A QUARTERLY PUBLICATION OF THE DIOCESE OF EASTERN PENNSYLVANIA WINTER 2016 PASCHA. Holy Week. Diocesan Graduates. Project Mexico

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1 A QUARTERLY PUBLICATION OF THE DIOCESE OF EASTERN PENNSYLVANIA WINTER 2016 PASCHA Holy Week Diocesan Graduates Project Mexico

2 In This Issue 2-3 ALL THINGS SHOULD BE DONE DECENTLY 4 DIOCESAN NEWS 5-6 WHO IS MY NEIGHBOR? Alive in Christ is produced by the Department of Communications of the Diocese of Eastern Pennsylvania, a diocese of the Orthodox Church in America. 7-8 PROJECT MEXICO EDITOR His Eminence, Archbishop MARK 9-12 DIOCESAN GRADUATES MANAGING EDITOR Aric Gingo 13 PASCHAL SEASON DIOCESAN ASSEMBLY EDITORIAL STAFF Very Rev. Martin Browne Matushka Sandra Kopestonsky PHOTOGRAPHY Aric Gingo COMMUNICATIONS BRIEF Glory to Jesus Christ! This issue of Alive in Christ continues our transition to a more informationbased publication. In the last Communications Brief it was stated that the magazine will move away from the yearbook and parish event look, towards more meaningful articles. We continue that transition. We are also late with this issue, and look to catch up as the new year approaches. In this issue you will find an article regarding Project Mexico and the Saint Innocent Orphanage. Fr. Timothy Cremeen s daughter Magdalena spent time there as an intern and shares her experiences there. We also feature our Diocesan Graduates, May God Grant Them Many Years! And finally we take a look back at the Holy Season and Pascha, with an abbreviated section. As always, visit the Diocesan website ( for all of the most current news, important information, and schedules of upcoming events across the Diocese. The website is experienceing record traffic - is YOUR parish represented there? Please note that we are becoming very selective with our photographs. If the photo supplied poor in quality, is too small to reproduce, out of focus or not exposed properly, it will not be used. Please consider this when taking and submitting photos. COVER PHOTOGRAPH Robert Gogats 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 doepa.communications@gmail.com

3 2... but all things should be done decently and in order 1 Cor. 14:40 These words of St. Paul to the Church of Corinth echo down the centuries. Originally written regarding prophesy and speaking in tongues in the worship of the Corinthian Church, they provide guidance for church life in general. Beginning with worship, but also including the contents of the church building, vestments, music, manner of liturgical service, spiritual and ascetic discipline together with the oversight of and provision for those in need through sickness or material want, the apostle s words provide a general rubric for administration within the church. Before there were schools of business management or law schools, the Christian Church had a well established practice of Church administration, with designated offices, missions, procedures and officers to take care of these responsibilities under the guidance of the local bishop, who was himself responsible for the oversight of the administrative life of the diocese, in addition to his unique role as teacher of the faith in word and deed. The ministry of deacons has its beginning in the need to have direct oversight and administration of the charitable work of the church on behalf of the apostles. Later there developed the office of archdeacon, the first deacon with responsibility for the other deacons in their ministry of charitable and liturgical service. Within the ranks of the priesthood the office of economos was established to deal with issues of moral and spiritual administration, working with bishops in the application of canons for all sorts of situations from entrance into the ranks of the clergy to the preservation of the property of the church, discipline of public sinners, correction of false teachers, and a host of matters. In other words administrative order and the concern for the same is not new to the life of the church, nor is its importance a recent fad that is alien to Orthodox life. It is true that administration and church order are not the primary purpose of church life, but they are essential to achieving that purpose, which is the proclamation of the Gospel, the revelation of the Kingdom of God in our midst, and the salvation of every man, woman and child. These are large tasks which require stewardship of the time, talent and resources of all the members of the church, who share in this responsibility, each according to the measure of grace given to them by God for the building up of the Kingdom. From the most mundane tasks of having the necessary items for worship and teaching, to the profound responsibility of preparing Christians for service in the church, both ordained and non ordained, require facilities, resources, training, and yes, finance. More importantly, the mission to carry out the works of mercy, among them feeding the hungry, clothing the naked and sheltering the homeless require immense resources of time, organization, money and food, clothing and shelter. As a voluntary organization, the Church depends on the support of her members whose offerings in all circumstances, whether for the parish ministry, seminary education, charitable works or missionary endeavors, are first and foremost offerings to God. Those who are appointed to administer them are so called to act on behalf of the Lord to Whom these offerings are made. In order A WORD FROM OUR CHANCELLOR

4 3 that this treasure of the church, human and material, is used properly, efficiently, and above all with integrity, policies and procedures are put in place so that God s things can be used for His people, as intended. A WORD FROM OUR CHANCELLOR They provide an orderly way of administering the life of the Church with decency, designating officers, providing for elections, mandating annual meetings with complete reporting, clearly indicating the respective responsibilities of all the members of the parish. In our world, this care to see that all things are done decently and in order, that the gifts of God are offered to Him and to His people in the manner intended and best suited to achieve their end takes the form of parish and diocesan by-laws. This is due to the fact that under the civil law of our nation and state we are corporations and corporations are required to have by-laws which indicate who is in charge, what their authority is, how they get those positions and how they can be removed. Additionally bylaws indicate how the responsibility of the administrators to their members are to be carried out. Such by-laws differ from entity to entity, (parishes, monasteries, seminaries, orphanages, schools, clubs), and what was appropriate at one time may no longer be appropriate now due to change in circumstance. But what never changes is the concern for accountability and transparency and the most effective ways to guarantee them in the actual life of the Church, whether on the parish, diocesan or national level. Let all things be done decently and in order. So, parish councils are accountable to their parishes, and with their parishes are accountable to the bishop, who is accountable to the other bishops and ultimately to the Lord. It is a distinctive character of Orthodox Christianity that, in the words of the poet, no man is an island. Rather, again in the words of St. Paul in his letter to the Ephesians, we are members of one another. Our accountability is mutual, and equally before God. While our government in this country may require bylaws, we must always remember that first and foremost we are a Church and our concerns are not just for us and our people. We have a commission from Christ to make disciples of all people. A parish without a sense of mission can hardly be considered a church. To assist us in fulfilling that accountability to each other and to the Lord who has entrusted us with this awesome responsibility, in the context of the United States of America with its corporate, contract, non profit laws, it is essential that we have and follow by-laws which reflect, as best as possible, the mind of Christ and seek to further our obedience to His commandment to make disciples of all nations, beginning with our own and radiating outward to all others. They provide an orderly way of administering the life of the Church with decency, designating officers, providing for elections, mandating annual meetings with complete reporting, clearly indicating the respective responsibilities of all the members of the parish. All this we should do in obedience to the commandments of our Lord to preach the gospel and to care for the weakest and neediest members of our community, but the truth is the civil authorities require us to do so that is to have by-laws and to abide by them. Those who do not are answerable to the civil authorities, criminally or civilly as the case may be. More importantly, as our Lord Himself teaches in his parables about Templates for Parish By-Laws and Parish Constitutions can be found on the Diocesan home page ( stewardship, we will all have to answer to our Master about what we have done with what we have been given. Good administrative order helps us to do well, to do properly, to do what He commands us to do with what He has given us. V. Rev. Martin Browne, Chancellor V. Rev. Martin Browne Chancellor of the Diocese of Philadelphia and Eastern Pennsylvania

5 4DIOCESAN NEWS In conjunction his visit to Holy Transfiguration Monastery on August 6th, His Eminence, Archbishop MARK celebrated at the new mission, St. Nikolai, in Alliance, OH, with the blessing of His Grace Bishop Alexander. On Thursday, June 30, the Diocesan Council of the Diocese of Philadelphia and Eastern Pennsylvania met at Holy Apostles Mission, Mechanicsburg, PA for their quarterly meeting. The faithful of the parish hosted a luncheon for the diocesan guests. On Thursday, June 2, the clergy of the Diocese were blessed to have an expert from Church Mutual s Wisconsin Office flown in to discuss Officers and Directors Insurance Coverage for a Clergy Continuing Education Seminar at Holy Trinity Orthodox Church in Pottstown, PA. Clergy from around the Diocese of Eastern Pennsylvania gathered at the Diocesan Center in Waymart, PA on March 21, Archpriest Chad Hatfield, Chancellor of St. Vladimir s Seminary, spoke to the clergy on the topic of Sacerdotal Living & Renewal, with a Lenten luncheon following the presentation.

6 5 Who is my neighbor? A Personal Reflection Protodeacon Sergei Kapral Holy Resurrection Orthodox Cathedral, Wilkes-Barre PA For decades farmworkers in the U.S. have faced physical and verbal abuse, daily threats to their health and safety, racial discrimination, wage theft and grinding poverty. Farmworkers also experience unconscionably high rates of sexual violence and harassment in the fields. In the most extreme cases, they have faced modern-day slavery, with nearly a dozen forced labor operations uncovered over the past two decades in Florida s fields alone. In March I joined a number of ecumenical church leaders in Florida. While there, we met with the Coalition of Immokalee Workers (CIW), This is a unique partnership among farmers, farmworkers and retail food companies that ensures humane wages and working conditions for the workers who pick tomatoes, fruits and other vegetables. CIW has been called the best workplace-monitoring program by the New York Times (April ) and one of the great human rights success stories of our day by the Washington Post (September 2, 2012). CWI has won widespread recognition for its unique effectiveness. During the meeting we prepared and sent a letter to Wendy s representing national Christian bodies. Believing all are created in God s image, we asked Wendy s to align with 14 other buyers including McDonald s, Burger King, Subway, Taco Bell and Wal-Mart and join the CIW Fair Food Program without further delay. Having seen with our own eyes the achievements of the CIW Fair Food Program we wrote that we are disappointed that Wendy s continues to refuse to join and, in fact, has pulled its purchasing from Florida tomato growers who participate in the Fair Food Program, which has eradicated longstanding abuses and established a verifiable and sustainable path for human rights protections. The CIW educates consumers on the issue of farm labor exploitation, its causes and solutions. Since 2001, CIW has partnered with people of faith all over the country to win respect for workers from some of the largest corporations in the world by establishing more humane farm labor standards and fairer wages. Through the program these buyers, e.g. McDonalds, agree to pay an additional penny per pound and require a human-rights-based Code of Conduct to be implemented and monitored on the farms that grow their tomatoes. Traditionally a worker makes 50 cents per 40 lb basket picked, the additional penny per pound goes directly to the worker, makes it 90 cents per basket, changing the average annual salary from $10,000 to $16,000. One penny!

7 6 The Coalition of Immokalee Workers (CIW) is a workerbased human rights organization internationally recognized for its achievements in the fields of social responsibility, human trafficking, and gender-based violence at work. Built on a foundation of farmworker community organizing starting in 1993, and reinforced with the creation of a national consumer network since 2000, CIW s work has steadily grown over more than twenty years to encompass three broad and overlapping spheres: The Fair Food Program Anti-Slavery Campaign The Campaign for Fair Food Wendy s continually refuses to agree to this program, their most recent October 2016 statement When the Easy Answer Isn t the Right One... by Liliana Esposito, SVP, Chief Communications Officer can be found here and CIW s line by line response to that statement can be found here After 10 years of appeals, letters, meetings, marches and protests, with national recognition by churches and human rights groups, this September the CIW called for a national Wendy s boycott until they join the Fair Food Program and agree to protect the basic human rights of workers in their supply chain. Last March I gave up eating at Wendy s. That was easy it was Lent: no meat, McDonald s, Burger King and Subway too! But I m still not eating at Wendy s. Tomatoes are a wonderful gift of God, but how they come to us is very important. If Wendy s is willing to put workers safety, health and financial viability at risk for an extra penny a pound, then I must tell them that humans do not live by tomatoes alone and I encourage everyone to join the Wendy s boycott.

8 7 Project Mexico & the Saint Innocent Orphanage It was the summer of 2014 when I crossed the border into Mexico for the first time. I was a little nervous as I began to notice the very different surroundings about me. I had never seen so much poverty before in the span of 30 minutes as we drove down the highways. The most moving realization I experienced during my first week as a volunteer on the worksite was the joy and simplicity that radiated from the Mexican families and their children. Despite the fact that they had very little, they had something very precious joyful and generous hearts! I observed the same happiness in the boys at the Orphanage- regardless of their past, they had a cheerful and hopeful outlook on life. Coming from a culture that is continually focused on self, it was like a breath of fresh air coming to a place where others are put first, and I discovered true life and fulfillment in this. Now a couple years later, I found myself crossing the border as a summer intern for Project Mexico & St. Innocent Orphanage. My first few days as an intern were a little bumpy as I became familiar with the schedule and reacquainted myself with the Mexican culture and the poverty we encountered when we left the Orphanage grounds. Most of my responsibilities (along with my fellow interns) included preparing for the arrival of volunteer groups, which came from Orthodox parishes throughout the United States, and involved policing up the area, setting up tents, organizing construction supplies and storage, and compiling chore boards for daily clean-up and truck-loading. YOUTH AND EDUCATION A typical day during a home-building week with the volunteer groups started out with morning prayers followed by 15 minutes of quiet time (volunteers are given this time to pray, reflect and journal). We then ate breakfast together with the boys of the orphanage which was then followed by clean-up chores/loading the trucks with the specific tools needed for the worksite on that particular day. By 9:30am everyone piled into their white vans and were ready to make our way on the rough, dusty roads to the worksite where we built sturdy walls and lasting friendships.

9 8YOUTH AND EDUCATION After a long day of work, the group had some free time to rest, hang out or play games with the boys, and enjoyed each others company before we gathered together for dinner. After a delicious dinner and clean-up chores we walked over to the chapel for Evening prayers which was followed by group discussion/reflection. By then everyone was ready to relax and enjoy the evening by hanging out at the Tiendita (a small store on the Orphanage for volunteers to buy t-shirts, gifts, and snacks) or singing songs and making s mores by the bonfire. The first day of construction was exhausting as we began by leveling the ground before we start mixing and pouring the cement for a sturdy foundation. This process was followed by inserting anchor bolts (for attaching walls on day 2) and floating the cement which smoothes out all the rough spots and allows it to dry properly. The second day of construction we interns fondly call framing day! This is a fun day as we begin measuring, sawing, and hammering our four walls and roof rafters together. Everyone was excited and the families had big smiles on their faces when we all brought the walls to the foundation, secured it to the anchor bolts, attached the roof rafters and began the rhythm of hammering. As we drove away there was a sense of accomplishment as we looked at the framework of the house and saw it coming together before our very eyes. On the third day of construction we prepared to wrap the house in chicken wire, as well as install the roof, windows and door. Once that was done, it was time to mix and apply the first coat of stucco on the outer walls. It s a long, dirty day on the worksite, but everyone had a blast. The fourth and final day we applied the second coat of stucco and finished the last few touches on the house. Once we were done, we all crowded together in the newly built home with the beautiful family as a priest led us in the house blessing service. Then the family received an icon, a Bible and a key to their new home which was received with tears in their eyes and thankfulness in their hearts. Many hugs were exchanged and some tears shed by the volunteers as we said our last goodbyes and gave best wishes to the family. My entire summer in Mexico was a most beautiful and humbling experience in the sense that God enabled me to serve alongside fellow Orthodox Christians from around the United States and Canada, and I was abundantly blessed to become a part of the Project Mexico & St. Innocent Orphanage family. I never imagined just how special my life would be as an intern for the two & a half months out of the summer. It was extremely different from that of coming as a volunteer for the one week sessions, which I had done on two other occasions. 8 However, the unspeakable joy and the shower of love and blessings that I received serving as a summer intern were greatly multiplied and for this I give thanks and glory to the Lord. For more information visit projectmexico.org

10 9 Klarissa E. Alexander Parish: Holy Cross Orthodox Church, Williamsport, PA Parents: Sean and Hayln Alexander Graduated From: homeschool graduate Future Plans: LeTourneau University, Longview, TX, Professional Flight and Aviation Maintenance Halle A. Bagshaw Parish: Holy Trinity Orthodox Church, Catasauqua, PA Parents: Chris and Nina Bashaw Graduated From: Duke University, BA Art History & Chemistry Future Plans: Medical School in 2017 Zachary Paul Beckley Parish: Holy Annunciation Orthodox Chuch, Berwick, PA Parents: Tamara Beachell And Glenn Beckley Graduated From: Berwick Area High School Future Plans: Virginia Tech, Aerospace Engineering Elizabeth Ann Bishop Parish: St. Michael s Orthodox Church, Mt. Carmel, PA Parents: Claudia Roper and Benjamin Bishop. Graduated From: Danville Area Senior High School, Danville, PA Future Plans: University of Scranton, Counseling and Human Services Matrona (Michelle) Brincat Graduated From: Messiah College, B.S. in Nursing (BSN) Future Plans: CGOH Pinnacle in the Emergency Department DIOCESAN GRADUATES Michael J. Browne Parish: St. Mark s Orthodox Church, Wrightstown, PA Parents: Fr. Raymond M. and Matushka Heidi Browne Graduated From: Homeschooled Future Plans: Bucks County Community College Samuel A. Bunitsky Parish: St. Michael the Archangel Orthodox Church, Wilmington, DE Parents: Mark and Jessica Bunitsky Graduated From: Mount Sophia Academy Future Plans: University of Delaware, Honors Program for Chemical Engineering Josiah S. Fegley Parish: St. Mary s Orthodox Church, Coaldale, PA Parents: Nadine & the late Oliver Fegely Graduated From: PA College of Technology with a dual degree In Power Generation and Diesel Technology Jonathan Cesari Parish: St. Nicholas Orthodox Church, Olyphant, PA Parents: Richard and Julie Thomashefsky-Cesari Graduated From: Penn State University, Information Sciences and Technology Future Plans: Employed as a System Developer at National Book Company Katherine Fegley Parish: St. Mary s Orthodox Church, Coaldale, PA Parents: Nadine & the late Oliver Fegely Grandparents: The late Simon & Martha Staflnlak Graduated From: Ephrata High School Future Plans: School of Cosmetology Jessica Drebot Parents: Tom and Kathy Drebot Graduated From: Wilkes University, BA Criminology and Sociology Future Plans: Ocean City (MD) Police Dept Aidan Gaither Graduated From: Mechanicsburg Area Senior High School Future Plans: University of Pittsburgh Major: Biology Jacob Leo Emily Parish: St. Michael s Orthodox Church, Old Forge, PA Parent: Maria Emily Graduated From: Scranton Preparatory School Future Plans: Saint Joseph s University, Philadelphia, PA Rachel Gaither Graduated From: Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) Majoring in Biology with a Minor in Women s & Gender Studies Future Plans: Working in the Biotech industry

11 10DIOCESAN GRADUATES Elena Gewiss Graduated From: Mechanicsburg Area Senior High School Future Plans: HACC Major: Business Administration Matthew Hadginske Parents: Paul and MaryAnne Hadginske Graduated From: Wilkes University, Doctor of Pharmacy Future Plans: Residency at Geisinger Wyoming Valley Medical Center George Hatalowich Parents: George and Pamela Hatalowich Graduated From: Lower Dauphin High School Future Plans: Davidson College Major: Business Wade Hisiro Parents: Carl and Debbie Hisiro Graduated From: Susquehanna Township High School (Valedictorian) Future Plans: University of Virginia Major: Mechanical Engineering Angelina Marie Hoidra Parish: St. John the Baptist Orthodox Church, Edwardsville, PA Parents: Reader Matthew and Deborah Hoidra Graduated From: The George Washington University Future Plans: Pursuing a career in the theatre/performing arts industry Alexandra C. Jensky Parish: St. Stephen s Orthodox Cathedral, Philadelphia, PA Parents: Arnie and Katherine Jensky Graduated From: Temple University Tyler School of Art, Philadelphia, PA Major: Sculpture Minor: Art History Dimitrios Kanellakos Parent: Athanasios Kanellakos Graduated From: Dallastown Area High School Future Plans: United States Marine Corps Hannah Alexis Kessler Parish: Holy Annunciation Orthodox Church, Berwick, PA Parents: Reader David and Kathryn Kessler Graduated From: James M. Coughlin High School Future Plans: Wilkes University, Biochemistry Tatiana Elizabeth Kessler Parish: Holy Annunciation Orthodox Church, Berwick, PA Parents: Reader David and Kathryn Kessler Graduated From: Luzerne County Community College Dental Assisting Future Plans: Receive EFDA certification and continue on with dental hygiene Zachary King Parish: St. Mary s Orthodox Church, Coaldale, PA Parents: David and Chris King Graduated From: Kutztown University, Summa Cum Laude, Criminal Justice Eva Marie Kremenic Parish: Holy Trinity Orthodox Church, Wilkes-Barre, PA Parents: Michael and Myra Kremenic Grandmother: Vera Hoats Graduated From: Misericordia University, M.S. Organizational Management and Healthcare Future plans: career as a radiation therapist in a radiation oncology facility Subdeacon Andrezj Kulik Graduated from: Penn State University with a Masters in Civil Engineering Jacob Kurtz Graduated From: Mechanicsburg Area Senior High School Future Plans: Eastern University Major: Criminal Justice Minor: Orthodox Thought and Culture May God Grant the 2016 Diocesan Graduates Many Years!

12 11 Lt. Joseph Kurtz, Jr. Graduated From: Pennsylvania State University B.S. in Aerospace Engineering Minors: Military Studies and Engineering Mechanics Madeleine Kushlan Parents: Jim and Heidi Kushlan Graduated From: Dickinson College BA in Psychology, with a minor in French (magna cum laude) Future Plans: Graduate study at American University, Public Health Marketing Hannah Lukatchik Parish: St. John the Baptist Orthodox Church, Edwardsville, PA Parents: Michael and Sandy Lukatchik Graduated From: West Chester University, Cum Laude, BA in Marketing Future Plans: Pursue a career in Marketing Joseph Martin Parents: Cheryl and David Martin Graduated From: Central Dauphin High School Future Plans: Drexel University Major: Computer Science Johnna McGreevy Parents: Angie and Joshua DiFlorio Graduated From: Central Dauphin High School Future Plans: University of Delaware, Music Education DIOCESAN GRADUATES David Matthew Metz Parish: St. Nicholas Orthodox Church, Bethlehem, PA Parents: Peter and Patricia Metz Graduated From: Emmaus High School Future Plans: DeSales University, Nursing Julianne Marie Metz Parish: St. Nicholas Orthodox Church, Bethlehem, PA Parents: Peter and Patricia Metz Graduated From: Millersville University Future Plans: Technology Education Teacher at Mechanicsburg Middle School Orthodox Christian Fellowship (OCF) is the official collegiate campus ministry program under the Assembly of Canonical Orthodox Bishops of the United States of America. OCF is charged with connecting Orthodox college students and those interested in the Orthodox Christian faith to Christ and His Church. Jonathan Minarich Graduated From: HACC with an Associates Degree in Marketing Kelly O Brien Parish: Holy Trinity Orthodox Church, Catasauqua, PA Parents: Jim and Helen O Brien Graduated From: Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Bachelors of Science Aeronautical Engineering Future Plans: Work at General Motors in their aerodynamics group Timothy R. Monko Parents: Deb and Tony Monko Graduated From: Lebanon Valley College (summa cum laude) BS Biochemistry and Molecular Biology (Neuroscience) Future Plans: Graduate Studies at University of Minnesota Major: Neuroscience Sarah Rose Olivieri Parish: Holy Annunciation Orthodox Church, Berwick, PA Parents: Mariah and Jack Olivieri Graduated From: Commonwealth Connections Academy Future Plans: Luzerne County Commmunity College Katerina Moser Parish: St. Mark Orthodox Church, Wrightstown PA Parents: Protodeacon Gregory and Martha Moser Graduated From: Central Bucks East High School Future Plans: James Madison University, Theater Mark Pawelski Parish: All Saints Orthodox Church, Olyphant, PA Graduated From: Mid Valley High School With Honors Future Plans: University of Scranton major: Electrical Engineering

13 12 Elizabeth Proch Parish: St. Basil s Orthodox Church, Simpson, PA Parents: Walter & Mary Anne Proch Graduated From: University of Pittsburgh School of Nursing, BSN Alexandra Roat Parish: St. Basil s Orthodox Church, Simpson, PA Parents: David & Daria Roat Graduated From: Padua Academy, Wilmington, DE Future Plans: Elon University, Strategic Communications Daniel Rogers Parish: St. Stephen Orthodox Cathedral, Philadelphia, PA Parents: Ralph and Irina Rogers Graduated From: Northeast High School, Philadelphia Nicholas A. Rudenko Parish: Holy Ascension Orthodox Church, Frackville, PA Parents: Douglas & Mary Ellen Rudenko Graduated from: Pennsylvania State University Future Plans: Employed with Material Science Corporation Michael Mihai Sanchez Parish: St. Herman of Alaska Orthodox Church Shillington, PA Graduated From: Wilson Sr. High School Wyomissing, PA Daniel Skasko Parish: St. Basil s Orthodox Church, Simpson, PA Parents: Michael and Mary Alice Skasko Graduated From: Carbondale Area High School Future Plans: Information Technology Anthony D. Vavra Parish: St. Mary s Orthodox Church, Coaldale, PA Parents: Dennis and Gerl Vavra Grandparents: Cip and the late Helen Vavra, Bill and the late Bernadine Hook Graduated From: Panther Valley High School Future Plans: East Stroudsburg University Kyra Skoog Parish: Holy Trinity Orthodox Church, Pottstown, PA Parents: Deacon Peter and Marnie Skoog Graduated From: Methacton High School Future Plans: Temple University, Speech Pathology Karoline Vavra Parish: St. Mary s Orthodox Church, Coaldale, PA Parents: Dennis and Gerl Vavra Grandparents: Cip and the late Helen Vavra, Bill and the late Bernadine Hook Graduated From: East Stroudsburg University, BS Sports Management Nicholas Sooy Graduated From: Messiah College Major: Philosophy, & Peace and Conflict Studies. Minors: Psychology and Mathematics Future Plans: Working with the Orthodox Peace Fellowship, PhD. Program at Fordham University for Philosophy and Theology Melissa Irene Zuro Parents: Michael and Janice Zuro Graduated From: Red Land High School (Lewisberry) Future Plans: Bloomsburg University, Nursing Nicole Erika Morgan Staller Parents: Scott and Robbin Staller Graduated From: Central Dauphin East High School Future Plans: Philadelphia University, Textile Design Christian Tegene Graduated From: Trinity High School Future Plans: University of Pittsburg, Biology The OCF Connect Smartphone App offers you the daily tools you need as an Orthodox college student and also helps you stay updated on OCF events, news, and media. Features include: Daily Prayers Orthodox FAQ Be the Bee YouTube Channel Events Calendar Chapter Locator and much more DIOCESAN GRADUATES

14 13 Good Friday, St. Nicholas, Bethlehem, PA Palm Sunday, Christ the Saviour, Harrisburg, PA Mission Service, St. John the Baptist, Dundaff, PA Pascha, Holy Apostles, Mechanicsburg, PA PASCHAL SEASON Background: Pascha, St. Nicholas, Olyphant, PA Palm Sunday, Holy Cross, Williamsport, PA Pascha, St. John the Baptist, Edwardsville, PA Mission Service, All Saints, Olyphant, PA Lazarus Saturday, Holy Trinity, Stroudsburg, PA

15 14 Announcing the 53rd Diocesan Assembly Dear V. Rev. Frs., Rev. Frs., Diocesan Council Members, and Department Chairs, The 53rd Diocesan Assembly will be held on Thursday and Friday, January 26 and 27, 2017 at Christ the Saviour Orthodox Church, 5501 Old Locust Lane, Harrisburg, PA All our active clergy, delegates and department chairs are required to attend this Assembly. Registration will begin on Thursday beginning at 3:00 p.m. followed by the formal opening of the Assembly at 4:00 p.m. Dinner will be at 5:00 p.m. and Great Vespers at 6:00 p.m. The agenda is attached and will also be posted on our website ( The registration fee is $150 for each parish, which includes one hotel room, four meals (two each for clergy and lay delegate) and miscellaneous incidentals of the Assembly. If a parish requires a second room, the cost is an additional $76 and should be covered by the respective parish. Any incidental costs, such as phone calls, room service, etc. are the responsibility of the individuals. The hotel is the Candlewood Suites, 504 North Mountain Road, Harrisburg, PA This year the Diocese is making the hotel reservations directly for you. Please send your reservations directly to the Diocesan Center. Checks should be made payable to OCA Diocese of Eastern Pennsylvania. The commuter rate for those not staying at the hotel is $75.00 per person, which covers 2 meals and a registration fee. Please complete the attached Document of Certification for your Lay Delegate for the 53rd Diocesan Assembly and submit to the Diocesan Office as soon as possible, but no later than January 6, Assembly observers are welcome to attend with the blessing of the parish priest. The Document of Certification for Observers should also be completed, signed and returned to the Diocesan Center no later than January 15, Registration fee for observers is $30 to cover the cost of the meals. Please note that this does not include the cost of their hotel rooms should they stay overnight. We cannot guarantee the room rates after January 6, 2017, but we might be able to accommodate them up to January 9, We ask that the Deans, Treasurer, Auditors, Metropolitan Council Representatives, Finance Committee, Diocesan Council Secretary, Liturgical Life Committee, Missions, Office of Young Adult Activities, Office of Church School Programs and Curriculum, Health Insurance, and the Communications Department prepare their reports and forward them to the Diocesan Center electronically (dioceseoepa@gmail. com) no later than January 16, 2017 for posting on the Diocesan Website. Please remember that in order to participate in the Assembly meetings parishes must be current with their payment of monthly diocesan support. Thank you for your prompt attention to these matters. Have a Joyous Nativity and a Happy, Healthy and Blessed New Year! Yours in Christ, V. Rev. Martin Browne, Chancellor All information for the 53rd Diocesan Assembly can be found at at the Diocesan Assembly 2017 tab at the top of the page.

16 DIOCESAN CALENDAR DECEMBER December 4 St. Nicholas (Archbishop MARK) Coatesville, PA December 5 Christ the Saviour (Archbishop MARK) Harrisburg December 6 St. Nicholas the Wonder Worker December 11 St. Herman of Alaska (Archbishop MARK) Gradyville December 13 Ven. Herman of Alaska December 18 Sunday before the Feast of the Nativity Stroudsburg Holy Trinity (Archbishop MARK) December 20 December 25 December 27 Hieromartyr Ignatius the God-bearer Feast of the Nativity in the Flesh of our Lord TBD Protomartyr Stephen JANUARY, 2017 January 1 St, Basil s (Archbishop MARK) Simpson January 5 January 6 Paramon of the Feast of Theophany Christ the Saviour, Ordination of Edward Hunter to the Diaconate Feast of Theophany Harrisburg, PA January 8 Holy Cross, Ordination of Edward Hunter to the priesthood Williamsport, PA January St Stephen s Cathedral and Novogodny Ball (Archbishop MARK) Philadelphia, PA January 22 Holy Trinity (Archbishop MARK) Catasauqua January Diocesan Assembly hosted by Christ the Saviour Harrisburg, PA