A QuA rter ly P u blication of t h e Dioce se of e As ter n Pen n sy lva n ia l Ate fa ll / e A r ly W inter 2012 AXIOS!

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1 A Quarterly Publication of the Diocese of Eastern Pennsylvania LATE FALL/EARLY WINTER 2012 AXIOS!

2 In This Issue 2 THE ELECTION OF METROPOLITAN TIKHON The 17th All-American Council OCA 4 Diocesan RECOGNITION DINNER Honoring Metropolitan Tikhon Aric Gingo 6 CARETAKERS OF THE DIOCESE Meet His Grace, Bishop Melchisedek and His Grace, Bishop Mark 8 DIOCESAN NEWS Diocesan Happenings 12 AROUND THE DIOCESE Parish Events around the Diocese 18 Youth and Education Teen Winter Retreat 2013 Kimberly Metz 20 Book Reviews Church, World and Kingdom: The Eucharistic Foundation of Alexander Schmemann s Pastoral Theology 21 Oddly orthodox A new feature of Alive in Christ Communications Brief Glory be to Jesus Christ! This quarter finds another expanded issue of Alive in Christ, due to the big news that our own Archbishop, TIKHON, was elected as Primate of the Orthodox Church in America. You will also find an introduction to the caretakers of the Diocese until such time as a permanent Bishop is elected. We are also trying something new - a small story about a unique aspect of a Parish in the Diocese. Please consider submitting an interesting fact about your own Parish for placement in future issues of Alive in Christ. Alive in Christ is produced by the Department of Communications of the Diocese of Eastern Pennsylvania, a diocese of the Orthodox Church in America. EDITOR His Grace, Bishop MELCHISEDEK His Grace, Bishop MARK MANAGING EDITOR Aric Gingo EDITORIAL STAFF V. Rev. John Kowalczyk Matushka Sandra Kopestonsky PHOTOGRAPHY Aric Gingo COVER PHOTOGRAPH Fr. Gregory Safchuk Alive in Christ is distributed free of charge within the Diocese of Eastern Pennsylvania, 144 St. Tikhon s Road, Waymart, PA Submission Deadlines August Issue: July 1 November Issue: October 1 February Issue: January 1 May Issue: April 1 In the interest of keeping current, events that have occurred prior to the most recent issue date will not be included. Please submit articles and photographs (with captions) to Aric Gingo at communications@doepa.org. Subscriptions outside the Diocese: $12.00 per year. Please make checks payable to Diocese of Eastern Pennsylvania

3 2 The Election Of metropolitan tikhon Photos: Fr. Gregory Safchuk Story: OCA Archbishop NATHANIEL gives an exhortation to Metropolitan TIKHON DIOCESAN NEWS

4 3 THE ELECTION OF METROPOLITAN TIKHON Story Courtesy of OCA His Eminence, Archbishop Tikhon, Archbishop of Philadelphia and Eastern Pennsylvania, was elected Primate of the Orthodox Church in America during the 17th All-American Council of the Orthodox Church in America at Holy Trinity Church in Parma, Ohio on Tuesday, November 13, Six hundred and sixty three hierarchs, clergy and lay delegates and observers representing OCA parishes across the US, Canada, and Mexico participated in the Council. Five hundred and ninety were eligible to vote....we gather today for one purpose: to glorify Father, Son and Holy Spirit... and to elect the Primate of the Orthodox Church in America. The Council opened with the celebration of the Divine Liturgy and, at noon, the plenary session. After the celebration of a Service of Thanksgiving and the singing of the troparion invoking the Holy Spirit, Archpriest Eric G. Tosi, OCA Secretary, opened the plenary session. Christ grows brighter as we grow dimmer, as we approach the eternal light, said His Eminence, Archbishop Nathaniel of Detroit and the Romanian Episcopate, Locum Tenens of the Metropolitan See, in his opening address. And it is within this context that we gather today for one purpose: to glorify Father, Son and Holy Spirit... and to elect the Primate of the Orthodox Church in America. DIOCESAN NEWS No single candidate received the required two-thirds margin on the first ballot. On the second ballot, His Eminence, Archbishop Tikhon of Philadelphia and Eastern Pennsylvania and His Grace, Bishop Michael of New York and New Jersey, received 317 and 355 votes respectively. The members of the Holy Synod retired into the altar where they elected Archbishop Tikhon. For an expanded photo gallery of the entire All American Council including registration, Vespers, and Divine Liturgy visit oca.org

5 4 Metropolitan TIKHON Honored At DIOCESAN RECOGNITION DINNER Story and Photos: Aric Gingo DIOCESAN NEWS

6 5 DIOCESAN RECOGNITION DINNER Clergy, administration and invited guests from each deanery in the Diocese of Eastern Pennsylvania met on December 4, 2012 at St. Michael s Orthodox Church in Jermyn, PA to honor his Beatitude, Metropolitan TIKHON, upon his elevation to Primate of the Orthodox Church in America. His Beatitude was greeted with bread and salt by Father Nicholas Solak representing the Wilkes-Barre Deanery. He was then presented with flowers by children representing the Frackville, Philadelphia and Wilkes-Barre Deaneries. His Grace, Bishop Mark who accompanied His Beatitude, was also welcomed with flowers. His Beatitude was welcomed with singing, followed by a prayer led by the Very Reverend Daniel Kovalak of the Elevation of the Holy Cross Orthodox Church,Williamsport. Fr. John Kowalczyk, Chancellor of the Diocese of Eastern Pennsylvania, then led the gathering in a toast to His Beatitude, referencing the video address made by his Beatitude, when he said: We your spiritual children assembled this evening on December 4th want to express our love to you by telling you we want to continue to be part of this Agenda, Mission, and Vision you have set forth for the Orthodox Church in America. Fr. Martin Browne, Diocesan Treasurer, presented a gift of a red Mitre to His Beatitude. Following dinner and dessert, Bishop Mark, Bishop of Baltimore, Administrator of the Diocese of Philadelphia and Eastern Pennsylvania Synodal Liaison for Departments and Commissions of the Orthodox Church in America, greeted those gathered. Following his greetings, each deanery in turn gave their greetings - Fr. Victor Gorodenchuk of the Philadelphia Deanery, Fr. Timothy Hojnicki of the Frackville Deanery, and Fr. Nicholas Solak from the Wilkes-Barre Deanery. For an expanded photo gallery, visit news The evening was bittersweet - all in attendance were joyous for the elevation of TIKHON to Primate; at the same time, they were saddened to say so long to their Archbishop. YOUTH DIOCESAN & EDUCATION NEWS His Beatitude, Metropolitan TIKHON wrapped up the evening with remarks to the Diocese. His Beatitude mentioned the many positive programs put into place, including revitalization, crisis management, and the Clergy Continuing Education Program, and his hope that they will continue and flourish. He thanked those assembled for their thoughts and prayers and acknowledged the Diocesan Administration for their work over the years. The evening was bittersweet - all in attendance were joyous for the elevation of TIKHON to Primate; at the same time, they were saddened to say so long to their Archbishop. May God Grant Metropolitan TIKHON Many Years! Above: His Beatitude, Metropolitan TIKHON listens to Diocesan Chancellor Fr. John Kowalczyk s toast. Below: His Beatitude, Metropolitan TIKHON addresses members of the Diocese at his Recognition DInner.

7 6 Caretakers OF the Diocese His Grace, Bishop Melchisedek His Grace, Bishop MARK On November 20th, His Grace, the Right Reverend Melchisedek, Bishop of Pittsburgh and Western Pennsylvania, Locum Tenens of the Diocese of Philadelphia and Eastern Pennsylvania and His Grace, The Right Reverend Mark, Bishop of Baltimore, Administrator of the Diocese of Philadelphia and Eastern Pennsylvania, Synodal Liaison for Departments and Commissions of the Orthodox Church in America, met with the Diocesan Council. They assured the Council that the programs in place and the work that was begun would continue until such time as a new Bishop of Eastern Pennsylvania was elected. They also stated that the Diocesan Council will serve in the capacity of a search committee to select appropriate candidates to present to the Diocesan Assembly for nomination to the office of Diocesan Bishop. DIOCESAN NEWS

8 7 DIOCESAN NEWS Biography of The Right Reverend Melchisedek Bishop of Pittsburgh and Western Pennsylvania Locum Tenens of the Diocese of Philadelphia and Eastern Pennsylvania His Grace, Bishop Melchisedek was born Thomas Alexander Pleska, in Dayton OH, August 20, His father, Alexander Peter Pleska, was born in Byelo-Russia near Brest- Litovsk, and immigrated with his parents to the US in His mother Johanna (Eugenia Stachuk) Pleska was born in Cleveland, Ohio, of Ukrainian immigrant parents, and baptized in St. Theodosius Cathedral. At the time he was growing up in Dayton there was no Orthodox parish present, and he and his sister received their Christian formation in local Protestant parishes and taken to the Russian Church in Cleveland for important Holy Days, and other visits. It was as an adult that Fr. Melchisedek describes himself as becoming a member in the Orthodox Church at Christ the Saviour Church in Cincinnati, OH, under the pastorship of Fr. Daniel Rentel. After High School, Thomas Pleska first attended the University of Michigan School of Music and then Miami University in Oxford, OH, where he completed a BA with a major in Philosophy, with aspirations to eventually receive a doctorate and teach. After graduating he entered the business world, first in a stock brokerage and later in real estate. In the early 1980s, he made the decision to take a Master of Divinity degree at St. Vladimir s Seminary. During his studies, under the deanship of Protopresbyter John Meyendorff, Thomas was encouraged to consider ordination. Through several encounters with monastic spiritual fathers, including Elder Dionysios of the Simono-Petras Monastery on Mount Athos and Archimandrite Dimitry Egouroff, a monk of Old Valaam, he also made the decision to take the monastic tonsure after ordination. Thomas Pleska was ordained to the Diaconate in 1985, on the feast of the Entrance of the Theotokos into the Temple, November 21, by His Grace, Bishop Job. In 1986, on the Feast of the Annunciation, March 25, he was ordained to the Priesthood by His Beatitude, Metropolitan Theodosius. In the Fall of 1986, Fr. Thomas accepted the position of Instructor of Dogmatic Theology at St. Tikhon s Seminary. During his time teaching at St. Tikhon s, he served as chaplain at the Holy Myrrhbearers Women s Monastery in Otego NY, and as interim pastor at the Churches of the Holy Trinity in Pottstown, PA, St. Michael in Old Forge, PA, and St. Basil in Simpson, PA. It was also at this time that he made his acquaintance with the Elder Sophrony and his monastery in Essex, England. From 1989 to 1998 Fr. Thomas served as rector of Saints Peter and Paul Church in Meriden, CT. In 1998, Fr. Thomas traveled to Greece where he served first at the Monastery of the Holy Cross, an international women s community in Thebes. In 2003, he was transferred to serve as chaplain at the women s monastery of St. George the Great Martyr and to serve his own brotherhood at the Monastery of the Dormition of the Theotokos in Petras. In 2004, he was tonsured to the Great Schema, taking the name Melchisedek, and raised to the rank of Archimandrite. On April 2, 2009, Archimandrite Melchisedek was elected Bishop of Pittsburgh and Western Pennsylvania by the Holy Synod of Bishops of the Orthodox Church in America. He returned to the US On Saturday, June 27, 2009, His Beatitude, Metropolitan Jonah and the members of the Holy Synod of Bishops of the Orthodox Church in America consecrated Archimandrite Melchisedek Bishop of Pittsburgh and the Diocese of Western Pennsylvania at St. Alexander Nevsky Cathedral, Allison Park, PA. Biography of The Right Reverend Mark Bishop of Baltimore Administrator of the Diocese of Philadelphia and Eastern Pennsylvania Synodal Liaison for Departments and Commissions of the Orthodox Church in America His Grace Bishop MARK was consecrated to the Holy Episcopacy on December 5, His consecrating bishops included His Beatitude IGNATIUS IV at the Patriarchal Cathedral in Damascus, Syria as well as numerous Metropolitans of the Greek Orthodox Patriarchate of Antioch. He was enthroned at St. George Cathedral in Toledo, Ohio on August 25, 2005 and served as Bishop of the Diocese of Toledo and the Midwest of the Antiochian Orthodox Christian Archdiocese of America. Bishop MARK served as priest of St. John the Evangelist Church in Beaver Falls, Pennsylvania from 1997 to In January of 2001, he was assigned to St. George in Grand Rapids, Michigan. Bishop MARK was born on June 22, 1958 in New Albany, Indiana. He was baptized in Our Lady of Perpetual Help Roman Catholic Church in 1958 and confirmed when he was nine. He attended elementary school at our Lady of Perpetual Help and graduated from New Albany High School in He completed his Bachelor of Arts degree at Oral Roberts University in Tulsa, Oklahoma in In 1987, he was awarded a Master of Arts degree in Biblical Literature from Oral Roberts University and accepted the position of Adjunct Professor of Old Testament at Oral Roberts University. Having been introduced to the Orthodox Church by the V. Rev. George Eber, pastor of St. Antony in Tulsa, Oklahoma and his professors of Church History, Dr. Jerry Sandidge and his Old Testament professor, Dr Howard Ervin at Oral Roberts University, Bishop MARK was received into the Church through Holy Chrismation on Great and Holy Wednesday He attended St. Vladimir s Orthodox Seminary, receiving his Master of Divinity degree at St. Vladimir s in From , His Grace worked in mental Health as a Mental Health worker at Mercy Psychiatric on a dual diagnosis unit and from , as a crisis worker in the emergency room at University of Pittsburgh Medical Center in Aliquippa, PA. Bishop MARK was ordained a deacon on August 17, On September 7, 1997, he was ordained to the Holy Priesthood. Bishop MARK was received into the Orthodox Church in America on January 1, 2011, and given the title of Bishop of Baltimore. He presently serves as the Synodal Liason to the various commissions and departments of the OCA.

9 8 Diocesan News Diocesan Revitalization Workshop Orthodox Bishops Meet in Chicago Agia Sophia celebrates milestone V. Rev. Dr. Michael Kovach recognized Archpriest David Mahaffey Tonsured Riasophor monk On Sunday September 23, 2012, Archpriest David Mahaffey, Rector of St. Nicholas Orthodox Church in Bethlehem, Pennsylvania was tonsured a riasophor monk by His Eminence, Archbishop Tikhon at St Tikhon s Monastery. On September 15, 2012, the delegates at the Assembly of the Diocese of Alaska voted to present the name of Archpriest David Mahaffey in nomination to fill the vacant Episcopal See of Sitka and Alaska of the Orthodox Church in America. DIOCESAN NEWS

10 9 Assembly of Canonical Orthodox Bishops of North and Central America Meets The Assembly of Canonical Orthodox Bishops of North and Central America held its third annual meeting in Chicago, Illinois. The Assembly was held from September 10-12, 2012, at the Chicago O Hare Hilton. Forty-three bishops, including His Eminence, Archbishop Tikhon, were in attendance. DIOCESAN NEWS For the latest diocesan news visit

11 10 V. Rev. Dr. Michael Kovach Recognized On Sunday, September 23rd Christ the Saviour parish recognized their associate pastor, V. Rev. Dr. Michael Kovach, on his 69th Anniversary to the Holy Priesthood. He was ordained September 21, 1943, and has faithfully served Christ s Holy Church throughout North America with honor, distinction, and zeal over these many years! May God continue to bless Fr. Michael, as we are blessed through his ministry! Mnogaya Lyeta! Agia Sophia Coffeehouse Celebrates First Anniversary On Sunday, September 30th, the Agia Sophia Coffeehouse and Bookstore in Harrisburg, PA celebrated its First Anniversary. His Eminence, Archbishop Tikhon, participated in the celebration by serving a Molieben on Sunday afternoon. In addition, the Coffeehouse was blessed by the presence of the Myrrh-streaming Icon of St. Anna brought by Archimandrite Afanassy from St. Tikhon s Monastery. After the service, all the guests present shared a light lunch together with coffee and specialty drinks kindly served by the staff of the Coffeehouse. The inspiration for Agia Sophia Coffeehouse project was the Agia Sophia Coffee Shop and Bookstore in Colorado Springs, CO. Established in 2006, this shop serves as the model for the project in Harrisburg. Agia Sophia is in business to serve the local community through providing high quality espresso, coffee, and teas - for the ultimate purpose of providing financial support to local, regional, and international charities. DIOCESAN NEWS

12 11 Diocesan Revitalization Workshop Held at St. Tikhon s Monastery On Friday, November 9th, members of the the Revitalization Committee presented a series of lectures as part of the Revitalization Workshop offered by the Diocese of Philadelphia and Eastern Pennsylvania with the blessing and presence of His Eminence, Archbishop Tikhon. This Workshop was mandatory for all diocesan clergy and was held in the Museum of St. Tikhon s Monastery, South Canaan, PA. The ongoing work of the Committee, which has already produced a Parish Health Inventory Model (based on the model of the OCA Diocese of the Midwest) has focused on the process of revitalizing all parishes within the diocese. DIOCESAN NEWS Wilkes-Barre Deanery holds Altar Boy Retreat On Thursday, August 16th, 14 altar boys from parishes in the Wilkes-Barre Deanery were welcomed at Holy Trinity Church in Wilkes- Barre, PA for an Altar Boy Retreat. The V. Rev. David Shewczyk welcomed the boys into the church and spoke to them about the history of the parish. Afterwards the boys enjoyed swimming and a cookout, followed by a visit from His Eminence, Archbishop TIKHON. During the meal, His Eminence, Archbishop Tikhon discussed the great importance of the ministry of young parishioners in Christ s church.

13 12 CELEBR ATING PARISH FEASTS Throughout the Diocese, the faithful took time to celebrate their Parish s Patron Saint. Dancing, singing, and eating were among the festivities. AROUND THE DIOCESE

14 13 AROUND THE DIOCESE Above: Parishioners and guests of St. John the Baptist enjoyed singing by the Wyoming Valley Pan Orthodox Choir and Folk Dancing. Right: Holy Apostles Orthodox Mission held a potluck dinner. Below: St. Michael s parishioners enjoy a dinner and fellowship.

15 14 First Day of Church School in Mechanicsburg - Father Timothy Hojnicki blesses the Church School students and teachers before classes commence. Parish Events Goings-On in the Diocese Holy Protection Orthodox Christian Preschool held their 3rd moving up ceremony on June 6th. The Preschool is a joint venture between the two Orthodox Communities in Stroudsburg, PA the OCA parish of Holy Trinity and the Greek parish of Holy Cross. The ceremony was hosted by Holy Trinity and celebrated 6 students who have passed through the Preschool program and are now prepared to enter Kindergarten. The Preschool, with a total enrollment of 11 students for the 2011/2012 school year, offers an Orthodox-based educational program designed for three, four and five year olds. AROUND THE DIOCESE

16 15 The SS. Peter and Paul Church, Minersville Church Council made a presentation to Sister Catherine T. Brennan for the Society of St. Vincent de Paul, in the parish of St. Michael the Archangel Roman Catholic Church, Minersville, for their food pantry. A Charity Fund collection is taken at the Veneration of the Cross each Sunday and every three months donated to a different organization. AROUND THE DIOCESE Several newer members of Holy Cross Orthodox Church in Williamsport and a few seminary guests shared remarkable stories of their personal faith journeys in a 35th Anniversary event: Journeys to Orthodoxy. It was an enlightening and edifying evening, part of the continuing celebration of the parish s 35th Anniversary.

17 16 On Sunday, September 23, 2012, as part of His Eminence, Archbishop TIKHON s pastoral visit to St. John the Baptist in Edwardsville, PA, the Fr. Anthony Repella Hall was dedicated. Months of clean up, reorganization and construction ensured that the hall would be ready for the Pastoral visit and blessing. The hall is named after and dedicated to the long time pastor of St. John the Baptist, Father Anthony Repella who served for nearly 40 years as rector of the parish and who is fondly remembered. Holy Annunciation Orthodox Church, Berwick, held an Akathist to St. Panteleimon on August 27, Father Michael Demko, rector of Holy Annunciation and Father Martin Browne, rector of St. John the Baptist, Edwardsville, conducted the service. Father Atty gave the homily. Those in attendance were treated to refreshments in the church hall following the service. AROUND THE DIOCESE

18 17 The church school children of St. Michael s Orthodox church in Jermyn recently sorted and packed boxes of children s clothing and shoes. The items were sent to a day care center near Dubrinich, Ukraine to aid needy children. Protodeacon Gabriel Petorak organized the event following his visit to Dubrinich, Western Ukraine, this past summer, noting the needs of children. AROUND THE DIOCESE Human Rights Champion Dr Maria Khoury from St. George Orthodox Church in Taybeh Palestine shared her inspirational and courageous story of The Christian Presence in the Holy Land with the Diocese of Eastern Pennsylvania, including stops at Bucknell University, Holy Cross Church in Williamsport and Holy Annunciation Orthodox Church, Berwick.

19 Winter Season 18 an Exciting Time for Diocesan Youth Story and Photos Office of Young Adult Activities The 2012 Youth Winter retreat YOUTH AND EDUCATION

20 19 As the cold weather approaches and the rest of the world goes into hibernation, our diocesan youth and young adults have some big events to look forward to. Many of our youth will be present at the 76th Annual Novogodny Ball in Cherry Hill, New Jersey on the evening of Sunday, January 20, The Ball, a dinnerdance sponsored by Saint Stephen s OCF, is always a great opportunity for our teens (and their parents!) to dress in their fanciest clothes, meet up with their Orthodox friends, and dance the night away to the tunes of the Kauriga Ensemble. In fact, it is one of the few times each year that they get to put to good use the Slavic Dance lessons they have enjoyed taking year after year at St. Tikhon s Summer Camp. Just as the excitement of the Novogodny Ball begins to wear off, the annual Diocesan Winter Teen Retreat will arrive the weekend of February It is a very special event that allows our teens to re-charge their spiritual batteries and strengthen their friendships with one another, at the Fatima Renewal Center in Dalton, PA. It is also an educational experience, where they will learn about the lives of the twelve Apostles with Fr. Stephen Vernak of Christ The Saviour Church in Harrisburg, PA. Please visit org for more information about the Diocesan Office of Young Adult Activities. YOUTH AND EDUCATION It is wonderful that our Diocesan youth have these opportunities to gather for fellowship and religious education. We are blessed to have so many wonderful young personalities in the Diocese of Eastern Pennsylvania, and we encourage all of our youth and young adults to become involved as much as possible in the life of the Church. February 8-10, 2013 Fatima Renewal Center Dalton, PA For students in Grades 7 12 $50 per person (updated pricing) due January 26, 2013 This year s theme is: The Adventures of the 12 Apostles Presented by Fr. Stephen Vernak of Christ the Saviour Church Harrisburg, PA Visit to download your registration form today! retreat@ocayouth.org

21 In Church, World and Kingdom: The Eucharistic Foundation of Alexander Schmemann s Pastoral Theology, author William C. Mills analyzes the pastoral and Eucharistic theology of the worldrenowned Eastern Orthodox priest, pastor, professor, seminary dean, theologian, and author, Alexander Schmemann. Schmemann s theological legacy has influenced all levels of Church life. His books, articles, essays, and sermons are known worldwide and translated into numerous languages and have been referenced by theologians in the East and the West. William C. Mills expertly reminds us that for Alexander Schmemann, the scriptures, doctrine, faith, teachings, practices, and prayers of the Church are expressed and fully realized in the Eucharistic gathering. Alexander Schmemann s theology was influential from the Second Vatican Council onward, not only on his own Orthodox tradition, but also on Roman Catholic and Protestant liturgical theology. This new research has shed light on the importance of the liturgical and Eucharistic context for ministry, especially highlighting the spiritual, practical, and theological preparation of ordained clergy and the general ministry of the entire body of Christ, both clergy and laity. Fr Alexander Schmemann was a man of tremendous theological and pastoral gifts, with uncanny insight into the world and church. In his writing, preaching and teaching he brought theology and life together in a Eucharistic approach that continues to question, critique, inspire and renew. Fr Mills shows convincingly that Schmemann s work can be seen as pastoral theology. But in doing so, Mills has also beautifully introduced Schmemann to a new generation of Christian readers. V. Rev. John A. Jillions, Ph.D. Chancellor, Orthodox Church in America Associate Professor of Theology Andrei Sheptytsky Institute University of St. Paul, Ottawa, Canada Church, World and Kingdom 20 This book is the only study that is primarily devoted to Schmemann s pastoral theology, and will be a welcome addition to the academic and popular understanding of ordained and lay ministry within Christendom, especially within the Orthodox and Roman Catholic sacramental tradition. This book features a comprehensive collection of Schmemann s theology, as well as previously unpublished material. can be ordered from the St. Tikhon s Orthodox Theological Seminary Bookstore Alexander Schmemann continues to be a major voice in liturgical theology. He guided us back to liturgy as the first or primary source of theology and his work on Baptism and the Eucharist are required reading in liturgy courses. William Mills has another first in this discerning study--of Schmemann as an important voice in pastoral theology... Mills systematically yet very beautifully reveals another side of this great theologian of our time-- that of a wise and caring pastor. Rev. Michael Plekon, Ph.D. Professor, Sociology/Anthropology, Program in Religion & Culture Baruch College of the City University of New York Associate, St Gregory the Theologian Orthodox Church, Wappingers Falls NY BOOK REVIEW

22 21 Why is St. Barbara on our Iconostas? Oddly Orthodox During the Centennial Celebration of St. John the Baptist Orthodox Church, a serious effort to review the history of the church building was undertaken. One area of interest was the Iconostas, or Icon Screen. The Iconostas follows Othodox Rubrics featuring Jesus Christ, The Theotokos, St. John the Baptist, St. Nicholas, and the Archangels Michael and Gabriel on the bottom tier. St. Panteleimon and St. Barbara also appear. It is theorized that the Relics of St. Panteleimon reside in the altar, but what about St. Barbara? Some studies into St. Barbara answered the question. St. Barbara who lived in the 3rd Century, was beheaded by her own father due to her refusal to renounce Christianity. Her father was struck by lightning immediately after doing this. Miners later viewed St. Barbara as their patron Saint, and it is no surprise why she appears on the iconostas of a Northeastern Pennsylvania Orthodox Church. Every now and then, the editorial staff plans to feature an interesting tidbit particular to a parish. EVERY parish in the Diocese has some feature particular to them, which makes it special. This month we feature an Icon from the parish of the managing editor to give you an idea of what this section will be about, and maybe to spur some conversation between parishoners and make them see themselves in a new way. Please help us and participate! The only way to make this successful is with YOUR help. See the first page for information on submitting material.

23 Congratulations His Beatitude, TIKHON Archbishop of Washington, Metropolitan of All America and Canada May God grant him many years EIS POLLA ETI DESPOTA!

24 Calendar January 13 Bishop MARK Pastoral Visit St. Michael s Church, Jermyn January 19 49th Diocesan Assembly St. Nicholas Church, Bethlehem January 25 March for Life Washington, DC January Enthronement of Metropolitan TIKHON Washington, DC February 8-10 Winter Teen Retreat Fatima Renewal Center, Dalton February 10 Bishop MARK Pastoral Visit St. Mary s Church, Coaldale February Metropolitan Council Meeting Syosset, NY March 9-10 Bishop MARK Pastoral Visit St. Stephen s Cathedral, Philadelphia March 19 Diocesan Council Meeting Holy Trinity Church, Stroudsburg March 23 Metropolitan SAVAS Pastoral Visit Christ the Saviour Church, Harrisburg The Diocese of Eastern Pennsylvania Parish Deanery City State All Saints Church Wilkes Barre Olyphant PA Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary Church Frackville Saint Clair PA Assumption of the Holy Virgin Church Philadelphia Philadelphia PA Christ the Saviour Church Frackville Harrisburg PA Elevation of the Holy Cross Church Wilkes Barre Williamsport PA Holy Annunciation Church Wilkes Barre Berwick PA Holy Apostles Mission Frackville Mechanicsburg PA Holy Ascension Church Frackville Frackville PA Holy Ascension Church Frackville Lykens PA Holy Resurrection Cathedral Wilkes Barre Wilkes-Barre PA Holy Resurrection Church Wilkes Barre Alden Station PA Holy Trinity Church Philadelphia Catasauqua PA Holy Trinity Church Frackville McAdoo PA Holy Trinity Church Philadelphia Pottstown PA Holy Trinity Church Wilkes Barre Stroudsburg PA Holy Trinity Church Wilkes Barre Wilkes-Barre PA SS. Peter and Paul Church Frackville Minersville PA SS. Peter and Paul Church Wilkes Barre Uniondale PA St. Basil Church Wilkes Barre Simpson PA St. Herman of Alaska Church Philadelphia Gradyville PA St. Herman of Alaska Church Frackville Shillington PA St. John the Baptist Church Wilkes Barre Dundaff PA St. John the Baptist Church Wilkes Barre Edwardsville PA St. John the Baptist Church Wilkes Barre Nanticoke PA St. Mark Church Philadelphia Wrightstown PA St. Mary Church Frackville Coaldale PA St. Michael Church Wilkes Barre Jermyn PA St. Michael Church Frackville Mount Carmel PA St. Michael Church Wilkes Barre Old Forge PA St. Michael the Archangel Church Philadelphia Wilmington DE St. Nicholas Church Philadelphia Bethlehem PA St. Nicholas Church Philadelphia Coatesville PA St. Nicholas Church Wilkes Barre Olyphant PA St. Nicholas Church Philadelphia Philadelphia PA St. Stephen Cathedral Philadelphia Philadelphia PA St. Tikhon of Zadonsk Monastery Church Wilkes Barre South Canaan PA St. Vladimir Church Wilkes Barre Lopez PA