MA
Abouchanab, Ms. Lina, CA
Abraham, Mr. & Mrs. Abe, MI
Abraham, Mr. & Mrs. Alan, MI
Abraham, Mr. & Mrs. Robert, MS
Abraham, Mr. Hank, VA
Abraham, Mr. Wade, MI
Aburdeineh, Mr. & Mrs. George, Va
Abushanab, Mr. & Mrs. Elie, CA
Abushanab, Ms. Heather, CA
Ajalat, Dr. & Mrs. George, CA
Alvarez, Bryan & Marc, MD
Anonymous
Aramony, Mr. & Mrs. Robert, VA
Arida, Ms. Sandra, NY
Assile, Mr. & Mrs. Edward, NJ
Aswad, Fr. George & Mrs., NY
Awad, Mr. Salim, MA
Awadalah, Mr. & Mrs. Yousri, Canada
Badwey, Dr. & Mrs. Robert, MD
Barakat, Dr. & Mrs. Amin, VA
Bassila, Dr. Maha, NY
Bezreh, Mr. & Mrs. James, MA
Bitar, Mr. & Mrs. William, OR
Bitar, Mr. & Mrs. Edward, VA
Bojrab, Dr. & Mrs. David, IN
Bram, Dr. & Mrs. Melvin, TX
Braun, Mr. & Mrs. Daniel, CA
Braun, Rev. Jon, CA
Bundross, Mr. & Mrs. Christopher, CA
Canavati, Mr. & Mrs. Isa, IN
Cassis, Subdeacon Edward, MI
Conran, Mr. & Mrs. Ronald, MD
Cook, Mr. & Mrs. John, NH
Cory, Ms. Mary, Canada
Dacales, Mr. & Mrs. Peter, NJ
Daly, Rev. Daniel, MI
David, Mr. & Mrs. Joseph, PA
Davis, Rev. Christopher, PA
Deeb, Mr. & Mrs. Antoine
Devers, Ms. Henriette, WA
Doumani, Mr. & Mrs. John, AZ
Easa, Mr. & Mrs. Michel, MA
Elac, Ms. Isabel, CA
Elias Family, MA
Ekery, Ms. Hope, TX
Ellis, Mr. & Mrs. Frank, MD
Elrassi, Mr. & Mrs. Ziad, OK
Esper, Dr. & Mrs. Gary, PA
Esper, Ms. Mary, PA
Essey, Bishop Basil, KS
Farha, Mr. & Mrs. Ralph, KS
Fate, Mr. & Mrs. Jon, CA
Forzley, Ms. Michelle, MD
Freije, Mrs. Richard, IN
Furrer, Mr. & Mrs. Raymund, MD
Gall, Mr. & Mrs. William, PA
Geha, Mr. Henry, FL
Ghiz, Mr. & Mrs. Robert, WV
Ghiz, Ms. Sally, AZ
Gillquist Family, CA
Habayeb, Mr. & Mrs. Emile, NY
Habib, Dr. Viviane, Canada
Haddad, Ms. Evelyn, CA
Haddad, Mr. & Mrs. Salim, NY
Hajal, Mr. Gabriel, Canada
Halaby, Mr. & Mrs. Ronald, MA
Hazzi, Mr. & Mrs. Charles, NY
Higgins, Mr. & Mrs. William, MA
Homsi, Mr. & Mrs. Samuel, VA
Ingels, Mr. Harold, IA
Jabara, Jr., Mr. & Mrs. John, NJ
Jabbour, Dr. George, VA
Jabbour, Mr. George, MI
Jabbour, Ms. Helen, TX
Joseph, Mr. Albert, IL
Kaim, Mr. & Mrs. Henry, TX
Kaleel, Dr. & Mrs. Nicholas, FL
Kaleel, Mrs. Elsie, OH
Kelley, Ms. Mary, TX
Kent, Mr. Robert, NY
Khouri, Bishop Antoun, NJ
Khoury, Mr. & Mrs. Anton, FL
Khoury, Ms. Suzy, TX
Kraker, Mr. Wesley, TN
Kubina, Dr. & Mrs. Glenn, KS
Kurker, Mr. & Mrs. Robert, MA
Lehman, Ms. Kathryn, VA
LeMasters, Mr. & Mrs. Philip, TX
Maalouf, Dr. & Mrs. Albert, CA
Malouf, Mr. Mike, CA
Masabni, Ms. Ghada, MA
Massad, Ms. Catherine, TX
Massouh, Mr. & Mrs. Fritz, MN
McCollum, Dr. & Mrs. Herbert, TN
Mesalam, Ms. Lisa, IN
Milkie, Dr. & Mrs. C.F., CA
Morrash, Mr. & Mrs. Joseph, PA
The Word 43

Nahass Family, MA
Najjar, Mr. & Mrs. Walid, CA
Najjar, Mr. Gregory, VA
Nassif, Mr. & Mrs. Nathan, SD
Nasser, Dr. Joseph, FL
Nassor, Mr. & Mrs. George, NJ
Nicholas, Ms. Robin, CA
Nimee, Mr. William, MA
Pinkstaff, Mr. & Mrs. Martin, VA
Pokoyoway, Mrs. Renee, MI
Rafeedie, Ms. Diane, CA
Rassi, Mr. & Mrs. Ghassan, Canada
Razouk, Mr. & Mrs. Samuel, GA
Rizk, Mr. & Mrs. G.T., AZ
Rouady, Dr. & Mrs. William, FL
Rugh, Ms. Sharon, MI
Sahley Family, OH
Salem, Mr. & Mrs. Samuel, PA
Sam, Ms. Jean, MI
Sallitt, Mr. & Mrs. Robert, MD
Schonlein, Mr. & Mrs. Hank, CA
Shady, Ms. Linda, MI
Shaheen, Dr. & Mrs. Jack, SC
Shaheen, Dr. & Mrs. K.J., OH
Simm, Mr. & Mrs. David, MA
Skaff, Mr. & Mrs. Don, WV
Skaff, Mr. & Mrs. Moses, WV
Skaff, Ms. Sharon Dean, CA
Slemon, Ms. Gail, CA
Stefanco, Mr. William, NY
Swaya, Mr. & Mrs. Matthew, WA
Tadros, Mr. & Mrs. Robert, MA
Tom, Mr. & Mrs. Michael, IN
Tumsudden, Mr. Richard, MD
Vranesevich, Ms. Margaret, TX
Webber, Mr. & Mrs. William, OH
Zogheib, Richard, CT
Churches
St. George Cathedral, Coral Gables, FL
St. Nicholas Cathedral, Los Angeles, CA
St. Nicholas Cathedral, Brooklyn, NY
St. Elias Antiochian Church, Atlanta, GA
St. Elijah Church, Ottawa, Canada
St. Anthony Church, San Diego, CA
St. Ignatius Orthodox Church, Franklin, TN
St. Luke Church, Garden Grove, CA
St. Mark Church, Youngstown, OH
St. Mark Orthodox Church, Irvine, Ca
St. Mary Orthodox Church, PA
St. Nicholas Church, Grand Rapids, MI
St. George Antiochian Church of Niagara Falls, NY
Ss.Peter & Paul Church, Potomac, MD
St. Timothy Church, Lompoc, CA
St. Stephen’s Orthodox Church, Hiram, GA
St. Nicholas Church, Grand Rapids, MI
St. Elias Church, La Crosse, WI
St. Anthony Church, Halifax, Canada
St. George of Boston, W. Roxbury, MA
44 The Word
St. Mary Church Council, Johnstown, PA
St. George Church, Richmond Hill, ONT
St. Elijah Church, Oklahoma City, OK
Ladies Societies
Antiochian Women, Can Am Region, NY
Antiochian Women of St. Helen, Dallas, TX
Antiochian Women, Santa Fe, NM
AOCWNA Western Region, Pasadena, CA
AOCWNA Southeast Region, Franklin, TN
AOCWNA Southwest Region, Wichita, KS
Ladies Golden Link Society, Grand Rapids, MI
Ladies Myrrh Society, Washington, DC
Ladies of St. George, Spring Valley, IL
Ladies of St. Mary, Brooklyn, NY
Ladies of St. Mary, Cambridge, MA
Ladies Society of St. George, W. Roxbury, MA
Ladies Society of St. George, Little Falls, NJ
Ladies Society of St. George, S. Glenn Falls, NY
New England Antiochian Women, Chestnut Hill, MA
St. Anthony’s Women’s Guild, Bergenfield, NJ
St. Elias Ladies Guild, Austin, TX
St. Elijah Ladies, Oklahoma City, OK
St. George Antiochian Women, Niagara Falls, NY
St. George Ladies Auxiliary, Flint, MI
St. George Ladies Aid Society, Indianapolis, IN
St. George Ladies Aide Society, Allentown, PA
St. George Ladies, Terre Haute, IN
St. George Ladies Guild, Cicero, IL
St. George Ladies Guild, Cleveland, OH
St. George Ladies Guild, Charleston, WV
St. George Ladies Society, Phoenix, AZ
St. George Ladies Society, Troy, MI
St. George Ladies Society, W. St. Paul, MN
St. George Ladies Society, Norwood, MA
St. John Chrysostom Ladies, Ft. Wayne, IN
St. Mary’s Ladies Guild, Omaha, NE
St. Michael’s Ladies Guild, Greensburg, PA
St. Michael’s Ladies Society, Las Vegas, NV
St. Nicholas Cathedaral Hamelat Il-Tib, Brooklyn, NY
St. Philip Ladies, Davie, FL
Ss. Peter & Paul Ladies, Potomac, MD
Virgin Mary Society, Dedham, MA
Women of St. George, Vicksburg, MS
Women Group of St. Stephen
Fellowship of St. John the Divine
Midwest Fellowship of St. John, De Plaines, IL
St. Elias Fellowship of St. John, Sylvania, OH
St. John Damascus Church Fellowship of St. John, Dedham, MA
St. Elias Fellowship, Little Falls, NJ
St. George Adult Fellowship, W. Roxbury, MA
St. Mary’s Fellowship of St. John, W. Palm Beach, FL
St. Peter & Paul Fellowship of St. John, Potomac, MD
Fellowship of St. John, Halifax, Canada
St. George Fellowship of St. John, Charleston, WV

Metropolitan PHILIP inducts many to the Order of St. Ignatius
Teen SOYO
St. George Teen SOYO, Pittsburgh, PA
St. George Teen SOYO, Akron, OH
St. George Teen SOYO, Altoona, PA
St. Michael’s Teen SOYO, Greensburg, PA
St. Nicholas Teen SOYO, Brooklyn, NY
Ss. Peter & Paul Teen SOYO, Potomac, MD
St. George Cathedral Teen SOYO, Toledo, OH
Other Church Organizations
Church of the Virgin Mary Senior SOYO, Alsip, IL
Kansas-Oklahoma Deanery, Oklahoma City, OK
St. George Progressives, Indianapolis, IN
St. George Sunday School, Kearney, NE
St. George Sunday School, ONT
St. Nicholas School Project, Grand Rapids, MI
Ss. Peter & Paul Men’s Club, Potomac, MD
Humanitarian Committee of Pittsburgh, PA
Non-Church Organizations
Phoenicians, Canton, OH
Shums Il-Bir Club, Charleston, VA
Distribution of Children by Archdioceses in Lebanon
2002 2003 2004
# % # % # %
Akkar 16 5.70% 12 5.80% 25 10.40%
Beirut 83 29.50% 51 24.70% 60 25.00%
Mt. Lebanon 140 49.80% 105 51.00% 100 41.70%
Tripoli/Koura 39 13.90% 35 17.00% 35 14.60%
Zahle 2 0.70% 2 1.00% 19 7.90%
Marjayoun 1 0.40% 1 0.50% 1 0.40%
TOTAL 281 100.00% 206 100.00% 240 100.00%
Sponsorship Disbursements
Allocations Year Disbursements
1 & 2 1983 3,800
3-6 1984 16,350
7-10 1985 32,950
11 & 12 1986 55,000
13-15 1987 97,650
16 & 17 1988 112,221
18 & 19 1989 132,835
20 & 21 1990 131,130
22 & 23 1991 128,077
24 & 25 1992 114,145
26 & 27 1993 111,550
28 & 29 1994 61,800
30 & 31 1995 97,700
32 & 33 1996 81,050
34 & 35 1997 102,300
36 & 37 1998 74,850
38 & 39 1999 100,859
40 & 41 2000 85,950
42 & 43 2001 78,995
44 & 45 2002 79,775
46 & 47 2003 63,500
48 & 49 2004
Christmas Appeal
75,000
$1,810,387
1991 $29,623.00 1998 $14,589.00
1992 $26,485.00 1999 $14,500.00
1993 $12,733.00 2000 $25,399.00
1994 $21,347.00 2001 $26,399.00
1995 $18,098.00 2002 $22,280.00
1996 $14,280.50 2003 $18,513.00
1997 $15,466.00 2004 $15,985.00
Sponsorships
Total Number of Children Sponsored in 2004 = 240
Number of children sponsored in 1992 (New Sponsorships) = 27
Number of children sponsored in 1993 (New Sponsorships) = 31
Number of children sponsored in 1994 (New Sponsorships) = 24
Number of children sponsored in 1995 (New Sponsorships) = 23
Number of children sponsored in 1996 (New Sponsorships) = 22
Number of children sponsored in 1997 (New Sponsorships) = 24
Number of children sponsored in 1998 (New Sponsorships) = 27
Number of children sponsored in 1999 (New Sponsorships) = 28
Number of children sponsored in 2000 (New Sponsorships) = 32
Number of children sponsored in 2001 (New Sponsorships) = 30
Number of children sponsored in 2002 (New Sponsorships) = 18
Number of children sponsored in 2003 (New Sponsorships) = 20
Number of children sponsored in 2004 (New Sponsorships) = 65
Moved by MS. ESTHER SIMBOL of Terre Haute, IN, seconded by MRS.
LAILA R. FERRIS of El Paso, TX, the reports were received.
The Chair recognized Mr. Richard Zakka of St. Philip Church
in Davie, FL, who announced that proceeds from the sale of the
film, The Ancient Church, in the amount of $12,000 had been
donated to the Clergy Retirement Fund.
8/28. MR. EDWARD ASSILE, Chairman, presented the report
of The Order of St. Ignatius of Antioch.
Your Eminence, Metropolitan PHILIP, Diocesan Bishops,
Reverend Clergy, Esteemed Members of the Board of Trustees and
the Governing Council of The Order of St. Ignatius of Antioch, Ladies
and Gentlemen,
On behalf of the Governing Council, I am pleased to report that
The Order of St. Ignatius has 3,200 members, an increase of 400
members since the last meeting in Miami. Additionally, in the past
The Word 45

two years there has been a 20% increase in Life Membership and
there are 245 Life Members as compared to 203 in 2003.
The Order continues to be an integral part of the well-being and
growth of our Self-Ruled Archdiocese. Since its inception in 1975,
The Order has contributed over $16 million to programs for the
Archdiocese as well as humanitarian needs throughout North
America and the world. Can you imagine this Archdiocese without
this wonderful ministry?
The Order ambassador program is now in place and while every
parish does not have a specific ambassador there is one in most
parishes and deaneries. Volunteer members wishing to spread the
word of our good works have come forward to participate. Please volunteer
if you see that there is a need in your parish or deanery. With
Ed Assile reports for the Order of St. Ignatius
the assistance of the communications department, as well as The
Order’s webmaster and membership chair, the ambassador webpage
will be up and running in a timely manner.
Next year will be The Order of St. Ignatius’ 30th anniversary. Since
the beginning, one of The Order’s most important projects has been
the funding of the clergy housing and retirement allowance. The
allowance has been the same for the past few years and actuarial
studies indicate this monthly allowance cannot be raised unless significant
funding is added. In the fall, The Order will announce a onetime
special program that will address this issue and, with God’s
help, will raise the needed funds to increase the allowance from $700
a month to a more respectable $1,000 a month.
This past spring a special direct mail campaign encouraging Order
members to upgrade their rank and donation took place and was very
favorably received. More than 25 members either upgraded or made
a donation in response to this letter. This positive reaction proves
that if asked Order members are happy to help even more. This
appeal will now be incorporated into an annual campaign prior to
the parish life conferences.
The new diocesan bishops have been a blessing to the dioceses
they serve. They are helping us to spread the word about spiritual giving
resulting in new interest from people willing to participate in The
46 The Word
Order. Existing members are always encouraged to come forward to
upgrade their rank and this Sunday’s Hierarchical Liturgy is the perfect
place to upgrade. Considering that $500 a year contribution,
$41.67 a month or $1.37 a day, is a relatively small sacrifice for so
great a reward, many should prayerfully consider participating in
The Order. The ease and simplicity provided by the electronic funds
transfer system whereby members’ annual contributions are automatically
deducted on a monthly basis from checking or savings
accounts also aids in encouraging participation.
Please ask any member for more information about The Order. You
can identify an Order member by their cross lapel pins or their neck
crosses on red ribbons which tell the world, “You can count on us.”
Thank you to all our hierarchs, clergy and members for their continued
help and support. We look forward to growing this ministry
together.
In Christ,
Edward Assile
North American Chair
Moved by the Spiritual Advisors of The Order, seconded by the officers of
the Governing Council of The Order, the report was received. Mr. Assile
announced that the archdiocesan officers for the coming year are Edward
Assile, Chairman; Dan Abraham, Vice-Chairman; Tony Koury, Treasurer;
and Mary Winstanley-O’Connor, Secretary.
8/29(a). MR. ROBERT LAHAM presented the report of the
Department of Finance. He first presented the Annual Financial
Report for the Fiscal Year Ended January 31, 2005.
STATEMENT OF ARCHDIOCESE RECEIPTS AND
EXPENDITURES FOR THE FISCAL YEARS ENDED
JANUARY 31, 2005 AND 2004
RECEIPTS
YEAR ENDED JANUARY 31
Per Budget Actual Actual
2005 2005 2004
1. FROM THE PARISHES & MISSIONS
(a) Parish Assessments $1,320,000 $1,308,011 $1,132,220
(b) Tithing Parishes
(c) Archdiocese Seminarian Fund
300,000 300,085 277,110
(Orthodoxy Sunday)
(d) Patriarchate Fund
50,000 56,705 50,726
(Palm Sunday)
(e) Theological Seminaries Fund
50,000 56,847 52,916
(October Month) 50,000 52,824 44,913
TOTAL $1,770,000 $1,774,472 $1,557,885
2. FROM INDIVIDUALS (Note A)
(a) For the General Fund 300,000 309,200 327,490
(b) For Word Magazine
(c) For Other Funds &
15,000 16,390 10,970
Special Charities
(d) For Antiochian Women,
55,000 67,548 67,675
Fellowship of St. John & SOYO 5,000 5,150 4,350
TOTAL $ 375,000 $ 398,288 $ 410,485

3. FROM THE ARCHDIOCESE CONFERENCES
& ORGANIZATIONS
(a) The Order of St. Ignatius
of Antioch (Note B) 1,337,000 1,284,597 1,159,232
(b) Antiochian Women 160,000 129,088 146,202
(c) From Fellowship of St. John the Divine:
Registration Fees 32,000 36,830 34,750
Food for the Hungry 160,000 150,000 172,000
TOTAL (c) $192,000 $186,830 $206,750
(d) Archdiocese Convention —
From Host Parish — — 62,865
(e) Department of Charities —
Children’s Relief Fund 75,000 73,055 41,140
(f) Missions Council 80,000 70,740 90,829
TOTAL $1,844,000 $1,744,310 $1,707,028
4. FROM PARISHES AND INDIVIDUALS
(a) Hurricane Relief 94,962 –
(b) Iraqi War Victims — 50,000
TOTAL $ 94,962 $ 50,000
5. OTHER ARCHDIOCESE RECEIPTS
(a) Balamand Theological
Education Funds 50,000 50,000 50,000
(b) Sale of Orthodox Christian Books
& Publications 190,000 177,683 159,495
(c) Subscriptions to The WORD 3,000 4,731 3,822
(d) St. Stephen’s Course of Studies
& Masters Program 100,000 150,150 131,995
(e) Heritage and Learning
Center Reserve 75,000 118,722 250,627
(f) Miscellaneous — 12,036 7,467
TOTAL $ 418,000 $ 513,322 $ 603,406
TOTAL RECEIPTS $4,407,000 $4,525,354 $4,328,804
EXPENDITURES
YEAR ENDED JANUARY 31
Per Budget Actual Actual
2005 2005 2004
1. THEOLOGICAL EDUCATION
(a) Seminarians — Tuition, Room,
Board, Allowances $ 200,000 $ 222,693 $ 254,679
(b) Balamand Theological Academy
& Theological Seminaries 150,000 100,000 130,000
(c) Antiochian House of Studies 28,000 23,165 20,776
(d) St. Stephen’s Course of Studies
& Masters Program 70,000 110,145 102,879
TOTAL $ 448,000 $ 456,003 $ 508,334
2. OTHER CONTRIBUTIONS AND RELATED EXPENDITURES
(a) Retired Clergy Housing
Allowance 200,000 200,000 190,000
(b) Other Contributions for and within
the Patriarchate 40,000 9,000 24,650
(c) SCOBA & NCC, etc. 7,000 5,000 3,000
(d) Fellowship of St. John, SOYO
& Antiochian Women 7,000 5,150 13,650
(e) Antiochian Women 160,000 129,088 146,202
(f) Charities (Note A) 235,000 318,017 263,150
TOTAL $ 649,000 $ 66,255 $ 640,652
3. ARCHDIOCESE DEPARTMENTS & STANDING COMMITTEES
(a) Youth Ministry 150,000 150,723 145,000
(b) Campus Ministry 25,000 16,126 14,548
(c) Orthodox Christian
Education 110,000 114,625 99,487
(d) Sacred Music & Liturgics 23,000 10,647 18,394
(e) Mission Support and
Development 135,000 134,546 143,900
(f) Planning & Future
Development 80,000 9,463 —
Archimandrites Paul Doyle (right) and Paul Moses (left)
(g) Missions & Evangelism 265,000 303,907 283,389
(h) Information and Media
Relations 15,000 4,111 10,800
(i) Orthodox Christian Books
& Publications 145,000 162,756 100,529
(j) The WORD magazine 230,000 245,092 224,197
(k) Conciliar Press 10,000 10,000 18,000
(l) Continuing Pastoral Education 7,000 6,000 6,000
(m) Marriage and Parish
Family Ministries 60,000 54,704 25,000
(n) Communications and
Information — 88,274 31,659
(o) Western Rite Vicariate
& Interfaith 15,000 9,023 4,455
(q) Other Departments &
Standing Committees 16,000 10,932 12,727
TOTAL $1,286,000 $1,330,929 $1,138,085
4. MAINT. OF ARCHDIOCESE
HEADQUARTERS (Note B) 497,000 534,828 543,509
5. INSURANCE 35,000 31,812 30,669
6. METROPOLITAN PHILIP’S
ALLOWANCE 72,000 72,000 72,000
The Word 47

7. AUXILIARY BISHOP’S
(FOUR) STIPENDS 200,000 212,500 180,000
8. CHANCERY IN TOLEDO 30,000 27,332 30,243
9. CHANCERY IN LOS ANGELES 40,000 41,339 40,515
10. CHANCERY IN WICHITA 35,000 27,333 32,475
11. ST. ATHANASIUS COLLEGE 35,000 35,000 35,000
12. ANTIOCHIAN VILLAGE CAMP
(Note C) 490,000 476,294 360,755
13. HERITAGE & LEARNING CENTER
(Note D) 240,000 262,027 352,689
Frs. Michel Najm, Antony Gabriel, Constantine Nasr and Nicholas Dahdal
enjoy one another’s company
14. OTHER SPECIAL PROJECTS —
ORDER OF ST. IGNATIUS
(Note E) 266,000 246,831 262,044
15. COST OF CONVERTING CAN. DOLLARS
INTO US DOLLARS
16. MISCELLANEOUS
60,000 41,303 44,096
EXPENDITURES
TOTAL
30,000 36,599 39,441
EXPENDITURES
EXCESS OF RECEIPTS OVER
$4,413,000 $4,498,385 $4,310,507
EXPENDITURES (DEFICIT) $ (6,000) $ 26,969 $ 18,297
Moved by DR. ELIAS HEBEKA of Naples, FL, seconded by MRS. KATHY
SNYDER of Canton, OH, the report was received.
8/29(b). MR. ROBERT LAHAM presented the proposed budget
for the fiscal year ending January 31, 2007.
2006 2007 Diff.
A. Theological Education
1. Seminarians — Tuition, Room,
Board & Allowance 250,000 250,000
2. Balamand theological Academy
& Theological Seminaries 140,000 100,000 -40,000
3. Antiochian House of Studies 25,000 25,000
48 The Word
4. St. Stephen Course of Studies &
Master’s Program 100,000 100,000
Total Theological Education 515,000 475,000 -40,000
B. Other Related Expenditures
1. Retired Clergy
Housing Allowance 250,000 250,000
2. Contributions for and within
the Patriarchate 25,000 25,000
3. SCOBA, NCCC, Etc. 7,000 7,000
4. Fellowship of St. John, Teen SOYO
and Antiochian Women 15,000 6,000 -9,000
5. Antiochian Women 150,000 150,000
6. Charities —
(a) Food for Hungry 160,000 150,000 -10,000
(b) Children’s Relief Fund 75,000 75,000
Total Related Expenditures 682,000 663,000 -19,000
C. Archdiocese Departments
1. Youth Ministry 155,000 165,000 10,000
2. Campus Ministry 22,000 25,000 3,000
3. Orthodox Christian Education 110,000 120,000 10,000
4. Sacred Music & Liturgics 25,000 27,000 2,000
5. Mission Support and
Development 140,000 140,000
6. Planning and Future
Development 150,000 150,000
7. Mission and Evangelism 275,000 300,000 25,000
8. Information and Media
Relations 15,000 15,000
9. Orthodox Christian Books
& Publications 150,000 165,000 15,000
10. The WORD Publication 240,000 265,000 25,000
11. Conciliar Press 10,000 5,000 -5,000
12. Continuing Pastor Education 7,000 7,000
13. Marriage and Parish Family
Ministries 63,000 64,000 1,000
14. Communications and
Information 112,000 200,000 88,000
15. Camping 30,000 30,000
16. Western Rite Vicariate &
Inter-Faith 10,000 10,000
17. Other Departments and
Standing Committees 16,000 12,000 -4,000
Total Departments 1,500,000 1,700,000 200,000
D. Maintenance of Archdiocese
Headquarters (Note 1) 525,000 555,000 30,000
E. Insurance 35,000 35,000
F. Metropolitan’s Allowance
and Office 72,000 80,000 8,000
G. Diocesan Bishops’ (seven)
Stipends 350,000 350,000
H. Chanceries (Note 2) 165,000 140,000 -25,000
I. Local Synod Meeting Expenses 20,000 20,000
J. St. Athanasius Academy 35,000 35,000

K. Other Special Projects —
Order of St. Ignatius (Note 3) 256,000 181,000 -75,000
L. Antiochian Village (Note 4) 335,000 373,000 38,000
M. Heritage & Learning Center
(Note 5) 245,000 195,000 -50,000
N. Conversion of Canadian Dollars
into US Dollars 45,000 45,000
O. Miscellaneous and Contingencies 35,000 35,000
Total D through O 2,118,000 2,044,000 -74,000
TOTAL BUDGETED
EXPENDITURES 4,815,000 4,882,000 67,000
BUDGETED SOURCES
OF RECEIPTS 2006 2007 Diff.
A. From the Parishes and Missions
1. Parish Assessments 1,600,000 1,600,000
2. Tithing Parishes 300,000 300,000
3. Archdiocese Seminarian Fund
(Orthodox Sunday) 50,000 55,000 5,000
4. Patriarchate Fund
(Palm Sunday) 50,000 55,000 5,000
5. Theological Seminaries Fund
(October Month) 50,000 55,000 5,000
Total from
Parishes and Missions 2,050,000 2,065,000 15,000
B. From Individuals
1. For the General Fund 325,000 325,000
2. For WORD Magazine 15,000 15,000
3. For Other Funds &
Special Charities 55,000 55,000
4. For AOCWNA, Fellowship of St. John
& Teen SOYO 5,000 5,000
Total from Individuals 400,000 400,000
C. From the Archdiocese Conventions and Organizations
1. The Order of St. Ignatius
of Antioch (Note 6) 1,357,000 1,307,000 -50,000
2. Antiochian Women 150,000 150,000
3. From Fellowship of St. John and Teen SOYO
(a) Registration Fees 32,000 35,000 3,000
(b) Food for Hungry 160,000 150,000 -10,000
Total Item 3 192,000 185,000 -7,000
4. Archdiocese Convention 60,000 -60,000
5. Department of Charities —
Children’s Relief Fund 75,000 75,000
6. Mission Councils 80,000 80,000
Total C 1,914,000 1,797,000 -117,000
D. Other Archdiocese Receipts
1. Balamand Theological
Education 50,000 50,000
2. Sale of Orthodox Books
and Publications 175,000 175,000
3. Subscriptions to
The WORD magazine 4,000 4,000
4. St. Stephen’s Course of Studies
& Master’s Program 140,000 150,000 10,000
5. Heritage and Learning
Center Reserve 75,000 75,000
6. Miscellaneous 12,000 12,000
Total Other Receipts 444,000 466,000 22,000
TOTAL BUDGETED SOURCES OF RECEIPTS —
Items A through D 4,808,000 4,728,000 -80,000
TOTAL BUDGETED EXPENDITURES —
Page 1 4,815,000 4,882,000 67,000
Metropolitan PHILIP dialogues with his clergy
EXCESS OF BUDGETED EXPENDITURES
OVER RECEIPTS (Deficit) -7,000 -154,000 -147,000
Notes to Proposed Budget
Note 1 — Maintenance and Operation of Archdiocese Headquarters
2006 2007 Diff.
Office Staff Salaries 195,000 200,000 5,000
Medical Health, Life Insurance
& Social Security 115,000 135,000 20,000
Household (including Housekeeper’s
and Cook’s wages) 84,000 90,000 6,000
Utilities (telephone, gas,
electricity, oil heating) 35,000 35,000
Postage 13,000 12,000 -1,000
Repairs and Maintenance 40,000 40,000
Capital Improvements 10,000 10,000
Office Supplies and Equipment 10,000 10,000
Automobile Expense (gas, oil,
repairs, insurance, etc.) 12,000 12,000
Sewer Charges and Cottage
Real Estate Taxes 11,000 11,000
Total 525,000 555,000 30,000
Note 2 — Chanceries
Chancery in Toledo 30,000 30,000
The Word 49

Chancery in Los Angeles 35,000 35,000
Chancery in Wichita 35,000 35,000
Chancery in Miami 35,000 10,000 -25,000
Chancery in Montreal 20,000 20,000
Chancery in Pennsylvania 10,000 10,000
Total 165,000 140,000 -25,000
Note 3 — Other Special Projects
The Order of St. Ignatius of Antioch
Task Force for Jerusalem 20,000 20,000
College Conferences 25,000 25,000
Archimandrite Daniel Griffith and Fr. Andre Issa celebrate vespers
Endowment Funds 75,000 -75,000
Orthodox Christian Prison Ministries 15,000 15,000
Project Mexico 15,000 15,000
IOCC 25,000 25,000
Clergy Symposium and
Convention Assistance 24,000 24,000
Youth Workers Conference 7,000 7,000
Other Projects 50,000 50,000
Total 256,000 181,000 -75,000
Note 4 — Antiochian Village Camp
From the Order of St. Ignatius
Summer Camp Scholarships 100,000 110,000 10,000
Special Olympics 8,000 8,000
Capital Campaign 75,000 100,000 25,000
From the Archdiocese General Fund
Camp Improvements 100,000 100,000
Operations Deficit 10,000 10,000
Camp Subsidy 42,000 45,000 3,000
Total 335,000 373,000 38,000
Note 5 — Heritage and Learning Center
From the Order of St. Ignatius
Purchase of Library Books 15,000 15,000
Museum Development 15,000 15,000
Grants for Departmental Meetings 10,000 10,000
50 The Word
Antiochian Village Building
Fund Phase III 50,000 -50,000
From Archdiocese General Fund
Museum Operations 50,000 50,000
Operation of Library 10,000 10,000
Reserve for Capital
Improvements 20,000 20,000
From Reserve for
Capital Improvements 75,000 75,000
Total 245,000 195,000 -50,000
Note 6 — Order of St. Ignatius
Heritage & Learning Center
(a) Library Books 15,000 15,000
(b) Museum Operations 15,000 15,000
(c) Village Building Fund
Phase III 50,000 -50,000
Antiochian Village
(a) Capital Campaign 75,000 100,000 25,000
(b) Summer Camp Scholarships 100,000 110,000 10,000
(c) SOYO Special Olympics 8,000 8,000
Retired Clergy Housing Allowance 200,000 200,000
Christian Education Fund 40,000 40,000
Christian Education
Endowment Fund 25,000 -25,000
Parish Development 25,000 25,000
Youth Ministry 115,000 115,000
Youth Ministry Endowment Fund 25,000 -25,000
Archdiocese Administrative Services 115,000 115,000
Missions & Evangelism 125,000 125,000
Missions & Evangelism
Endowment Fund 25,000 -25,000
Antiochian House of Studies 20,000 20,000
Marriage and Parish
Family Ministries 30,000 30,000
Planning and Future Development 75,000 75,000
Communications and Information 50,000 100,000 50,000
Departmental Grants 10,000 10,000
Project Mexico 15,000 15,000
College Conference 25,000 25,000
Orthodox Christian Prison Ministries 15,000 15,000
Task Force for Jerusalem 20,000 20,000
Balamand Theological Academy 40,000 30,000 -10,000
IOCC 25,000 25,000
Clergy Symposium &
Convention Assistance 24,000 24,000
Other Projects 50,000 50,000
Total 1,357,000 1,307,000 -50,000
Moved by MR. NICHOLAS SHAHEEN, seconded by FR. JAMES ELLISON
of Urbana, IL, the proposed budget was approved.
Metropolitan PHILIP noted that the archdiocese must remedy
the unhealthy deficit of $154,000. He reported that at their meeting
on Tuesday the clergy had overwhelmingly approved a pro-

posal to implement a policy that each parish would “tithe” its
income, excluding building funds, to the archdiocese. The
Department of Finance approved the same proposal at a special
meeting on Wednesday.
Mr. George Darany of Troy, MI, moved that the archdiocese
adopt the policy that each parish would submit 10% of its operating
budget, excluding building funds, to the archdiocese in
place of the current per capita assessment. Mr. Robert Laham
seconded the motion. In speaking to the motion, several people
emphasized the scriptural foundation of tithing, and the chair
clarified that the local dioceses would not be authorized to ask
the parishes for additional funds.
Fr. Paul Hodge of Kearney, NE, offered a friendly amendment
to phase in the policy over three years beginning with 8% in fiscal
2007 and increasing by 1% in 2008 and 2009, respectively. Mr.
John Ghantous of Los Angeles, CA, seconded the amendment. The
motion makers accepted the amendment, and the amended
motion passed with a standing vote.
8/30. MESSRS. CHARLES AJALAT and ROBERT KOORY,
Chancellors, moved the following five resolutions for the
Department of Legal Affairs and Resolutions.
RESOLUTION OF APPRECIATION FOR THE
HOST PARISH
WHEREAS, St. George Antiochian Orthodox Church of Troy,
Michigan, has graciously hosted the 47th Antiochian Orthodox
Christian Archdiocesan Convention;
AND WHEREAS, the Pastor, Archpriest Joseph Antypas, the
Convention Chairperson George Darany, the entire Convention
Committee, the Parish Council and all the faithful have not spared
any effort to assure the success of this Convention, and to provide for
the utmost enjoyment and spirituality of the delegates and guests;
AND WHEREAS, this Convention is historic as the first regular
Convention of the Self-Ruled Antiochian Orthodox Christian
Archdiocese of North America;
THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that this 47th Archdiocesan
Convention, duly assembled at Dearborn, Michigan, from July 25-31,
2005, extends to them by acclamation its heartfelt thanks and appreciation
for an outstanding and extraordinary convention.
The resolution was approved by acclamation.
RESOLUTION WELCOMING METROPOLITAN PAUL
OF AUSTRALIA AND NEW ZEALAND
WHEREAS, the hierarchs, clergy and faithful of this God-protected
Self-Ruled Antiochian Orthodox Archdiocese of North America
have met as the General Assembly at the 47th Antiochian Orthodox
Christian Archdiocesan Convention and are honored to have with us
our blessed Antiochian Metropolitan PAUL Saliba of Australia and
New Zealand who served faithfully as a priest in this Archdiocese;
AND WHEREAS, the General Assembly wishes to express again its
love and affection for its sister and brother Antiochian Orthodox
Christians in Australia and New Zealand and its willingness to work
together with them to the glory of our Lord Jesus Christ;
THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that the General Assembly of this
47th Archdiocesan Convention, welcomes with warm Orthodox
Christian love the beloved Metropolitan PAUL Saliba of Australia and
New Zealand. May God grant you many years.
The resolution was approved by acclamation.
RESOLUTION CALLING FOR ACTION BY SCOBA FOR
ORTHODOX UNITY
WHEREAS, Orthodoxy first came to North America over two hundred
years ago, and has been firmly planted in this soil and in the
Metropolitan PAUL speaks to a member of his delegation from Australia
hearts and souls of North Americans who have been born and raised
on this Continent and have no desire to leave their homeland;
AND WHEREAS, the past century has seen the presence of many
Orthodox jurisdictions, each with their own parishes, bishops,
priests and faithful, building churches and Orthodox communities
along their own ethnic and/or jurisdictional lines, often in close proximity
and in conflict with other Orthodox communities;
AND WHEREAS, this has resulted in an uncanonical situation by
the presence of multiple Orthodox communities in the same geographic
area and the presence of more than one Orthodox Bishop for
the same geographic area, as well as the division of the one Holy
Orthodox Church along jurisdictional and/or ethnic lines thereby
dividing what is meant by God to be united;
AND WHEREAS, this uncanonical situation has weakened the
presence of the Orthodox Church in North America, in many practical
respects among others: The inability to speak to the political
leaders and the citizens in North America with one united Orthodox
voice that would vocalize with strength the Orthodox position and
concerns on the moral, spiritual, practical and political issues that
concern North Americans in their everyday life;
AND WHEREAS, this uncanonical situation has resulted in the
faithful Orthodox, whether in school, work or in the home, being
unaware that their schoolmates, fellow workers and/or neighbors
share the same Orthodox faith;
AND WHEREAS, it is the duty of all Orthodox Christians, and espe-
The Word 51

cially the members of the holy episcopate to work and pray for the
unity of the faith and to work to correct any uncanonical situation;
AND WHEREAS, the Standing Conference of Orthodox Bishops in
America, (SCOBA) which is comprised of Orthodox bishops from all
canonical Orthodox jurisdictions in North America, last met with
respect to Orthodox unity at the Antiochian Village in 1994 and has
done nothing since that time to further resolve the uncanonical situation
in North America and to promote Orthodox unity;
THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that this General Assembly of the
47th Archdiocesan Convention, duly assembled at Dearborn,
Michigan, challenges, requests and calls on SCOBA to meet with all
Chancellors Charles Ajalat and Robert Koory present resolutions
deliberate speed with the expressed purpose to endorse, promote
and accomplish Orthodox Unity in North America and to set forth a
plan and timetable for the achieving such Orthodox Unity.
Fr. Joseph Abud of Flint, MI, asked the motion makers to accept a friendly
amendment to the first paragraph so that it would read, “those who have
been born and raised on this continent and have no desire to leave their
homeland, and/or those who have moved to this country and have adopted
it as their homeland;” as well as a friendly amendment to the last paragraph
so that it would read, “calls on SCOBA to establish a commission to
meet with all deliberate speed …” The motion makers accepted the friendly
amendments, and the resolution was approved as amended by acclamation.
RESOLUTION IN VIGOROUS OPPOSITION TO POSITIONS
TAKEN BY EXTREME CHRISTIAN GROUPS
WHEREAS, several extreme positions that are both divisive and
dangerous have emerged from so-called “Left-wing” and “Rightwing”
Christian groups;
AND WHEREAS, the tenets of these extreme positions include, but
are not limited to, support for same-sex marriage, support for abortion,
support for ordination of women to Holy Orders, support for the
concept of war which is “pre-emptive” or “justifiable”, and the labeling
of other faiths and their leaders with hateful terminology;
AND WHEREAS, The Holy Orthodox Church believes and teaches
the faith which was taught by Our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, and
52 The Word
upheld by His Apostles, and “which was once for all delivered to the
saints” (Jude:3);
AND WHEREAS, The Self-Ruled Antiochian Orthodox Christian
Archdiocese of North America stands firm in her resolve to uphold
this Holy Orthodox Faith in all of its purity;
THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that this General Assembly of the
47th Convention of the Self-Ruled Antiochian Orthodox Christian
Archdiocese of North America firmly rejects all extremist positions
that are contrary to the teachings of the Holy Orthodox Faith;
AND BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that this Archdiocese will not
be affiliated with those groups that support and promulgate these
extreme positions, and that this Archdiocese will continue to witness
to the Truth as received from our Lord Jesus Christ Himself, His Holy
Apostles, the Holy Fathers, and all of the saints and martyrs who
have lived and died to uphold the Holy Orthodox Faith.
Sponsored by His Eminence Metropolitan PHILIP
Fr. John Morris of Vicksburg, MS, asked the motion makers to accept a
friendly amendment to the last paragraph so that it would read, “that support
and promulgate any of these extreme positions.” The motion makers
accepted the friendly amendment, and the resolution was approved as
amended by acclamation.
RESOLUTION OF THANKSGIVING
WHEREAS, the hierarchs, clergy and faithful of this God-protected
Self-Ruled Antiochian Orthodox Archdiocese of North America
have met in General Assembly under the leadership of our beloved
Primate Metropolitan PHILIP at the 47th Antiochian Orthodox
Christian Archdiocesan Convention in Dearborn, Michigan, at a regular
convention for the first time as a self-ruled Archdiocese as set
forth in our duly adopted and amended Constitution approved in
Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania in July 2004 and by which Constitution our
newest diocesan bishops, Bishop THOMAS, Bishop MARK and
Bishop ALEXANDER were duly nominated, elected and consecrated
to the holy episcopate;
AND WHEREAS, the General Assembly and all the faithful of this
Archdiocese have worked and continue to work for the building of
this God-protected Archdiocese and the Holy Orthodox Church in
North America, steadfastly holding to the Holy Scriptures, Holy
Traditions and Canons of the one Holy Catholic and Apostolic
Orthodox Church and our beloved Patriarchate of Antioch;
THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that this General Assembly of the
47th Archdiocesan Convention, duly assembled at Dearborn,
Michigan, from July 25-31, 2005, give thanks to Almighty God for the
blessings bestowed upon this Archdiocese for guiding our beloved
Primate Metropolitan PHILIP in achieving Self-Rule for this
Archdiocese and for granting to our beloved Patriarch IGNATIUS IV
and the members of the Holy Synod of Antioch the wisdom, courage
and foresight to grant irrevocably Self-Rule to this Archdiocese in
the October 9, 2003 Resolution.
Moved by Dr. GEORGE FARHA of Wichita, KS, seconded by the Archdiocese
Board of Trustees, the resolution was approved by acclamation.
9a. FR. PETER SHPORTUN of St. Nicholas Church, Montreal,
PQ, Canada, presented the report on the 2007 Archdiocese
Convention to be held in Montreal, Quebec.

9b. FR. TIMOTHY BACLIG of St. Michael’s Church, Van Nuys,
CA, presented their bid to host the 2009 Archdiocese Convention.
The assembly ratified their bid.
9c. According to Article VI of the Archdiocese Constitution,
Metropolitan PHILIP appointed the following five members to the
Archdiocese Board of Trustees: DR. ELIAS HEBEKA, MR. GREG-
ORY H. LAHAM, MR. WILLIAM NASSIR, MRS. ADELE SOFFA,
and MR. GEORGE ZACZAC. The Metropolitan also appointed
DR. EUGENE SAYFIE as an Honorary Member.
9d. Bishop ANTOUN, Episcopal Overseer of the Department of
Statistics and Credentials, announced the election of the following
ten members to the Archdiocese Board of Trustees:
1. MR. DANIEL J. ABRAHAM
2. MR. NICOLA M. ANTAKLI
3. DR. ANTHONY S. BASHIR
4. MR. GEORGE G. DARANY
5. DR. GEORGE J. FARHA
6. MRS. ELAINE HEIDER
7. DR. SAM H. KOURI
8. MR. WILLIAM D. MORRISON
9. MR. WALTER PARHAMOVICH
10. MR. PHILIP N. SALIBA
10. Moved by WALTER PARHAMOVICH, seconded
by WILLIAM NASSIR, the General Assembly
adjourned at 5:30 PM, after Bishop BASIL offered the
closing prayer.
The NAC Fellowship of St. John the Divine
Respectfully Submitted,
Very Rev. Fr. Michael Ellias
Secretary
Board of Trustees
Bishop THOMAS poses with other former Antiochian Village Camp counselors
Guests from Australia attend the General Assembly
The Word 53

Antiochian Women
“Care for Those Who Care for Us”
The Antiochian Women’s Project: The Retired Clergy Fund
“Let the elders who rule well be counted worthy of double
honor, especially those who labor in the work and doctrine.”
(1 Timothy 5:17)
As we grew from childhood to adulthood, basking in the love
and traditions of our families, we were taught, first and foremost,
to care for those whom we were to respect at all times
— our elders. They were the members of our families and
communities who led the way to a better life, were full of wisdom,
taught us of times come and gone, and gave us hope for
a brighter future. These elders were our parents, our grandparents,
anyone who held a level of importance in our lives.
For these elders, we would do all that we could to ensure that
they received the honor they deserved and were treated with
dignity at all times. We cared for them physically, emotionally,
and financially. Why not? Were they not our beloved family
members who deserved the best that we could give and even
more? They worked hard throughout their lives, and ours, to
ensure that we would live our lives in comfort, stability, and
love.
The elders in our lives whom we must care for, are not only
our parents and grandparents, but include our retired clergy
as well. Have our clergy not also led the way to a better life,
shared their wisdom, taught us how to grow to be better
human beings, and given us hope for a better future, especially
the one in which we would spend eternal life? Have they not
cared for the most important part of us, our souls? Have they
not put aside all personal care in order to care for us during
our times of joy and need? The answer to this question is a very
clear and resounding “yes.” Thus, the goal of the Antiochian
Women’s Project: The Retired Clergy Fund is to provide our
honored elders, our retired clergy and their wives, a life of dignity,
especially after many years of service to us, their flock.
The Antiochian Women of this blessed archdiocese have
always responded to the call of caring for those in need, both
far and near. As a Sisterhood of Charity, the Antiochian
Women have never failed to respond successfully to any challenge
placed before us. We will succeed in meeting the challenge
of raising $500,000.00, over a five-year period, to ensure
54 The Word
that our retired clergy are able to retire with the dignity which
they deserve. We should not expect them to live any differently
than our parents and grandparents. Yet this goal cannot be
achieved by the Antiochian Women alone. We, as Orthodox
Christians, are responsible to “Care for those who care for us,”
our retired clergy. As St. Paul said, “For by one Spirit we were
all baptized into one body … and have all been made to
drink into one Spirit. For in fact the body is not one member
but many” (I Corinthians 12:13-14). We, the many members of
this archdiocese, must work together, as one, in order to care
for those who care for the most important part of us, our souls.
They, our clergy, ensure for us the most important place of all,
a place for all eternity, with our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.
The Antiochian Women now have a “mantra,” which we wish
everyone would learn, commit to memory and repeat as many
times as possible. This mantra is a reminder of how urgent this
Project is in order to allow our retired clergy, along with the
widowed clergy wives, to live a life of dignity. It is the formula
through which the retirement amount is determined for all
retired clergy and widowed clergy wives. The formula is as
follows:
For every retired member of the clergy —
$23.33 per month X the number of years of service
up to 30 years, not to exceed more than $700.00 per month
For every widow of a member of the clergy —
75% of what her husband
would have received, once she has
reached the age of 65
Do the math for yourselves. If a member of the clergy were
to serve 20 years, take that number and work it through the
formula. He would receive $466.66 per month. If he were to
pass away, his widow would only receive 75% of that amount,
which equals $349.95, when she reaches the age of 65. If a
priest serves for 40 years, the maximum he could receive is
$700.00 per month. If a clergy wife becomes a widow at the age
of 50, she cannot receive the allotted amount (75% of what her

husband would have received) for another 15 years. Put yourselves
in their position. If you lived in a parish home, how
could you establish yourself in a new residence at the age of
60, 65, 70? If your spouse passes away, leaving you widowed at
the age of 40, 50, 60 years of age, how will you support yourself
and your family, for you cannot receive any of the funds from
the Retired Clergy fund until you are 65 years of age? In today’s
world of economics, we know that these amounts are tantamount
to poverty. How can we, as Orthodox Christians, allow
anyone to live on funds such as these?
There is also another problem which will befall this fund
and that is it will be depleted in a few years’ time if it is not
substantially supported through increasing the principle,
which is what the Antiochian Women’s Project: The Retired
Clergy Fund is intended to do. Not only will the amount of
$500,000.00 raised through this Project support the continuance
of this fund, but it will hopefully increase the amount
allotted to retired clergy and the widowed clergy wives. Just as
we would want a dignified and affordable retirement for our
parents, grandparents, and ourselves, we should expect no less
for our retired clergy and the widowed clergy wives.
The Antiochian Women also wish to extend their sincerest
appreciation for your support and generosity for their Project
in year one. A grand and generous amount of $115,000.00 was
raised for the Retired Clergy Fund. As we enter year two, we
once again ask for your support as we continue to “care for
those who care for us,” our retired clergy. It is only through
your continuous generosity and assistance that we can meet
the goal of raising $500,000.00 for this most worthy Project.
We, the Antiochian Women, a Sisterhood of Charity serving
Christ through serving others, ask that you continue to work
with your local chapters in all that they do, for it is their work
that is the true backbone that leads to all successes in all the
good works that we do. Please continue to pray for us as we continue
to pray for you.
Save the Date!
ANTIOCHIAN ARCHDIOCESE
West Coast
SACRED MUSIC INSTITUTE
La Casa De Maria Retreat Center
800 El Bosque Road, Santa Barbara, CA 93108
(805) 683-0406
Fr. John Finley
www.lacasademaria.org
January 19-22, 2006
January in Santa Barbara?
Sounds good to me!
by Laila Rizk Ferris,
President
Antiochian Women North American Board
The Word 55

Only 8 months, 5 days, 7 hours, 3 minutes, and 10 seconds until Summer Camp. But why wait? Come to …
Purpose: To recognize Arab-American students who
excel in Media Studies.
Amount: $1000
Eligibility: Juniors, Seniors, or Graduate Students;
Must be attending college in the 2006-07 academic
year;
Must be majoring in Journalism, Radio,
Television, and/or Film;
Must have at least a 3.0 GPA and be a US citizen
of Arab heritage.
Applicants will send the following to the ADC
Research Institute:
A one-page statement stating you are a US citizen,
explaining your goals, and why you merit the scholarship;
56 The Word
9th ANNUAL (2006)
JACK G. SHAHEEN MASS COMMUNICATIONS SCHOLARSHIP
Two letters of recommendation from Mass
Communication professors; Copies of articles, videos,
films, etc.; Official academic transcripts including your
GPA; Permanent home address, phone number, e-mail
address; address and phone number during the school
year.
Deadline: April 12, 2006
Send material to:
ADC Research Institute
4201 Connecticut Avenue, NW
Suite 300
Washington, DC 20008
Scholarship will be presented at the ADC’s 2006
National Convention.

Archdiocesan Office
OCAMPR E-Journal Latest Edition
Published on Website
The Orthodox Christian Association of
Medicine, Psychology and Religion (OCAM-
PR) has published the latest edition of the
Association e-journal on its web-site:
www.ocampr.org. It includes an article by
John Chirban, Ph.D., Th.D. on the Orthodox
theological roots of holistic healing. Fr. Peter
Bistorarides, M.D., a recent Holy Cross
graduate, has an article exploring whether
the Byzantine holistic approach to healing
has come full circle. It also includes an article
by Frederica Mathewes-Green reflecting
on sex and gender in Orthodox healing.
And, for the first time, a continuing education
(CE) course is available on-line for
mental health professionals. Fr. George
Morelli, Ph.D., the Religion Coordinator and
the Antiochian Archdiocesan Liaison to
OCAMPR, has written the course entitled:
Christian Spirituality and Psychotherapy. CE
credit information and application are available
on the OCAMPR web-site. For further
information about OCAMPR, Fr. George can
be contacted at: gmorelli@fdu.edu.
daily devotions
DECEMBER, 2005
1. 1 THESSALONIANS 5:1-8;
LUKE 20:9-18 (fast)
2. 1 THESSALONIANS 5:9-13, 24-28;
LUKE 20:19-26 (fast)
3. 2 CORINTHIANS 11:1-6;
LUKE 12:32-40 (fast)
4. GALATIANS 4:1-5;
LUKE 13:10-17 (fast)
5. 2 THESSALONIANS 1:1-10;
LUKE 20:27-44 (fast)
6. HEBREWS 13:17-21;
LUKE 6:17-23 (fast)
7. 2 THESSALONIANS 2:1-12;
LUKE 21:5-7, 10-11, 20-24 (fast)
8. 2 THESSALONIANS 2:13-3:5;
LUKE 21:28-33 (fast)
9. GALATIANS 4:22-31;
LUKE 8:16-21 (fast)
10. GALATIANS 1:3-10;
LUKE 13:18-29 (fast)
11. COLOSSIANS 5:4-11;
LUKE 14:16-24 (fast)
Ordained
TOUMA, Deacon Elie Touma to the holy
priesthood on August 14, 2005 at St.
Nicholas Church, Montreal, Quebec by His
Grace Bishop ALEXANDER. He is attached to
that parish.
Laicized
SEBRING, The former priest Samuel, effective
September 1, 2005.
Appointed
CHAGNON, Priest John as the interim pastor
of St. Elias Church, LaCrosse, WI, effective
September 1, 2005.
Chaplain and Pastoral Counseling Ministry
The Chaplain and Pastoral Counseling
Ministry of the Antiochian Archdiocese is
compiling a list of Antiochian clergy serving
in chaplaincy ministry of any kind and
Antiochian clergy and laity engaging in pastoral
counseling (social work, psychotherapy,
etc.). If currently engaged in such ministry
please send your name with agency
and/or institution, address, phone, e-mail,
web address and a brief description of duties
and service. This can be e-mailed to: Fr.
George Morelli, Ph.D.: gmorelli@fdu.edu or
sent by regular mail to: 2579 Luciernaga St.,
Carlsbad, California 92009-5822.
12. HEBREWS 13:17-21;
LUKE 6:17-23 (fast)
13. 1 TIMOTHY 1:8-14;
MARK 8:22-26 (fast)
14. 1 TIMOTHY 1:18-20, 2:8-15;
MARK 8:30-34 (fast)
15. 1 TIMOTHY 3:1-13;
MARK 9:10-16 (fast)
16. 1 TIMOTHY 4:4-8, 19;
MARK 9:33-41 (fast)
17. GALATIANS 3:8-12;
LUKE 14:1-11 (fast)
18. HEBREWS 11:9-10, 17-23, 32-40;
MATTHEW 1:1-25 (fast)
19. 1 TIMOTHY 5:1-10;
MARK 9:42-10:1 (fast)
20. 1 TIMOTHY 5:11-21;
MARK 10:2-12 (fast)
21. 1 TIMOTHY 5:22-6:11;
MARK 10:11-16 (fast)
Very Rev. George Alberts
Thank you
Dear Brother Hierarchs, Rt. Rev. Frs., V. Rev.
Frs., Rev. Frs., Rev. Dns. and faithful,
Christ is in our midst! He is and ever shall be!
Please accept my heartfelt thanks for your
prayers as I underwent gall bladder surgery
on September 10, 2005. The surgery was
more involved than originally expected; consequently,
recuperation is taking significantly
longer than anticipated.
I am most grateful for all of your God-pleasing
prayers, phone calls and cards. Also, I
must thank Dr. Khalil Korkor of Canton, OH for
over-seeing my health care and scheduling
the surgery so quickly, as well as the V. Rev.
Joseph and Khouriye Linda Cervo for caring
for me upon discharge from the hospital.
Thank God we have dedicated priests and
doctors. My thanks to the V. Rev. Paul Albert
and Gabriel Barrow of St. Elias in Sylvania,
OH for driving me back to Toledo.
I ask your prayers for my continued recovery
and renewed strength. May the All-Holy
Trinity bless and keep you as you continue to
do that which is pleasing in His sight.
Yours in Christ,
+MARK
Bishop of Toledo and the
Diocese of the Midwest
22.1 TIMOTHY 6:17-21;
MARK 10:17-27 (fast)
23. 2 TIMOTHY 1:1-2, 8-18;
MARK 10:23-32 (fast)
24. HEBREWS 1:1-12;
LUKE 2:1-20 (fast)
25. GALATIANS 4:4-7;
MATTHEW 2:1-12
26. HEBREWS 2:11-18;
MATTHEW 2:13-23
27. ACTS 6:8-15, 7:1-5, 47-60;
MATTHEW 21:33-42
28. 2 TIMOTHY 4:9-22;
MARK 11:23-26
29. TITUS 1:5-2:1;
MARK 11:27-33
30. TITUS 1:15-2:10;
MARK 12:1-12
31. 1 TIMOTHY 6:11-16;
MATTHEW 12:15-21
The Word 57

“I feel strongly that our best gift to America
will be a stable Christianity that is rooted in
the Bible, Holy Tradition and the Fathers of
the Church.” ~ Metropolitan PHILIP
58 The Word

The Word 59

THE WORD
358 Mountain Road
PO Box 5238
Englewood, NJ 07631-5238
We are the caretakers of the world.
Are we giving it all we’ve got?
The Order of St. Ignatius of Antioch supports a
number of world charities: IOCC, Hogar Rafael,
Project Mexico, Chinese Translation Project,
Bulgarian Manuscript restoration, Earthquake
Relief, Hurricane Relief and the Smithsonian Arab
American collection. By participating in The Order
you will be giving the world some of what it needs
— Orthodoxy and our care.
Periodical postage paid at
Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
If you would like more information about this
wonderful ministry, contact Arlene Assile.
Call: (201) 871-1355 or e-mail:
theorder@antiochian.org or return
this slip to:
The Order
358 Mountain Road
Englewood, NJ 07631
Yes, I want more information about The Order
Name: _____________________________________________________________________
Address: __________________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________________________
Phone: ____________________________________________________________________________
E-mail: ____________________________________________________________________________
11/05