| Tweet Нравится St. Tikhon of Moscow " s Gift to America The Monastery of St. Tikhon of Zadonsk Jesse Dominick On September 26/October 9, the Orthodox Church commemorates the 1989 glorification of New Hiero-confessor Tikhon (Bellavin), patriarch of Moscow and all Russia. St. Tikhon is of course best remembered as the first Patriarch of Russia, elected in 1918, since the 1721 abolition of the patriarchate by Peter I. He guided the Church as a firm and steady anchor during the early years of the communist regime, suffering imprisonment in Donskoy Monastery from 1922 to 1923 for opposing the government’s confiscation of Church property. He entered into repose on the great feast of Annunciation in 1925 and is considered a confessor of the Orthodox faith. Before taking up the yoke of arch-pastor for the entire Russian nation, St. Tikhon served as a missionary bishop in the burgeoning American mission. He was appointed as bishop of the Aleutians and Alaska in 1898 and he traveled throughout America, visiting parishes, comforting the faithful, and consecrating new parishes. In 1905 he was raised to the dignity of archbishop and he relocated the center of the diocese to New York, before being called back to Russia in 1907. St. Tikhon of Moscow and St. Tikhon of Zadonsk holding the monastery church at St. Tikhon " s One of his great and lasting achievements in America is surely the founding of St. Tikhon’s Monastery in South Canaan, PA in 1905, named for his own patron, St. Tikhon the Wonderworker of Zadonsk . St. Tikhon’s is the oldest Orthodox monastery in America and throughout its 110 years, while it has known highs and lows, it has become a center of Orthodoxy in America, offering up countless liturgies and prayers as sweet incense before the throne of God, enjoying the presence of many saints, and, along with the seminary established in 1938, molding and refining innumerable servants of Christ’s Church in the form of monastics, clergymen, and hierarchs. Every year the monastic, seminary, and parish community of St. Tikhon’s commemorates the Sunday nearest to St. Tikhon’s October 9 th feast as its “Founder’s Day” with a festive liturgy and meal, to which all are warmly welcomed. |
| Archdiocesan Assembly nominates Bishop Irénée for vacant Canadian See Source: OCA Natalya Mihailova 03 October 2014 Clergy and lay delegates representing parishes from across the Orthodox Church in America’s Archdiocese of Canada nominated His Grace, Bishop Irénée to fill the vacant See of Ottawa and Canada at an extraordinary Archdiocesan Assembly here on Thursday, October 2, 2014. Bishop Irénée‘s name will be forwarded to the Holy Synod of Bishops for canonical election. His Beatitude, Metropolitan Tikhon, chaired the Assembly, which opened with the celebration of the Divine Liturgy. The electoral plenary session followed. Earlier, members of the Archdiocesan Council had been appointed by Metropolitan Tikhon to act as a search committee to identify possible candidates. Bishop Irénée was born in Montréal, Quebec on December 25, 1948. In 1971, he received a BA in Slavic Studies from the University of Ottawa, after which he began studies at Holy Trinity Seminary, Jordanville, NY. He was accepted as a novice at Holy Trinity Monastery and placed under the spiritual guidance of Archimandrite Kiprian. In 1974, he was tonsured a Rassophore monk. The following year, he was tonsured a Stavrophore monk with the name Irénée, in honor of the sainted hieromartyr of Lyons. In 1978, he was blessed to serve in France. In May of the same year, he was ordained to the diaconate in Brussels, Belgium, and in August to the priesthood in Geneva, Switzerland. He continued to serve in France until 1982, at which time he returned to Canada to serve Montréal’s French mission. He and the mission’s faithful were received into the OCA in 1986. In 1992, Hieromonk Irénée was elevated to the dignity of Igumen by His Grace, Bishop Seraphim of Ottawa, to care for the French language monastics in Québec. He also served as a supply priest to the parishes in Montréal, Ottawa, Toronto and Québec City. In April 2009, the Holy Synod of the OCA elevated Igumen Irénée to the dignity of Archimandrite and elected him as an Auxiliary Bishop in the Archdiocese of Canada with the title of Bishop of Québec City. In October 2009, ten bishops participated in his consecration to the episcopacy at Ottawa’s Annunciation Cathedral. On October 1, 2010, the Holy Synod appointed Bishop Irénée as Administrator of the Archdiocese of Canada. |
| The European Commission and Europa Nostra have announced the 2021 winners of the European cultural heritage awards. A Romanian 18 th -century wooden church in the Carpathian foothills that was destroyed by fire and carefully restored in recent years was announced as one of the winners on Tuesday. The church which is to be found in the cemetery of the small village of Uri, has been painstakingly restored by a number of partners including the local community. “This is the outcome of an exemplary interdisciplinary conservation of a painted wooden church in a rural setting. Made from materials from its surrounding landscape, it is of outstanding value and beauty”, the Jury said Tuesday. The main partners involved were the Pro Patrimonio Foundation, the Art Conservation and Restoration Department of the National Arts University of Bucharest, the ASTRA Museum of Traditional Folk Civilization, the National Institute of Physics and Nuclear Engineering “IRASM”, the National Chamber of Romanian Architects, Asociaia 37 and the Romanian Orthodox Church. From 2009 to 2020, the restoration works took place each summer following months of fundraising efforts in the preceding year. The Jury found the restoration quality to be commendable: “This is an example of vulnerable architecture and an endangered monument that has been restored fully in accordance with conservation principles, with the original elements closely examined and reintegrated wherever possible. Sustainability was also central to the project, with trees planted to provide materials for future restoration work”. The Wooden Church of Uri Village, dedicated to the Annunciation and the Archangel Michael, was built between 1757 and 1784. It survived a fire in 1838 and was repaired and decorated with frescoes. However, it was later abandoned after a new church was built in the village. It was rediscovered in 2007, with no foundation and at risk of collapse. Its shingle roof was in urgent need of repair. Photo: europeanheritageawards.eu |
| The meeting place of the world Orthodox youth to change: “Wrocaw 2022” is now “Supral 2022” Source: Basilica.ro Photo credit: Suprasl2022.org Polish organizers announced on Tuesday that the meeting place for this summer’s World Gathering of Orthodox Youth has changed : “Wrocaw 2022” is now „Supral 2022”. The event will be hosted by the Orthodox Academy and the Monastery in Supral. The period has been extended by a day compared to the initial announcement: now the event is scheduled for July 18-24. The meeting will explore the theme “Go and bear fruit” (John 15:6) through workshops, lectures, plays, film, music, and fellowship activities. The event is hosted by His Beatitude Metropolitan Sawa of Warsaw and All Poland and the organizers are part of an international youth workers group coordinated by Archdeacon Joseph Matusiak. “Our goal is to provide young people who are committed to their faith in our Lord Jesus Christ with an opportunity to experience the unity and universality of the One Holy Orthodox Church,” the archdeacon declared. The “Supral 2022” keynote speakers are His Eminence Metropolitan Antonios of Zahleh, Lebanon (Antioch Patriarchate) and His Eminence Archbishop George of Wroclaw and Szczecin (Church of Poland). A multi-track format will explore topic areas including: Workshop topics: The International Society will organize liturgical music workshops and divine services for Orthodox Church Music ( www.isocm.com ). “We are confident Orthodox young adults from all corners of the world will find the gathering an excellent setting to learn, share ideas, explore common issues, and create new friendships, further developing their skills as leaders in their communities,” said Archdeacon Joseph Matusiak, director of the event. The young participants will be able to participate in the divine services held at the Supral Monastery. Photo: Suprasl2022.org Par ticipants will be able to attend the morning and evening monastic services at the Monastery of the Annunciation, as well as corporate morning and evening prayers with the gathering’s participants. “Supral 2022” will conclude with the Divine Liturgy on Sunday, July 24. |
| Chancellor Delivers Keynote Address in Poland/Православие.Ru Chancellor Delivers Keynote Address in Poland 26-30 August, Off-Campus, Suprasl, Poland Fr. Chad is interviewed by National Polish Radio during SYNDESMOS conference (photos: oca.org) Seminary Chancellor/CEO the Very Reverend Dr. Chad Hatfield recently delivered the keynote address at the international Orthodox youth festival titled " Attaining Conciliarity, " hosted at the Monastery of the Annunciation's Academy in Suprasl , Poland. Sponsored by SYNDESMOS—the World Fellowship of Orthodox Youth, and hosted by the Orthodox Church of Poland, the gathering marked the first time since 1998 that youth from the Orthodox Church in America (OCA) had participated in such an event. SYNDESMOS presentation introducing the OCA Father Chad introduced his international audience to the OCA in his talk, " The Conciliar Model of the OCA: The Dream of Saint Tikhon. " The SVOTS Chancellor noted that " good connections were made with international youth, several of whom expressed an interest in attending St. Vladimir's in the near future. I was impressed with the theological maturity of so many of the participants, and the expressions of gratitude for the leadership of [former St. Vladimir's Dean] Protopresbyter John Meyendorff in the early years of SYNDESMOS. " St. Vladimir's was also represented at the gathering by the Very Reverend Vladimir Misijuk of Bialystok, Poland, an alumnus who spoke on " Attaining Conciliarity: The Task of our Daily Life. " Father Vladimir is a former SYNDESMOS General Secretary. Archdeacon Joseph Matusiak, director of Admissions and a former SYNDESMOS employee, explained that SYNDESMOS and St. Vladimir's have a long and storied relationship. In the 1980s and 1990s, SVOTS regularly sent representatives to international youth events such as the Consultation of Theological Schools. Former deans Protopresbyter Alexander Schmemann and Protopresbyter John Meyendorff were instrumental in founding SYNDESMOS in the early 1950s. |
| July 16, SAN FRANCISCO. For the first time, representatives of the Orthodox Church in America participated in the All-Diaspora Youth Conference of the Russian Orthodox Church Outside of Russia [ROCOR] here June 27 through July 4, 2014. OCA participants with Archpriest Andrei Sommer, Vice President of the Synodal Youth Department of the Russian Orthodox Church Outside of Russia, conference organizer. Photo by Janine Alpaugh Occurring every three years, this conference is a global gathering of youth and young adults from parishes in ROCOR and the Moscow Patriarchate. This year’s gathering coincided with the celebration of the 20th Anniversary of the glorification of Saint John [Maximovitch] and the episcopal ordination of His Grace, Bishop Nicholas [Olhovsky] as ROCOR Bishop of Manhattan. The conference theme was “In the Footsteps of Saint John: Social Welfare and Volunteer Service.” Participants heard presentations on the life of Saint John and on charitable service and mission work. They also were able to assist in local community service efforts at a soup kitchen and an elder-care facility, prepare service projects of their own, and join in worship at the historic Mother of God “Joy of All Who Sorrow” Cathedral in the presence of the relics of Saint John. The relics of Saint John at the 20th Anniversary of his canonization. Photo by Janine Alpaugh The OCA was represented by Andrew Boyd, Director of Youth, Young Adult, and Campus Ministries ; Harrison Russin, originally from Wilkes-Barre, PA’s Holy Resurrection Cathedral who is currently a graduate student at Duke University; and Janine Alpaugh of Holy Annunciation Church, Brick, NJ, who is currently a student at Utica College. Janine commented, “Being in the presence of Saint John’s relics and being challenged to continue his missionary work with my peers will serve as a life-long reminder of the power of the Gospel for me.” Andrew added, “I am so thankful for the invitation to participate in this conference and for the mission-minded theme that served as a perfect foundation for further joint work with the Russian Orthodox Church Outside of Russia. Beyond a common heritage and a common ‘mother’, this conference emphasized the common missionary work we still have left to do. It is my hope that this is the beginning of many more collaborative youth programs.” |
| More information posted on damage to Orthodox Churches in Japan In a post on the website of the Western Diocese of the Orthodox Church of Japan , Bishop Seraphim of Sendai has provided the most recent assessment of damage sustained by the churches in his diocese as a result of the March earthquake and tsunami, and the plight of parishioners there. We present his report (slightly edited) below, along with a photo report of the damage. April 8 Fourth report from Bishop Seraphim Aftershock are still happening three or four times every day, and last night, another magnitude 7 earthquake occured near Sendai, hitting the damaged building, and causing more suffering in people " s hearts. Since the disaster happened, Bishop Seraphim and clergy in Eastern Japan Diocese have been making great efforts to contact parishioners and to get information on their situation. For the first two weeks, a shortage of gas and damaged roads inhibited direct visit to their flocks. Recently, rubble was cleared from the main roads to the coast, and they were opened to the traffic. On April 5 and 6, Bishop Seraphim visited the church and parishioners. This is the short report with newest information we received. The Church in Yamada right after the fire. In general, the damage to Orthodox communities was not at the worst level. Other than the Holy Annunciation Chapel in Yamada, all the church and chapels survived and stand fairly well at a glance. But examining carefuly, there are found many cracks on the walls, damage to the interior and exterior of the building, and serious collapse of the foundation. Frequent aftershocks increase cracks and enlarge damages. It is supposed that quite a large amount of money will be needed to restore and rebuild churches. Among 1.5 thousands parishioners in Tohoku area, seven were killed by the tsunami, one died from shock of the earthquake. In coastal areas, many losts their houses and jobs. Countless people sustained damage to their houses, shops and offices. The diocese has not yet obtained a clear grasp of their situation. |
| Photo: mitropolia.spb.ru A new “Bus of Mercy,” a mission to the city’s homeless, was blessed at the Church of the Nativity of Christ in St. Petersburg on Sunday. The new volunteer ministry vehicle is a joint project of the club “Koinonia” (“Communion”) and the secular “Charity Hospital” association. The rite of blessing was celebrated by Fr. Alexei Artyukhov, the director of the Sunday School at the Church of the Nativity, reports the press service of the Metropolis of St. Petersburg of the Russian Orthodox Church. “We blessed the automobile, which was given to our parish by some benefactors,” Fr. Alexei said. “Mercy is an important Christian virtue. With its help, we not only help others be freed from their sorrows and misfortunes, but we change ourselves. Mercy comes from … a person who has learned love and compassion. Our workers and benefactors have been helping the homeless for several years already. With this equipped vehicle, our volunteers will be able to help those in need with pre-medical care and to warm them in the winter,” Fr. Alexei commented. Photo: mitropolia.spb.ru “Koinoina” club is engaged in youth and social services at the Church complex of the Nativity of Christ and the Annunciation of the Most Holy Theotokos, mainly aimed at helping the homeless in the area. A “Bus of Mercy” was first launched by the “Diakonia” (“Service”) Fund in 2012, and by the St. Demetrius of Thessaloniki Fund the next year. “Bus of Mercy” is a charitable project of the Russian Orthodox Church designed to provide pre-medical medical and emergency assistance, distribution of hot food, clothing, medicines, transportation of humanitarian goods, as well as providing social assistance to homeless people and people in difficult situations. 90 special shelters and 12 buses in the Russian Orthodox Church provide assistance to homeless people and people in difficult situations. Belarus’ first “Bus of Mercy” was launched in Brest in August . Code for blog Since you are here… …we do have a small request. More and more people visit Orthodoxy and the World website. However, resources for editorial are scarce. In comparison to some mass media, we do not make paid subscription. It is our deepest belief that preaching Christ for money is wrong. |
| Source: Russia Beyond the Headlines March 17, 2017 Solovetsky Transfiguration Monastery, southwest view across Bay of Felicity. Dusk at midnight, June 29, 1999. Source: William Brumfield At the beginning of the 20th century, the Russian chemist and photographer Sergei Prokudin-Gorsky invented a complex process for vivid, detailed color photography (see box text below). Inspired to use this new method to record the diversity of the Russian Empire, he photographed numerous historic sites during the decade before the abdication of Tsar Nicholas II in 1917. Among the most remote places photographed was the Solovetsky Transfiguration Monastery , located on Great Solovetsky Island, part of an archipelago in the southwestern part of the White Sea. Prokudin-Gorsky’s visit occurred in the summer of 1916 as the Great War raged in Europe. His special passage to the island during such difficult times was due to his role in a state commission to photograph construction of a railroad to the new port of Murman, under construction for supplies from the Western allies. Prokudin-Gorsky made his way by rail to the White Sea port of Kem and from there traveled nearly 30 miles by boat to Solovetsky Island. Solovetsky Transfiguration Monastery, northwest view from harbor pier. July 25, 1998./Photo: William Brumfield The Prokudin-Gorsky Collection contains 20 photographs that he made at or near the monastery. All but three of the original glass negatives with the three-color separations have been preserved, yet the best shot of the main ensemble with the great Transfiguration Cathedral exists only in a black and white image from his album of contact prints. My visits occurred in the summers of 1998 and 1999, an ideal time, as most of the exterior scaffolding had been removed following the completion of major restoration projects. Solovetsky Transfiguration Monastery, west view. From left: Refectory Church of Dormition; Chapel of St. Alexander Nevsky; bell tower; Church of St. Nicholas; Church of Annunciation; west wall & Holy Gate; Transfiguration Cathedral; Chapel of Sts. Peter & Paul. Summer 1916./Photo: Sergei Prokudin-Gorsky |
| The Good Pastor. In memory of Archpriest Valentin Amphiteatrov But the helpless missed not whatever need they had, and I did not cause the eye of the widow to fail. And if too I ate my morsel alone, and did not impart of it to the orphan; (for I nourished them as a father from my youth and guided them from my mother’s womb.) Job 31:16–18 Archpriest Valentin Amphiteatrov There have been many wonderful pastors in the Russian land, but among them there were those who are especially revered and remembered by the people. The Moscow priest Valentin Amphiteatrov was one of these pastors. Archpriest Valentin Amphiteatrov (1836-1908), the famous Moscow priest, preacher and confessor, was born to a well-known priest’s family of Orlov province. This family has given the Russian Orthodox Church a number of prominent clerics and workers in the field of religious education. Valentin Amphiteatrov attended Orlov Seminary from 1847 to 1853 and then transferred to the Kiev Seminary, graduating in 1854. He continued his studies at the Moscow Theological Academy and received his Doctorate in Theology in 1858. After receiving his degree, Amphiteatrov combined teaching with administrative duties in the theological schools in Kaluga.In Kaluga Seminary Father Valentin met with Alexander Ivanovich Chuprov, the future famous economist and political scientist with whom he maintained a friendship throughout his life. Amphiteatrov married Chuprov’s sister Elizaveta Ivanovna in 1860, and he was ordained an Orthodox priest soon after that. This was a happy marriage, and the Amphiteatrovs were blessed with a son Alexander and three daughters, Alexandra, Lyubov and Vera. The first parish where Fr. Valentin began his ministry was the Annunciation Cathedral in Kaluga. The church has not survived to the present day as it was demolished in 1930s and the building material was used in the construction of a kindergarten and a bakery. Now the Karpov’s Park is in the place where the church used to be. Father Valentin continued to work in the church schools of the Moscow and Kaluga diocese until the mid-1870s. |
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