Delegate Handbook Volume 2 Ver September 21 st, Deanery and Parish Reports

Transcription

1 Delegate Handbook Volume 2 Ver September 21 st, Deanery and Parish Reports Diocese of the West Orthodox Church in America Diocesan Assembly October 2-4, Meeting at Holy Transfiguration of Christ Cathedral 349 East 47 th Avenue Denver, CO DOW Assembly 1 Delegate Book 2

2 Version September 21 st, DOW Assembly 2 Delegate Book 2

3 Table of Contents Volume 2 Desert Deanery...5 St. Paul the Apostle Church (1988) Las Vegas, NV...6 Saints Peter and Paul Orthodox Church (1951) Phoenix, AZ...8 St. John of Damascus Orthodox Church (1976) Poway, CA...11 St. Nicholas Orthodox Church (1940) San Diego, CA...14 Missionary District Deanery Archangel Gabriel Orthodox Mission (1997) Ashland, OR...18 St Jacob of Alaska Mission (2003) Bend, OR...20 St Nicholas of South Canaan Orthodox Church (1988) Billings, MT...22 St. Anthony the Great Orthodox Mission (1999) Bozeman, MT...24 SS Cyril and Methodius Orthodox Mission (1999) - Chico, CA...26 Joy of All Who Sorrow Mission (2000) Culver City, CA...28 St Katherine of Alexandria Orthodox Mission () Encinitas, CA...30 St. Innocent Mission (1997) Eureka, CA...32 St. Christina of Tyre Mission (2004) Fremont, CA...34 Hemet Mission Station () Hemet, CA...37 St. George the Great Martyr Mission (1986) Hesperia, CA...39 St. Juvenaly Orthodox Mission (2004) Kailua-Kona, HI...41 Saint Katherine the Great Martyr Mission (1999) Kirkland, WA...43 St. Peter the Aleut Orthodox Christian Mission (1987) Lake Havasu City, AZ...46 St. Mary Magdalene Orthodox Mission (1986) Merced, CA...48 Church of the Annunciation (1995) Milwaukie, OR...50 St. Nicholas of Japan Mission (2004) Redding, CA...52 St. Susanna Orthodox Mission (1999) Sonora, CA...54 St. John the Evangelist Mission (2006) Tempe, AZ...56 Holy Apostles Orthodox Mission (1995) Vancouver, WA...58 Pacific Central Deanery...60 St. John the Baptist Russian Orthodox Church (1936) Berkeley, CA...62 St. Michael Orthodox Church (1974) Concord, CA...64 St. Innocent Church (1991) -- Livermore, CA...66 Nativity of the Holy Virgin Orthodox Church (1950) Menlo Park, CA...68 Elevation of the Holy Cross (1976) - Sacramento, CA...70 St. Nicholas Orthodox Church (1956) San Anselmo, CA...72 Christ the Saviour Orthodox Church (1952) San Francisco, CA...74 Holy Trinity Cathedral (1868) San Francisco, CA...76 Protection of the Holy Virgin/St. Seraphim of Sarov Orthodox Church (1936) Santa Rosa, CA...78 St. Nicholas Orthodox Church (1951) Saratoga, CA...80 Holy Myrrh-Bearers Orthodox Church West Sacramento...82 DOW Assembly 3 Delegate Book 2

4 Pacific Northwest Deanery...84 St. Anne Church (1990) Corvallis, OR...86 St. Herman of Alaska Orthodox Church (2000) Port Townsend, WA...88 St. Nicholas Church (1895) Portland, OR...90 St Elizabeth Mission (2003) Poulsbo, WA (No Report)...92 St. Spiridon Orthodox Cathedral (1895) Seattle, WA...93 Holy Trinity/Holy Resurrection Orthodox Church (1896) Tacoma, WA...95 Pacific Southwest Deanery...97 Holy Virgin Mary Cathedral (1922) Los Angeles, CA...99 St. Herman Orthodox Church (1974) Oxnard, CA St. Vladimir Orthodox Church (1995) Santa Barbara, CA Orthodox Church of the Annunciation (1979) Santa Maria, CA St. Innocent Orthodox Church (1955) Tarzana, CA Rocky Mountain Deanery St Mary s Holy Dormition Church (1905) Calhan, CO SS Constantine and Helen/Holy Theophany (1974) Colorado Springs, CO St. Andrew Orthodox Church (1980) Delta, CO Holy Transfiguration Orthodox Cathedral (1898) Denver CO St. Herman of Alaska Orthodox Church (1972) Littleton, CO St. Michael Orthodox Church (1903) Pueblo, CO DOW Assembly 4 Delegate Book 2

5 Desert Deanery Report Diocesan Assembly In an archpastoral decree dated July 24,, His Eminence, Archbishop BENJAMIN, announced that he has divided the Pacific Southwest Deanery into two new deaneries: the Pacific Southwest Deanery (Santa Maria, Santa Barbara, Los Angeles, Tarzana, Culver City (still in the Mission Deanery but included in Regional Deanery events) and the new Desert Deanery (Phoenix, Las Vegas, Hesperia, Lake Havasu, San Diego, Poway, Tempe, Encinitas and Hemetthe missions remain in the Mission Deanery with Archpriest Matthew Tate as Dean, but will generally participate in the life of the local deanery as well). His Eminence also announced that he has appointed Archpriest David Brum to serve as dean of the new Desert Deanery. The clergy and delegates of the Desert Deanery plan to hold their first meeting during the Diocesan Assembly in Denver, CO. DOW Assembly 5 Delegate Book 2

6 Parish Name and Address Photo St. Paul the Apostle Church 5400 Annie Oakley Drive Las Vegas, Nevada Clergy Archpriest John J. Dresko, Rector Archpriest James Bertolini, Retired Archpriest John Bruchok, Retired Committees/Societies Reactivated Youth Group Since October Highlights of Top Three Activities Parish Food Festival, November Bi-monthly Feeding the Homeless Project Parish Non-Event Fundraiser Outreach and Charitable Activities Regular food collections for Friends of the Desert food pantry Winter coat and blanket collection for the needy Slavonic Liturgy monthly Major Challenges Faced Continue to develop stewardship/membership Major transitions in youth education and parish leadership Infrastructure problems; mortgage Upcoming Special Events/Anniversaries - October to September th Anniversary Celebration of the Parish s founding, May 18-19, 2013 DOW Assembly 6 Delegate Book 2

7 As of Fair Share Membership Count Communicants Average Saturday Vigil Number of Catechumens Baptisms Funerals Marriages Receptions into Orthodoxy Church School/Number Enrolled Adult Education/Number Participating DOW Assembly 7 Delegate Book 2

8 Parish Name and Address Photo Saints Peter and Paul Church 1614 East Monte Vista Road Phoenix AZ Clergy Archpriest David Brum, rector Priest Damian Kuolt, attached Protodeacon Alexis Washington, attached Committees/Societies Parish Council: The officers and members of the Saints Peter and Paul Parish Council are charged with fulfilling the duties assigned to them by the Statute of the Orthodox Church in America, the By-laws of the Diocese of the West, and the local parish by-laws. They assist in overseeing the various areas of parish administration, oversee parish improvement projects and maintenance, and provide support and assistance in the areas of outreach, evangelization, and education programs. Saints Peter and Paul Parish Choir: Saints Peter and Paul Parish Choir, under the direction of Barbara Harp, ministers to the parish community through its commitment to singing and reading at the regularly-scheduled Divine Services as well as other occasional services. Myrrhbearers Altar Society: The Myrrhbearers Altar Society provides for vestments and liturgical items utilized in the Divine Services; oversees and/or hosts the Sunday fellowship/coffee hour and other celebrations and social events; holds fundraisers (baking, raffles, etc.) to support the work of the parish; assists in planning and preparing various parish activities (retreats, Lenten Vespers, Nativity Eve Holy Supper, etc.); assists with inter-orthodox parish events; supports parish ministry to shut-ins. Fellowship of Orthodox Christians in America (Phoenician O Club, Chapter 219): The members of the parish FOCA Chapeter, all in involved in other aspects of parish life, also support special FOCA charities, especially offering support to seminarians and clergy in need. Altar Servers: The altar servers assist in the proper maintenance of the Temple and Holy Altar and serve and read at the Divine Services. Sunday School: The Sunday School teachers and assistants provide weekly classes in religious education to the young members of the parish and also provide for special projects, activities, and celebrations. Adult Education: During the academic year, adult education and faith enrichment classes are held for the spiritual and faith development of parishioners and others. Communications: Monthly parish newsletter, maintained by Stephanie Homyak; Parish website ( Mike Wagner, webmaster. Since October DOW Assembly 8 Delegate Book 2

9 Highlights of Top Three Activities Celebration of Sixtieth Anniversary of Parish Founding- His Grace, Bishop BENJAMIN, Archpriest Ian MacKinnon, Chancellor, Archpriest Matthew Tate, Priest Damian Kuolt, and Archdeacon Kiril Sokolov, joined parish clergy, faithful, and friends, in commemorating the sixtieth anniversary of the parish s founding by Archbishop John and Archimandrite Peter (Zaichenko) on November 25, Lenten Retreat led by Archpriest Chad Hatfield- Father Chad, Chancellor of Saint Vladimir s Theological Seminary, visited Phoenix to lead members of our parish and guests in a day of Lenten prayer and reflection. Approximately 100 persons attended. Father Chad also preached at Sunday Divine Liturgy and the Lenten Sunday Evening Vespers hosted by our parish. Completion of Addition to Church Parking Lot- Just in time for Pascha, our new parking lot project was completed to provide more parking for those attending services and other activities at our parish center. The new parking lot doubles the parking spaces and the new landscaping provides a much-needed improvement to the parish property. Outreach and Charitable Activities Members of the parish planned and supported the first annual Arizona March for Missions which benefitted OCMC and Project Mexico. Our parish continues to support the work of Saint Mary s Food Bank through in-kind donations. Ongoing participation in inter-orthodox activities sponsored by the Arizona Council of Orthodox Clergy. We continue to support a tutor at Saint Innocent Orphanage (Project Mexico) through a monthly collection. The parish also supports OCA, DOW, OCMC, IOCC, and FOCA charitable appeals. Major Challenges Faced How to develop and maintain successful youth and young adult ministries given our limited number of parishioners within this age group. The development of a fuller liturgical life is a challenge faced primarily due to the limited number of persons able to attend weekday services, especially given the distances involved for travel and the cost of such travel. DOW Assembly 9 Delegate Book 2

10 As of Fair Share Membership Count Communicants Average Saturday Vigil Number of Catechumens Baptisms Funerals Marriages Receptions into Orthodoxy Church School/Number Enrolled Adult Education/Number Participating DOW Assembly 10 Delegate Book 2

11 Parish Name and Address Photo St John of Damascus Orthodox Church Espola Road Poway, CA Clergy Archpriest Alexander Federoff, Rector since November 1978 Priest Boulos Khoury, attached since July Deacon George Shumaik, since October Committees/Societies Parish Council St John s Auxiliary Church School Teachers Greeters Prosphora Makers Visitation Ministry Since October Highlights of Top Three Activities One of our new projects is to add icons to the interior of the church. Four semi-circle icons were finished over the entrance to the vestibule and entrance into the nave of the church. We solicited contributions to begin icons in the interior dome of the church in November and are waiting for their installation. St John s Auxiliary faithfully prepares ethnic foods for sale. Work parties bring parishioners to work together and work toward a common goal. Three annual Bake Sales: Thanksgiving, Christmas and Easter, bring patrons from the community some folks who have come for many years. This year s Pascha Bake Sale grossed over $8,000! Outreach and Charitable Activities St John s parishioners enthusiastically participate in the San Diego FOCUS program which once a month (the first Wednesday) prepares and serves a meal to the local homeless. On the First Sunday of every month we encourage a voluntary donations for an Adopted Seminarian. We send $200 each month to Outreach Alaska and are committed to help support a seminarian for his entire time of study at St Herman s Seminary. DOW Assembly 11 Delegate Book 2

12 On the third Sunday of every month we solicit contributions that we send to Father Michael Mihalick and his family. Fr Michael is an OCA priest who has an aggressive form of MS and can no later service the church and no longer receives a salary. For we collected $5,600 which we sent for their use. Major Challenges Faced In May our approval to modify our Major Use Permit expired. We looked at every way to modify our building project to replace our present modular multipurpose hall with a new 3,500 sq ft building which included a commercial kitchen and two adjacent buildings with classroom, office and workroom space. Anyway we looked at it, we need a million dollars! So we have put the project on hold. Upcoming Special Events/Anniversaries - October to September 2013 In May 2013, we will pay off the church building notes that we borrowed to build our church in After twenty years we paid off 549 notes valued at $370,000. DOW Assembly 12 Delegate Book 2

13 As of Fair Share Membership Count Communicants Average Saturday Vigil Number of Catechumens Baptisms Funerals Marriages Receptions into Orthodoxy Church School/Number Enrolled Adult Education/Number Participating DOW Assembly 13 Delegate Book 2

14 Parish Name and Address Photo St Nicholas Church 3873 Cherokee Ave San Diego, CA Clergy V. Rev. Alexander Shkalov Rev. Archdeacon Benjamin Richards Rev. Protodeacon George Haloulakos Committees/Societies Sunday School Adult Education: Holy Bible class Sisterhood Brotherhood Parish Messenger Website Stewardship Library Chore Since October Highlights of Top Three Activities Pledges system Remodeling Church property 41 st Street and Meade Ave in San Diego Remodeling Front Yard of the Church Outreach and Charitable Activities Offering instruction in English for arrived immigrants Hospitality and fellowship with the orthodox brotherhood, the Martha and Mary House, The children in Russia Project of Mexico Major Challenges Faced Lack of parking for the parishioners Church property need for renovation Upcoming Special Events/Anniversaries - October to September 2013 Festival Taste of Russia in November Elka December Maslenitsa March 2013 Archdeacon Fr Benjamin Richards 90 th Anniversary DOW Assembly 14 Delegate Book 2

15 As of Fair Share Membership Count Communicants Average Saturday Vigil Number of Catechumens Baptisms Funerals Marriages Receptions into Orthodoxy Church School/Number Enrolled Adult Education/Number Participating DOW Assembly 15 Delegate Book 2

16 MISSION DEANERY REPORT DIOCESAN ASSEMBLY There are currently 23 missions and mission stations in the Deanery. Some significant events of the past year: Billings: After a long year without a resident priest, Billings welcomed Fr. Philip Halliwell, his wife and four children. Fr. Philip is from England, and is a recent graduate of St. Tikhon s Seminary. One might say that Fr. Philip has hit the ground running. Ashland: After many years of faithful and very effective service at St. Gabriel s Fr. Isaac Skidmore has stepped away as Rector in part to pursue Doctoral studies. Fr. Isaac has been a conscientious and faithful Rector there for many years. The Mission was sad to see him go. In His Goodness God has sent a new resident priest to Ashland, Fr. Andreas Blom, along with his wife and two children. Fr. Andreas is a recent graduate of STS, and is originally from Sweden. We expect good things in Ashland! Kirkland: After many excruciating years of property search St. Katherine s has made a temporary but very important move to a larger and more effective place of worship. The mission was bursting at the seams in its former location and will now have a chance to enjoy the benefits of a much better physical space for both worship and fellowship. Fr. Barnabas Powell and his family are in their second year of service there and are doing quite well. Bozeman: Bozeman recently was able to pay off the mortgage on its land, and is now moving forward with initial stage building plans. They have a wonderful combination of effective lay leaders who are spearheading this effort. Tempe: St. John s Mission has made a recent move into a much better physical space for worship and fellowship. Though without a resident priest for now, they have banded together as a mission with strong lay leadership to both make this move, and to minister and support one another in this interim period. DOW Assembly 16 Delegate Book 2

17 Redding: Under the leadership of Fr. Ian Burgess the Mission in Redding has moved into a much larger and better worship space with that very important (in Redding) feature of air conditioning. Fr. Ian fields a full acolyte guild in his sons alone. Poulsbo: St. Elizabeth s recently reached the necessary rubrics to become a full Parish and has been moved into the Pacific Northwest Deanery. Our congratulations are extended to the clergy and laity of Poulsbo in this significant step in their life as a full Parish. Fr. Benjamin Higgins (STS-yr. 3) and his family spent the summer doing an internship at our new Mission Station in Durango, Colorado. We look forward to their return to the DOW at the end of seminary this year. The Mission Board, under the leadership of Peter Schwalbenberg continues to meet twice annually and to offer invaluable guidance and advice both to the Dean and to the missions. It is a wonderful thing to work with a group of people in the Diocese with such a passion for Missions. The annual Mission Deanery Retreat will be held at Annunciation Parish in Milwaukie, Or. next year on Feb th. Relevant information will appear on the DOW Website. We offer our thanks to the Diocesan Assembly for annually committing significant financial support to the Missions. This is a very sound priority. We also offer thanks to His Eminence Archbishop Benjamin for his unflagging support and encouragement to our Mission efforts. He unhesitating visits even the smallest outpost with a kind and cheerful heart. We ask for your continued prayer and support for all of our Missions and their clergy. It can be an isolated and lonely job, but they bear it with zeal and dignity. Respectfully, V. Rev. Matthew Tate, Mission Dean DOW Assembly 17 Delegate Book 2

18 Parish Name and Address Photo Archangel Gabriel Orthodox Church (1997) 1150 Ashland St. Ashland, OR Clergy Priest Andreas Blom Committees/Societies Choir Ss. Peter & Paul Men s Fellowship Ss. Mary & Martha Women s Fellowship Parish Council Sunday School Adult Education Since October Highlights of Top Three Activities New priest as of July (Fr. Andreas Blom) Major beautification to the space we are currently occupying Significant development of Liturgical life (more services, regular choir practices, adjusting liturgical language) Adult Education Classes conducted on a regular basis New parish website ( as well as Facebook contact page. Positive front page news article in local newspaper Outreach and Charitable Activities Collections for in-parish charity needs Involvement in Ashland Food Project Involvement in Jackson County Fuel aid Donation to Magdalene Home Major Challenges Faced Difficult period when previous priest (Fr. Isaac Skidmore) transitioned out of his role as rector. Fewer services over all, and many reader services. The parish will very soon need a larger space, as the current one is getting quite cramped. Upcoming Special Events/Anniversaries - October to September 2013 Patronal feast, July 13th (with big feast, and barbeque planned) DOW Assembly 18 Delegate Book 2

19 As of Fair Share Membership Count Communicants Average Saturday Vigil Number of Catechumens Baptisms Funerals Marriages Receptions into Orthodoxy Church School/Number Enrolled Adult Education/Number Participating Note: As the mission was without a full time parish priest and regular services for the first half of the years, the numbers reflect the time July September, which witnessed a dramatic increase of participants. DOW Assembly 19 Delegate Book 2

20 Parish Name and Address Photo St. Jacob Mission 6000 N.E. Division, Suite 109 Bend, OR Clergy Archpriest Stephen Soot, Priest in-charge Committees/Societies Fund-Raising/Special Event committee Since October Highlights of Top Three Activities Celebrated the 9 th anniversary of the Mission s founding. Received the name and patronage of St. Jacob of Alaska. Membership/attendance doubles and finances back in the black Outreach and Charitable Activities Food and clothing drive for local homeless shelter Major Challenges Faced Financing parish budget during deep economic recession; improving visibility in the local community; acquiring a full-time priest to adequately minister to the growing congregation. Upcoming Special Events/Anniversaries - October to September 2013 Mission s patronal feast July 26, th Anniversary of Mission s Founding September 2013 DOW Assembly 20 Delegate Book 2

21 As of Fair Share Membership Count Communicants Average Saturday Vigil Number of Catechumens Baptisms Funerals Marriages Receptions into Orthodoxy Church School/Number Enrolled Adult Education/Number Participating DOW Assembly 21 Delegate Book 2

22 Parish Name and Address St. Nicholas of South Canaan 401, Lewis Avenue Billings MT Photo Clergy Priest Philip Halliwell Deacon Timothy Wilkinson (attached) Archpriest John Anderson (attached) Subdeacon Theodure Thompson Reader Michael Norbury Reader Edward Anderson Committees/Societies Church Council Holy Myrrhbearers Youth Group Since October Highlights of Top Three Activities 1. Iconostasis Project the replacing of the present temporary icons with professionally produced mounted and gilded reproductions. 2. Rocky Mountain Orthodox Youth Camp 12 young people and three counselors (including Fr. Philip) travelled to Colorado. 3. Bi-annual Baklawa making fund-raising activity. Outreach and Charitable Activities 1. IOCC visited on their way through on their bike road trip. They gave a presentation after Vespers and the people gave generously. 2. Homeless Team Project working with a High School to support young people with no heated accommodation and shortage of food in the winter months. 3. Sandwich making for a local mission 4. Care.net raising funds to support this pro-life group. Major Challenges Faced The major challenge faced by this parish over the last year was not having a full-time priest. Despite this, there has been growth and the present church building is rapidly becoming too small. Investigations are under way to find new premises. Upcoming Special Events/Anniversaries - October to September The installation of the new icons on the iconostasis. 2. The visit of the Iveron Myrrh-streaming Icon of the Most Holy Theotokos in the Fall. 3. A pilgrimage to San Francisco to visit the relics of St. John Maximovitch. DOW Assembly 22 Delegate Book 2

23 As of Fair Share Membership Count Communicants Average Saturday Vigil Number of Catechumens Baptisms Funerals Marriages Receptions into Orthodoxy Church School/Number Enrolled Adult Education/Number Participating DOW Assembly 23 Delegate Book 2

24 Parish Name and Address St. Anthony the Great (1999) Mailing: c/o Betsy Hicks PO Box 141, Harrison, MT Clergy Rector: Fr Matthew Tate Dn. Gary McFarland SubDn John Heilman Interim Priest: Fr Damian Kuolt SubDn Sean McFarland Rdr. Michael Grinder Committees/Societies Building/Land Committee Church School Parish Council Sisterhood Youth and Young Adult Group OCF Since October Highlights of Top Three Activities 1. Archbishop Benjamin, Abbot Meletios and Monks from St. John of Shanghai and SF Monastery visited new property for the parish to plant an Orthodox Cross. There was also a cross planting on the future monastery property in Montana (about 1 hour from the parish) 2. Bank loan for the property purchased for the future Church site was retired with $82,000 raised this year. The Church property is now owned free and clear. The Church property is 6.3 acres that needs to be partitioned from the original 20 acre purchase; a purchase made jointly with several parishioners who will retain the balance as residential property. 3. Restart of the Building Committee and Fund Raising Committee resulting in a plan to move forward with building a Temple as soon as possible. The plan was just confirmed at a Special meeting of the parish and includes the following: a. A $450,000 maximum capital expenditure commitment from the parish, with a targeted move in cost of range of $280,000 - $350,000 b. A short to mid-term temple that will be housed in the future Fellowship and Admin building within the Master Plan for the facility c. Funding to include: current $35,000 balance in the building fund, $200,000 loan from parishioners, well below 3% interest, and fundraising for the balance. d. Three stages of development include: water, septic and utilities begin this fall, fundraising and loan to get the parish moved as soon as items required for occupancy can be completed, and finish out of the temple after the move and as ongoing funding is acquired. Outreach and Charitable Activities Family Promise: Assisting homeless families regain their housing, independence, and dignity. Love INC: mobilizes our parish and our volunteers to find effective ways to serve individuals and families who find themselves in difficult circumstances and who need a helping hand. Major Challenges Faced Subdividing & building a new Temple, Moving ASAP, Growing the parish membership, Upcoming Special Events/Anniversaries - October to September 2013 Obtaining a Permanent Priest DOW Assembly 24 Delegate Book 2

25 St. Anthony the Great, Bozeman MT Fair Share Membership Count Average Sunday Divine Liturgy Average Sunday Divine Liturgy Communicants Average Saturday Vigil, As of , Number of Catechumens 3 2 3, Baptisms Funerals Marriages Receptions into Orthodoxy Church School/Number Enrolled Adult Education/Number Participating DOW Assembly 25 Delegate Book 2

26 Parish Name and Address Photo Saints Cyril & Methodius Orthodox Mission 2956 Cohasset Rd Chico, CA (530) Clergy Archpriest Michael Spainhoward, Rector Subdeacon David Greenfield Committees/Societies Mission Council; Property Committee; Myrrhbearing Women; Sts Cyril and Methodius Youth; Choir; Landscape Improvement Committee; Mortgage Lifters and Mini Farmers Market Fund Raisers; Rummage Sale Committee Since October Highlights of Top Three Activities Archbishop Benjamin s visit for our altar feast and our 14 th anniversary. Teen Retreat to Escot Farms/Holy Trinity Retreat Center, near Salyer, CA. Mortgage Lifters continuing fundraising efforts to reduce our mortgage has resulted in nearly a $2,000 reduction. Lenten vespers with OCA and Serbian mission in Redding and Anderson, CA. Outreach and Charitable Activities Continuing support for St. John of San Francisco Monastery, Manton, CA. Continuing support for Martha and Mary House, San Diego, CA. Continuing support for St. Silas Prison Ministry. Member of Stewards of the West. Continuing support of 6 th Street Walk-in Center for Homeless Youth (24 y/o and under). Fr Michael s occasional broadcasts on local KKXX Christian radio interviews about the Orthodox Church. C&M Youth visited residential care facilities to sing a Christmas program. Major Challenges Faced Our slow but steady growth is stretching our current venue to its capacity. We are currently actively searching for suitable property to expand. We are in the beginning stages of information gathering drawing upon in-house resources of experience and knowledge, as well as from the Diocese and local community. Upcoming Special Events/Anniversaries - October to September th Anniversary Celebration and Pastoral Visit of Archbishop Benjamin. Summer Youth Retreat. DOW Assembly 26 Delegate Book 2

27 As of Fair Share Membership Count Communicants Average Saturday Vigil Number of Catechumens Baptisms Funerals Marriages Receptions into Orthodoxy Church School/Number Enrolled Adult Education/Number Participating DOW Assembly 27 Delegate Book 2

28 Parish Name and Address Photo Joy of All Who Sorrow 4145 Sepulveda Blvd. Culver City, CA Clergy Father John Tomasi Committees/Societies Technology Committee Children s Education Music Director Prison Ministry Events & Publications Since October Highlights of Top Three Activities Christmas Concert Italian Night Fundraiser Trip to Oak Glen Monday Night Bible Study Outreach and Charitable Activities Prison Ministry What the Dickens Carolers Studies in the Faith Monday Night Bible Study Major Challenges Faced Covering month to month expenses Increasing the Priest s Salary and Housing Allowance Upcoming Special Events/Anniversaries - October to September 2013 Russian Night Fundraiser Italian Night Fundraiser Day Trip to Oak Glen Harvest Faire Bright Saturday BBQ Pascha Picnic DOW Assembly 28 Delegate Book 2

29 As of Fair Share Membership Count Communicants Average Saturday Vigil Number of Catechumens Baptisms Funerals Marriages Receptions into Orthodoxy Church School/Number Enrolled Adult Education/Number Participating DOW Assembly 29 Delegate Book 2

30 Parish Name and Address St Katherine of Alexandria Orthodox Mission 681 Encinitas Blvd, Suite 305 Encinitas CA Photo Mailing: PO Box 53, Cardiff-by-the-Sea CA Clergy Rev. Dr. Andrew Cuneo, Rector Committees/Societies N/A Since October Highlights of Top Three Activities 1. New Iconostas & set of Festal Icons just put up August 2. Chapel remodel: knocked down walls, put up choir loft and vestry closets, removed chairs and built benches. 3. Mission made it through a year! Now have a good choir, a website, full Menaion, and many beautiful liturgical items. Outreach and Charitable Activities 1. The outfitting of our Mission also serves as the Chapel for the newly-founded St Katherine College. Thus, the students use our Chapel at least twice a week for mid-day services as well as for Festal Liturgies. It also used daily by students for private prayer. 2. In addition to teaching in the English Department at St Katherine College, I have also had the privilege of offering monthly classes for the instructors at a local Protestant Classical School. 3. Our weekly liturgical pace at present consists of Akathists (each Wed.), Great Vespers (Sat.), and Divine Liturgy (Sun.), as well as special Feast Days. Major Challenges Faced 1. Trying to strike an OCA balance with founding members who come from Antiochian and ROCOR backgrounds respectively, i.e. rhythms of fasting/confession/communion, musical style, and the like. 2. Assuring surrounding churches that we don t grow by predation of their parishioners! Upcoming Special Events/Anniversaries - October to September 2013 N/A DOW Assembly 30 Delegate Book 2

31 As of Fair Share Membership Count 9 26 Communicants 14 Average Saturday Vigil 14 Number of Catechumens 5 Baptisms 0 Funerals 1 Marriages 0 Receptions into Orthodoxy 0 Church School/Number Enrolled 0 Adult Education/Number Participating 3 DOW Assembly 31 Delegate Book 2

32 Parish Name and Address Photo St Innocent Orthodox Mission 939 F Street Eureka, CA Clergy Rev. Laurent Cleenewerck, Rector Committees/Societies - Buildings and Grounds - Education and Outreach Since October Highlights of Top Three Activities - Annual Taste of Orthodox Open Doors Festival - Participation in Arts Alive events in September and October - Outreach and communication effort with car magnets - Parish co-organized Orthodox Conference Cruise to Alaska (sails in September ) Outreach and Charitable Activities - Gathering food for local Food Bank - Preparation and donation of individual welcome packs for Women s Shelter - Outreach using very large card door magnets - Humboldt State University workshop for Religious Ed students Major Challenges Faced - Impact of challenges and changes in OCA leadership - Maintenance of historical temple ($25,000 expense to paint) Upcoming Special Events/Anniversaries - October to September - Year-long lecture series (every first Tuesday of every month) - New program of radio announcements DOW Assembly 32 Delegate Book 2

33 As of As of Fair Share Membership Count Communicants Average Saturday Vigil (Vespers) Number of Catechumens / Inquirers Baptisms 3 3 Funerals 0 1 Marriages 1 1 Receptions into Orthodoxy 1 1 Church School/Number Enrolled 0 0 Adult Education/Number Participating DOW Assembly 33 Delegate Book 2

34 Parish Name and Address Photo St. Christina of Tyre Mission (2004) Worship location: Mail/Offices: 3721 Parish Ave 3612 Peralta Blvd Fremont, CA Fremont, CA Clergy Archpriest K. Michael Anderson, Rector Committees/Societies There are various regular ministries in which people are involved including: Altar Servers Church School Hosting Fellowship Hour Bell (Bowl) Ringing Cleaning/landscaping Hours readers Bookstore Decorators Library Building Committee Epistle readers Parish Council Choir Events/Fundraising Prosphora Bakers Charities Greeters Youth Ministry Beautification -- Investigating new purchases to beautify our temple and properties Prayers -- Members commit to offering prayers for those on our community prayer list weekly Most ministries have a coordinator who facilitates the group by way of lists maintained as part of our website and/or phone calls. Since October Highlights of Top Three Activities Our top activities would have to be 1. another full and joyous year in our current location with a full ecclesial life of worship, service, education, outreach & fellowship; 2. the manufacturing & installation of a cross for our temple (see photo above); and 3. our annual banquet that raised over $12,000 this year. Outreach and Charitable Activities Outreach 1. In November we held an Open House, Community Yard Sale & Bake Sale to encourage people to come, meet the community and perhaps learn about the Orthodox Church. People brought items from their homes to sell and baked all kinds of tasty treats to sell. We had DVDs about the Orthodox Church running in different places. Our bookstore is open and available to visitors. We had someone in the church temple to greet people and give impromptu tours to folks who wanted to come and see. The weather was not the greatest but we had a good number of people come, a few came into the church, and we raised close to $ On the Sunday of St. Mary of Egypt we held an Old World Bake Sale for which parishioners made ethnic treats. Since our community is so ethnically diverse, we had baked goods from many ethnic backgrounds. We advertised in the local newspapers and had an excellent turnout from both Orthodox Christians in the area (many of whom had not known there was a church in Fremont) as well as non-orthodox who were very interested in the ethnic goodies. We are finding that people are returning from year to DOW Assembly 34 Delegate Book 2

35 year and are looking for the ads. Charities 1. We continue to serve lunch the first Saturday of every month at the ABODE Tri- Cities Sunrise Village Homeless shelter in Fremont. 2. Each month, the mission sends financial support to the Kazan Skete in Santa Rosa. This is a line item in the budget that is supplemented by a charities collection box that is always out on our welcome table or on the food table during our fellowship hour. 3. We are participants in the local Tri-Cities Volunteers' Food Drive collecting healthy nonperishable foods for people in need in Fremont, Newark and Union City. 4. We regularly collect batteries for soldiers in coordination with Blue Star Moms. 5. We have drives for clothing, school supplies & Christmas presents to help the children of our local ABODE family homeless shelter here in Fremont as well as other local agencies and Orthodox institutions which serve children such as St. Herman s Seminary, The Hogar Rafael Ayau, Project Mexico/St Innocent s Orphanage 6. The mission is a participant and supporter of the annual IOCC Benefit Dinner in the Bay Area. 7. The mission is a founding and regular participant in a new Church World Service Crop Walk in Fremont to help provide clean water to peoples overseas. Collections Throughout the year we hold collections for various ministries taking place in our Diocese, the Orthodox Church in America and the Orthodox Church worldwide. These include: a collection for the St. Mary & Martha House in SoCal on a Sunday close to the feast of the Nativity of the Theotokos; a Mother s Day benefit luncheon to contribute to the Gobezhe Goshu Home for the elderly in Ethiopia; a Father s Day collection to support our local St. Eugene s youth camp:; a summer-time collection to support families at St. Herman s Seminary in Alaska; a collection for Orthodox Christian Fellowship in connection with SCOBA's annual College Student Sunday in September. Major Challenges Faced As mentioned in previous reports, in order to be able to purchase our properties we took out a number of low interest loans with balloon payments that are due different years according to a cash flow plan we have established. Each year one or two of those loans come due and we are required to pay them off. We have been incredibly blessed to be able to pay off a number of loans in a short time and even pay some of them off early. We originally had over $1,138,950 in loans. We currently have over $800,000 in loans, having raised and paid off over $250,000 through donations and fundraising in just a few years. We are currently working on the plan to pay off our largest loan of over $500,000 which is due at the beginning of We are working with OCCIF to accomplish this goal. Upcoming Special Events/Anniversaries - October to September 2013 Newcomers Dinner at the end of September Since we are having more new people coming to the mission each year, we are holding what may be an annual dinner in celebration of all the new people who make St. Christina their spiritual home during the year. The dinner is at a parishioner s house. Everyone in the community is invited; however the newcomers are approached personally. A small presentation is given recognizing these people and giving glory to God for the many blessing He has bestowed upon us the previous year. Our 6th-Annual Banquet in February - The funds of the banquet go towards paying down loans parishes and parishioners had offered our mission to purchase our properties. It is a wonderful evening when members and friends of the mission come together to celebrate life at DOW Assembly 35 Delegate Book 2

36 St. Christina s, enjoy wonderful food and entertainment. We have a very successful silent auction in connection with the banquet as well as a Chinese Raffle. Each year we raise between $8,000-12,000 from this one-evening event. As of Fair Share Membership Count Communicants Average Saturday Vigil Majority Majority Majority Number of Catechumens Baptisms Funerals Marriages Receptions into Orthodoxy Church School/Number Enrolled Adult Education/Number Participating DOW Assembly 36 Delegate Book 2

37 Parish Name and Address Hemet Mission Station c/o Mr. John Bahnson Grovewood Circle Hemet, CA Photo Clergy V. Rev. Fr. Alexander Federoff Priest-in-charge Rev. Fr. Boulos Khoury Committees/Societies None Since October Highlights of Top Three Activities First year Anniversary Celebration Quarterly Potlucks Monthly Bible Studies Outreach and Charitable Activities Local outreach through newspaper articles Website: stanthonyhemet.org Major Challenges Faced Assigned Priest Permanent Location Site Upcoming Special Events/Anniversaries - October to September 2013 September 2, Weekly Liturgy Celebrations May 1, nd Anniversary DOW Assembly 37 Delegate Book 2

38 As of Fair Share Membership Count 17 Communicants 12 Average Saturday Vigil 0 Number of Catechumens 5 Baptisms 0 Funerals 0 Marriages 0 Receptions into Orthodoxy 0 Church School/Number Enrolled 0 Adult Education/Number Participating 10 DOW Assembly 38 Delegate Book 2

39 Parish Name and Address Saint George the Great Martyr Church Main St // P.o. Box Hesperia, Ca //92340 Photo Rector: Rev Fr. Gabriel N. Seamore Deacon: Fr. Deacon George Berni Committees/Societies Myrrbearers Altar Boys Mens Society Youth Group Since October Highlights of Top Three Activities Youth outing to Knotts Berry Farm Yard and Bake Sale Parish Picnic Wednesday evening s get together Outreach and Charitable Activities Food Basket for poor Using hall for elections Major Challenges Faced No major Challenge Upcoming Special Events/Anniversaries - October to September 2013 Planning for future Festival DOW Assembly 39 Delegate Book 2

40 As of Fair Share Membership Count Communicants Average Saturday Vigil Number of Catechumens Baptisms Funerals Marriages Receptions into Orthodoxy Church School/Number Enrolled Adult Education/Number Participating DOW Assembly 40 Delegate Book 2

41 Parish Name and Address St. Juvenaly Orthodox Mission PO Box 4631 Kailua-Kona, HI Clergy Rev. John Schroedel, Rector Rev. Dn. Daniel Gray, Attached Committees/Societies Mission Council Since October Highlights of Top Three Activities We have a deacon! Arrival of Dn. Daniel Gray (followed by his wife Theresa) from Eagle River, AK as of November. Bishop s visit, with blessing of Hilo chapel (on a parishioner s farm), and a subsequent, wellattended Hilo liturgy Baptism of two babies, with family coming in from as far as Belgium, South America, and Romania Outreach and Charitable Activities The most significant outreach and charitable activity of the Mission and a great joy is the hospitality of our community. Over the course of the year, we were able to welcome (and in some cases provide a refuge for) approximately overseas visitors, including many clergy. We purchased a consumer data list of Orthodox names and sent a letter out to 500 people on the island, introducing the Mission and inviting them for Pascha services. (Results weren t encouraging.) Overall, we continue to deepen our roots in the local community in many ways. Major Challenges Faced Building is rented on a month-to-month basis until it is sold. We are eager to figure out a more permanent solution for our church life. The distributed, transitional character of the community It has been another year of ebbs and flows; for example, as of Jan we had up to ~25 kids at church on a Sunday, now we re down to about five. Upcoming Special Events/Anniversaries - October to September - DOW Assembly 41 Delegate Book 2

42 As of Fair Share Membership Count Communicants Average Saturday Vigil Number of Catechumens 0 1 Baptisms Funerals Marriages Receptions into Orthodoxy Church School/Number Enrolled Adult Education/Number Participating DOW Assembly 42 Delegate Book 2

43 Parish Name and Address St. Katherine Orthodox Mission Mailing: Physical: Box nd Ave. NE Kirkland, WA Kirkland, WA Photo Clergy Priest Barnabas Powell Committees/Societies Parish Council Servants of the Parish (Hospitality & Event Planning) Maintenance Crew Property Search Committee Charity Committee Since October Highlights of Top Three Activities 1. Special meeting to vote on property purchase. Last October we approached our landlord with the idea of purchasing the building we d been leasing for a decade. The idea was to substantially remodel and expand it in order to meet our growth needs, while at the same time potentially building some equity. The proposal involved many months of research meetings with an architect, the city, potential financiers, etc., plus an extended period of negotiation with the owner vis price and the contingency period needed to secure a conditional use permit and funding. In May, a final proposal was brought to a vote at a special parish meeting. It ultimately failed by a narrow margin, leading to #2. 2. Relocation to a new lease. As negotiations with the owner of the old property dragged on and appeared at one point to be at an impasse, Fr. Barnabas wrote a form letter to 40+ churches within a radius of our mission s midpoint, explaining our desire to purchase or lease a larger space. One reply came from a gentleman who owned a defunct church building and was just about to begin actively seeking a tenant for it. We initially went to visit this site as a backup plan, but the space was so appealing it pulled away support for purchasing the old building. When our old lease expired, we relocated to this new facility effective July Completion of first year with a new priest, along with all the usual challenges that brings. Outreach and Charitable Activities * We have a Charity Committee that coordinates monthly collections for various charities, including this year Project Mexico and IOCC. * We are providing substantial financial aid to two of our parishioners who are matriculating to St. Vladimir s and St. Tikhon s this fall. * In addition to monetary contributions, the Charity Committee also coordinates a hand s on activity each month, such as bell ringing for the Salvation Army, preparing and serving meals via Congregations for the Homeless, and staffing a local food bank. * Father Barnabas and 6 parishioners participated in a Project Mexico home building trip this summer, in cooperation with a local Antiochian parish. God willing, we ll do this annually. Major Challenges Faced 1. The challenge of acquiring a permanent location in such an expensive area appears daunting. The purchase of our former building old and small as it was would ve cost $495,000. The owner of the building we now lease is open to selling it to us. It s a 1970s style, 10,000 sq. ft. DOW Assembly 43 Delegate Book 2

44 former Protestant church that sits on 4 acres in booming Kirkland, on the edge of Woodinville s wine county. Valued at $3.4 million, our landlord will sell it to us for $2.5, with a down payment of $300,000. He has also offered financing, but this still comes out to a monthly payment equivalent to our entire present monthly income. God willing, we will grow into it. 2. We are growing from a family-sized church into something larger, with a different dynamic. This change has concerned some who lament the loss of intimacy. How to accommodate and successfully absorb growth will be a test of our trust. 3. Working with a new landlord and other tenants has provided some challenges. Although we have basically exclusive use of the sanctuary, our landlord runs a daycare in the church basement (off limits to us, as is the daycare playground outside, which we must keep our children out of), along with renting another outbuilding to a Romanian Pentecostal group. We must police ourselves more closely than before, which may be a blessing in the long term. Upcoming Special Events/Anniversaries - October to September 2013 * 14 th Anniversary of St. Katherine s the first Divine Liturgy was Sept. 27, * St. Katherine s altar feast in November, with a visit from Archbishop Benjamin sometime around then. * Second annual Project Mexico trip. * Potential pilgrimage to Serbia with Father s family & a group of parishioners. DOW Assembly 44 Delegate Book 2

45 Fair Share Membership Count As of 50 Communicants Average Saturday Vigil Number of Catechumens Baptisms 3 Funerals 1 Marriages 0 Receptions into Orthodoxy 0 Church School/Number Enrolled 20 Adult Education/Number Participating 15 DOW Assembly 45 Delegate Book 2

46 Parish Name and Address St. Peter the Aleut Orthodox Christian Church 2091 Sandwood Dr. Lake Havasu City, AZ Clergy Priest Peter Henry, Rector Committees/Societies 1. Parish Council 2. Food Festival 16 th annual food festival, third year at our church. 3. Outreach / Public Relations Committee 4. Hospitality ministry 5. Bookstore ministry 6. Choir Since October Highlights of Top Three Activities 1. Food Festival This was the second year the festival was held on our church grounds. Church tours were a great exposure and the attendance was lower than expected due to other events taking place the same day. 2. Started a monthly men s group at the church. 3. Arch Bishop Benjamin s visit on January 7 th 8 th. Outreach and Charitable Activities 1. Interagency Food Bank 2. Martha and Mary House 3. St. Paisius Monastery 4. Project Mexico 5. Red Cross Blanket Drive 6. Fr. Peter taught a class on the Development of the New Testament at the Library. 7. Fr. Peter gave the invocation for the City Council at two different meetings. 8. As a volunteer chaplain, Fr. Peter ministers at the hospital and the county jail. Major Challenges Faced Grow the mission into a Church Upcoming Special Events/Anniversaries - October to September Patron Saint Celebration September 24, 2. Greek Food Festival October 13, 3. Naming the Child Service October 15, 4. Church Picnic at Rotary Park March 10, 2013 DOW Assembly 46 Delegate Book 2

47 As of Fair Share Membership Count Communicants Average Saturday Vigil Number of Catechumens Baptisms Funerals Marriages Receptions into Orthodoxy Church School/Number Enrolled Adult Education/Number Participating DOW Assembly 47 Delegate Book 2

48 Parish Name and Address Saint Mary Magdalene Mission (1986) Mailing Address: P. O. Box 3704, Merced, CA Worship Address: The Chapel at Mercy Outpatient Center 2740 M St., Merced, CA Photo Clergy Priest David Thatcher, Rector Committees/Societies 1. Parish Council 2. Myrrhbearing Women Sisterhood 3. Teen Youth Group (resurrected Fall,, with Fresno Greek & Serbian parishes) 4. College-Career Age Ministry (OCF) Since October Highlights of Top Three Activities 1. July, successful Fireworks Stand Fundraiser 2. Progress in forming of an Orthodox Christian Fellowship (OCF) at UC Merced & Merced College. 3. Rector was a guest speaker at the Orthodox Christian Fellowship at Biola University. Outreach and Charitable Activities 1. Parishioner participation in the ministry of Project Mexico & St. Innocent Orphanage 2. Gathered foodstuffs for Merced Rescue Mission (Thanksgiving) 3. Senior Bible Study at local Assisted Care Retirement Home (ended June, ). 4. Further steps to the formation of an Orthodox Christian Fellowship association with UC Merced and Merced College campuses Major Challenges Faced 1. Old Lake Road property presently in escrow (to end 9/17/12 as of now) finally likely to sell, after great difficulties selling the property with the collapse of the local real estate market; 2. Serious (grave?) financial difficulties and stability; the Rector s compensation several months in arrears; 3. Fr. David s and Matushka Karen s employment at the local community college reduced and threatened by budget cuts, changes in college administration; 4. Difficulties with the office of Treasurer: finally filled position this summer. Much better stability now, but accounting is not yet really caught up. Upcoming Special Events/Anniversaries - October to September Oct. 4: 15 th anniversary of Priest David Thatcher s ordination to the priesthood. 2. Dec. 24: 15 th anniversary of the arrival of Priest David Thatcher to Merced Mission. DOW Assembly 48 Delegate Book 2

49 As of Fair Share Membership Count Communicants Average Saturday Vigil Number of Catechumens Baptisms Funerals Marriages Receptions into Orthodoxy Church School/Number Enrolled Adult Education/Number Participating DOW Assembly 49 Delegate Book 2

50 Parish Name and Address Photo ANNUNCIATION ORTHODOX CHRUCH SE RUSK ROAD MILWAUKIE, OREGON Clergy V. Rev. Matthew Tate, Rector V. Rev. Kevin Lien, Assistant Pastor V. Rev. John Mancantelli, Retired V. Rev. Nicholas Letten, Retired Committees/Societies Parish Council Building Committee Hospitality Team Women s Group Parish Nursing Funeral Team Visitation Program Altar Guild Home School Ministry Since October Highlights of Top Three Activities Hosting Mission Deanery Retreat Hosting Lecture Series on CS Lewis Hosting one week iconography workshop Purchase of 160 grave sites in area cemetery Outreach and Charitable Activities Raphael House Backpack Buddies-Feeding need children Special Collections for Needy Major Challenges Faced Helping Youth maintain and keep their faith in God. Increasing Secularization of culture in Portland area. Maintaining a strong liturgical life in the parish Upcoming Special Events/Anniversaries - October to September 2013 Mission Deanery Retreat Adult Education Preparation for Youth Group trip to Kodiak next summer. Preparation for building expansion. DOW Assembly 50 Delegate Book 2

51 As of Fair Share Membership Count Communicants Average Saturday Vigil Number of Catechumens Baptisms Funerals Marriages Receptions into Orthodoxy Church School/Number Enrolled Adult Education/Number Participating DOW Assembly 51 Delegate Book 2

52 Parish Name and Address Photo St. Nicholas of Japan Mission 880 Commerce St. Redding, CA Clergy Fr. Ian Burgess, Rector Committees/Societies Parish Council Choir Church School Since October Highlights of Top Three Activities Increase in number of children in mission to 15. Pan Orthodox Lenten Vespers with area parishes and missions Mission summer retreats to Escot Farm and Whiskeytown National Park. Outreach and Charitable Activities Christmas charitable donation to Shasta County charities and Orthodox missions. Church school children visits to area retirement and nursing homes at Christmas. Clothes donation to area crisis pregnancy center. Major Challenges Faced Economic hardship. Upcoming Special Events/Anniversaries - October to September 2013 Feast of St. Nicholas of Japan DOW Assembly 52 Delegate Book 2

53 As of Fair Share Membership Count Communicants Average Saturday Vigil Number of Catechumens Baptisms Funerals Marriages Receptions into Orthodoxy Church School/Number Enrolled Adult Education/Number Participating DOW Assembly 53 Delegate Book 2

54 Parish Name and Address St. Susanna Orthodox Mission Robinwood Lane Sonora, CA Photo Clergy Priest Andrew Jacobs Deacon Elias Union Subdeacon Nicolas Teshin Committees/Societies Charitable Giving Myrrhbearers Sisterhood Since October Highlights of Top Three Activities Visit by His Eminence, Archbishop BENJAMIN on our Patronal Feast Day; Concelebration of Orthodoxy Sunday with St. Gabriel Antiochian Mission, Angels Camp, CA; Full schedule for Holy Week and Pascha. Outreach and Charitable Activities Weekly video series on Cable Channel 8, Sunday evenings at 7:00 p.m.; adult education classes open to the public on Thursday evenings; wisdom of St. John Chrysostom monthly classes; weekly Bible study; public educational presentations at various locales; representation on the Interfaith Community Social Services Board. Charitable donations to both local and non-local charities; clothing and food donations to local organizations; public rummage sale to benefit a heart patient lacking funds for a needed operation. Major Challenges Faced Low population (55,000 in Tuolumne County), large Roman Catholic church presence, large Protestant church presence. Being in the foothills of the Sierras, distances and hilly, winding roads make it hard for some to attend regularly. Work schedules in this essentially rural area also present difficulty for some (necessitating 6:00 a.m. Divine Liturgies on midweek feast days, for example). We persistently get the word out in various ways, present a friendly and hospitable aspect, and grow as we can. We currently have 31 attendees (including children and those who are faithful but attend sporadically due to life situations), and two catechumens. Upcoming Special Events/Anniversaries - October to September 2013 Parish Patronal Feast Day, December 16, Walk for Life West Coast January, Orthodoxy Sunday concelebrations Spring Picnic and Vineyard Blessing May, DOW Assembly 54 Delegate Book 2

55 As of Fair Share Membership Count Communicants Average Saturday Vigil Number of Catechumens Baptisms Funerals Marriages Receptions into Orthodoxy Church School/Number Enrolled Adult Education/Number Participating DOW Assembly 55 Delegate Book 2

56 Parish Name and Address Photo St John the Evangelist Orthodox Church 916 S. 52 nd St., Tempe AZ Clergy Archpriest Matthew Tate Committees/Societies Parish Council Hospitality Since October Highlights of Top Three Activities The parish moved into a new location at 52 nd Street and University in the spring of, with construction on the sanctuary completed just in time for Holy Week services. While construction continues on the fellowship hall and kitchen, we gather for the Agape Meal every week at one of the homes of our parishioners. We are very blessed to have Fr. Theo Anastas serve regularly as supply priest, allowing us to have Divine Liturgy nearly every Sunday this year. The parish continues to attract visitors and inquirers, many of whom who find us through the church website. Outreach and Charitable Activities Major Challenges Faced Upcoming Special Events/Anniversaries - October to September 2013 DOW Assembly 56 Delegate Book 2

57 As of Fair Share Membership Count Communicants Average Saturday Vigil Number of Catechumens Baptisms Funerals 1 Marriages 2 1 Receptions into Orthodoxy 2 3 Church School/Number Enrolled Adult Education/Number Participating DOW Assembly 57 Delegate Book 2

58 Parish Name and Address Photo Holy Apostles Orthodox Mission (1995) 3214 N St. Vancouver, WA Clergy Rev. Dimitri Perez, Rector fr.dimitri@gmail.com Committees/Societies Building committee Parish Council Hospitality Women s Group Men s Group Sunday School Choir Since October Highlights of Top Three Activities Built an Iconostasis Finished our nursery Had our first parish camp out Outreach and Charitable Activities Clothing and food drive Major Challenges Faced Upcoming Special Events/Anniversaries - October to September 2013 Adding more services throughout the week: Divine Liturgies/Vesper services/paraklesis. DOW Assembly 58 Delegate Book 2

59 As of Fair Share Membership Count Communicants 40 Average Saturday Vigil 20 Number of Catechumens 4 Baptisms 3 Funerals 0 Marriages 0 Receptions into Orthodoxy 0 Church School/Number Enrolled 25 Adult Education/Number Participating 0 DOW Assembly 59 Delegate Book 2

60 PACIFIC CENTRAL DEANERY Report to the Diocesan Assembly Submitted by: Archpriest Basil Rhodes The Pacific Central Deanery of the Diocese of the West is comprised of parishes, monasteries, and institutions situated in geographic territory of Northern California. As a 5th generation Californian, and a great-great grandson of California Pioneers to this area, it is my honour and privilege to serve as Dean here. Our parishes and monasteries include St. John the Baptist Russian Orthodox Church in Berkeley, Nativity of the Holy Virgin Russian Orthodox Church in Menlo Park, Christ the Saviour Russian Orthodox Church in San Francisco, and Holy Myrrhbearing Women Russian Orthodox Church in West Sacramento, Holy Trinity Cathedral in San Francisco, the Monastery of St. John of Shanghai and San Francisco (Men's monastery) in Manton, St. Seraphim/Protection of the Virgin Orthodox Church, Santa Rosa, Monastery of the Holy Assumption, Calistoga (a Women's Monastery), the Skete of Our Lady of Kazan (Women's Monastery), Santa Rosa; St. Nicholas Orthodox Church, San Anselmo; St. Michael the Archangel Orthodox Church, Concord; Elevation of the Holy Cross, Sacramento; St. Innocent Orthodox Church, Livermore; St. Nicholas Orthodox Church, Saratoga; Holy Trinity Chapel, Fort Ross. At the time of this Assembly, we will have honoured Fr. Leo Arrowsmith on the occasion of his retirement, and we will have welcomed Fr. John Karcher as the newly assigned priest in charge of St. Innocent's Church in Livermore. The monks in Manton should also be firmly re-ensconsed in their monastery home following their evacuation due to the devasting Ponderosa Fire. This year we also had another fun-filled St. Eugene's Summer Camp which was well-attended by campers and clergy from both Norther AND Southern California. Very recently, we had another successful Clergy and Families BBQ on Labor Day Monday. This year's get-together was held at Fremont Central Park, with His Eminence Archbishop Benjamin and 15 clergy families participating. Archpriest Basil Rhodes - Dean DOW Assembly 60 Delegate Book 2

61 This Page Left Intentionally Blank DOW Assembly 61 Delegate Book 2

62 Parish Name and Address Photo St. John the Baptist Russian Orthodox Church (1936) 1900 Essex Street Berkeley, CA Clergy Rev. Roman Katyshev Committees/Societies Building Committee Building Fund Committee School Fund Committee Sisterhood Maintenance Committee Since October Highlights of Top Three Activities Annual Patronal Feast, July 7 Sunday lunches. Outreach and Charitable Activities Monetary donations to two orphanages in Russia and to Russian Children's Welfare Societies in the United States. Collection for OCA, Orthodox institutions, charities. Major Challenges Faced Renovation of parish house. Completion of renovation of the apartment building Upcoming Special Events/Anniversaries - October to September Parish Patronal Feast, July 7. Christmas Party for children. DOW Assembly 62 Delegate Book 2

63 As of Fair Share Membership Count Communicants Average Saturday Vigil Number of Catechumens 2 2 Baptisms Funerals Marriages Receptions into Orthodoxy Church School/Number Enrolled Adult Education/Number Participating DOW Assembly 63 Delegate Book 2

64 Parish Name and Address St. Michael Orthodox Church 2425 Olivera Rd. Concord, CA (Mail: PO Box 728, Concord, CA ) Clergy Archpriest Michael Regan Photo Committees/Societies Parish Council Choir Since October Highlights of Top Three Activities Repaved Parking Lot Repainted outside of building Outreach and Charitable Activities OCMC IOCC Appeals Major Challenges Faced Aging Budget Maintenance Upcoming Special Events/Anniversaries - October to September 2013 None DOW Assembly 64 Delegate Book 2

65 As of Fair Share Membership Count Communicants Average Saturday Vigil Number of Catechumens Baptisms Funerals Marriages Receptions into Orthodoxy Church School/Number Enrolled n/a n/a n/a Adult Education/Number Participating n/a n/a n/a DOW Assembly 65 Delegate Book 2

66 Parish Name and Address Photo St. Innocent Clergy Ap. Leo Arrowsmith (to Sept 30) Priest John Karcher (from Oct 1) Sbdn Wesley (John) Smith Sbdn Barry (Basil) Leece Committees/Societies Parish Council Since October Highlights of Top Three Activities Ongoing Catechism and Bible Studies Outreach and Charitable Activities Livermore Homeless Refurge Major Challenges Faced Suitable building location for St. Innocent Financial deficit Upcoming Special Events/Anniversaries - October to September 2013 Hierarchical Liturgy on Altar Feast, October 6th DOW Assembly 66 Delegate Book 2

67 As of Fair Share Membership Count Communicants Average Saturday Vigil Number of Catechumens Baptisms Funerals Marriages Receptions into Orthodoxy Church School/Number Enrolled Adult Education/Number Participating DOW Assembly 67 Delegate Book 2

68 Parish Name and Address Photo The Nativity of the Holy Virgin Church 1220 Crane St. Menlo Park, CA Clergy Rev. Hermogen Holste, Rector Committees/Societies Parish Council St. Elizabeth Sisterhood Prayer Group Since October Highlights of Top Three Activities The primary work of our parish continues to be the glorification of Almighty God, with the regular celebration of the Divine Liturgy and other services several days a week. On Sundays and Feast Days our worship is assisted by the Parish Choir, under the able leadership of Olga Vasiliev. On weekdays the music is provided by various volunteer singers, who devote a great deal of time and effort to maintaining the beauty of the weekday services, especially the Divine Liturgy. Parish participation at these services varies, of course, according to the rhythms of school and work, as well as the ecclesiastical year, but there remains a solid core of support for all services yearround, and many people like to come by our weekday services in order to sanctify their working day with a moment of prayer. We also provide various educational opportunities to parishioners, with classes in the Law of God for children every other Sunday and Adult Education in both English and Russian during the week. In addition to purely religious instruction, we have also provided other cultural opportunities, such as Russian classes for children after the Law of God and language camps during school holidays. This year we also hosted a lecture in honor of the tercentennial of the birth of the renowned Russian polymath, Mikhail Lomonosov. Our St. Elizabeth Sisterhood continues their tireless work on behalf of the parish, providing a lunch after the Divine Liturgy, as well as hosting our annual Rummage Sale and, of course, our Christmas Bazaar in December, which draws many people. Besides their considerable fundraising efforts, the Sisterhood also takes care of cleaning and maintenance for the parish property. Outreach and Charitable Activities Our Russian-language camps and other cultural activities draw Russians and non-russians from around the area, many of whom are unchurched. We make every effort to turn these into a means of bringing people closer to Christ and His Church, and this work has borne some fruit. In the past we have been involved with the Stanford OCF. The group faced problems this past year, and was mostly inactive, but we have hopes that we shall be able to build it up again in the coming academic year. Members of our parish participate faithfully in the Day of the Russian Child in San Francisco, and also contribute to occasional appeals and special projects. Major Challenges Faced This year has gone remarkably smoothly. Peace and concord prevail in the parish, and there have been no major crises. The major concern now is the ongoing expansion and beautification of our church. The construction work is currently far behind schedule, and this is causing some impatience among the parishioners, but we fully expect that all will be accomplished in God s good time. One concern is the reluctance on the part of those who regularly attend our parish to be officially listed as members. There are many and complex reasons for this, not least of which is that many people do not see any actual benefit to joining the parish officially. Upcoming Special Events/Anniversaries - October to September 2013 Patronal Feast September 21, Annual Christmas Bazaar December 1, 60 th Anniversary Celebration with His Eminence, Archbishop Benjamin January 19, 2013 DOW Assembly 68 Delegate Book 2

69 As of Fair Share Membership Count Communicants Average Saturday Vigil Number of Catechumens 1 catechumen 1 inquirer 2 inquirers Baptisms Funerals Marriages Receptions into Orthodoxy Church School/Number Enrolled Adult Education/Number Participating DOW Assembly 69 Delegate Book 2

70 Parish Name and Address Photo Elevation of the Holy Cross Sacramento, CA Clergy Archpriest Ian MacKinnon Archpriest Thomas Renfree Deacon Michael Plefka Committees/Societies Food Program UC Davis OCF Adult Education Evangelism Group Development Committee Choir Since October Highlights of Top Three Activities Pascha! Feast Day Service of Holy Unction & Reception for Deacon Michael Parish History Book Published by Parishioner Outreach and Charitable Activities St Michael Food Program (Weekly) St Xenia Project (Necessities for a Group Home) Christmas Gift Program Christian Children s Fund Support Major Challenges Faced Building a Church Incorporating New Members Upcoming Special Events/Anniversaries - October to September 2013 Feast Day Sept. 14 th Founders Day DOW Assembly 70 Delegate Book 2

71 As of Fair Share Membership Count Communicants 85 Average Saturday Vigil 18 Number of Catechumens 9 Baptisms 13 Funerals 1 Marriages 4 Receptions into Orthodoxy 0 Church School/Number Enrolled 10 Adult Education/Number Participating 18 DOW Assembly 71 Delegate Book 2

72 Parish Name and Address Photo St. Nicholas Orthodox Church (1956) 102 Ross Avenue San Anselmo, CA Clergy Archpriest Stephan Meholick Protodeacon George Golitzin Committees/Societies The actual framework of the parish community can be broken down into eight ministries: Liturgy & Music, Temple Caretakers, Fellowship & Parish Service, Parish Operations, Education, Good Works & Community Outreach, Finance, and Maintenance & Capital Improvements. ALL Parish members are invited to become active participants of ministries and leaders of each group comprise the parish council. Since October Highlights of Top Three Activities San Anselmo Country Fair Day Parade and booth (community outreach) Dec. 5-6: St. Nicholas Day visit by (then) Bishop Benjamin. 200th Anniversary celebration at Ft. Ross Outreach and Charitable Activities We now host three local "12 step" meetings at our facilities. We regularly support IOCC, OCMC, Homeward Bound (local shelter), St. Vincent De Paul Dining Room (local soup kitchen), and the Uganda Education Fund. Major Challenges Faced One of our best assets is our wonderful location in the beautiful "seminary district" of San Anselmo. One of our worst liabilities is our wonderful location in the beautiful "seminary district" of San Anselmo. The enormously high cost of living (esp. real estate) plus the current economic downturn a force many of the faithful to relocate in more affordable areas. Our greatest challenge is facing the complexities of an effective outreach to the local community around us while simultaneously ministering to the Slavs in the North Bay who come to St. Nicholas. Upcoming Special Events/Anniversaries - October to September 2013 Oct.6: Annual Bazaar and Community Outreach Day with a choir concert: 200 years of Orthodox Christianity in Northern California: Liturgical Music Then and Now. Dec. 5-6: Altar feast of St. Nicholas. DOW Assembly 72 Delegate Book 2

73 As of Fair Share Membership Count Communicants Average Saturday Vigil Number of Catechumens Baptisms Funerals Marriages Receptions into Orthodoxy Church School/Number Enrolled Adult Education/Number Participating DOW Assembly 73 Delegate Book 2

74 Parish Name and Address Photo CHRIST THE SAVIOUR ORTHODOX CHURCH 2040 ANZA STREET, SAN FRANCISCO, CA Clergy PRIEST KONSTANTIN GAVRILKIN Committees/Societies BUILDING AND MAINTENANCE COMMITTEE THE SISTERHOOD THE MEN S CHOIR DIAKONIA UNDER THE LEADERSHIP OF SERGEI RIABCHENKO Since October Highlights of Top Three Activities The Men s Choir of Sergei Riabchenko gave several performances around the Bay Area. Adult Study Group continued to meet throughout the year. Church interior and backyard repairs. Outreach and Charitable Activities Support of Russian Children s Welfare Society and families with sick children in Russia. Help in the soup kitchen of the Russian-American Community Services. Major Challenges Faced Resolving problems related to opening the parish to non-russians; overcoming apathy and indifference to supporting the parish financially. Upcoming Special Events/Anniversaries - October to September 2013 DOW Assembly 74 Delegate Book 2

75 As of Fair Share Membership Count Communicants Average Saturday Vigil Number of Catechumens Baptisms Funerals Marriages Receptions into Orthodoxy Church School/Number Enrolled Adult Education/Number Participating DOW Assembly 75 Delegate Book 2

76 Parish Name and Address Holy Trinity Cathedral (1868) 1520 Green Street San Francisco, CA Photo Clergy Archpriest John Takahashi, Dean Priest George Masters, Attached Archdeacon Kirill Sokolov, Attached Deacon Brendan Doss, Attached Committees/Societies Parish Council Choir Stewards Church School Youth Since October Highlights of Top Three Activities Monthly lectures and events for outreach Publications for continuous learning about Orthodox Christian life Mother s Day special lunch for fundraising for Mary and Martha House Outreach and Charitable Activities Support for Mary and Martha House Supporting missionary activities Sending out relief funds Collecting food and clothes for the needy Major Challenges Faced Children s education Coordinating the fellowship activities Upcoming Special Events/Anniversaries - October to September 2013 Annual Church Picnic Thanksgiving Day banquet Art Show for fundraising Sunday School Nativity Play DOW Assembly 76 Delegate Book 2

77 As of Fair Share Membership Count Communicants Average Saturday Vigil Number of Catechumens Baptisms Funerals Marriages Receptions into Orthodoxy Church School/Number Enrolled Adult Education/Number Participating DOW Assembly 77 Delegate Book 2

78 Parish Name and Address Photo Protection of the Holy Virgin Mary / St. Seraphim of Sarov 90 Mountain View Ave Santa Rosa, CA Clergy Archpriest Lawrence Margitich, rector; Archpriest Michael Margitich, pastor emeritus; Archpriest John Schettig, assigned; Archpriest John Ramos, attached; Deacons Jeremiah Crawford & Nicholas Carr Committees/Societies Parish Council, Sisterhood, Master Planning, Landscape, Mercy Meals, Care for the Reposed Funeral Team, Choir, Glendi Since October Highlights of Top Three Activities 75 th Anniversary of Parish celebrated on October 1 st,. Baptisms on Holy Saturday. Completion of new parish hall and storage facility. Outreach and Charitable Activities Glendi Festival (church tours, talks, concerts), 10% of income from Glendi goes to charity. Dispersal of funds to needy, to parish seminarian, weekly lectures at local apartment complex. Major Challenges Faced Funding for construction of Parish Hall/Storage facility; loss of funds from cancelled Glendi festival (due to construction). Upcoming Special Events/Anniversaries - October to September 2013 Parish Feast days on October 1, January 2, and July 19. Usual fund-raising events; tentatively hosting Liturgical Singing Seminar in late January. Continuation of Fresco painting. DOW Assembly 78 Delegate Book 2

79 As of Fair Share Membership Count Communicants Average Saturday Vigil Number of Catechumens Baptisms Funerals Marriages Receptions into Orthodoxy Church School/Number Enrolled Adult Education/Number Participating DOW Assembly 79 Delegate Book 2

80 Parish Name and Address Photo St. Nicholas Orthodox Church Elva Avenue Saratoga, CA Clergy Archpriest Basil Rhodes Priest John Karcher (until 10/01/12) Subdeacon Paul Pilipenko Reader John Simmons Committees/Societies Charity Committee, St Theophan Study Group, St Stephen Bible Study, Festival Committee, Church Decoration Committee, Hospitality Committee. Since October Highlights of Top Three Activities March 30 th a talk was presented in the Parish Hall by Fr. Lawrence Russell on the topic (The Orthodox Person and Human Rights. A popular Bible Study is conducted on Tuesday evening which brings in participants from other parishes. An annual Russian Festival which is part fundraiser and part outreach to the community. A talk given by Mother Melania on September 9 th after Divine Liturgy. Outreach and Charitable Activities Monthly Charity collection (along with charity box at candle counter) primarily to assist the nuns of Our Lady of Kazan Skete; An annual Russian Festival which is part fund-raiser and part outreach to the community. Major Challenges Faced Finances are tight, as they are most places. Upcoming Special Events/Anniversaries - October to September 2013 DOW Assembly 80 Delegate Book 2

81 As of Fair Share Membership Count Communicants Average Saturday Vigil Number of Catechumens Baptisms Funerals Marriages Receptions into Orthodoxy Church School/Number Enrolled Adult Education/Number Participating DOW Assembly 81 Delegate Book 2

82 Parish Name and Address Photo Church of the Holy Myrrhbearing Women 833 Water street, West Sacramento, CA Clergy V. Rev. Fr. Matthew Ismailov Committees/Societies Parish Council Sisterhood Choir Since October Highlights of Top Three Activities Testimony on Christ. The parish is shepherding primarily Russian speaking people representing three waves of emigration from the countries of the former Soviet Union. Confession of the Orthodox Faith with them, i.e. teaching the Holy Scripture and Church Canons, joint prayer with them, administering the Sacrament to them, teaching the Law of God and church singing. The parish conducts charitable work which is addressed specifically to older people with serious health ailments. Missionary work is being done among a large group of Russian speaking Baptists residing in Sacramento. Outreach and Charitable Activities The Parish priest conducts missionary work among Baptists, he is always available to help them understand the faith, expressing attentiveness to their wishes with forgiveness of their misunderstandings naturally derived from the centuries of division, but at the same time firmly adhering to the truth of the Orthodox Church as the sole treasurer of Christ testimony and sole redemptive ark of God s grace. Major Challenges Faced The possibility of expansion of Church s building. Mounting of the real cupolas. Upcoming Special Events/Anniversaries - October to September 2013 Cheese Fare Week (Maslenitsa) 2013 Christmas Tree ( Elka) for children 2013 Parish Feast Day 2013 DOW Assembly 82 Delegate Book 2

83 As of Fair Share Membership Count Communicants Average Saturday Vigil Number of Catechumens Baptisms Funerals Marriages Receptions into Orthodoxy Church School/Number Enrolled Adult Education/Number Participating DOW Assembly 83 Delegate Book 2

84 Report of the Pacific Northwest Deanery Archpriest John Pierce, Dean August 28, The Pacific Northwest Deanery consists of St. Spiridon Cathedral, Seattle WA (1895); St. Nicholas Church, Portland OR (1895), Holy Resurrection Church, Tacoma WA (1896); St. Anne Church, Corvallis, OR (1990), St. Herman Church, Port Townsend, WA (2000), and St. Elizabeth Church, Poulsbo, WA (2001). Both of the major urban hubs of our Deanery, Seattle and Portland, have strong and dedicated Pan-Orthodox associations. Our Deanery parishes and missions are integral parts of these associations which provide worship, mission and fellowship opportunities for the clergy and faithful. Albany/Corvallis, being further from the Portland area, and having only a handful of small Orthodox parishes and missions, has fewer opportunities for this type of Pan-Orthodox involvement. St. Elizabeth Church, Poulsbo WA, was received into the PNW Deanery this year. The most significant activity this past year, was, as reported last year, the Deanery s involvement in the 16 th All American Council. Clergy and members, especially from the Puget Sound Churches & Missions were very involved. We are thankful that the Council went as smoothly as it did, and that through the efforts of our Local Committee, it came in under budget. At the direction of His Eminence, I assisted with pastoral challenges facing some of our parishes, during which time I was encouraged by the spiritual strength and resiliency in the leadership and faithful involved. Respectfully Submitted by Archpriest John Pierce DOW Assembly 84 Delegate Book 2

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86 Parish Name and Address Photo St. Anne Church 6000 N.E. Elliott Circle Corvallis, OR Clergy Archpriest Stephen Soot, Rector Archimandrite Isidore Brittain Subdeacon Hennok Soot Subdeacon Timothy Kreta Subdeacon John Gallagher Committees/Societies Greek Food Fest steering committee Mid-Valley Orthodox, LLC for management of the historic grange hall St. Anne Sisterhood Since October Highlights of Top Three Activities Visit by Archbishop Benjamin to Corvallis and Newport; John Gallager made Subdeacon, James Wilson tonsured Reader. Holy Spirit Fund exceeds amount necessary to pay off mortgage on current facility. Newport Mission on the Oregon coast continues growth in membership Outreach and Charitable Activities Oversight and operation of the Family Tree Relief Nursery for children at risk of abuse or neglect. Volunteer support for Love, Inc. for the care of low-income families & shut-ins. Food & clothing distribution and financial assistance to the needy from parish s St Catherine Fund. Major Challenges Faced The parish has outgrown its present facility and is investigating the purchase of additional property to accommodate this growth. Upcoming Special Events/Anniversaries - October to September th Annual Greek Food Fest -- October 13-14, Parish s Patronal Feast July 25, 2013 DOW Assembly 86 Delegate Book 2

87 As of Fair Share Membership Count Communicants Average Saturday Vigil Number of Catechumens Baptisms Funerals Marriages Receptions into Orthodoxy Church School/Number Enrolled Adult Education/Number Participating DOW Assembly 87 Delegate Book 2

88 Parish Name and Address Photo St. Herman of Alaska Orthodox Church th St. Port Townsend, WA Clergy Priest Nicholas Kime, Rector Deacon Christopher Grant Sub-Deacon Christopher Lewis Tonsured Readers- Stephen Schumacher, Aaron Breitbach Committees/Societies Parish Council Way of a Pilgrim Bookstore St. Nicholas Event Committee Yard Sale Committee Elder Care Committee Since October Highlights of Top Three Activities Pascha Altar Feast for our church dedicated to St. Herman. Seven Priests and one Deacon served along with many faithful from our church and around Puget Sound. 10 th Annual St. Nicholas Gift to Port Townsend event held in our church and parish hall. Outreach and Charitable Activities We dedicate 7% of our undesignated income each month to help people in our church community who are in need, as well as some in the greater community and various other charitable organizations around the country and the world. We also help to support a local ministry that has grown out of our parish called Lazarus House in its work of caring for people who are living out the last days of their lives. Major Challenges Faced Striving to live an Orthodox Christian life and growing together as an Orthodox community. Financially speaking, it is a challenge to have a balanced budget and pay for our new parish hall. Upcoming Special Events/Anniversaries - October to September th Annual St. Nicholas Event in Port Townsend Perhaps a food booth at the Wooden Boat Festival DOW Assembly 88 Delegate Book 2

89 As of Fair Share Membership Count Communicants Average Saturday Vigil Number of Catechumens Baptisms Funerals Marriages Receptions into Orthodoxy Church School/Number Enrolled Adult Education/Number Participating DOW Assembly 89 Delegate Book 2

90 Parish Name and Address Photo St. Nicholas of Myra 2210 S. W. Dolph Court Portland, Oregon Clergy Archpriest George A. Gray Deacon Kevin Haan Priest Isaac Skidmore, attached Committees/Societies Parish Council, which in addition to ongoing administrative work, oversees many of the ongoing tasks and special activities of parish life. St. Elizabeth Pastoral Care Team (assists Rector with care and outreach to parishioners in need) 5-Year Plan Committee (reviews and plans for overall parish life, programs, activities, etc.) St. Benedict Guild (helps organize & coordinate retreats, prayer & study groups, etc.) St. Martin of Tours Good Works Committee (oversees the charitable work of the parish) Since October Highlights of Top Three Activities Fresco (16 x 8) of Poets, Hymnographers and Musicians of the Scriptures and the Church was painted in our south transept by iconographer Heather MacKean the plan is to have a matching fresco in the north transept depicting the saints who have shown forth in North America. Celebration of Fr. George s 30 th anniversary: ordination to the priesthood (February 22) Outreach and Charitable Activities Work with JOIN & The New City Initiative (Homeless Resources in the city of Portland). We also provide membership for the Board of that organization. We provide members for the Board of Agia Sophia Academy Orthodox School in Beaverton. Monthly support to St. Juvenaly Mission in Kona, Hawaii Monthly serving of meals at the St. Francis Dining Hall Major Challenges Faced The 4 year-old roof on our parish hall has presented major design and installation defects resulting in leakage and rot. We are currently seeking damages from the contractor as well as preparing to repair this before the rainy season. Upcoming Special Events/Anniversaries - October to September 2013 Advent Retreat with Fr. Michael Oleksa (November) Visitation of Archbishop Benjamin for the Feast of St. Nicholas (December) Launching of our new website (January, 2013) DOW Assembly 90 Delegate Book 2

91 As of Fair Share Membership Count Communicants Average Saturday Vigil Number of Catechumens Baptisms Funerals Marriages Receptions into Orthodoxy Church School/Number Enrolled Adult Education/Number Participating 18 6 DOW Assembly 91 Delegate Book 2

92 There will be no written report from St Elizabeth s in Poulsbo, WA DOW Assembly 92 Delegate Book 2

93 Parish Name and Address Saint Spiridon Orthodox Cathedral Mailing Address: 400 Yale Avenue North 1310 Harrison Street Seattle, Washington Seattle, Washington Clergy Archpriest Yuri A. Maev; Archpriest Vadim A. Pogrebniak, Pastor Emeritus Committees/Societies The Guild of the Lord s Friends Boy Scout Troop 67 Standing Committees: Reducing the Risk Maintenance Committee Photo Since October Highlights of Top Three Activities The All American Council was a unique event that inspired many of our parishioners to volunteer and participate from beginning to end. The Sunday Divine Liturgy at the hotel was a highlight for many and well as the opportunity to visit the many vendors and Orthodox organization informational booths. Phase II of the cathedral iconography project was installed. After many various fixes, we seem to have eliminated our water seepage problem into the annex basement that has been a problem for several years. At its worst the large puddle that formed was referred to as Lake Spiridon. Outreach and Charitable Activities The monthly charity collections from September through August exceeded $14, , which included $ for the annual Diocesan Lent Box Project. In support of our troops in Afghanistan a special collection from soldier wish lists were collected. Using funds collected additional purchases were made and 14 boxes, with contents valued at $ were shipped between February and May. We received several gracious and heartfelt s of thanks from our two contact service men. Our annual toy drive continues to grow each year and the Lenten food drive once again met our goal of 1,000 pounds of non-perishable items for local food banks. To assist recipients stretch their resources we held our first ever diaper drive. Feed The Hungry, the monthly lunch held in the parish hall is now well established. Averaging guests each month, we have a devoted group of volunteers who purchase, prepare, and serve our guests with open hearts and a willingness to visit with our guests. At Christmas gift bags were given with toiletries, gloves, socks and small gifts. Major Challenges Faced Construction directly across the street and on several other blocks surrounding the cathedral is well under way and not expected to be completed until sometime in late Road closures, no parking zones, utilities turned off during the day have made getting to cathedral and each work day a bit of an adventure. To accommodate the paid parking situation on all streets, evening services have been pushed back one hour to alleviate some of the need for payment. We continue to receive gratis parking on Sunday mornings, Holy Week and at our annual bazaar from the private parking contractor. Upcoming Special Events/Anniversaries - October to September 2013 We are working on an Open House for the neighboring community. The south Lake Union area is growing rapidly. From businesses (Amazon, UW Medical facilities, bio-medical research), to condominiums with street level retail/restaurant space, the daytime number of workers has grown tenfold in the last eighteen months and the number of full time residents will more than double when all the construction is completed. We want to be known more than just the cute little church on the corner. DOW Assembly 93 Delegate Book 2

94 As of September 1, Fair Share Membership Count Communicants Average Saturday Vigil Number of Catechumens Baptisms Funerals Marriages Receptions into Orthodoxy Church School/Number Enrolled Adult Education/Number Participating DOW Assembly 94 Delegate Book 2

95 Parish Name and Address Photo Holy Resurrection Church, Tacoma Site: th Ave E Tacoma, WA Mail: P.O. Box 1332 Puyallup, WA Clergy Archpriest John Pierce, Rector. Attached: Archpriests John Garvey, Joseph Velez; Priests Daniel Armatas, Irenaeus Williams, James McKee; Deacon Luke Fordice. Committees/Societies Parish Council, Holy Myrrhbearers Sisterhood, Youth Group Since October Highlights of Top Three Activities 1. Hosting the 16 th All American Council. 2. Completing a 700 sf addition to the Tacoma church, creating a new Altar and two sacristies. 3. Completing renovation and beautification projects at our Holy Trinity Chapel in Wilkeson, WA. Outreach and Charitable Activities Monthly collection to aid those in need. Participating in the local Fish Food bank, the local meals for the hungry program, and Veterans assistance. Toys for Tots collection in December. Major Challenges Faced Upcoming Special Events/Anniversaries - October to September th Anniversary of the consecration of our chapel, Holy Trinity Temple in Wilkeson, WA by St. Tikhon. DOW Assembly 95 Delegate Book 2

96 As of Fair Share Membership Count Communicants Average Saturday Vespers Number of Inquirers Baptisms Funerals Marriages Receptions into Orthodoxy Church School/Number Enrolled Adult Education/Number Participating Bible Study: 17 Lenten Program: 30 Scheduled Lectures: 10 DOW Assembly 96 Delegate Book 2

97 /12 Pacific Southwest Deanery Report Diocesan Assembly of the Diocese of the West V. Rev. Lawrence Russell, Dean August 26, Your Eminence, Vladyka BENJAMIN, Very Reverend, Reverend Fathers, and pious delegates, I want to begin by thanking God for His help and each of you for your prayers and the help that you have generously offered me. Structural Changes and Clergy Assignments There was an important structural change to the Pacific Southwest Deanery during the past year. The Pacific Southwest Deanery is now comprised of the following five parishes: Holy Virgin Mary Cathedral, Los Angeles; St. Herman Church, Oxnard; St. Innocent Church, Tarzana; Orthodox Church of the Annunciation, Santa Maria; St. Vladimir Church, Santa Barbara; Vladyka BENJAMIN created an additional deanery, which His Eminence titled, Desert Deanery. The new deanery is comprised of the following seven parishes: St. Paul the Apostle Church, Las Vegas; SS. Peter and Paul Church, Phoenix; St. Nicholas Church, San Diego; St. John of Damascus Church, Poway; St. Peter the Aleut Church; Lake Havasu City; St. John the Evangelist Church, Tempe, AZ, and the fledgling mission in Hemmet. The Deanery was created to shorten the distances between most parishes in each deanery so as to fulfill a new mandate concentrating more of the OCA Strategic plan into deanery action plans. Clergy Diptychs This year brought a couple of changes to the clergy diptychs. Archpriest John Strickland was released from his pastoral duties at Holy Virgin Mary Cathedral, Los Angeles, and took a teaching post at the newly established St. Katherine Orthodox Liberal Arts College, in the San Diego area. Monk Gerasim is temporarily assigned to Holy Virgin Mary Cathedral. The change was effective at the end of August. Priest Aaron Oliver, who was attached to St. Paul Church in Las Vegas, was suspended from all priestly functions in late August. His case has been referred to the Holy Synod for action on his deposition. General Remarks As the reader will see in the individual reports, the parishes of the deanery have been generally stable and active. All but one of the parish reported membership increases, and decreases in that parish (St. Paul, Las Vegas) were largely a matter of updating the membership roster to reflect accurate reporting. I met with individual clergy, and kept in contact through and phone as need arose. Many thanks are, again, due Archpriest Nicholas Boldireff who was the point person for arranging our Deanery s joining the Pacific Central Deanery s Youth Camp, at St. Nicholas Ranch, Dunlap, California. I am told by other clergy that Fr. Nikolai was a dynamo and a wellspring of ideas for camp activities: skits, teachings, etc. The number of campers increased, though there was still relatively small participation for the PSWD. Respectfully submitted by, Archpriest Lawrence Russell, Dean of PSWD DOW Assembly 97 Delegate Book 2

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99 Parish Name and Address Holy Virgin Mary Cathedral 650 Micheltorena Street Los Angeles, CA Photo Clergy Archpr. Nicolas Boldireff, Rector Igumen Gerasim (Eliel), Sacristan Committees/Societies Parish Council Sisterhood Charity Committee Since October Highlights of Top Three Activities 1) Summer Camp organized by Fr. Nicolas with help from parishioners 2) Creation of parish charity committee 3) Reintroduction of regular molebens with the akathist to the Virgin Mary Rescuer of the Perishing (in both English and Slavonic) Outreach and Charitable Activities 1) Introduction of charity Sundays each month collecting for Saint Petersburg Children s Hospice, Martha-Mary House, and Los Angeles Saint John of Kronstadt Home 2) Participation in Los Angeles FOCUS event feeding hungry 3) Creation of non-perishable food bank Major Challenges Faced Upcoming Special Events/Anniversaries - October to September 2013 Fall international food festival DOW Assembly 99 Delegate Book 2

100 As of Fair Share Membership Count Communicants Average Saturday Vigil Number of Catechumens 7 8 Baptisms 9 17 Funerals 9 3 Marriages 0 0 Receptions into Orthodoxy 1 0 Church School/Number Enrolled Adult Education/Number Participating English:12 Russian: 50 Catechesis: 12 Orthodox Studies: 12 English: 12 Russian: 50 Catechesis: 12 Orthodox Studies: 12 DOW Assembly 100 Delegate Book 2

101 Parish Name and Address Photo St. Herman Orthodox Church 142 West Wooley Road Oxnard, CA Clergy Archpriest Paul Waisanen, Rector Committees/Societies Finance Committee plans the yearly budget. The Choir. The Parish Council plans everything else. Since October Highlights of Top Three Activities Monthly participation in the Friends of St. Barbara Monastery": The last Sunday of the month, Wednesdays: followed by Evening Vespers and Reading in the Fathers. This year we have completed reading John Cassian s Conferences. We are designing our own bulletin covers. Celebration of our Feast Day in December. Visit of His Grace Benjamin on January 1 st, to serve the Diving Liturgy. We have a two hour study in Holy Tradition in the morning with those who are seeking to grow in the Orthodox Way. We have begun a potluck and study of the Bible and Holy Tradition on Friday evenings also in the home of an Orthodox faithful couple. Outreach and Charitable Activities Charities include IOCC, CCMC. Ventura Rescue Mission, OCA charities, Japan, FOCUS North America, The St. Silas Prison Ministry, Rafael House, St Barbara s and St John of Shanghai, Church door charities. With Archbishop Benjamin s permission, Fr Yousuff Zaki and the Coptic parishioners under his care, continues using our facilities for meetings and services each week on Friday mornings, some Friday evenings, and Saturday evenings. They do not use the Altar area. We have updated our website and have it regularly cared for by Lazarus Anderson. Fr Paul s homilies are accessible. Fr Paul has a blog called: Orthodoxy the Radical Middle. Major Challenges Faced We were not able to purchase another property because we were not able to get sufficient funds from the sale of our present property. Our growth is held back with a small parking lot. Upcoming Special Events/Anniversaries - October to September th Anniversary Feast this December. DOW Assembly 101 Delegate Book 2

102 As of Fair Share Membership Count Communicants Average Saturday Vigil Number of Catechumens Baptisms Funerals Marriages Receptions into Orthodoxy Church School/Number Enrolled Adult Education/Number Participating DOW Assembly 102 Delegate Book 2

103 Parish Name and Address St. Vladimir Orthodox Church 1328 Castillo St. Santa Barbara, CA Photo Clergy Archbishop BENJAMIN, Priest-in-Charge Served by deanery clergy. Committees/Societies None Since October Highlights of Top Three Activities None Outreach and Charitable Activities None Major Challenges Faced No resident clergy. One service monthly. Very small congregation. The parish s major challenge is its survival. Need to update bylaws and establish clear membership criteria. Upcoming Special Events/Anniversaries - October to September 2013 None DOW Assembly 103 Delegate Book 2

104 As of Fair Share Membership Count Communicants 21 Average Saturday Vigil 6 Number of Catechumens 0 Baptisms 0 Funerals 0 Marriages 0 Receptions into Orthodoxy 0 Church School/Number Enrolled 0 Adult Education/Number Participating 0 DOW Assembly 104 Delegate Book 2

105 Parish Name and Address Photo Orthodox Church of the Annunciation Clergy V. Rev. Lawrence Russell Committees/Societies Fundraising Committee Charities Committee Since October Highlights of Top Three Activities Parish Feastday with Vladyka Benjamin Starting of Iconography project in new temple Open house that was well attended Outreach and Charitable Activities Gobezie Goshu Foundation, Adwa, Ethiopia. Around 17K raised through various means Work with Community Action Commission to help families at Thanksgiving and Christmas Working more with Cal Poly students Major Challenges Faced Limited volunteers to do the many events that the parish organizes and hosts. Getting good and consistent youth work in place (other than church school) Upcoming Special Events/Anniversaries - October to September 2013 DOW Assembly 105 Delegate Book 2

106 As of Fair Share Membership Count Est. 45 Communicants Average Saturday Vigil Number of Catechumens Baptisms Funerals Marriages Receptions into Orthodoxy Church School/Number Enrolled Adult Education/Number Participating DOW Assembly 106 Delegate Book 2

107 Parish Name and Address Photo St. Innocent Orthodox Church (1955) 5657 Lindley Ave. Tarzana, CA Clergy Fr. Yousuf Rassam 6570 Bianca Ave. Van Nuys, CA Committees/Societies Society of St. Innocent (SOSI) Since October Highlights of Top Three Activities Two very successful fundraisers, November 13, and Palm Sunday for the roof and air conditioner. 9/11 Memorial, see below. Outreach and Charitable Activities Sep 11 th, 10 year anniversary and benefit BBQ. The memorial was uplifting and the proceeds were sent to the rebuilding of St. Nicholas Greek Orthodox Church in NYC, destroyed in the attacks, and to the Flight 93 National Memorial in Shanksville, PA. Major Challenges Faced We have successfully completed the solving of the leaks over the sacristies which necessitated the replacement of the heating and air conditioning system. We were able to raise the needed funds and make this repair. We have gone through a transition in the Treasurer's post, and in the choir. Both transitions have been relatively smooth. Upcoming Special Events/Anniversaries - October to September 2013 Next challenge, getting termite treatment, with a fundraiser on September 30. Our usual Apostle's Fast retreat is postponed to the Fall. This year the topic is on the prayer rule, (prayer books, prayer ropes, etc.) We will celebrate the 40 th anniversary of the construction of our temple at the parish feast in November with Abp. Benjamin. DOW Assembly 107 Delegate Book 2

108 As of Fair Share Membership Count Communicants Average Saturday Vigil (vespers) 15 (vespers) 15 (vespers) 14 Number of Catechumens Baptisms Funerals Marriages Receptions into Orthodoxy Church School/Number Enrolled Adult Education/Number Participating 15 15, in Lent, DOW Assembly 108 Delegate Book 2

109 Rocky Mountain Deanery Archpriest Anthony Karbo, Dean Beloved Master, Fathers, Brothers and Sisters in Christ, We welcome you to the Rocky Mountain Deanery for our annual Assembly! The clergy of the Rocky Mountain Deanery meet, communicate, and support one another regularly throughout the year. Together we discuss and plan details of our deanery sponsored activities (Summer Camp, Winter Retreat, Project. Mexico, Divide blessing, new missions, etc.). In official meeting we encourage one another with respect to priest/family well-being, parish finances, and pastoral issues encountered. There exists a strong sense of brotherhood amongst deanery clergy as we share our lives and experiences through these meetings and common events. Our deanery participates in the many pan-orthodox events up and down the front range. Our own camps and retreats have been instrumental in enabling the youth across jurisdictions form deep and rewarding bonds of fellowship. Archpriest John Armstrong continues to serve as president of the Rocky Mountain Orthodox Clergy Brotherhood. This body sponsors annual funding events for OCMC and IOCC, as well as oversees participation in Sunday evenings of Lent pan-orthodox vespers gatherings throughout the state. This year we welcomed seminarian summer intern Fr. Benjamin Huggins and his family to our deanery. The goal of the intern program is to offer a seminarian maximal breadth of insight into pastoral ministry, parish life, challenges faced, etc. The program consists of: initial self-assessment; parish visits; interviews with rectors, matushkas, and laity; weekly homilies; daily log of activity and personal reflection; weekly meeting with intern director; a summary and critique of internship experience at end of program. A portion of Fr. Benjamin s summer was spent in Durango, CO, serving the small mission community there, as the Huggin s have expressed a desire to work in a new mission. A full written report was presented to the diocese via His Grace, Bp. Benjamin, as well as to the seminary dean. A loss to our deanery is the transfer of Fr. Lawrence Gaudreau and his family to the Pacific Northwest. He served the faithful at St. Mary s, Calhan for many years and was a valued asset to the deanery. In his place we welcome back to our deanery Fr. Simeon Johnson and is family (sent to seminary from Holy Transfiguration in Denver), newly assigned from Juneau, AK. We welcome the Johnson family and look forward to many profitable years of ministry together with them.. Respectfully submitted, Archpriest Anthony Karbo DOW Assembly 109 Delegate Book 2

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111 Parish Name and Address Dormition Church N. Calhan Hwy. Calhan, CO Photo Clergy Priest Lawrence Gaudreau Committees/Societies Sisterhood St. Tikhon s Restoration Committee Since October Highlights of Top Three Activities 1. 9 th annual Slavic Fest 2. Annual St. Nicholas Day Celebration 3. Completion of restoration of St. Tikhon s Chapel Outreach and Charitable Activities 1. Stranded Travelers Program 2. Annual Thanksgiving and Christmas Food Baskets to needy families Major Challenges Faced 1. Financial 2. Keeping young people and families in the Church 3. No interest in community for church school 4. Difficult to gather community for fellowship 5. Parish Council primarily concerned with financial matters and to some extent physical structures. 6. We are primarily a Sunday parish with the potential to be much more. Upcoming Special Events/Anniversaries - October to September 2013 The arrival of the new priest for Dormition Church Fr. Simeon Johnson. DOW Assembly 111 Delegate Book 2

112 As of Fair Share Membership Count Communicants Average Saturday Vigil Number of Catechumens Baptisms Funerals Marriages Receptions into Orthodoxy Church School/Number Enrolled NA NA NA Adult Education/Number Participating DOW Assembly 112 Delegate Book 2

113 Parish Name and Address SS. Constantine and Helen / Holy Theophany 2770 N. Chestnut St. C.S. CO Photo Clergy Archpriest Anthony Karbo Committees/Societies College / Young Adults Youth Group Parish Council Since October Highlights of Top Three Activities Baptisms Community participation in liturgical and sacramental life of the Church Budgeting and planning toward second priest, and expanded witness in C.S. Outreach and Charitable Activities Agia Sophia continues to witness; Best of Springs 12 recognition by local paper 16 th Project Mexico Trip; two year-round staff of PM from the parish Durango Mission as well as active participation in new mission for Parker, CO Community garden for neighbors of church property Local soup kitchen participation, monthly Church tours and presentations Sponsor Orthodox youth events for region: Summer Camp, Mission Trip, Winter Teen retreat... Major Challenges Faced General oppressiveness of the culture against the virtues and spiritual life Breakdown of the family (not unrelated to the above) Durango and Parker mission development w/ deanery and local ownership Upcoming Special Events/Anniversaries - October to September 2013 Winter Teen Retreat, Dec. 12 Blessing of the Waters, Continental Divide - Jan. 13 RMOYC 13 (summer camp) - July 28-31, 2-13 DOW Assembly 113 Delegate Book 2

114 As of September 1, Fair Share Membership Count Communicants Average Saturday Vigil Number of Catechumens Baptisms Funerals Marriages Receptions into Orthodoxy Church School/Number Enrolled Adult Education/Number Participating DOW Assembly 114 Delegate Book 2

115 Parish Name and Address Saint Andrew s Orthodox Church 298 Bert Street Delta, Colorado Clergy V. Rev. Daniel Jones Rev. Deacon David Fabula Subdeacon Cyril Stagner Readers David Pertz and Daniel Showalter Committees/Societies Parish Council Flowers and adornment Sisterhood functions Altar servers Choir Building and Grounds Since October Highlights of Top Three Activities The liturgical and ascetic life of the Church Maintenance, upkeep and beautification Missions and charities Outreach and Charitable Activities We participate locally, regionally, nationally and internationally Major Challenges Faced All of the above Upcoming Special Events/Anniversaries - October to September 2013 All of the above Photo DOW Assembly 115 Delegate Book 2

116 As of Fair Share Membership Count Communicants Average Saturday Vigil Number of Catechumens Baptisms Funerals Marriages Receptions into Orthodoxy Church School/Number Enrolled Adult Education/Number Participating DOW Assembly 116 Delegate Book 2

117 Parish Name and Address Photo Holy Transfiguration of Christ Cathedral 349 E 47th Ave. Denver, Colorado Clergy Archpriest David Lowell. Rector Priest Alexander Vallens, associate Priest Archpriest Eugene Tarris, attached Archpriest James Worth, Attached Protodeacon Averky Davis Deacon Antony Dyl Committees/Societies St Mary s Altar Society Since October Highlights of Top Three Activities Old Globeville Days and Orthodox Food Festival St Sava s Day Festival Russian Christmas Festival Pan-Orthodox Dinner Dance Outreach and Charitable Activities 1,024 Pounds of food collected for Globeville Food Bank New Mission about to start in Parker, Co. Christmas Give-away in conjunction with the neighborhood business association...of which the Rector serves as one of the board directors. Globeville Neighborhood Association meeting in our Hall, including a neighborhood Christmas Party in December, and Neighborhood planning workshop done in conjunction with the City of Denver in June Major Challenges Faced Our world war II veterans are in frail health...people we saw almost every Sunday are now unable to come to Church. Money is still tight and some parishioners are under-employed. We got a new choir director Church membership is growing Upcoming Special Events/Anniversaries - October to September 2013 We are 114 years old in September...and have 114 members Diocesan Assembly to be held here in October DOW Assembly 117 Delegate Book 2

118 As of Fair Share Membership Count Communicants Average Saturday Vigil Number of Catechumens Baptisms Funerals Marriages Receptions into Orthodoxy Church School/Number Enrolled Adult Education/Number Participating DOW Assembly 118 Delegate Book 2

119 Parish Name and Address Photo St. Herman Orthodox Church 991 W. Prentice Ave. Littleton, CO Clergy Archpriest John Armstrong, rector Deacon Michael Tarris Deacon Panayiotis Tekosis (attending St. Tikhon Seminary with Matushka Kathryn and their 6 children) Committees/Societies 1. Parish Council; 2. Bylaws Committee; 3. Dipes & Wipes ; 4. Prison Ministry at Hudson Correctional Facility (see below); 5. Active, lay-led Youth ministry; 6. Lay-initiated, lay-led Young Adult ministry started this year; 7. Choir; 8. Church School; 9. Intro to Orthodoxy Class; 10. Adult Ed; 11. Bake Sale Since October Highlights of Top Three Activities 1. Generous response to Lenten pan-orthodox appeal for Dipes & Wipes ministry. 2. Recorded and produced a beautiful Orthodox Christian music CD of our St. Herman Trio, now available for sale on our parish website ( and through Conciliar Press Orthodox Christian Bookstore. 3. Sent Deacon Pan to seminary. We have adopted their family to support during their course of studies. Outreach and Charitable Activities 1. Dipes & Wipes continues to distributes 100s of diapers & wipes to families with babies and small children; distribution is twice a month. This is a Gap Ministry of Love INC of Littleton, which is a clearinghouse of local churches joining together to offer charity to those in need, all In the Name of Christ We continue to sponsor one charity per month by posting that ministry s info on a bulletin board in the church hall & collecting a free will offering once a month. 3. We currently sponsor three OCMC missionaries on a monthly basis by prayer and finances. One of our parishioners, Faith Young, is preparing for long-term missions to Mongolia with OCMC. 4. Orthodox Christian Prison Ministry at the Hudson Correctional Facility (~1000 inmates, ~one half are native Alaskans many of whom are Russian Orthodox and under the omophorion of His Eminence Archbishop Benjamin who plans a second visit in Jan 2013). In addition to Fr. John, two other St. Herman parishioners participate: Reader Steven Martin (every week) and Reader Paul Farley. We serve Divine Liturgy once a month; we offer prayers, instruction, and opportunities for Confession on a weekly basis. 5. Fr. John has been officially mentoring three Denver Seminary students; he taught three classes on the Orthodox Faith (one on Theosis per their request). We hosted a Denver Seminary Winter-Inter-Session class taught by Dr. Bradley Nassif for Vespers and I gave a talk on the Orthodox Faith followed by Q & A. Major Challenges Faced 1. Financial: Last year we faced a serious financial challenge with giving decreasing and attendance remaining static. I challenged the Council (and our parishioners) to pray fervently that the Lord would bring new people to the church AND to reconsider their financial stewardship. I also did something I had never done in 12 years of parish ministry I taught a 4-part series on stewardship for my Sunday morning homilies (rather than sticking to the Sunday Gospel, Epistle, or theme). The Lord and our parishioners responded favorably and generously to this appeal and teaching. God is faithful. I am pleased to say that these prayers and teachings marked a turning point in BOTH our attendance and our income. We are currently in the black and ahead of budget; our attendance has increased by 20 over last year. Glory to God for all things! 2. Volunteering/Commitment/Ownership/Stewardship/Service 3. How to encourage/inspire parishioners to be more than just Sunday only participants Upcoming Special Events/Anniversaries - October to September th Anniversary (founded Oct. 1972): Hierarchal Liturgy and Banquet planned for Saturday, Nov. 3, 2. 17th All-American Council to elect a new Metropolitan for the OCA, Nov. 13,. 3. Hierarchal visit to Orthodox Christian Hudson Correctional Facility prisoners in January DOW Assembly 119 Delegate Book 2

120 As of Fair Share Membership Count Communicants Average Saturday Great Vespers ? Number of Catechumens Baptisms Funerals Marriages Receptions into Orthodoxy Church School/Number Enrolled Adult Education/Number Participating DOW Assembly 120 Delegate Book 2

121 Parish Name and Address St. Michael's Orthodox Church (1903) 801 W. Summit Ave. Pueblo, CO Photo Clergy Priest Zechariah Lynch Committees/Societies Parish Council (six members plus rector) Festival Coordinator (elected at All Parish Meeting) Eternal Mysteries Bookstore Church School Since October Highlights of Top Three Activities Renovation of our fellowship hall, bookstore and grounds, including: lowering the front fence; the tasteful enclosing of our bells; planting of a large water wise flower garden, etc. All these things have worked to give the church a more positive street appeal. Parish annual festival. Not a huge money maker but it does bring a few hundred visitors into our temple. This past festival a more evangelistic theme was introduced, we hope to build upon it this year. A local Historic Society's Saints and Sinners tour also brings a substantial amount of visitors which is full of possibility. Outreach and Charitable Activities A monthly ministry at the local homeless shelter. Special collections are taken periodically and sent to various local and national charities. Participation in the local right to life activities. Sporadic growing local humanitarian needs which we try and meet within our capabilities. Major Challenges Faced Slow parish growth. Evangelism: how to bring the Orthodox faith effectively to our city. Volatile finances, although for the past eight months finances have stabilized in a positive direction. Upcoming Special Events/Anniversaries - October to September 2013 Annual Festival, this year in conjunction with an icon exhibit and talks on related themes (Sep. 30th). Saints and Sinners Tour (TBA). 109th Parish Anniversary. DOW Assembly 121 Delegate Book 2