The Missionary Potential of the Orthodox Taking the Faith to the Ends of the Earth Page 3

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1 FALL 2008 Volume 24, Number 2 The Missionary Potential of the Orthodox Taking the Faith to the Ends of the Earth Page 3 Missions: The Breath of the Church Page 5 Stewardship:Caring for the Church by Caring for Missions Page 18 T h e I n t e r n a t i o n a l M i s s i o n A g e n c y o f S C O B A

2 MISSION M AGAZINE CONTENTS > > F E A T U R E S ALSO IN THIS ISSUE What Does Love Look Like?...9 The Language of Love: Agape Canister Program Celebrates 20 Years, Theodore Theodorou, OCMC Agape/SAMP Program Coordinator OCMC Missionary Updates...10 Orthodox Mission Teams 3 To the Ends of the Earth: The Missionary Potential of North American Orthodox Churches Dcn. James Nicholas, OCMC Missionary Coordinator 5 Witness of Christ To Those Who Are Far Off and To Those Who Are Near His Eminence Ambrosios, Metropolitan of Korea 18 Becoming a Steward of Missions: Answering Christ s Call to Missions through a Deeper Understanding of Stewardship Kenneth Kidd, OCMC Annual Gifts Officer 2009 Orthodox Mission Team Opportunities...12 Reflections on South Africa, Dcn Peter Robichau...14 SAMP: Mission Priest Spotlight...17 Fr. George Lakony: SAMP Priest in Uganda, Theodore Theodorou Developing Missions: Building Missions...20 From the Field: Mission News...22 Thank you to This Issue s Sponsors Thank You Cina and John Daskalakis! This issue of the OCMC Magazine was underwritten by the prayerful generosity of OCMC Board Member Mrs. Cina Daskalakis and her husband Mr. John Daskalakis. On the cover: Meet Caden. He is one of the Saint Peter the Aleut Campers who pray that they may faithfully continue in the steps of the missionary Saints who have walked before them in America's Holy Land.One of the 2008 OCMC Mission Teams to Alaska served summer camps in Old Harbor and Ouzinkie before participating in the St. Herman Pilgrimage on Spruce Island. FALL 2008 Volume 24, Number 2 The OCMC s Mission Magazine is published twice a year for members of the Saints Cyril and Methodios Orthodox Mission Society by the Orthodox Christian Mission Center. EDITOR:... Fr. Martin Ritsi MANAGING EDITOR:... Alex Goodwin DESIGN: Cameron Thorp OCMC is the official international missions agency of the Standing Conference of Canonical Orthodox Bishops in the Americas (SCOBA), commissioned to help the Orthodox Christians of North America to respond to Christ s call to make disciples of all nations. For more information about OCMC visit our website at Mailing Address Orthodox Christian Mission Center P.O. Box 4319 St. Augustine, FL PH: (904) Fax: (904) Toll Free: GO-FORTH ( ) missions@ocmc.org Permanent Address: 85 S. Dixie Highway, St. Augustine, FL Program Contacts: Executive Director...Fr. Martin Ritsi Associate Director/Missionaries Director Fr. David Rucker Missionary Coordinator Dcn. James Nicholas Mission Teams Director Andrew J. Lekos Communications Director...Alex Goodwin Annual Gifts Officer Kenneth Kidd Agape Canister & SAMP Coordinator Theordore Theodorou Finance Director...Jack Klees OCMC Missionaries and their families: Albania: Anastasia Pamela Barksdale; Georgia Gilman-Bendo; Nathan, Gabriella, Tristan and Katherine Hoppe; Melanie Linderman; George, Pauline, Christopher and Madeline Russell Romania: Floyd and Ancuţa Frantz; Christina Semon (Missionary Candidate) Tanzania: Edwin Pier OCMC BOARD OF DIRECTORS: Mr. Cliff Argue... President V. Rev. Dr. Chad Hatfield Vice President Mr. William O. Birchfield III... Treasurer Fr. George P. Liacopulos...Secretary Fr. Alexander Veronis...President Emeritus OCMC BOARD MEMBERS: Fr. John Chakos, Fr. Dr. John Christakis, Fr. Louis Christopulos, Dr. Theodore Christou, Mr. John N. Colis, Mr. George Conopeotis, Mr. Patrick R. Crosson, Mrs. Cina Daskalakis, Dr. John G. Demakis, Mr. Nassim Elias, Mr. Robert C. Gremley, Fr. John W. Harvey, Fr. David Hudson, Mr. Bruce Humphrey, Dr. Spero J. Kinnas, Fr. Dimitri Leussis, Fr. Luke Mihaly, Mr. Scott Mitchell, Mrs. Helen Nicozisis, Dr. Frank Papatheofanis, Dr. George Pelican, Fr. Ted Pisarchuk, Fr. John Rallis, Mrs. Elizabeth Slanta, Fr. Matthew Tate, Fr. Raymond Velencia, Dr. Gayle Woloschak, Mr. Andrew E. K. Yiannakos, Opinions expressed are those of the individual authors and not necessarily those of OCMC. We reserve the right to edit all articles and all submissions for length and content. Articles may be reproduced and used with written acknowledgement of the source. To the Ends of the Earth: The Missionary Potential of North American Orthodox Churches Dcn. James Nicholas, OCMC Missionary Coordinator In the Jules Verne classic Journey to the Center of the Earth, Professor Lindenbrook replies to his student colleague with perfect coolness, our situation is almost desperate; but there are some chances of deliverance, and it is these that I am considering. If at every instant we may perish, so at every instant we may be saved; let us then be prepared to seize upon the smallest advantage. And so it may be with us as we pursue every advantage in our own journey to the unreached corners of the earth today. Going to the ends of the earth is a quest that has been undertaken by countless explorers, scientists, and missionaries throughout the ages who have sought to complete their given tasks. The challenge of reaching new frontiers is an undeniable drive of our humanness: to go further, to climb higher, to finish the job. So here we North Americans stand over 200 years later, the Gospel having spread from shore to shore, asking ourselves the questions: What now?, What does God require of us?, Is our work done?. I would suggest that, in general, we have two options. We can either be like the Sea of Galilee, which is fresh and full of life, or we can be like the Dead Sea, which is truly dead in that no fish can live within it. Interestingly enough, both of these lakes are fed by the same river, the Jordan. So why is there such an extreme difference between the two lakes? What is it that kills one and produces life in the other? The answer is simple and very spiritual. The Dead Sea takes in fresh water from the Jordan and gives nothing back out, resulting in the lack of life. The Sea of Galilee, on the other hand, receives its water from the Jordan and yet gives it back out again which, true to its spiritual metaphor, produces life. One can also compare this to the parable of the talents, wherein one talent is buried while the others are invested. The latter bears fruit, and the former is ultimately lost. So if God desires that we give life back, then what are we, the Faithful of North America, capable of? Let s consider what we have to work with. The Message What we are talking about is simply delivering the same message to others that was originally delivered to us - the Gospel itself - not only preached and taught but actually incorporated into the life of every culture. This means making disciples that, in turn, make other disciples; What we are talking about is simply delivering the same message to others that was originally delivered to us the Gospel itself. thereby spiritually reproducing themselves and perpetuating the true Faith from person to person and generation to generation. The Resources Some surveys indicate that there are as many as 1800 (or more) Orthodox parishes and mission parishes in North America with over one million Orthodox Faithful. Sounds like an army. In God s eyes, it is. So let s deploy it. What if every parish produced at least 1 long-term missionary every 8 to 10 years? That means the Orthodox Christian Mission Center could keep over 200 missionaries on the field at all times, missionaries that are able to preach, teach, and baptize hundreds, if not thousands, of people around the world. And what if every Orthodox parish contributed just $10 to $12 per week for Fr. John Erickson baptizes a baby in Buturage, Tanzania. Fr. Erickson, a professor at St. Vladimir Theological Seminary, recently served as an OCMC Mission Specialist teaching at the Kasikizi Catechetical Center. missions? That represents over $1million annually that can be used to build schools, churches, and seminaries where the Church is working diligently to establish itself. And what if only half of our parishes in North America sent just 1 person on a short-term Mission Team through OCMC every 3 years? Then we d be able to deploy 300 team members yearly to augment our missionary field work offering healthcare, coordinating youth camps, and teaching catechism. With resources like this, we could make substantial progress in making disciples of all nations. 2 OCMC MISSION MAGAZINE OCMC MISSION MAGAZINE FALL

3 LEFT: The Tanzania Construction Team worked with local Orthodox Faithful to build a church in western Tanzania. Here, Team Member Barry Migyanko receives a newly mixed batch of concrete from a Tanzanian worker as they lay the church s foundation. in short-term mission trips; and train, send and serve mid-term and long-term missionaries throughout the world. Take Action In our brief moment on the stage of history, we have received a precious gift the faith once and for all delivered to the saints and, in turn, delivered to us by the saints. It is now time for us to give back to the world that which has been given to us, to allow the river that has flowed into us to flow back out again to others, thus keeping it alive while bringing continued life to ourselves. I truly believe that Christ is awaiting North America s antiphonal response to the missionary choir of history that helped to spiritually shape and define our land. May we reply in unison to them by making ourselves fully available to Christ for His eternal It is now time for us to give back to the world that which has been given to us. The Plan Go ye therefore either yourself or via an emissary called a missionary." If you are a parish priest, then help your parish be a Great Commission parish. Educate and activate your parishioners in this call. Make it a goal to raise up a long-term missionary within your own parish. Send short-term Mission Team members every year to the field, encourage them to share their experience, and challenge every able-bodied person in your parish to eventually participate. Form a parish missions committee and appoint a mission-minded person in your parish as an OCMC Ambassador to serve as an advocate for missions and invite the community to participate in this vital work. Be bold and make missions a part of your parish budget or receive regular offerings designated for that purpose. Preparation Equipping and facilitating churches and individuals to participate in the Great Commission on every level is what we do. OCMC is here to provide ongoing education to your parish on missions; engage parishioners purposes and by using every gift with which He has endowed us. The missionary potential of our North American Orthodox churches is extraordinary. Just as we, theoretically, have the ability (should we so desire) to feed the world with food ABOVE: South Africa Team Member Alexandria Laris passes out candy to children in Alexandra, one of the Townships outside Pretoria. Alexandria was part of a six-person OCMC Mission Team, the second to travel to South Africa. Over the course of 10 days, the Team taught Catechism at many of the Orthodox communities in Johannesburg and Pretoria. resources, I would contend that we have the ability and opportunity (should we so desire) to help feed the world spiritually. Some have said that our western civilization is entering a period of decline socially, economically, and in other ways. Let us then rise spiritually. Let us choose to be as the Sea of Galilee and give life back. If at every instant we may perish, so at every instant we may be saved. Let us then be prepared to seize upon the smallest advantage. BELOW: Charita Satvrou, a member of the Tanzania Teaching Team, joins friends in volunteering. Charita and seven other Team Members put feet to their faith by providing Catechism to lay leaders of the Mwanza Archdiocese. Being a Christian witness is a demonstration of love for God and for one s neighbor. Needless to say, being a witness for Christ is not the duty of a small fraction of people only, such as the clergy or lay theologians; it is the work and mission of all the members of the Church, without exception. What will follow is a presentation of four important points, based on St. John Chrysostom s missionary methodology and on the long experience of the Church, according to which everyone can become a witness of the word of God (Rev.6:9) in our contemporary world. Prayer Praying for the salvation of the world requires great heartache, sacrifice, and a spirit of witness. Prayer for the whole world is preeminently an act of mission that bears enormous consequences for the redeeming work of the Church. In contrast, praying only for ourselves, our family, and those close to us is a self-centered act, because God desires all men to be saved Praying for the salvation of the world requires great heartache, sacrifice, and a spirit of witness. Metropolitan Jeronymos and Fr. John Erickson serve the Liturgy. This same Liturgy is served on every continent around the world, in the language of the people who participate. Witness of Christ To Those Who Are Far Off and To Those Who Are Near His Eminence Ambrosios, Metropolitan of Korea Christian witness, or Mission, as it has come to be known by the missionary efforts of the Western Church, is undoubtedly the breath of the Church. After Pentecost, the Apostles, following the resurrected Lord s command, became witnesses in Jerusalem and in all Judea and Samaria and to the end of the earth (Acts 1:8). Since then, all true believers and followers of Christ, whether they live within the world or in the desert, have felt the urgent duty to become witnesses of Christ through their lives and their words, to outsiders and to insiders alike. and to come to the knowledge of the truth (1 Tim. 2:4). Consequently, let us not cease from praying for them, St. John Chrysostom points out 1. Following St. Paul s admonition, I exhort first of all that supplications, prayers, intercessions, and giving of thanks be made for all men (1 Tim. 2:1), our Church prays for those who are from one end of the earth to the other 2 during our liturgical services. The Saints also do exactly the same. They embrace with their fervent prayer the whole world with its problems. That is how the hearts of the saints are, St. John comments. They care not only for themselves, but consider the world as one home, and the multitudes of people as one body; that is how they intercede to God. 3 Prayer for all the people includes, of course, those of other religions and the heterodox. This implies that in our prayers we should not forget the Muslims, the Jewish, the Hindus, the Buddhists, as well as the agnostics, atheists, and heretics. To those who out of their narrowmindedness object to praying for the heathen, St. Chrysostom replies: Do not hesitate to pray for the Hellenes (pagans). If it is necessary 4 OCMC MISSION MAGAZINE OCMC MISSION MAGAZINE FALL

4 to pray for the pagans, then we should also pray for the heretics. We ought to pray for all people. If you ask, 'tell me, even for the pagans? The answer is, yes. Christ died for the pagans, too, and you cannot stand praying for them? 4 Preaching After prayer, the second means of offering Orthodox witness to the world is preaching. Preach this gospel to the whole creation (Mark 16:15) was the Lord s command to His Apostles and to their successors as well. Great is our obligation and duty here. And the gospel must first be preached to all the nations (Mark 13:10). This is the wish of the Leader of our Faith. We must make clear from the beginning that, in the Orthodox tradition, the task of preaching the word of God cannot be taken up by selfappointed individuals. The Church alone has the authority to send teachers for the preaching of the Gospel of the Kingdom, and She also carries the responsibility to see that they rightly dispense the word of God s truth. Those who serve in the spreading of the Gospel ought to accept their calling in obedience and with the fear of God and should dedicate themselves to this sacred task. Those who have had neither the calling nor the inclination for this high office, to proclaim the Gospel, 5 are not, however, released from the obligation of helping to spread the word of God. In the following three extracts, St. John Chrysostom seeks to persuade his audience by making use of some interesting examples from BELOW: Even the very young can witness through work, as Dahlia, an Orthodox Christian from Alaska, does in helping with cemetery clean-up in Old Harbor. economic life. He stresses that interest in the salvation of our neighbor does not solely depend on eloquence of speech or on being well-read. Instead, he says, everyone can contribute to the spreading of the Gospel by conveying to others even to one s enemies what he himself has heard in the sermon at church: If the bankers keep the money they collect to their own homes, and do not distribute it to others, all their marketing will be destroyed; the same thing happens with those who are listeners. If you listen to the teaching and keep it to yourself and do not convey it to others, all your hard work will be in vain. 6 Women, too, ought to learn these things from their husbands; and the son from his father, the servant from his master, the neighbor from his neighbor, and the friend from his friend; even with the enemies we must also converse; we are responsible for their salvation, too. 7 Perhaps you do not have external eloquence? Maybe you do not have fluency of ideas? You know the basics, however; you do have a son, you do have a neighbor, you do have a friend, you do have a brother, you do have relatives; even if you cannot make a long speech in public, you can admonish these persons privately; this task does not require oratorical ability. Show to them that if you had a word, you would not neglect it. 8 The Example of the Christian Community The power of example, either from a positive or a negative point of view, plays a decisive role in Christian witness. If, for example, we do not put into practice what we teach, then preaching did not benefit as much as it did harm. 9 He who 6 OCMC MISSION MAGAZINE OCMC MISSION MAGAZINE FALL 2008 The love found in the Christian community is to be a vibrant witness to the love of Christ for the world. This Orthodox wedding is being performed in Tanzania, where the Orthodox Church has experienced tremendous growth as people search for the fullness of the Christian Faith. >> To read more of Lynette s inspiring journals visit; 7

5 is consistent in words is also superior to all in life. 10 According to St. John, the inconsistency between words and deeds is mainly responsible for the failure of the Christian message: When I say that I must not be vindictive, and then I do much harm to the pagans, how will I be able to convince him through my words, when I turn him away with my deeds? Let us therefore attract them through our behavior, and through these souls we erect the Church, and gather this wealth. 11 So great is the power of example that we would not need words, had our life been bright; we would not need teachers, had we good deeds to show. There would be no pagans, if we ourselves were truly Christians. 12 The inconsistency of Christians results in scandalizing the outsiders and prevents them from embracing Christianity. When you fight and make others grieve, when you tear apart the Church, when you abuse your brother and are nasty to him, then the outsiders profane. 13 Nothing is more powerful to touch the hearts of the people than consistently behaving properly. Even miracles are less convincing, says St. John Chrysostom: It was not the miracles alone that attracted believers to the Apostles; before the miracles, it was their life. 14 Participation in Social Problems When Christians show real concern for the social problems of their era, it is surely a strong witness for Christ, Who went about doing good and healing all (Acts 10:38). Participation in social problems, however, ought to spring out of a loving heart, and thus to serve as a witness ABOVE: As Christ has taught us, our brother and our neighbor is everyone, regardless of language, color of skin, or social and economic status. Here Constantyn Koeman, member of an OCMC Mission Team to Guatemala, reads a story to some of the children living at the Hogar Raphael Orphanage in Guatemala City. The seeds for the future Orthodox Church in Guatemala are sown here each day. to Christ. In other words, one s efforts should not aim at any type of expediency nor at any personal gain; they should be focused solely on the healing and solving of social problems and wounds. The generous and selfless commitment of Christians to help heal the social pathogeny of their society will contribute significantly to the acceptance of Christianity by those who are away from it; this has been repeatedly proven throughout the historical course of LEFT: Preaching can take many forms, from a homily delivered to a church, to a talk delivered to a group of school-children, to a conversation with a neighbor. OCMC Agape/SAMP Coordinator Theodore Theodorou offers catechism to children in Uganda as part of an OCMC Mission Team. Christianity. St. Chrysostom s famous sermons On the Statues (PG 49, ), which he delivered after statues of Emperor Theodosius and his family were destroyed during a violent revolt (Feb. 387) protesting new taxes, provide us with precious information about the close relationship between social justice and mission work. Moreover, his sermons sketch out vividly the missionary impact that the social work of the monks had in society, especially during the harsh social conditions which followed the revolt. Reaching the Unchurched In recent years, there is a new phenomenon that has appeared on the horizon, which I believe demands our attention. This phenomenon poses a powerful challenge for Christian witness, and it concerns all of us. The challenge pertains to a large group of people called the Unchurched. These are well-to-do people who believe in God, but who do not go to church because they are not connected with any Church at all. His Eminence Demetrios, Archbishop of America, expressed the following thoughts about this group of people in a recent press conference: As I have repeatedly been told by various non-orthodox theologians, these Unchurched persons, in essence, are longing for the Orthodox Church, because of her spirituality, her liturgical treasures, and above all her philanthropic attitude toward human beings. 15 To all those who seek the Church we have an obligation to communicate the Orthodox message. We should have the gates of our hearts and of our communities wide open and embrace the unchurched as our own brothers. Ethnocentric criteria, which oftentimes transform God s house into a ghetto, should be done away with, and they should be replaced with purely Christian ones. As Christ has taught us, our brother and our neighbor is identified not only with our fellow countrymen and those of the same religion, but it is everyone, regardless of language, color of skin, or social and economic status. Let us study the example of the early Christian communities which were open indiscriminately to all those who wished to accept the Christian faith. Prayer, preaching, personal example, and participation in the social problems of our era will enable us to give a proper Orthodox witness to those who are far off and to those who are near (Eph. 2:17). May we accept today this universal calling. References: 1. Chrysostom, Contra Anomoeos, Homily 5, PG 48, See Divine Liturgy of St. Basil the Great. Cf. Chrysostom, On Repentance and Charity, Homily 2, PG 60, 700 and Encomium to St. Eustathios, Archbishop of Antioch, PG 50, Chrysostom, In Psalms, Homily 9, PG 55, Chrysostom, In the 1st Epistle to Timothy, Homily 7, PG 62, Photius, Patriarch of Constantinople, Fragmenta in epistulam ad Romanos (in catenis), Chrysostom, Peri me aposiopeseos ton keryttomenon, PG 51, Chrysostom, Eis to Eidon ton Kyrion kathemenon, PG 56, Chrysostom, In Hebrews, Homily 3, PG 63, 34. See also, Commentary in St. John, Homily 3, PG 59, 37 and Commentary in St. Matthew, Homily 73, PG 58, Chrysostom, In Genesis, Homily 8, PG 53,73. Cf. St. Neilos, Epistle 3, 242, PG 79, 496D. 10. Chrysostom, In the 1st Epistle to the Corinthians, Homily 32, PG 61, Ibid, Homily 3, PG 61, Chrysostom, In the 1st Epistle to Timothy, Homily 10, PG 62, Chrysostom, In Romans, Homily 27, PG 60, Chrysostom, In Psalms, Homily 4, PG 55, Archbishop Demetrios of America, Paremvole, 81 (2007) 8. What does love look like? The Language of Love: Agape Canister Program Celebrates 20 Years Theodore Theodorou, OCMC Agape/SAMP Program Coordinator For 20 years Agape Partners have worked tirelessly to meet the needs of children, families, and communities around the world. Because of their efforts, over two million dollars has been raised to feed the hungry, provide life-saving vaccines, offer substance abuse counseling, bring water to rural areas, empower women seeking new skills for the workplace, and encourage economic development. Though our partners come from diverse backgrounds, they are all driven by a desire expressed by Jesus to "proclaim good news to the poor, heal the brokenhearted, proclaim liberty to captives, and recovery of sight to the blind" (Lk 4:18-19). Here, in their own words, are the reasons why our partners volunteer their time and energy, and the strategies that they use to raise and collect these much needed funds. Question: Why are you an Agape Partner? I have been blessed with healthy children and grandchildren. The Agape program allows me to help those children who are not as fortunate as mine. Barbara Gianiodis (Amherst, NY) I remember the words of Isaiah 58: If you do away with the yoke of oppression, with the pointing finger and malicious talk, and if you spend yourselves on behalf of the hungry and satisfy the needs of the oppressed, then your light will rise in the darkness and your night will become like the noonday. Doug D Jay (Danbury, CT) It s very simple. If you are Christian, you must love, and if you love, then you must share what you have with others. Nick Panos (Ormond Beach, FL) I think that if every community did something to help the poor, the total effect would be great. Fr. Basil Stamas (Kalamazoo, MI) I was raised in Greece during the civil war. We didn t have medicine, shoes, or toys to play with. It was not an easy life, but I can now understand the pain of the poor. Children cannot last without help. Founder of the Agape Canister Program, Alex Haimanis (Santa Barbara, CA) In its 20-year history, the Agape Canister program has sent millions of dollars abroad to fund well-digging, orphanages, healthcare services, education, and more. These funds, which have supported many ministries of the Church, are all collected through Agape Canisters distributed and managed by hundreds of Agape Partners throughout the country. It gives me an opening to talk about Jesus and how he died for our sins. The Great Commission is not a suggestion, it is a command. Mary Drakoulis (Alexandria, VA) Question: How have you encouraged others to offer support for those in need? I made my parish aware of the fact that OCMC and missions was important to all Orthodox Christians. I would write in our newsletters and on bulletin boards. I asked my parish council if I could collect money on the first and last Sunday of every month. I would sit outside during coffee hour and ask people to feed a child. Soon, people started coming after me, saying We owe you money, don t we? Barbara Gianiodis (Amherst, NY) I involve myself in a personal way. Personal dialogue personal contact sometimes I drive 55 to 100 miles away from where I am just to pick up the canisters. The most important thing to do is to thank donors for their support. Fr. Basil Stamas (Kalamazoo, MI) We started a missions committee at our church that allows people to get involved. We sponsor mission priests, host fundraisers, bring in speakers. It s a great opportunity for the community to learn about the program. They might start by giving nickels and dimes, but the key is to motivate others to think about the needs of others who live on the other side of the world. Doug D Jay (Danbury, CT) I tell people to look into their pockets it s not hard to find a couple coins to give. Michelle Chin (Natick, MA) I recently placed a canister in a Polish delicatessen and in 16 days there was $81.00 stuffed inside! I put my canisters in strategic locations that are visible and accessible. If business owners don t want canisters on their counter, I ll ask them if they ll make a monthly or daily contribution. Whether it s a grocery store, restaurant, flower shop, or dentist office, no location is too small or insignificant. The program gives people the opportunity to give. Nick Bobis (Tinley Park, IL) When a person gives, it has to come from the heart. Unless the Lord has opened the hearts of people, they will not give. Mary Drakoulis (Newport News, VA) The Agape Canister Program is a development program of the Orthodox Christian Mission Center that is dedicated to meeting the needs of children, families, and communities throughout the world. If you would like to become an Agape Partner, call GO-FORTH or agape@ocmc.org. 8 OCMC MISSION MAGAZINE OCMC MISSION MAGAZINE FALL

6 issionaries OCMC Missionary Updates Edwin Pier First I would like to thank everyone for their generous support, both prayerfully and financially. Much has already been accomplished in Tanzania and, by the grace of God, will continue to be accomplished. I had been in Tanzania for 7 months when I received an urgent message from my sister in the States that my father had been hospitalized with Acute Myeloid Leukemia (AML). Several days later my sister received the prognosis that my father was in a terminal state and had only 6 months to live. The message she sent me was urgent: Come now. I am now in Wyoming looking after my father as he undergoes chemotherapy and transfusions. I m taking this leave of absence from our mission in Tanzania so I can answer this call to a more personal mission. I hope to return and complete the Tanzanian mission, but as always, I will be trying to discern God s will in the months to come. I request your prayers for this personal mission I must now assume. The Russell/Linderman Family To say that this last school year has been trying is an understatement. Working alongside Melanie Linderman, we helped run two private Protagonist Schools. Unfortunately, these schools were located very far apart from each other. One school was located at the top of a hill in a lovely park with trees. However, no vehicles were allowed to bus the children up the top of the hill, and so children as young as six were required to walk the half mile, rain or shine, to get to school. The other school was located several kilometers away amidst terrible traffic with huge ruts to circumvent. Things could not continue as they were. Thankfully, after many talks with Archbishop Anastasios, it was decided that we could use the building that was being erected next to the Cathedral. It is not finished though, and in two years it will be used as a high school. Right now it is very primitive, with only walls, cement stairs, and a roof. There is no plumbing, electricity, windows, doors, or tile on the floor. Nevertheless, we had to move in since it was better than our previous situation. Please continue to pray for us in this endeavor, and if you are able, support this important work in Tirana. Anastasia Pamela-Barksdale Greetings from Tirana! Although I have only been here for eight months, it seems like a much longer time. My Albanian language lessons are going well. I live in an apartment by the Cathedral where I hear the Church bells calling for services, and I walk to Church to attend frequently. In September I began to work in a number of ministries conducting teacher training workshops and assisting with the curriculum. I asked not to be too far removed from teaching children, so I am teaching a class of first graders at the Protagonist School. I also began a women s Bible study and prayer fellowship. Additionally, I ve been invited to offer workshops and to be a speaker for a number of ministries. This year, with the Lord s blessing, promises to be fruitful! The Frantz Family The past several months have been very busy for the staff at the St. Dimitrie Program in Cluj. We hosted two OCMC Mission Teams over the summer, and with their assistance gave more than 200 priests, doctors, psychologists and social workers here in Romania over 300 hours of classroom instruction. Topics of training included domestic violence, alcohol and drug dependency, and Twelve-Step recovery programs. This work did not keep us from our other tasks of taking the message of recovery to hospitals, institutions, and a prison in Cluj, as well as a TB hospital in Savadisla and a long-term psychiatric hospital in Borsa. By the grace of God, we ve also launched into Moldova, the poorest country in Europe. The Protection of the Theotokos Family Center also recently received its permanent license. In its evaluation report, the Center was recognized as an example of good practice for an organization that offers services that prevent children s separation from their families, special protection for children temporarily or permanently without a family, and for promoting the rights of children. In short, this is why we are here: to help the Church in her efforts of developing these social services to minister to the needs of people, or as we often say at OCMC, "to help the church to be the Church to their own people." Georgia Gilman-Bendo As many of you may have heard, I am indeed married! My husband, Theodor (Todi) Bendo and I were married on January 3, 2008 at the beautiful Annunciation Cathedral in Tirana. True to his name, Todi really is a gift of God to me. When we met, Todi was in the midst of law studies and became a translator to Archbishop Anastasios. I was trying to learn Albanian and becoming accustomed to life as a new missionary. Later, at the beginning of 2007, we became engaged. We plan to continue to live in Tirana at this time. Todi has just finished law school and will continue his work as a translator, along with helping in the law offices of the Church. I will continue to be an OCMC missionary, teaching English to 4th, 5th and 6th graders at the Protagonist Elementary School. Recently, Archbishop Anastasios gave us a beautiful new building next to the Annunciation Cathedral to house our schools. We hope that being so close to the church will bear fruit in bringing our students deeper into the life of the Church. Christina Semon As a missionary candidate who is building up a support team, I have been engulfed with various thoughts, situations and obstacles that I have never encountered before. In the beginning of the fundraising process, I had to learn that all is in God s hands and I am nothing without Him. At once I noticed the self-inflicted stress being lifted from my shoulders. I knew I needed to do the work, and that God would see my effort and He would not abandon me. In this time of building a support team, I have come to realize that through fundraising for my assignment as an OCMC missionary, there is a God-given blessing that makes this whole effort worthwhile: that is sharing this service with you. You are working through me to continue doing God s will by your precious prayers and generous financial support. I would not be as far as I am if it were not for God s grace and your willingness to participate in Orthodox Missions. I ask for your continued prayers as we join hands to finalize the support team that will see me to Romania. The Hoppe Family Summer 2008 proved to be a very productive time here in Albania. One of the highlights was leading summer day camps in Kosovo. These camps are a ministry of love to students who suffered terribly during the war. They are not religious camps, which enables them to be held in Muslim villages. This year we had five camps lasting four days each, with approximately 1,800 children participating. We pray that our work in Kosovo will help to heal the wounds of the past and open a brighter future for all the people of that region. Gabriella has worked tirelessly to assist me in my efforts in launching several new programs here. God has blessed me with her as my wife, and Tristan and Katherine are delighted to have a mother again. We are pushing to create a stronger Orthodox community here in Albania, and we are keeping very busy. Please keep us all in your prayers. Missionary Opportunities TANZANIA Administrator for the Diocesan Office with organizational and publishing skills Experienced Translator TESOL/ESL teacher, administrator to work at seminary office Construction manager or engineer ROMANIA Substance abuse counselors KENYA Priest to serve a parish and teach at seminary Medical nurse or doctor to work at clinic and provide HIV/AIDS prevention education Contractor, builder or engineer to supervise church construction Health care administrator Secondary school teacher to train other teachers Seminary teacher to teach one or more of the following: accounting, agriculture, philosophy, and counseling Manager for Makarios Children s Home. GHANA Seminary teachers ALBANIA School administrator and teacher Youth and young adult worker Seminary teacher to work with catechists and university students ARE YOU BEING CALLED? These specific requests for missionaries have come to the Mission Center directly from Orthodox hierarchs around the world. Our prayer is for each position to be filled by the end of Are you one of these Missing Persons? Is there someone you know who has talents and gifts for these ministries? Want to learn more? Contact the OCMC Missionary Department today via at missionaries@ ocmc.org or by phone at TESL/ESL position for Elementary School Librarian for seminary library CAMEROON Construction supervisor with engineering or construction experience Mature priest with finance/management skills to serve in field leadership Theological educator Woman catechist with theological education Lawyer UGANDA Priest or deacon to serve in field leadership Priest or professor to provide continuing education for priests How shall they call on Him in whom they have not believed? And how shall they believe in Him of whom they have not heard? And how shall they hear without a preacher? And how shall they preach, except they be sent? As it is written, How beautiful are the feet of them that preach the gospel of peace and bring glad tidings of good things! (Romans 10:14-15) 10 OCMC MISSION MAGAZINE OCMC MISSION MAGAZINE FALL

7 Orthodox Mission Teams 2009 Let them do good, that they be rich in good works, ready to give, willing to share 1 Timothy 6:18 Share In A Journey Of FAITH All Orthodox Christians seeking to share in a journey of faith and fulfill the mandate of our Lord Jesus Christ are invited and needed to participate on OCMC Orthodox Mission Teams. Teaching Share and teach the Orthodox Faith to youth, adults, catechumens, ministry leaders, and faithful. Clergy, seminarians, teachers, youth leaders, students and those willing to teach the Faith are urged to apply. ALASKA KENYA MADAGASCAR ROMANIA SOUTH AFRICA TANZANIA UGANDA ZIMBABWE Youth Camp Participate and help organize a youth camp program in communities that have requested religious education for the youth. Camp counselors, youth ministry directors, students and those with camp experience are encouraged to apply. ALBANIA GUATEMALA KOREA ROMANIA Construction Help build an Orthodox church for a growing community by offering your labor and service. Engineers, construction workers, contractors, carpenters, painters, electricians and all hard workers are invited to apply today. Construction experience is welcomed, but not necessary. GHANA Health Care Provide a holistic witness of the Gospel by ministering to the physical needs of children and adults while providing basic health care and education. Health care personnel doctors, dentists, nurses, counselors are especially needed. ROMANIA UGANDA APPLY NOW! All hard workers willing to the share the Faith and wishing to participate and serve on an ORTHODOX MISSION TEAM are urged to participate. PARTICIPATION REQUIREMENTS A completed Mission Team application with recommendation from an Orthodox Priest; An active member of the Church; Spiritually mature individual with good social skills, motivated to learn and serve; At least 18 years of age and in good physical health. All participants are expected to cover costs of their participation and travel on the scheduled Team dates. Participants will receive packets that provide guidance for mission service and fund raising. CONTACT Information and applications are available online at or contact: Orthodox Christian Mission Center PO Box 4319, St. Augustine, FL Tel Toll-Free GO-FORTH ( ) Fax teams@ocmc.org. 12 OCMC MISSION MAGAZINE OCMC MISSION MAGAZINE FALL

8 Orthodox Mission Teams Reflections on South Africa Rev. Dn. Peter Robichau, 2008 Mission Team Member to South Africa The question that I have faced countless times since my return from the OCMC teaching mission Team is, What did you take wealth (often opulence) and extreme poverty that exist side by side. Our Team found itself on a sobering afternoon trip to distribute food and clothing to the people of an impoverished township where residents lived in tin and cardboard shacks and stepped over raw sewage in the streets. Most of our Team members were visibly shaken by the appalling conditions and pain that we witnessed. However, just minutes and a few miles away from this most dire poverty was a very western world of luxury, which included magnificent shopping centers, veritable mansions, upscale restaurants, and luxury automobiles. BELOW: Dcn. Robichau helps Fr. Pantelejmon serve the Eucharist to the Faithful of St. Thomas Orthodox Church in Sunninghill Park, a suburb of Johannesburg, South Africa. South Africa is home to many expressions of Orthodoxy. St. Thomas serves Johannesburg s Serbian community. ABOVE: This is the existing church in the Township of Sashenguve. This building sits on the foundation of what will soon be a new church building. away from your experience in South Africa? Each time I hear these words I struggle to find an answer. My initial instinct, and most frequent reply, is, South Africa is a devastated country in need of much help. However, I have discovered that this answer is not complete. Fourteen years ago Apartheid, the systematic and official separation of the races and oppression of non-whites, was the official policy in South Africa. With the introduction of democratic elections and the installation of Nelson Mandela as president in 1994 came an overnight granting of freedom to the multitude of South Africans who had lived under an oppressive government for almost 50 years. Even with this freedom the situation is still oppressive for many people in South Africa. The violent crime rate is so high that walls topped with electric fencing or razor wire have risen around virtually every structure in large cities like Pretoria and Johannesburg. Many people in these cities live in fear behind their walls and protective fencing. Another peculiar and disturbing aspect of life in South Africa is the stark contrast between the Team Member Alexandria Laris shows South African children the pictures she has taken of their beautiful homeland. This year s South Africa Mission Team had opportunities to experience the amazing diversity of this country. 14 OCMC MISSION MAGAZINE At the mid-point of our visit I was still overwhelmed by the poverty, the culture of crime, and the climate of fear, so I asked our gracious host, Archbishop SERAPHIM, his thoughts about the problems in South Africa. His reply struck a different chord. These people, he said, are lacking, first and foremost, Christ. This is what we need to bring to the people of South Africa so that we can move beyond this phase of violence and unrest. Until this point I was constantly considering what the country needed in order to move forward. I identified things such as dignity, love, selflessness, and respect for others. But Archbishop SERAPHIM was right. Until the people of South Africa embrace Christ, either personally or in their neighbors who are made in the image and likeness of Christ, there is no OCMC MISSION MAGAZINE FALL 2008 hope for healing and peace in this wounded country. The people of South Africa learned, through the Apartheid government, a way of life that stood in complete contrast to Christ it will take time for these people to learn the way of love and self-sacrifice that is the Gospel of Christ unto salvation. I approached the remainder of my time in South Africa with a different perspective. While I was still discouraged by the conditions in the country, I was hopeful that the strides being made by the Church in South Africa were a good beginning to a very important work. With the arrival of Archbishop SERA- PHIM in Johannesburg seven years ago, the mission of the northern Archbishopric of South Africa began to evolve. His Eminence saw fit to expand the Church beyond the boundaries of expatriate communities of Greeks and Slavs. In short order a seminary was established with the intent of training Africans from the southern part of the continent for leadership positions within the Orthodox Church. Mission communities were established in townships such as Sashanguve and El Dorado These people, he said, are lacking, first and foremost, Christ. This is what we need to bring to the people of South Africa so that we can move beyond this phase of violence and unrest. Archbishop SERAPHIM where liturgical services are now being sung in the tongue of the parishioners. The evangelical nature of the Church is being revived in South Africa. Every mission and parish that we visited exhibited a zeal for Christ and His Church and a desire to learn more. Those with much material wealth exhibited a desire to help those with much continues on next page 15

9 continued from previous page MISSION PRIEST SPOTLIGHT need. Those with very little material wealth were zealous for the faith and desired to see the Church grow. In a place where the Orthodox Church was, not long ago, almost entirely white and ethnic, we now see black missions, white parishes, and parishes where blacks and whites worship side by side. The diocesan seminary, the Catechetical School of Alexandria Petros II, will be graduating its second class of seminarians and future priests next year. The students are full of earnest questions and a desire to bring Orthodoxy to Africa. They are zealous for their faith and desire to be conformed to the image of Christ. These students, along with the clergy and laity of the South African Church and the missionaries who commit to helping the Church in South Africa, are the conduit that can revive this embattled nation with the Good News of Christ Jesus. Even with the knowledge of the good work being done in South Africa, it is hard to forget the country that I saw. It is a place where walled fortresses and fear have been normalized, and the ever-present reminders of the country s insecurity are appropriate symbols of the situation in South Africa. What I saw in those walls and the fearful population was precisely the absence of Christ. South Africa has indeed been devastated, but if we truly believe that God is love, and that perfect love casts out fear, then the remedy for the ills of this devastated country is nothing less than Christ. Enjoying the opportunity to learn more about the lives of South Africans, Dcn. Robichau and the other Team Members had the opportunity to spend time with many families in Johannesburg and Pretoria. This Team taught the fullness of the Orthodox Faith and participated in some of the Church ministries that operate there. What is an OCMC Ambassador? OCMC Ambassadors work toward the spread of Christianity around the world by letting others know how they can answer the call to missions through the programs of OCMC. Ambassadors are able to serve and contribute to the work of international missions by helping to engage and involve the faithful at home by. Distributing and posting OCMC materials to the parish as they are sent. Providing OCMC announcements for the Church Bulletin. Hosting OCMC fundraising/awareness events or inviting an OCMC representative to speak. Praying for the work of missions and OCMC Missionaries serving abroad. OCMC Ambassadors are needed in every parish. Whether your community is large or small, currently involved in missions or just beginning to explore this vital aspect of the Christian walk, please prayerfully consider representing OCMC within your church. Becoming an OCMC Ambassador is easy. Please contact OCMC Communications Director Alex Goodwin by phone at , or by at communications@ocmc.org, if you would like to help your Orthodox brothers and sisters to make disciples of all nations. Fr. George Lakony: SAMP Priest in Uganda Theodore Theodorou, OCMC Agape/SAMP Program Coordinator Fr. George Lakony is a young Orthodox priest in Gulu, a town in northern Uganda about 50 miles from the border of the Sudan. I had the opportunity to meet him as part of the Orthodox Christian Mission Center Health Care/Catechism Team that was in Gulu to meet the physical and spiritual needs of those who had lived in International Displaced Persons (IDP) Camps. During our trip, Fr. George became our guide, our host, and our friend. Many who have traveled to East Africa have witnessed the hospitality and kindness of the Ugandan people. Uganda is a beautiful country with one of the most effective national responses to the HIV/AIDS pandemic on the African continent. Though a brutal civil war ravaged the country during the 60 s and 70 s, Uganda is home to a growing Orthodox Church served by 30 Priests that receive financial support from donors through the Support a Mission Priest (SAMP) program of the Orthodox Christian Mission Center (OCMC). Fr. George is one of the many priests in Gulu who receives support from the SAMP program. Through SAMP he is able to devote himself full-time to serving his flock. Priests who receive SAMP funding are able to maintain the sacramental life of the Church and spread the Gospel of Jesus Christ among the Ugandan people through the prayerful support of Orthodox Christians in North America. In the developing world, the resources available to priests and the communities they serve are vastly different than those here in America. The economic situation for most Africans is challenging at best, and in Gulu, for example, it is common for one priest to be responsible for the spiritual needs of several parishes. He may have to travel by bus, bike, or LEFT: Fr. George Lakony and the Ugandan people of Gulu show their gratitude for the witness that this year s OCMC Health Care/ Catechism Team offered through their service by presenting OCMC Agape/SAMP Program Coordinator and Team Leader Theodore Theodorou with a small gift. Fr. George Lakony of Gulu was one of several Orthodox priests that hosted this year s OCMC Health Care/Catechism Team to Uganda. As a priest who receives support from OCMC s Support a Mission Priest (SAMP) program, Fr. George is able to minister to the physical and spiritual needs of the people of Gulu full-time. foot for many miles to reach these communities in order to celebrate the Divine Liturgy, baptize the newly illumined, or teach the faith. What is often forgotten is that SAMP is more than just financial assistance; it is a true sign of Orthodox solidarity. SAMP priests view donors in the United States as their brothers and sisters in Christ who stand beside them in their ministries. This solidarity is echoed by St. Paul who, in his first letter to the Corinthians, talks about how Christians are united with Christ, and each other, through baptism: For as the body is one and has many members, but all the members of that one body, being many, are one body, so also is Christ. For by one Spirit we were all baptized into one body whether Jews or Greeks, whether slaves or free and have all been made to drink into one Spirit. For in fact the body is not one member but many (1 Corinthians 12:12-14). It is for this reason that I believe Father George welcomed our Team to Gulu with such tenderness: as members of his family coming home. Through prayer and the Sacraments of the Church we are inexorably joined as one family one Body of Christ. As fellow members of this Body, Fr. George served and guided our Team, and we in turn offered our support and assistance all for the glory of God. Support A Mission Priest (SAMP) is a development program of the Orthodox Christian Mission Center that offers monthly support to priests serving around the world. If you, or your community, would like to support a mission priest, call us at or samp@ocmc.org. LEFT: Health Care/Catechism Team to Uganda stands with members of the Gulu community led by Fr. George Lakony. Top row from left to right: Dr. Andreas Theodorou, Troyen Hamilton, Charita Stravrou, Ted Theodorou, Sue Nelson. Bottom row from left to right: Maria Roeber, Despina Isihos, Felice Stewart, and Fr. George Lakony (second from end). 16 OCMC MISSION MAGAZINE OCMC MISSION MAGAZINE FALL

10 Becoming a Steward of Missions: Answering Christ s Call to Missions through a Deeper Understanding of Stewardship Kenneth Kidd, OCMC Annual Gifts Officer What shall I give back to the Lord for all He rendered to me? (Psalm 115:3) Top left: The skills God has given each of us can be used to glorify Him and minister to all the world. In Albania, craftsmen like this woodworker make and restore Church fixtures that were damaged or lost during the Communist oppression of the twentieth century. Top RIGHT: Short-term Mission Teams give Orthodox Christians opportunities to share their time and talents with the world. Here, Team Member Dr. Andreas Theodorou provides healthcare as part of a medical Mission Team to Uganda. BOTTOM RIGHT: Like His Eminence Jeronymos, Metropolitan of Mwanza in Tanzania, each of us is called to share the Light of Christ by sharing our prayers, donations, and talents with others. The fruit of these offerings is a growing Orthodox Church and a global expression of the Faith. BOTTOM LEFT: Each of us can answer the call to missions in some way, whether it be small or large, material or spiritual, here or abroad. OCMC Mission Team Member Yianno Pantazelos works with Tanzanian children to unload and carry bricks for new church walls. As each of us is called to be a steward of the Church, we are also to be stewards of international missions. Missions is our ultimate response to Christ s sacrificial love for humankind, and it is a primary function of the Church. We find inspiration for this in the life of the Theotokos, who was obedient, opened her heart to God s will, and through her faith brought Christ, the New Covenant and hope of salvation, into the world. Our missionary call is to take part in this same task, to be participants in God s plan for the salvation of the entire world. Fr. Alexander Schmemann articulated this beautifully when he wrote, The Church is a reality of the love of God for this world. It is not man s response to God, but His gift to us. It is not to be self-centered but precisely a missionary community whose purpose is not salvation from the world, but salvation for the world. Each of us must prayerfully consider our personal response to, and participation in, Christ s call to missions. Fr. Thomas Hopko provides a wonderful foundation for reflection on stewardship as a vital aspect of our faith and its connection to Orthodox missions in his writing On Stewardship and Philanthropy Forty Sentences. This writing is presented in Good and Faithful Servant: Stewardship in the Orthodox Church, edited by Fr. Anthony Scott. In this dissertation, Fr. Hopko presents the following regarding stewardship: A steward is a bonded slave who manages his master s affairs. A steward in the ancient world was a superior slave in a household who acted in the master s name, accounted for the master s possessions, distributed the master s goods, and often governed the master s other servants. But the steward was not the master himself. Human beings who have become sons of God in Christ continue to act as stewards, knowing that their sonship is God s gift of which they are not worthy. Paradoxically, therefore, it may be said that Christians understand themselves as stewarding their divine sonship in Jesus as their most precious gift and possession from God. In this sense, they imitate the Son of God s love who is sent into the world not to be served, but to serve, and to give His life as a ransom for many (Col 1:13, Mt 20:28). Stewardship extends to every aspect of our life and work in the world. Care for what is entrusted to us by God is not limited to any particular aspect of our life and work, but covers all things. Humans are to be stewards of all they are and have which comes from their divine Master. They are to care first for their own souls and bodies, then for those of their family members and others immediately given to their care, then for all people, as it is given them to do. They are to care also for the earth, the plants and the animals, the fish of the sea and the birds of the air. Finally they are to steward their time and energies, their talents and gifts, their properties and possessions, and even their sufferings and pains, using all that God gives them for His glory and the good of all His creatures, first of all one s fellow human beings. Spiritual acts of mercy are a necessity for everyone. If we are unable to do material acts of mercy because of our lack of means and our physical weakness, we can still show mercy and give for alms our spiritual support. We can give our prayers and intercessions. We can inspire, edify, encourage, and comfort by our words and example (1 Cor 14:3). We can show goodwill and offer tears of compassion and blessed mourning. Not all can give money or goods. Not all can work and assist. But all can pray, all can weep, and all can express co-suffering love with mercy for all, without discrimination or condition. Spiritual poverty is for all Christians. Wealthy Christians must be poor in spirit. They must know that their wealth is from God even when they have earned it through hard work and not simply by good fortune or inheritance. The opportunity to work, the intelligence and diligence to succeed, and the good fortune to be successful are all gifts of God s providence. When riches increase, the righteous do not set their heart on them or trust in them. They know, with St. Paul, how to abound and how to want (Phil 4:11-13). They do not allow their possessions to choke the word of God in their lives (Mt 13:22, Lk 8:14). And most important of all, they use their wealth for the growth of the Gospel, the edification of the Church, the enlightening of the ignorant, the ABOVE: Your material and spiritual stewardship makes it possible for these missionaries to Albania to answer the call to go and make disciples. Their service is a living witness that is fueled by the prayer and sacrificial giving of their supporters in North America. healing and comfort of the sick and suffering, the care of the poor and needy, and the salvation of souls. Fr. Hopko presents stewardship as a thankful acceptance of God s love for us through our offering it back to Him and His children. Stewardship is not limited to any one aspect of ministry but extends to every aspect of our life and work in the world. Our faith and our love and concern for our brothers and sisters in Christ lie at the heart of what drives our stewardship. In regards to our individual gifts from God, not all will have the means to give donations of money or goods, nor will all be able to work and The Church is a reality of the love of God for this world whose purpose is not salvation from the world, but salvation for the world. Fr. Alexander Schmemann assist, but we all have the ability to pray. Those that do have the means are asked to share their gifts for the growth of the Gospel, as well as the enlightening, healing, and care for others, so that all might freely receive salvation. Because missions is a central activity of the Church, we are called to be stewards of the ripe vineyard of humanity. By offering our prayers, donations, and talents, we participate in the work of making disciples of all nations. At OCMC, we pray that you will be given strength on your own journey as a steward of missions and that you are blessed with many opportunities to pray for, give to, and serve the Church as it strives to spread the Gospel around the world. References: Hopko, Fr. Thomas. On Stewardship and Philanthropy Forty Sentences. Good and Faithful Servant: Stewardship in the Orthodox Church. Ed. Fr. Anthony Scott. Yonkers: St. Vladimir's Seminary Press, OCMC MISSION MAGAZINE OCMC MISSION MAGAZINE FALL

11 DEVELOPING MISSIONS Building Missions: Help Complete the New OCMC Administration & Training Center Thanks be to God and to all of the faithful who, through your prayers and donations, assisted the OCMC in the development and construction of the new Missionary Training and Administrative Support Center in St. Augustine, Florida. Upon its completion at the end of 2008, the new Center will serve the Orthodox Churches of North America with a single home to recruit, train, and host long-term missionaries as well as short-term team members. An interactive learning and resource center will allow visitors to learn more about Orthodox mission ministries as well as how to participate in the ministries of those who have answered His call to serve our brothers and sisters around the world. As the new Center nears completion, multiple opportunities remain to participate in this historic endeavor, one of which is to help us furnish this new building. We ask that you prayerfully consider your ability to assist us at this exciting time by sponsoring all of the furnishings for one of the following rooms: ABOVE: Begun in 2007, construction on the new OCMC Administration and Training Center is nearly complete. When finished, the new Center will serve the Orthodox Churches of North America with a single facility to recruit, train, and host long-term missionaries as well as short-term Team members. RIGHT: After years of hard work and generous support from Orthodox Christians across the country, the new OCMC Administration and Training Center will serve as the hub of the North American Orthodox Churches' witness to the world. The quiet and picturesque setting will prove to be a place of prayerful preparation and reflection as we continue the work of making disciples of all nations. 20 OCMC MISSION MAGAZINE RIGHT: The scheduled completion date for the new OCMC Administration and Training Center is December As cables are run and carpet is laid, we invite all of the Faithful to be a part of this historic North American pan-orthodox accomplishment by helping to furnish and equip this vital ministry of the Church. OCMC MISSION MAGAZINE FALL Missionary Dormitories: $2, each 14 Administrative Workstations: $3, each 9 Administrative Offices: $5, each 1 Missionary Dining Room: $10, Missionary Training Room: Furnishings: $15, Audio/Visual Equipment: $25,000 Join OCMC as it enters a new era in its call to be a resource for your response to Christ s Great Commission to make disciples of all nations. To sponsor one of the rooms at the new Missionary Training and Administrative Support Center, visit or contact us at 877-GO-FORTH to find out how. The Lord reminds us: I have set you as a light to the Gentiles, that you should be for salvation to the ends of the earth Acts 13:47. May this new Center enable you and your parish to shine with the light of Christ before all people on Earth. 21

12 MissionNews FALL 2008 As part of its 25th anniversary celebrations, the Orthodox Church in Ghana recognized OCMC for its part in planting the seeds of Orthodoxy there. For over twenty years OCMC has supported Ghanaian priests through the Support a Mission Priest (SAMP) program and has sent eight OCMC Mission Teams to help build churches and offer catechism. From the Field: From the left: OCMC Board Member Cina Daskalakis, OCMC Missionary family Tristan, Gabriella, and Katherine Hoppe, OCMC Board Member Helen Nicozisis, and Carrie Colis during their time together in Albania. OCMC led several Orthodox Christians from North America on an Albanian Spiritual Odyssey this past October. Participants witnessed the resurrected Church of Albania first-hand and observed the many ministries that continue to be a living witness to the Albanian people. OCMC Spiritual Odyssey Team Visits Albania This September, a small group of Orthodox Christians from around the country traveled with OCMC Executive Director Fr. Martin Ritsi to Albania as part of an OCMC Spiritual Odyssey (a new opportunity sponsored by the Teams Department of the Mission Center). This excursion brought participants to Tirana, the capital city of Albania, and surrounding regions to experience the mission renewal that has occurred in this country since the fall of communism. Participants were exposed to the history and culture of Albania and the mission of the Church. While in Albania, members of this team were introduced to the OCMC missionaries and the leaders and faithful of the Albanian Church which they serve. They were also able to witness the fruits of their many ministries first hand. Of the nine day tour, OCMC Board Member John Colis reflected, I gained an appreciation for the difficulties our missionaries face in their work and lives. We spent some meaningful time with them and in the process obtained a glimpse of the struggles they endure. Fr. Martin hopes that similar Team experiences, aimed at exposing the faithful in North America to fruits of mission work, will be held on an annual basis. His Eminence Ambrosios Enthroned as Metropolitan of Korea On July 20, 2008, His Eminence Ambrosios was enthroned as Metropolitan of Korea. His Eminence was born on the island of Aegina in Greece in After receiving his degree from the School of Theology at the University of Athens in 1983, he was ordained a Deacon in 1985 and was ordained to the Priesthood in In 1993 he received his Masters in Theology from Holy Cross Greek Orthodox School of Theology in Boston, and he earned a second Master s Degree from Princeton Theological Seminary in In 1998 His Eminence was awarded a Doctorate from the School of Theology at the University of Athens. Two days later he departed for Korea to begin serving the Church there. In 2005 he was elevated to the Episcopacy as Bishop of Zela. Three years later he was elected Metropolitan of Korea. May God grant His Eminence many years as spiritual leader of the Orthodox Church in Korea. In a beautiful enthronement service at St. Nicholas Cathedral in Seoul, South Korea, His Eminence Ambrosios was enthroned as Metropolitan of Korea. The mission-minded Ambrosios has been serving the Church as a member of the clergy since his ordination as Deacon in May God grant him many years. OCMC Recognized by the Orthodox Church in Ghana The Orthodox Diocese of Ghana recently completed the year-long celebration of its 25th anniversary and enjoyed the first Archpastoral visit to Ghana of His Beatitude Theodoros, Pope and Patriarch of Alexandria and All Africa. The three-day festivities took place primarily in Larteh, Ghana, in the Eastern Region. As part of the Jubilee celebration, the Orthodox Diocese of Ghana presented the Orthodox Christian Mission Center (OCMC) with a memento plaque celebrating the anniversary. In a letter, His Grace Damaskinos, Bishop of Ghana, thanked OCMC Executive Director Fr. Martin Ritsi for OCMC s generous contribution towards the growth of Orthodoxy in Ghana. For over two decades OCMC has been involved in Ghana in many ways, especially through the Support A Mission Priest (SAMP), Mission Team, and Missionary programs. SAMP has been active in Ghana for many years, and there are currently 19 priests in the Diocese supported through SAMP. Over the past 19 years over 75 Team members have participated on 8 Mission Team that have offered a living witness to Christ through construction and catechism. This year s team helped the Diocese of Ghana create teaching curriculums for religious education. Andrew Lekos, OCMC Mission Team Director, is a past Ghana Team Member and has maintained an active relationship with the Diocese. He was also recognized personally by His Grace. In response, Mr. Lekos said, Your Grace and all my brothers and sisters in Ghana, please know that it has been your witness that has contributed to my personal growth in Christ, and I cannot thank you enough. OCMC Missionary Specialist Fr. John Erikson Completes His Service in Tanzania This year, Fr. John Erickson served as an OCMC Mission Specialist in Tanzania to teach seminarians at the Kasikizi Catechetical Center. Fr. John began teaching at St. Vladimir s Orthodox Theological Seminary in 1973 and is currently the Peter N. Gramowich Professor of Church History. He is also a scholar of Canon Law. The Orthodox Church in Tanzania has grown tremendously under the leadership of His Eminence Jeronymos, Metropolitan of Mwanza. In the past 10 years, the number of parishes has more than tripled, and the number of faithful has more than doubled. His Eminence has maintained a missionary spirit that helps the Church in Tanzania thrive. The increasing growth of the Church has resulted in the need for more priests and catechists. In 2006, there were only 34 Tanzanian priests serving more than 41,000 faithful. The Kasikizi Catechetical Center, located in the Tanzanian Metropolis of Mwanza, seeks to meet this need, offering both seminary classes and seminars for those who desire to learn more about the Faith and to continue the work of the Gospel. Professors and priests are needed as missionary catechists and teachers around the world. There are a number of urgent needs at this very moment. Contact the Missionary Department of OCMC if you would like to learn more about these tremendous oppportunities. During his six-week term of service as Mission Specialist to Tanzania, Fr. John Erickson, St. Vladimir s Professor of Church History and Canon Law, taught seminarians at the Kasikizi Catechetical Center. He also had the opportunity to serve many Liturgies and to administer the sacraments to many of the Tanzanian Faithful. 22 OCMC MISSION MAGAZINE OCMC MISSION MAGAZINE FALL

13 Planting the Seeds of Missions Are You in Young Being People: Called? 2009 OCMC Coin Box & Lesson Plan Program OCMC invites you to engage the young people of your parish in missions by participating in the 2009 Coin Box & Lesson Plan Program. The program is an opportunity to open your students minds and hearts and to teach them how to pray for Orthodox Missions as they collect money throughout the Lenten Season. Lesson Plans designed for Mission Sunday, March 1, accompany the coin boxes to enhance the educational experience! Sunday School Directors To order Mission Coin Boxes and/or Sunday School Lesson Plans for the 2009 Lenten Season, please contact OCMC at 877-GO-FORTH or before Wednesday, February 4 for a guaranteed April 30 delivery! P.O. Box 4319 St. Augustine, FL