Re surre ction Revitaliz a tion Rebirth A NEW LIFE IN CHRIST

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1 A Quarterly Publication of the Diocese of Eastern Pennsylvania LATE SPRING/EARLY SUMMER 2012 Re surre ction Revitaliz a tion Rebirth A NEW LIFE IN CHRIST

2 In This Issue 2 A Word from our ARCHBishop 4 Diocesan News Clergy Retreat 6 Youth & Education Summer Camp at St. Tikhon s 2012 Kimberly Metz 8 AROUND THE DIOCESE The spring liturgical cycle in photos 15 AROUND THE DIOCESE FOCUS Trip to Appalachia 17 DIOCESAN GRADUATES PaSTORAL REFLECTIONS Prophetic Life and Authenticity in the Church - Part 3 By Archimandrite Zacharias Zacharou 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 Eminence, Archbishop TIKHON MANAGING EDITOR Aric Gingo EDITORIAL STAFF V. Rev. John Kowalczyk Matushka Sandra Kopestonsky PHOTOGRAPHY Aric Gingo COVER PHOTOGRAPH Roman Ostash Alive in Christ is distributed free of charge within the Diocese of Eastern Pennsylvania, 144 St. Tikhon s Road, Waymart, PA Communications Brief Christ is in our midst! This issue of Alive In Christ is an expanded issue covering the spring feasts, graduation, and Pascha. The intention with this issue is to give a glimpse at how our brothers and sisters in other parishes in the Diocese come together to celebrate our shared beliefs. Every attempt was made to incorporate an image from any parish that chose to share them. If your parish is having trouble taking or submitting photos or stories, please contact the communications department for guidance. 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 Dearly Beloved in Christ, This issue of our magazine is devoted to resurrection, revitalization and rebirth as expressed liturgically within our diocese. The many images of liturgical celebrations that you will find in these pages are a visual representation of our rich Orthodox liturgical heritage and a testimony to the prayerful activivity that can be found within our parishes. From Great Lent to Holy Pascha and Pentecost, and throughout the liturgical year, there are untold opportunities for us to partake of God s grace through these services. At the same time, it is important to remember that our liturgical life is not limited to those beautiful services but should overflow into every facet of our lives, whether in our families or at work, in the depths of our hearts or in our communal interactions. Repentance and purification, transfiguration and communion with God in fact, all aspects of our salvation take place not only in the time and space devoted to the liturgical services but at every moment of our existence and wherever we may find ourselves. For this reason, this magazine also highlights our 2012 graduates for their academic work, the activities of our clergy in their efforts to strengthen their pastoral ministries and the missionary outreach of our faithful all of which can be considered liturgical actions....the goal of any liturgical activity, whether in the Church or outside, is to find salvation and healing in Christ This is so because the goal of any liturgical activity, whether in the Church or outside, is to find salvation and healing in Christ. One of the most important images of salvation is that of Christ, the Divine Physician. The prayers of the Divine Liturgy and other liturgical texts, the ascetical writings of the Holy Fathers and the Holy Gospels all make reference to this image, reminding us of the reality of our illnesses, but at the same time, guiding us to the path which leads to healing and to the source of that healing: our Lord Jesus Christ. When someone suffers from a bodily illness, he must first acknowledge that he needs healing and then seek the doctor who can cure him. In the same way, every Orthodox Christian needs to recognize his spiritual illness before he can turn to the One who alone can bring + Tikhon A Word from our ARCHBishop healing. (continued next page)

4 3 It is painful to recognize the wounds in our own hearts, to understand the dysfunction in our own families, to acknowledge the failing health of our parishes. But when we do so, when we reach a certain level of self-understanding, we then receive the boldness to seek healing for those wounds, solutions for that dysfuncion and new life where before was death. And this requires some effort on our part, the effort of prayer, repentance, fasting, almsgiving, forgiveness and love But if we are willing to make this effort, even in a small way, Christ Himself will come to us and comfort us with His grace, forgive us with His mercy and heal us with His love. As we enter into the new ecclesiastical year on the first of September, let us renew our efforts to honestly acknowledge our own weaknesses and to find healing through the Godly pursuit of the divine virtues. And let us stive to do this every moment of the coming year, so that we can truly enter into the reality of the last great Feast of the Lord, His Holy Transfiguration, with renewed hearts, transformed families and revitalized parishes. But if we are willing to make this effort, even in a small way, Christ Himself will come to us and comfort us with His grace, forgive us with His mercy and heal us with His love. DIOCESAN CONTINUING CLERGY EDUCATION PROGR AM Starting in the Fall, a new program of continuing education for the clergy of the Diocese of Eastern Pennsylvania will begin, with the blessing of His Eminence, Archbishop TIKHON. The purpose of this program is to provide on-going and regular opportunities for the clergy of our diocese (as well as clergy from other dioceses, who will be invited to attend) to develop their ministries in a number of areas, including canonical, theological, and social issues which are part of the daily ministry of the parish priest. The purpose is informative and will be done by persons with expertise and experience in the areas about which they are talking. These sessions will be on the third Thursday of the month from September to November, with a diocesan clergy retreat scheduled for December. The schedule of topics and speakers is as follows: DIOCESAN NEWS September 20th Attorney Stephanos Bibas: Legal dimensions of priestly ministry: personal, parochial and pastoral. This will be at St. Nicholas Orthodox Church, Bethlehem from 10AM to 1PM. Clergy interested in attending should RSVP to Matushka Sandy Kopestonsky no later than September 17th. October 18th Archpriest Alexander Rentel: Canonical Issues in Marriage: Minimums and Maximums. This will be held at Holy Trinity Orthodox Church in Stroudsburg from 10AM to 1PM. Clergy interested in attending should RSVP to Matushka Sandy Kopestonsky no later than October 15th. November 15th Mr. Robert Ferdinand, Retired Chief of Hazleton Police Department: Challenges facing our Communities. This will be held at Holy Annunciation Orthodox Church in Berwick from 10AM to 1PM. Clergy interested in attending should RSVP to Matushka Sandy Kopestonsky no later than November 12th.

5 4 Clergy Retreat for the Diocese of Eastern Pennsylvania Holy Protection Greek Orthodox Monastery DIOCESAN NEWS

6 5 CLERGY RETREAT Holy Protection Greek Orthodox Women s Monastery was the setting for the Lenten Clergy Retreat. Some came on the evening of March 5th, joining the nuns in their services, including a Presanctified Liturgy at 3AM. The rest of the clergy came on March 6th to hear two presentations from Fr. Thomas Hopko on the theme Do You Want To Be Healed? Fr. Tom had sent out some reading and questions ahead of time for the clergy to prepare themselves for the day and to continue the exercise of reflecting on their own spiritual health. The presentation was based on the fact that spiritually healthy parishes require spiritually healthy priests and too often the clergy neglect their own welfare, including their spiritual welfare, in their intense schedule of activities. The reading which provided the basis of Fr. Tom s talk was the Sayings of St. Anthony the Great, a collection of practical stories and teachings from the Father of Monasticism, which provide a sound and reliable guide to living a healthy spiritual life. Recognizing spiritual illness,...spiritually healthy parishes require spiritually healthy priests and too often the clergy neglect their own welfare, including their spiritual welfare, in their intense schedule of activities. practicing prayer and silence, cultivating humility, reading the Scriptures, DIOCESAN NEWS and loving your neighbor were the major topics addressed by Fr. Tom. The day ended with the Rite of Forgiveness in the Monastery Chapel during which His Eminence, Archbishop TIKHON and all the clergy present offered mutual forgiveness to one another. There was a strong positive appreciation of the day in all its aspects, especially to Fr. Tom for his insights, and also to the nuns for their gracious hospitality. For an expanded photo gallery, visit

7 6 Summer Camp children 54 adult counselors 1 Week of Fun and Enlightenment Lost in the Wilderness By: Kimberly Metz

8 7 SUMMER CAMP 2012 During the week of July 1, 2012, 120 children, as well as a volunteer staff of 54 adult counselors, gathered on the grounds of St. Tikhon s Seminary to celebrate another successful season of the Summer Camp program that has become a tradition of more than 40 years. Saint Tikhon s Summer Camp allows Orthodox Christian children between the ages of 7 and 17 to grow in their relationship with Christ and each other by attending daily services, enjoying religious education programs geared toward their individual age groups, and spending time together during recreational activities on the beautiful grounds. Although the program is sponsored by the Diocese of Eastern Pennsylvania, the camp also hosts children from many other states, including New Jersey, New York, Ohio, Florida, and Nebraska. The camp s educational theme this year was Lost in the Wilderness, with lesson plans created and implemented by Educational Program Director Anna Marie Black. Within the theme, our campers explored the Ten Commandments, and how each commandment applies to our daily lives. Above and beyond the camp s usual routine of morning and evening prayers, swimming, boating, arts and crafts, workshops, and sports and recreation time, all of the campers were also offered a Slavic dancing course this year. It was a big hit - especially with the boys, who were eager to learn Cossack jumping and kicking techniques for the Hopak! A very special and historical highlight of this season of camp was a July 4 visit from Fr. Afanassy and the miraculous Myrrh-Streaming Icon of St. Anna. Each of the campers and staff members had the opportunity to venerate this beautiful icon at the conclusion of that evening s moleben. For an in-depth article and expanded photo gallery, visit A very special and historical highlight of this season of camp was a July 4 visit from Fr. Afanassy and the miraculous Myrrh-Streaming Icon of St. Anna. UPCOMING EVENT: Diocesan Winter Teen Retreat February 8-10 Fatima Renewal Center Dalton, PA Open to students in Grades 7-12 Registration begins November 2012 Please visit for more information. Below: Fr. Timothy Hojnicki of Holy Apostles Mission and Fr. Afanassy with the Myrrh-Streaming Icon of St. Anna. YOUTH & EDUCATION

9 8 The Feast Of Feasts Parishoners in Mechanicsburg at Paschal Matins. Background: Sunday of Orthodoxy Mission Service in Harrisburg Images of great lent, pascha and pentecost from around the diocese See extensive photo galleries of the entire Liturgical cycle at galleries_2012.html

10 9 Archbishop Tikhon serves in Pottstown Parishioners attend a Mission Service in Wilkes-Barre AROUND THE DIOCESE Background: Mission Service in Berwick, PA.

11 10 Diocesan Clergy serve the Sunday of Orthodoxy Mission Service in St. Clair. AROUND THE DIOCESE

12 11 Mission Service in Berwick AROUND THE DIOCESE Background: Archbishop Tikhon and the Right Reverend Archimandrite Michael Thier in Lopez

13 12 Background: Parishioners attend Mission Service in Olyphant. Mission Service in Minersville Post Mission Service dinner in Jermyn AROUND THE DIOCESE

14 13 Holy Saturday Matins procession in Bethlehem Parishioners attend a Mission Service in Wilmington AROUND THE DIOCESE Background: Good Friday evening service in Edwardsville Paschal Matins in Bethlehem Paschal Matins in Mechanicsburg

15 14 CHRIST IS RISEN! Pascha service in Uniondale Parishioners receive Communion on Pascha in Jermyn Blessing of Pascha Baskets in Uniondale Paschal lecture by Fr. Andrew Stephen Damick in Harrisburg Pentecost services in Stroudsburg AROUND THE DIOCESE

16 15 he who serves others saves his soul for eternal life Diocese of Eastern Pennsylvania Mission Trip Serving with FOCUS In Appalachia AROUND THE DIOCESE Unless we acquire the sense of service to others, our life will be useless. If we wish to regenerate our nature, to gain likeness to God, the desire to serve others should dominate our life. Words of Life by Archimandrite Sophrony

17 Earlier this year, Fr. Michael Demko, pastor of Holy Annunciation parish in Berwick, 16 approached Fr. Daniel Mathewson of St. Mary s parish in Coaldale and Fr. Nicholas Solak of Holy Trinity in Stroudsburg about the possibility of taking our youth and willing adults on a missionary trip to serve others. After getting the blessing of His Eminence Archbishop Tikhon, all three priests began to meet and pray and prepare for this endeavor. In January, Fr. Michael had made contact with FOCUS North America enquiring about their Appalachian program in a remote part of North Carolina. It was agreed that this would be a great fit for the diocesan team, as it was an opportunity to work outside of our comfort zone in a different part of the world so to speak. FOCUS has been doing this work for the last few years with groups from all over the Midwest and East coast. The groups come down to NC and work on hands on building projects serving the poor of Spruce Pine. FOCUS works in conjunction with Operation Inasmuch, a ministry developed some years ago by Neil Brown to reach out to the needy families of the Spruce Pine area. Neil is a native of Spruce Pine and was the main job coordinator there. Larissa Hatch was the FOCUS representative who worked with the group coordinating logistics and facilitating the retreat aspect of our trip. The theme of this year s DOEPA MISSIONS TRIP to North Carolina was We must die to our selves so that others may live. Fr. Sophrony This truth, rooted in the Gospels, was our goal. The DOEPA group consisted of 27 youth and adults from each of the three parishes and was open to all in the diocese. The project officially got underway in early February, but it was the first meeting at the end of March that solidified the endeavor. His Eminence was in attendance at this meeting and gave His official blessing and shared also the need for all of us to serve in whatever capacity possible. He encouraged the group to continue its efforts in the following years in our own diocese, continuing his vision for our eastern PA. This first meeting was also a time for the group to meet one another and share briefly why they wanted to attend this trip. As well as a get to know you time this meeting also was an early orientation for how to prepare and ready one s self for this undertaking. One of Elder Sophrony sayings became a meditation point for the team, Unless we acquire the sense of service to others, our life will be useless. If we wish to regenerate our nature, to gain likeness to God, the desire to serve others should dominate our life. FOCUS is committed to both serve the poor and to train and make aware those who serve that the Gospel is service. For an extended article and photo gallery of the Diocese of Eastern Pennsylvania s Mission trip to Appalachia, log onto AROUND THE DIOCESE

18 17 Aislinn E. Alexander Parents: Sean and Hayln Alexander Parish: Holy Cross Orthodox Church, Williamsport, PA Graduated from: Pennsylvania Homeschool Diploma Program Future: Indiana University of Pennsylvania Major: Pre-Physical Therapy Florina Bacuta Parents: Constantin and Cristina Bacuta Parish: St. Michael the Archangel Orthodox Church, Wilmington, DE Graduated from: University of Delaware Adam David Barsigian Parents: David & Katie Barsigian Parish: St. Michael s Orthodox Church, Old Forge, PA Graduated from: Old Forge High School, Old Forge PA Member of National Honor Society Future: Penn State University - Worthington, PA Jordan Beckley Parish: Holy Annunciation Orthodox Church, Berwick Nathan Bender Parents: Eugene and Diane Bender Parish: St. Stephen Orthodox Cathedral, Philadelphia, PA Graduated from: Upper Dublin High School, National Honor Society Future: Drexel University, Dean Scholar Major: Engineering DIOCESAN GRADUATES John Berry Parents: Nina Petro and David Berry Parish: St. Nicholas Orthodox Church, Coatesville PA Graduated from: Coatesville Area Senior High School, Coatesville, Pennsylvania. Future: West Chester University. Matthew Dickinson Parish: Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary Orthodox Church, Philadelphia, PA Graduated from: University of Delaware Alexis Brzuchalski Parents: David and Mary Brzuchalski Parish: All Saints Orthodox Church, Olyphant, PA Graduated from: Temple University with a degree in Biology and a minor in music. Anastasia Natasha Drebot Parents: Paul Drebot, Jr. Parish: Christ the Saviour Orthodox Church, Harrisburg, PA Graduated from: James Madison University B.S. Computer Science Future: Employment at Belgium Bank Susanna Carey Parents: Christopher and Nona Carey Parish: St. Michael the Archangel Orthodox Church, Wilmington, DE Graduated from: Mt. Sophia Academy Future: University of Delaware Major: Health Behavior Science Jessica Marie Drebot Parents: Thomas and Kathy Drebot Parish: Christ the Saviour Orthodox Church, Harrisburg, PA Graduated from: Middletown Area High School Future: Wilkes University Jim Carpenter Parish: St. Michael the Archangel Orthodox Church, Wilmington, DE Graduated from: Saint Tikhon s Seminary Diaconal Extension Program John Elia Parents: Rashid and Mona Elia Parish: St. Michael the Archangel Orthodox Church, Wilmington, DE Graduated from: Newark High School Future: University of Delaware Major: Mathematics with a scholarship from J P Lynch Justin Cunningham Parents: Gary and Daria Cunningham Parish: All Saints Orthodox Church, Olyphant, PA Graduated from: Lakeland High School.

19 18 Peter Ervin Parish: Holy Annunciation Orthodox Church, Berwick Alexander Kiprian Fedetz Parents: Kip and Sherri Fedetz Parish: Holy Trinity Orthodox Church, Catasauqua, PA Graduated from: Parkland School High School Future: Temple University Laura A. Fedoronko, DPT Parents: Paul & Diane Fedoronko Parish: St. Stephen Orthodox Cathedral, Philadelphia, PA Graduated from: University of Pittsburgh - Doctor of Physical Therapy Now Practicing at Children s Hospital / University of Pittsburgh Medical Center Theodore Frear Parents: Theodore & Nancy Frear Parish: St. Michael s Orthodox Church, Old Forge, PA Graduate from: Tunkhannock Area High School Member of National Honor Society Future: Penn State University - Wilkes-Barre, PA Major: Civil & Surveying Engineering - Minor: Business Rachell Gaither Parents: Milton & Elizabeth Gaither Parish: Holy Apostles Mission, Mechanicsburg, PA Graduated from: 21 Century Cyber Charter School Future: Massachusetts Institute of Technology (M.I.T.) Major: Biology Richard Hines Parents; Kenneth and Debbie Hines Parish: St. Michael the Archangel Orthodox Church, Wilmington, DE Graduated from: Flagler College Angelina Marie Hoidra Parents: Matthew and Debbie Hoidra Parish: St. John the Baptist Orthodox Church, Edwardsville, PA Graduated from: Dallas Area High School Future: The George Washington University to double major in Theatre/English Madeline Kelley Parents: Martin and Ann Kelley Parish: St. Herman of Alaska Church, Gradyville, PA Graduated from: Haverford High School Future: Continue greeting everyone with a hug:) Richard V. Hutton, Jr. Parents: Richard and Lynda Hutton Parish: SS. Peter and Paul Orthodox Church, Minersville, PA Graduated from: Penn State University Bachelor of Science Degree in Forestry Science Meaghan Kelley Parents: Martin and Ann Kelley Parish: St. Herman of Alaska Church, Gradyville, PA Graduated from: West Chester University B.A. in History, certification Secondary Education, Minor in Russian Future: Teacher Tatiana Kessler Parish: Holy Annunciation Orthodox Church, Berwick Alexandra C. Jensky Parents: Arnold Jensky and Katherine Hargrave Parish: St. Stephen Orthodox Cathedral, Philadelphia, PA Graduated from: Julia Reynolds Masterman Laboratory and Demonstration High School, Philadelphia, PA Future: Temple University, Tyler School of Art Anna L. Jensky Parents: Arnold Jensky and Katherine Hargrave Parish: St. Stephen Orthodox Cathedral, Philadelphia, PA Graduated from: University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA Degree: Bachelor of Arts - major in Psychology Kaylyn Kovalchik Parents: Thomas and Coleen Kovalchik Parish: All Saints Orthodox Church, Olyphant, PA Graduated from: Mid-Valley High School with a concentration in Cosmetology. DIOCESAN GRADUATES

20 19 Allison Elizabeth Kraky Parents: Barbara & Daniel Kraky Parish: St. Michael Church, Jermyn, PA Graduated from: Lakeland High School Future: Wesely College, Delaware Major: Exercise Science Brianne Kravetsky Parents: Edward & Victoria Kravetsky Parish: St. Michael Church, Jermyn, PA Graduated From: Lakeland High School Future: Marywood University Major: Nursing Cassandra Elena Latsios Parish: St. Nicholas Eastern Orthodox Church, Philadelphia, PA Graduated from: Widener University, Summa Cum Laude with a degree in finance. Future: She is employed at a financial and accounting firm in Media, PA. Matthew Linnehan Wife: Anastasia Linnehan Parish: Holy Apostles Mission, Mechanicsburg, PA Graduated from: Dickinson College, Carlisle, PA Major: B.S. in Computer Science with a minor in Russian Hannah Lukatchik Parents: Michael and Sandy Lukatchik Parish: St. John the Baptist Orthodox Church, Edwardsville, PA Graduated from: Coughlin High School, Wilkes-Barre, PA Future: West Chester University Major: Marketing DIOCESAN GRADUATES Erin Lynch Parents: John and Patti Lynch Parish: St. Herman of Alaska Church, Gradyville, PA Graduated from: Mt. Pleasant High School Future: University of Delaware Major: Organizational & Community Leadership Danial Morjana Parents: Alice & Nihmat Morjana Parish: St. Michael the Archangel Orthodox Church, Wilmington, DE Graduated from: Newark High School Future: University of the Sciences in Philadelphia, PA Major: Pharmacy Alexander Macura Parents: Fr. Ed Macura and Tatiana Yerkis Parish: St. Herman of Alaska Church, Gradyville, PA Graduated from: Downingtown East High School Future: Includes a move, preparing, and awaiting the Plans I have for... Jeremiah 29 Juliana (Amanda) Mylin Parish: Holy Apostles Mission, Mechanicsburg, PA Graduated from: Messiah College Major: History Michael A. Mariani, Jr. Parish: St. Stephen Orthodox Cathedral, Philadelphia, PA Graduated from: Conwell-Egan Catholic High School, Fairless Hills, PA Future: Holy Family University, Philadelphia, in the College of Nursing Kelly O Brien Parents: Jim and Helen O Brien Parish: Holy Trinity Orthodox Church, Catasauqua, PA Graduated from: Brandywine Heights, Topton, PA Future: Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) Major: Mechanical Engineering Nathaniel Evers Mathewson Parents: Rev. Daniel and Matushka Gail Parish: St. Mary s Orthodox Church, Coaldale, PA. Graduated from: Panther Valley High School Future: The College of Wooster in Ohio to study Engineering. Nathan is a tonsured reader and hopes to start an OCF chapter at the college. Jacquelyn Peck Parents: Basil and Cindy Peck Parish: St. Michael the Archangel Orthodox Church, Wilmington, DE Graduated from: The University of Delaware with a Bachelor of Arts Future: Lived School of Theology in Toronto at the St. John the Compassionate Mission. Julianne Metz Parents: Peter and Patricia Metz Parish: St. Nicholas Russian Orthodox Church, Bethlehem, PA Graduated from: Emmaus High School Future: Millersville University Major: Technology Education

21 20 Alexander P. Pianovich Parents: Dr. Paul Pianovich & Jane Parish: Holy Ascension Orthodox Church, Lykens, PA Graduated from: Penn State University w/ Bachelor of Science Degree in Biology Elizabeth Ann Proch Parents: Walter and Mary Anne Proch Parish: St. Basil Orthodox Church, Simpson, PA Graduated from: Unionville High School, Kennett Square, PA Honor Student Future: University of Pittsburgh, Major: Nursing Rachel Rebuck Parents: James and Deborah Rebuck, granddaughter of V. Rev. Claude Vinyard Parish: St. Michael Church, Mt Carmel, PA Graduated from: Le Cordon Bleu, Pittsburgh, PA. She majored in Patisserie and Baking She is currently employed at Pine Barn Inn as a chef in training. Sophia Elizabeth Ressetar Parents: Gregory and Candi Ressetar Parish: Christ the Saviour Orthodox Church, Harrisburg, PA Graduated from: Susquehanna Township High School Future: Millersville University Kristin Roberts Parents: David and Christine Roberts Parish: St. Michael the Archangel Orthodox Church, Wilmington, DE Graduated from: Wilmington University, Masters Degree Kayla Eve Shamus Parents: Edward Shamus, Jr & Eveann Shamus Parish: St. Michael Church, Mt Carmel, PA Graduated from: Mount Carmel Area High School Future: Bloomsburg University Natalie Taptykoff Parents: Dr. Michael and Amelia Taptykoff Parish: St. Stephen Orthodox Cathedral, Philadelphia, PA Graduated from: Notre Dame High School, Lawrenceville, NJ Future: Rider University Double Major: Advertisement and Marketing, will pursue her love for music and theater as well Matthew Smith Parents: Lynn and Shane Bass Parish: St. Basil Orthodox Church, Simpson, PA Graduated from: Hancock Central School, Hancock, NY Moses (Colin) Tomes Parents: Elizabeth Tomes Parish: Holy Apostles Mission, Mechanicsburg, PA Graduated from: Cedar Cliff High School, New Cumberland, PA Future: Enlisting United States Air Force Sarah Soucek Parents: Fr. John Soucek & Matushka Michelle Soucek Parish: St. Michael s Orthodox Church, Old Forge, PA Graduated from: Old Forge High School Member of National Honor Society, Vice-President, Leo Club Future: Duquesne University - Pittsburgh PA Major: International Business Aaron Williams Parents: Steven & Barbara Williams Parish: Holy Apostles Mission, Mechanicsburg, PA Graduated from: 21 Century Cyber Charter School Future: Eastern University, St. Davids, PA Major: Undecided Gregory Basil Stankiewicz Parents: Donna and Jerry Stankiewicz Parish: Holy Trinity Orthodox Church, Wilkes-Barre, PA Graduated from: James M. Coughlin High School Future: Rensselaer PolyTechnic Institute Major: Electrical Engineering Corey Verespy Parents: Stephen & Judith Verespy Parish: All Saints Orthodox Church, Olyphant, PA Graduated from: Mid-Valley High School Future: The University of Scranton Major: Psychology Rachael A. Talpash Parents: Michael and Lisa Talpash Parish: Holy Trinity Orthodox Church, Wilkes-Barre, PA Graduated from: Wilkes University, Wilkes-Barre, PA BA Psychology, Summa Cum Laude, Wandell Award winner Future: Northeastern University, Boston, MA Masters in Psychology DIOCESAN GRADUATES

22 21 On the one hand (the true disciple) sees the example of Christ as the lamb without blemish and without spot 32, Who ascends to Golgotha to suffer and die for the whole Adam. His perfect image becomes impressed in his heart. The heritage of His words, Love one another, as I have loved you 33 is unceasingly confirmed by the Spirit in groanings which cannot be uttered 34, and by the heart which loves and cries out within us Abba, Father! 35 On the other hand, he sees more deeply and clearly than ever before the terrible falsehood and smallness, the unfaithfulness and the inconstancy of his love. He is captivated by the utterly inexpressible beauty of the humble love of the long-suffering Lord, Who prays even for His enemies, and kneels before Him in holy fear and deep reverence, worshipping the Saviour in gratitude and love. At the same time he is ever more deeply and clearly conscious of his nothingness. He is repulsed by his false self and with the force of self-hatred turns towards the gracious Lord. He separates himself from every created thing, even from attachment to this earthly life, and becomes one spirit 36 with Him. This twofold awareness, and his downwards attraction after Christ, increase the disciple s inspiration. Prophetic Life and Authenticity in the Church By Archimandrite Zacharias Zacharou PART 3 The force of self-hatred conveys the whole of the disciple s life to the place of the Presence of the Master, Who then imparts His own state to him. He makes him worthy to contemplate the form of His Person and of hearing his indescribable voice. The disciple then acquires true knowledge of eternal life. When he returns from the dwelling-place of the divine Presence, and utters a word to his brethren, he testifies to the indissoluble life of which he has partaken. And his witness will be so informed by grace that they too will become partakers of the joy and hope of the salvation to come. The prophetic authority of those who have been in the living Presence of the Lord has nothing to do with worldly authority. It is a spiritual power of humble service and love, pulling down the strongholds 37 of pride which make it so difficult to fulfil the two great commandments of love. Indeed, the true prophet has a true relationship with God and with his brethren. His attitude before God is similar to that of the great Prophet John the Baptist, while in his relations with others he is distinguished by deep humility, like the Apostle Paul who said, Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners of whom I am chief. 38 A genuine prophet, who has had a living encounter with the Lord Jesus, and has seen the Light of His Countenance, be it only once, will forever aspire to the divine measure which Christ revealed, and not the mortal measure of this world. For this reason his humility is indescribable and grace-given. The story of his meeting with the Lord of glory and the description of the state He has communicated to him, is the gift of living theology which worthily glorifies the One God of love in Three Hypostases. His whole life unfolds as a potent confirmation of the testimony of Jesus Christ risen from the dead. 39 He is passed over from death to eternal life: dying no more; death hath no-more dominion over him. 40 The testimony of Jesus is the spirit of prophecy I Pet. I: Jn. 15: Rom. 8: Rom. 8: I Cor. 6: II Cor. 10: I Tim. 1: Cf. 2 Tim. 2:8. 40 Cf. Rom. 6: Rev. 19: 10.

23 Congratulations 2012 Graduates of the Diocese of Eastern Pennsylvania God Grant You Many Years!

24 Calendar September 7-8 Russian Days St. Nicholas Church, Bethlehem September 9 Patronal Feast Day, Divine Liturgy St. Mary s, Coaldale September Assembly of Bishops Meeting Chicago, IL September 20 Clergy Continuing Education, Legal Dimensions of priestly ministry St. Nicholas Church, Bethlehem September 23 Patronal Feast Day, Divine Liturgy St. John the Baptist, Edwardsville September October 9-11 October 18 November 29 January 17-18, 2013 Metropolitan Council Meeting Holy Synod of Bishops Meeting Clergy Continuing Education, Canonical Issues in Marriage: Minimums and maximums Clergy Continuing Education, Challenges facing our Communities DIOCESAN ASSEMBLY Holy Trinity Church, Stroudsburg Holy Annunciation Church, Berwick 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