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Council of Eastern Orthodox Youth Leaders of the Americas (CEOYLA) Gathering in 1967 at the Mellon Center, Pittsburgh, PA. Approximately 11,000-13,000 attended.
Council of Eastern Orthodox Youth Leaders of the Americas (CEOYLA) Gathering in 1967 at the Mellon Center, Pittsburgh, PA. Approximately 11,000-13,000 attended.

A Declaration for Orthodox Christian Unity in America

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By on Governance & Unity Essays, Governance & Unity News, OCL News, Orthodox Christian Laity, Orthodox News, Orthodox News Top Stories

Check your email to confirm your email address immediately after you sign the Declaration to complete the verification process. You will receive an email from Civist ([email protected]) with the subject line: “Petition: Please confirm your signature” Otherwise, your signature will not be recorded. Thank you! CLICK HERE to view all signatures to date (updated daily) https://widget.civist.cloud/?api_url=https%3A%2F%2Fapi.civist.cloud%2Ft%2F4a938619-ef43-4fa4-934c-71395afaaed1%2F#/RW1iZWRkaW5nOmMzODIyMTJiLWM0YjMtNDkyYi05YzIxLTY0ZGE2MTM3NDc4YQ== https://widget.civist.cloud/?api_url=https%3A%2F%2Fapi.civist.cloud%2Ft%2F4a938619-ef43-4fa4-934c-71395afaaed1%2F#/RW1iZWRkaW5nOjJhNDNlMTBjLWNmNjItNDVhZi04MGUzLWJhYmRkOTQ0ZGFhZg== CLICK HERE to view all signatures to date (updated daily) View the Declaration’s inaugural publication in the July 5, 2022 editions of The Wall Street Journal and The New York Times Over 450 Signatures to Date – Be One of Them! See the live count…

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A Prayer for Orthodox Christian Unity

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By on Governance & Unity Essays, Governance & Unity News, OCL Publications, Orthodox Christian Laity

O All-Holy Trinity, Father Son, and Holy Spirit, we, your faithful children beseech you to forgive us the sin of divisiveness, which is rooted in our hearts, our dioceses, and our land. Implant in our lives the holy vine of unity which only you can bestow on those who have come together in your name. Enlighten us with your grace so that we may come to the knowledge of your truth, and move our hearts to respond with trust and total obedience to your divine will. Through the intercessions of the God-inspired Holy Fathers of the First Ecumenical Council at…

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OCL 35th Annual Conference Board Members, Organizers, Presenters and Participants

Pan-Orthodoxy Unity in Action: Orthodox Christian Laity Concludes Annual Conference in Atlanta

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By on OCL News, Orthodox Christian Laity, Orthodox News, Orthodox News Top Stories

Source: Orthodox Christian Laity Orthodox Christian Laity successfully completed its first in-person annual board meeting and conference, since the beginning of the pandemic, in the Atlanta metropolitan area on October 14-15, 2022. This 35th Annual Conference brought together board members, presenters and participants from New Jersey, Texas, Utah, Illinois, Florida, Virginia, Michigan, Ohio, California and Georgia. Thursday, October 13 Board members arrived in Atlanta on Thursday evening, October 13, and enjoyed an evening dinner together prior to the annual program. With the blessing of His Eminence, Archbishop Nathaniel, an OCL Advisory Board Member, the Sts. Constantine & Helen Romanian Orthodox…

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NEW BOOK: Under One Roof – Uniting the Orthodox Church of America [View the Video Trailer!]

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By on Governance & Unity Essays, Governance & Unity News, OCL News, Orthodox Christian Laity

Source: BookLocker Under One Roof: Uniting the Orthodox Church of America by George E. Matsoukas This collection of essays written between 2012-2020 addresses the status of the Orthodox Church in the U.S. and emphasizes the mission of Orthodox Christian Laity (OCL): unity, accountability, conciliar governance, education and renewal. CLICK HERE TO ORDER About the Book This is the second collection of essays, compiled from opinion columns written during the period 2012-2020, when George Matsoukas served as executive director of Orthodox Christian Laity (OCL). The first collection, “A Church in Captivity: The Greek Orthodox Church of America,” is also a collection…

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Lest we Forget: Documents & Hierarchs’ Comments from and about Ligonier 1994

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By on Governance & Unity News, Governance Top Stories

Source: Orthodox Christian Laity Originally posted by St. Andrew House on May 21, 2011 in Orthodox Unity Hierarchs. This is a place where we can really be transfigured…in this place, Your Eminence, your place.  We can be transfigured from parochial to truly Orthodox Christian people. We can be transfigured from separate jurisdictions to one jurisdiction.  We can be transfigured from many ethnic groups to one group headed and dominated by Christ, our Savior and our Lord.”      Archbishop Iakovos, Ligonier 1994  The First Ecumenical Conference of American Orthodox Bishops  November, 1994 STANDING CONFERENCE OF CANONICAL ORTHODOX BISHOPS IN THE AMERICAS…

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OCL Correspondence with Archbishop Elpidophoros Regarding the GOA’s Process of Creating a New Charter (UPDATED)

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Source: Orthodox Christian Laity CLICK HERE TO VIEW THE FOLLOWING LETTERS AND RESPONSES COMPILED IN A BOOKLET AS AN OCCASIONAL PAPER UPDATE: Letter #7  – Orthodox Church in western, pluralistic democracies / Conciliarity and balanced co-ministry (#7) Letter of June 8, 2021 June 8, 2021 Translation of the Relics of Theodore the Commander; Kalliope the Martyr; Melania the Righteous His Eminence, Archbishop ELPIDOPHOROS The Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of America 10 East 79th Street, New York, NY 10021 Your Eminence, Christ is risen! The Orthodox Christian Laity (OCL) again wishes you good health in these pandemic times as we continue with…

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DEVELOPING STUDENT LEADERS – DOULOS PODCAST

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By on Orthodox News, Orthodox News Top Stories

Source: Orthodox Servant Leaders  The Orthodox Christian Fellowship (OCF) Summer Leadership Institute trains nearly fifty college students each year to serve their local campuses through OCF.  Applicants to this program demonstrate a heart for service, desiring to “give back” to the OCF ministry that has had such a positive impact on them.  Students explore what it means to be an Orthodox Christian as a leader in OCF, the Church, and the world. They are challenged through Christ’s teaching to avoid ego-driven leadership, and instead take on the mindset of servant leadership, including a practice of generosity through the resources…

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Communiqué of the Holy Eparchial Synod of the GOA (Important Charter News!)

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Source: Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of America Today, April 5, 2021 His Eminence Archbishop Elpidophoros of America convened the Holy Eparchial Synod via video conference for a regularly scheduled meeting. During this gathering, the Holy Eparchial Synod: 1) was officially informed of the release from the status of academic probation which had been imposed upon Hellenic College Holy Cross by the New England Commission on Higher Education, and it unanimously congratulated the President of the School, Archon George Cantonis, and all the administrators for this success. 2) expressed its satisfaction with the favorable outcome of a funding solution for the Clergy…

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Ancient Faith Today returns to the airwaves on January 14 at 9 pm – Topic: Church Unity

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By on Governance & Unity News, Governance Top Stories

Source: Ancient Faith Radio With fond and respectful memories of internet radio pioneer Kevin Allen, Ancient Faith Radio will once again be broadcasting the live call-in program Ancient Faith Today. Hosted now by Fr. Thomas Soroka, priest at St. Nicholas Orthodox Church in McKees Rocks, Pennsylvania, whose podcasts The Path and Sermons from St. Nicholas can currently be heard on AFR, the show will focus on the pressing current events with which Orthodox Christians must contend on a daily basis. The first episode will air on Tuesday, January 14, 2020, at 9:00 PM Eastern, and focus on church unity, an issue that Kevin…

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St Demetrios Greek Orthodox Church, Community Outreach Ministries, Boston, Massachusetts (https://www.stdemetriosweston.org/community-outreach)

Developing Local, Sustainable, Pan-Orthodox Community Programs

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By on Governance & Unity Essays, Governance & Unity News, Grassroots Unity in Action

Source: Orthodox Christian Laity Musing of the Executive Director: Developing Local, Sustainable, Pan-Orthodox Community Programs Send us a paragraph, who? what? when? where? why?, about the Pan-Orthodox Community Outreach Programs in your local area, so that we can post them on the OCL website.  They are examples of best practices that could give others ideas and be duplicated in other communities.  View the 7-minute video About Pan-Orthodoxy in Cleveland.  The theme of OCL’s 32nd Annual Meeting, this weekend, November 2 in Houston, is: Thinking Globally…Acting Locally…Consider your Parish the Universe. OCL serves as a “catalyst” in motivating the faithful of our…

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Plan to Attend: Orthodox Christian Laity – 32nd Annual Meeting in Houston TX on Saturday, November 2

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By on Governance & Unity News, Governance Top Stories, OCL News, Orthodox Christian Laity

Source: Orthodox Christian Laity Houston, Texas is Thinking Globally and Acting Locally on Pan-Orthodox Unity SAVE THE DATE:  November 2, 2019 Annunciation Greek Orthodox Cathedral 3511 Yoakum Boulevard Houston, TX 77006 Message and Blessing from Archbishop Elpidophoros: “…we should look at the universe as our parish.” Speakers: His Eminence Metropolitan Isaiah of Denver will speak, joined by Kenneth Kidd Focus North America, Fr. Stephen Powley of Orthodox Christian Prison Ministry and Michael Spartalis. CLICK HERE FOR MORE DETAILS

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THE OCL UNITY ADVOCATE LEGACY SOCIETY

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By on Governance & Unity News, Governance Top Stories, OCL News, Orthodox Christian Laity, Orthodox News, Orthodox News Top Stories, Uncategorized

Source: Orthodox Christian Laity Dear OCL Supporters and Friends, OCL is grateful to YOU, our supporters and friends.  Your generous annual donations have enabled us to promote our mission.    It is because of your belief in our OCL Mission: Orthodox Unity, transparency, accountability, and laity co- ministry, I want to personally invite you to become a member of OCL’s UNITY ADVOCATE Legacy Society.  UNITY ADVOCATE LEGACY SOCIETY is composed of generous and forward-thinking donors who will support our long-term success through a planned gift.  It is easy to do.  And you don’t have to be a millionaire to do it. …

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The Biggest Pan-Orthodox Event in American History

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By on Governance & Unity Essays, Governance & Unity News, Orthodox News, Orthodox News Top Stories

Source: Orthodox History by MATTHEW NAMEE In 1963, between 11,000 and 13,000 Orthodox youth, from seven jurisdictions, came together for a pan-Orthodox festival in Pittsburgh. Ten bishops and more than 150 priests celebrated Vespers in an arena, and a thousand-person pan-Orthodox youth choir sang. This was the biggest pan-Orthodox event in American history, and most Orthodox Christians today are completely unaware that it happened. The 1963 festival was just one of many achievements of a long-forgotten alliance of Orthodox youth leaders known as “CEOYLA” (which stood for the Council of Eastern Orthodox Youth Leaders in the Americas). CEOYLA was formed in…

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Double Tree Hotel - Houston

July Musings from the OCL President

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By on OCL News, Orthodox Christian Laity, Orthodox News, Orthodox News Top Stories

Source: Orthodox Christian Laity We look forward to your attendance at the 32nd Annual Meeting of OCL with much anticipation! The speakers for our November 2, 2019, “Pan-Orthodox” event are confirmed, and they are looking forward to making their presentations: Kenneth Kidd of Focus North America, Father Steven Powley of Orthodox Christian Prison Ministries, and Mike Spartalis, CPA and Adjunct Professor of Ethics at The Bauer College of Business, University of Houston.  We are thankful to Metropolitan Isaiah of Denver for giving his blessing to this event and adding his thoughts on “Pan-Orthodoxy” for our understanding.(Click on the flyer below…

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Annunciation Greek Orthodox Cathedral, Houston, Texas

Orthodox Christian Laity 32nd Annual Meeting

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By on OCL News, Orthodox News, Orthodox News Top Stories

Source: Orthodox Christian Laity Houston, Texas is Thinking Globally and Acting Locally on Pan-Orthodox Unity SAVE THE DATE:  November 2, 2019 Annunciation Greek Orthodox Cathedral 3511 Yoakum Boulevard Houston, TX 77006 With the Blessing and Participation of Metropolitan Isaiah of Denver, the Houston Program is shaping up. Guest Speakers include: Kenneth Kidd helps us understand what a difference FOCUS North America Programs make in a community for outreach, youth participation and meeting the needs of people who lack food and shelter.  Cleveland and Pittsburgh are programs that OCL has seen directly. Father Steven Powley of Pueblo, Colorado, will help us understand…

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Metropolitan Elpidophoros

Challenges of Orthodoxy in America and the Role of the Ecumenical Patriarchate

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By on Governance & Unity Essays, Governance & Unity News

[Editor’s Comment: The Archbishop-Elect demonstrates with his words, that he does not understand the history of the Orthodox Church in USA. How can he be a servant leader of the clergy and faithful here?] Challenges of Orthodoxy in America and the Role of the Ecumenical Patriarchate By Very Reverend Archimandrite Dr. Elpidophoros Lambriniadis Chief Secretary of the Holy and Sacred Synod (Chapel of the Holy Cross, March 16, 2009) Reverend Protopresbyter Nicholas Triantafyllou, President, Reverend Protopresbyter Thomas Fitzgerald, Dean of the School of Theology, Reverend and Esteemed Members of the Faculty and staff, Dear Students, It is an exceptional honor and…

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Pan-Orthodox Ministries / Grassroots Unity

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By on Grassroots Unity in Action, OCL Forums

I am interested in what pan-Orthodox ministries there are out there. I know of very few TRULY pan-Orthodox ministries—those ministries that are incorporated as a pan-Orthodox entity or, at least, have a board that is truly pan-Orthodox. Most ministries that we might consider to be pan-Orthodox (at least on the local level) are really more (what I would call) “cooperative ministries.” They are spearheaded by a particular parish with some help from the surrounding parishes. While this is laudable, I don’t consider them to be a truly pan-Orthodox in the sense that they are attached to a particular parish within…

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INTERVIEW: Panorthodoxy Conference in Cleveland on October 20, 2018

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By on Governance & Unity News, Governance Top Stories, Uncategorized

Source: Ancient Faith Ministries Panorthodoxy September 24, 2018 Length: 14:22 Bobby Maddex interviews George Matsoukas, the Executive Director of Orthodox Christian Laity(OCL), and Andy Kartalis, a Vice President of the board of OCL, about their upcoming conference on Panorthodoxy. CLICK HERE to listen to the interview. Cost to Attend (covers the cost of continental breakfast and lunch): $15 Please pay in advance by calling St. Mary Romanian Orthodox Cathedral (216) 941-5550 or Andy Kartalis (216) 831-2263 / andrew [email protected]. CLICK HERE to view the Conference program. Conference Hotel: Cleveland Airport Marriott $89 per night (Deadline – Sept 28) – Mention: OCL Conference…

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LATIN PATRIARCHATE OF JERUSALEM ISSUES STATEMENT ON ISRAELI NATION-STATE LAW

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By on Orthodox News, Orthodox News Top Stories

Source: Latin Patriarchate of Jerusalem STATEMENT – The recently enacted Basic Law: “Israel, the Nation-State of the Jewish People” is a cause of great concern. Seemingly enacted for internal political reasons, while defining Israel as the nation state of the Jewish people, the law fails to provide any constitutional guarantees for the rights of the indigenous and other minorities living in the country. Palestinian citizens of Israel, constituting 20% are flagrantly excluded from the law. It is beyond conception that a Law with constitutional effect ignores an entire segment of the population, as if its members never existed. The law…

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Dear OCL Web Site Followers: As the Holidays Begin – Thank You!

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By on Orthodox News, Orthodox News Top Stories

Here we are at year end, ready to celebrate Christmas, a New Year and the Epiphany Season.  A glorious and busy time.  A time of celebration!  It is also the time to begin looking ahead, preparing to organize our personal affairs for the income tax season.  This is the time of year when non-profit, tax-exempt groups like Orthodox Christian Laity ask their supporters to consider a year-end gift to help us plan for 2018.  Next year will be our 31st year advocating for a strong voice of the laity in the administrative and spiritual life of the Church. 2017 has…

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Speech of Treasurer Michael Psaros, Delivered at the Greek Archdiocesan Council Meeting

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By on Governance & Unity News, Governance Top Stories

Source: The National Herald NEW YORK – Mr. Michael Psaros, a prominent businessman and treasurer of the Archdiocesan Council of the Creek Orthodox Archdiocese of America delivered a speech on Friday October 20, 2017, at the meeting of the Archdiocesan Council in New York regarding the finances. In his remarkable speech he presented concrete and decisive proposals designed to turn the finances of the Archdiocese around as stressed the need for total transparency. The National Herald was able to obtain a copy of the speech which we publish in its entirety: Your Eminences, Your Graces, most Reverend Clergy, brother Archons of…

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Essential Reading for Understanding the Crisis in the GOA

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By on Governance & Unity Essays, Governance & Unity News, Governance Top Stories

Source: Orthodox Christian Laity The Recognition Programs Coordinator of iUniverse has informed George E. Matsoukas that his book, A Church in Captivity: The Greek Orthodox Church of America, is now part of the Reader’s Choice Recognition Program.  Upon its publication in July 2008,  iUniverse honored the publication with its selection as an Editor’s Choice book.  The book is also included in the Spring Arbor database catalog of Christian Bookstore vendors. Reviews of “A Church in Captivity: The Greek Orthodox Church of America” “These personal essays … are recommended reading for any … Christian interested in the perspective of an objective protagonist of recent Orthodox Church history in America.  The author is to…

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Bishop Paul to address OCL’s 30th Annual Conference

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By on Governance & Unity News, Governance Top Stories

Source: OCA Diocese of the Midwest CHICAGO, IL [OCL] — His Grace, Bishop Paul of Chicago and the Midwest will be among the speakers at the 30th Annual Conference of Orthodox Christian Laity [OCL] on Saturday, October 28, 2017. Bishop Paul will update participants on the work of the Assembly of Canonical Orthodox Bishops of the United States of America. The conference will be held at Holy Resurrection Serbian Orthodox Cathedral Community Center, Chicago, Illinois. Other speakers include Father Frank Marangos, Former Dean of the Greek Orthodox Archdiocesan Cathedral of Holy Trinity, New York, NY; Former National Director of Religious Education…

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EPARCHIAL SYNOD OF THE GREEK ORTHODOX ARCHDIOCESE OF AMERICA - GOA/Dimitrios Panagos

WHY THE SELECTION OF THE NEXT METROPOLITAN OF CHICAGO MATTERS

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By on Governance & Unity Essays, Governance & Unity News, Governance Top Stories

Source: Orthodox Christian Laity The Orthodox Christian Laity (OCL) supports the decision of Archbishop Demetrios and the Eparchial Synod of the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of America to elevate Bishop Sevastianos to lead the Metropolis of Chicago as its new Metropolitan.  As Elaine Jaharis pointed out in her recent Open Letter published in The National Herald, the stakes for the Metropolis of Chicago, the Archdiocese and the Ecumenical Patriarchate could not be higher. The Orthodox Christian Laity has supported the efforts of the Ecumenical Patriarchate where it believes that those efforts have merit: (a) The convening of pre-conciliar meetings over the years; (b) the…

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His Eminence Archbishop Demetrios (AP Photo/J. Scott Applewhite)

Archbishop Demetrios and Hierarchs of America in Defiance of the Ecumenical Patriarchate

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By on Governance & Unity Essays, Governance Top Stories

Source:  The National Herald Theodore Kalmoukos BOSTON – The Holy Eparchial Synod of the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of America defied the Synodical decision of the Ecumenical Patriarchate to revise the List of Candidates for the elevation to Episcopacy. Instead in a unprecedented move they decided that the Archbishop with a representation of hierarchs travel to Constantinople to try to convince Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew to reverse the initial Synodical decision that canceled the election of Bishop Sevastianos of Zela as Metropolitan of Chicago. The decision was taken on Thursday July 20 in a special session of the Eparchial Synod convened…

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OCL’s 30th Annual Conference

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By on OCL News, Orthodox News, Orthodox News Top Stories

Mark your calendar and plan to attend: ~ OCL’s 30th ANNUAL CONFERENCE ~ Celebrating 30 years of service to the Orthodox Christian Community On Saturday October 28, 2017, beginning at 8:30 am, our speakers include: Rev. Dr. Frank Marangos Fr. Hans Jacobse Dr. Frances Kostarelos His Grace Bishop Paul  Advocating the restoration and strengthening of the historic role of the laity in the conciliar governance of the Orthodox Christian Church in the United States; supporting the spiritual renewal and regeneration of the Orthodox Christian Church in the United States in its Apostolic Mission; advocating and promoting transparency and…

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George D. Karcazes

Letter to Patriarch Bartholomew Regarding the Election of the Metropolitan for the Metropolis of Chicago

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By on Governance & Unity Essays, Governance & Unity News

Source: Orthodox Christian Laity June 28, 2017 His All Holiness Bartholomew, Archbishop of Constantinople and Ecumenical Patriarch, Members of the Holy Synod; His Eminence Archbishop Demetrios, Primate of the Greek Orthodox Church in America and Chairman of the Holy Eparchial Synod; Members of the Holy Eparchial Synod; Members of the Archdiocesan Council of the Archdiocese of America,  Your All Holiness, Your Eminences and beloved sisters and brothers in Christ:  The recently “widowed” see of the Metropolis of Chicago requires those who are responsible for its future to come to grips with the reality that they are confronting a Church in…

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Message of the Holy and Great Council of the Orthodox Church

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By on Governance & Unity News, Governance Top Stories

Source: Pravoslavie MESSAGE OF THE HOLY AND GREAT COUNCIL OF THE ORTHODOX CHURCH To the Orthodox people and to all people of good will To God, “the Father of mercies and all comfort,” we address a hymn of thanksgiving and praise for having enabled us to gather during the week of Pentecost (18-26 June 2016) on Crete, where the Apostle Paul and his disciple Titus preached the Gospel in the early years of the life of the Church. We give thanks to the Triune God who was well pleased that in one accord we should bring to a conclusion the…

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An Essay with Concerns, Suggestions, and Proposals submitted to the Holy and Great Pan-Orthodox Synod of Chaniá, Crete—19-25-June-2016

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By on Governance & Unity Essays, Governance & Unity News

Source: Orthodox Christian Laity From the Editor – excerpt from complete, excellent essay which follows:   The Role of the Laity and women.  The final point I wish to touch upon is the issue of the Role of the Laity in the Church. I am fully aware of the distinction between the clergy and the laity (έχοντες ούν υμείς χαρίσματα κατά την χάριν την δοθείσαν υμίν διάφορα) but  Ι have not seen the role of the laity given approriate weight in the Orthodox Church (in fact, I have seen more involvement of lay persons in the liturgical life of the…

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What We Expect! Looking Forward to the Holy and Great Council

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By on Governance & Unity Essays, Governance & Unity News, Orthodox News, Orthodox News Top Stories

Source: Orthodox Christian Laity Lent is coming to an end.  We are preparing for Holy Week and Pascha.  The liturgical cycle will turn toward Pentecost.    This Pentecost, June 19, will be different from other celebrations.  We are praying and looking forward to the opening sessions of the Holy and Great Council.  This meeting has been 1200 years in waiting, and its agenda has taken 80 years to prepare. This council is a turning point in world Orthodox Christianity and indeed the entire Christian world.  Bringing the bishops to Chania, Crete has not been an easy task.  The Patriarchs, autocephalous and…

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The Challenge of Easter: Whether you’re a believer or not, there is no way to ignore the radical claim of the Resurrection

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By on Orthodox News, Orthodox News Top Stories

Source: The Wall Street Journal By JAMES MARTIN When was the last time you felt stressed out by Easter? So much Easter shopping to do, so many Easter cards to write, so many Easter gatherings to attend. Not to mention the endless stream of Easter commercials on television and online, the nearly unavoidable Easter-themed movies and all those tacky Easter sweaters that you’re forced to wear every spring. And don’t forget the travails of setting up the annual Easter tree and stringing Easter lights on your house. Every year you lament how overly commercialized Easter has become. Can the holiday get…

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Orthodox Christian Laity (OCL)

THE AMERICAN ORTHODOX CHURCH IS HOLY, CATHOLIC AND APOSTOLIC — IT MUST NOW BE ONE

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By on Governance & Unity Essays, Governance & Unity News

Source: Orthodox Christian Laity The year 2016 is a momentous, historic time for Orthodox Christianity throughout the world.  After 1,200 years, Orthodox Christianity is on the verge of a seminal event, a meeting of the Holy and Great Council of the Orthodox Church, to be held in Crete, Greece, during the week of Pentecost this June. This event will provide a pivotal opportunity for hierarchs to officially recognize a unified American Orthodox Church which selects its own hierarchs. It is an idea whose time has come.  Moreover, it is properly based on the canonical precedents of the Church. Indeed, it…

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Continue to Pray for the Unity of the Orthodox Church as the Patriarchs and Hierarchs Prepare for the Great and Holy Council in June 2016

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By on Governance & Unity Essays, Governance & Unity News

Source: Orthodox Christian Laity A PRAYER FOR ORTHODOX UNITY (OCL Pamphlet on Unity and Self Governance, 2000) O All Holy Trinity, Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, we your faithful children beseech you to forgive us the sin of divisiveness, which is rooted in our hearts, our dioceses and land. Implant in our lives the holy vine of unity which only you can bestow on those who have come together in your name. Enlighten us with your grace, so that we may come to the knowledge of your truth and move our hearts to respond with trust and total obedience to…

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How will we move forward to renew the Orthodox Church in the USA?

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By on Focused Study and Research Topics, Orthodox Christian Laity, Orthodox News, Orthodox News Top Stories

Source: Orthodox Christian Laity How will we move forward to renew the Orthodox Church in the USA? Now that the hierarchy has demonstrated that it cannot move ahead in consensus, it is time for the spiritually mature laity and clergy to cooperate together and see how we can be a critical mass to move ahead as the Apostolic missionary church that is the Orthodox way. Where do we begin to make our Church in the USA canonical? A good place to start is to reread or read for the first time the Project for Orthodox Renewal. You can read the chapters online…

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Countdown to the 6th Meeting of the Assembly of Bishops – Chicago Area High School and College Students will meet with Bishops

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By on Governance & Unity News, Governance Top Stories

Source: Orthodox Christian Laity Countdown to the 6th Meeting of the Assembly of Bishops – Chicago Area High School and College Students will meet with Bishops We are called to move beyond what is “mine” and what is “yours” to what is “ours.” From now on, this is how we should conceive and conduct all of our ministries and resources, all of our departments and initiatives. Otherwise, we do not practice what we preach. It is really up to us to accept the challenge or to refuse the call.” Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew’s Video Address at the Dallas Assembly 2014   During…

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PEW study reveals critical decline in Orthodox religious membership

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By on Governance & Unity Essays, Governance & Unity News

Editor’s note: The Orthodox Christian Church in the United States is in Crisis. What actions will the Assembly of Bishops take? Stonewalling and ignoring the facts only contributes to the decline of Orthodoxy in the USA.  By a Layperson in the New Jersey Metropolis of the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese An extensive, highly-cited study of religious trends and affiliation of Americans [America’s Changing Religious Landscape] published on May 12 by the well-regarded Pew Research Center found that the Christian share of the U.S. religious population is declining, while the number of U.S. adults who do not identify with any organized religion…

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Conference in Preparation for the Great and Holy Council of the Orthodox Church

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By on Orthodox News, Orthodox News Top Stories

Source: Fordham University Co-sponsored by the Orthodox Theological Society in America (OTSA) and the Orthodox Christian Studies Center Friday, June 26 – Saturday, June 27, 2015 Fordham School of Law | 150 W. 62nd St. (between Columbus and Amsterdam Avenues)│ New York, N.Y. In 2016, the leaders of the autocephalous Orthodox Churches from around the world will gather at the Ecumenical Patriarchate in Constantinople/Istanbul for a much discussed and anticipated Council. This conference is a series of papers, panel discussions, and a research poster competition addressing several themes from the Agenda for the Great and Holy Council: Autocephaly and Diaspora The Canonical…

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Greek Orthodox Christian Clergy and Laity (GOCCL) seeks support for the resolution of problems in Metropolis of Chicago

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By on Governance & Unity News, Governance Top Stories

Source: Greek Orthodox Christian Clergy and Laity We, Greek Orthodox Christians of the Metropolis of Chicago, will no longer accept what we believe is the continual financial and spiritual abuse of both clergy and laity, by the current Hierarchs of the Metropolis of Chicago. With this goal, a group of dedicated and committed individuals began a campaign to inform the church / laity of serious aberrations in our Greek Orthodox community, and to correct some of the financial and spiritual abuses rampant in the Chicago Metropolis, that is spreading to other jurisdictions. The success of this website to inform the…

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OCA Holy Synod responds to Assembly of Bishops’ “Common Starting Point”

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By on Governance & Unity News, Governance Top Stories

Source: Orthodox Church in America SYOSSET, NY [OCA]  In a document dated March 15, 2015, the members of the Holy Synod of Bishops of the Orthodox Church in America offered a response to the Chairman and Secretary of the Assembly of Canonical Orthodox Bishops of the United States of America with regard to the “Common Starting Point” for Canonical and Regional Planning. The text of the six-page document is available here. As noted in the document’s introduction, the response is “an expansion of the Preliminary Response which was offered by our Synod on September 17, 2014, during Assembly V in Dallas,”…

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JOIN the Grassroots Network that’s working together locally for Orthodox Christian Unity

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By on Governance & Unity News, Grassroots Unity in Action, Orthodox News, Orthodox News Top Stories

Source: Orthodox Christian Laity Local advocates are needed.  Are you interested in being the Orthodox Christian Unity advocate in your parish community? If you are committed to the canonical order of an autocephalous, unified Orthodox Church in the USA, you can help this become a reality by: Becoming the “go-to person” in your community for the latest information on this topic; Networking with other parish advocates to develop ideas for ways to inform your fellow parishioners; Assisting your local clergy association to develop pan-Orthodox programs within your community; Providing clergy and parishioners with up-to-date information; Organizing information sessions for parishioners…

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OCL Winter Board Meeting to take place February 19-20 in St Augustine, Florida

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By on Calendar of Events, Governance & Unity News, Governance Top Stories, OCL News, Orthodox Christian Laity

Source: Orthodox Christian Laity Orthodox Christian Laity (OCL) is hosting an Open Forum for interested clergy and laity in the Jacksonville/St Augustine, Florida area on the progress of the Assembly of Bishops as they finalize a blueprint for Orthodox Unity in the USA.  A plan will be discussed by the Assembly in March, 2015 in a special meeting.  The work toward unity is the responsibility of all – including clergy and laity.  At least we can be informed. Please see the event flier below: [subscribe2]

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ONLINE SURVEY – Exploring Orthodox Generosity: Giving in US Orthodox Parishes

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Source: Assembly of Canonical Orthodox Bishops of the USA To All Clergy and Laity Interested in the Subject of “Orthodox Christians and Giving to the Church.” A national study “Exploring Orthodox Generosity: Giving in US Orthodox Parishes” has been launched by the Assembly of Canonical Orthodox Bishops of the USA. We need and invite as many participants as possible. Both Orthodox clergy and laity are invited to take part in this unique project. The following are examples of the questions that the study will explore: Why do people give or don’t give to their parishes? Are Church members satisfied with…

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Religious leaders in Jerusalem called for an immediate and sustainable ceasefire

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Source: Orthodox Times In the Easter message for 2024, the patriarchs and church leaders in Jerusalem issued a fresh appeal for an “immediate and sustainable ceasefire” in the Gaza Strip. Witnessing the anguish and affliction in the Holy Land and beyond, the patriarchs and leaders vehemently condemn the violent acts perpetrated in the ongoing conflict, especially those targeting innocent civilians, and reiterate their urgent plea for an immediate and enduring ceasefire. In their message, the religious leaders reaffirmed their plea for the swift delivery of humanitarian assistance, the release of all detainees, and unimpeded access for medical personnel to attend…

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ANALYSIS: Russian Orthodox Church Hails Moscow’s Imperialist Expansionism as a ‘Holy War’

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Source: Kyiv Post Moscow Patriarchate calls for the conquest and absorption of the Ukrainian and Belarusian nations into an ultranationalist ‘Russian world’. By ISW The Russian Orthodox Church Moscow Patriarchate (ROC MP), a Kremlin-controlled organization and a known tool within the Russian hybrid warfare toolkit, held the World Russian People’s Council in Moscow on March 27 and 28 and approved an ideological and policy document tying several Kremlin ideological narratives together in an apparent effort to form a wider nationalist ideology around the war in Ukraine and Russia’s expansionist future. ROC MP Head Patriarch Kirill, reportedly himself a former Soviet…

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Pope Francis embracing Patriarch Bartholomew

Will Catholics and Orthodox Settle on a Common Easter Date?

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Source: National Catholic Register The Hope for Ecumenical Unity Includes the Desire for a Reconciliation of the Gregorian and Julian Calendar Jim Graves In an ongoing dialogue with Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew of Constantinople, the successor of St. Andrew the Apostle and “first among equals” among the bishops of the Eastern Orthodox Church, Pope Francis has expressed his belief that Catholics and Orthodox will one day attain full communion. Eastern Orthodox — as opposed to Eastern-rite Catholics who differ from Latin-rite Catholics in custom and liturgical practices but accept the primacy of jurisdiction of the Bishop of Rome — gradually separated…

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The meeting of Archbishop Elpidophoros with Metropolitan Isaiah formerly of Denver and presently of Lystra at the Monastery of the Archangels in Kendalia, TX, where he handed his resignation to Elpidophoros

Report on Resignation of Metropolitan Isaiah of Denver and What Transpired at the Phanar

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Source: The National Herald By Theodore Kalmoukos BOSTON – Metropolitan Isaiah of Denver has resigned and the Synod of the Phanar in Constantinople, with Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew presiding, has elected him Metropolitan of Lystra, an honorary position. The National Herald in its publication on Friday, March 15, 2024, titled ‘Eparchial Synod Meets, Elect Two new Bishops for Archdiocese of America’ also reported on other matters addressed by the Synod and revealed, among other things, the following: “Extensive discussion took place regarding Metropolitan Isaiah of Denver, who has been residing for several months now at the Monastery of the Archangels in…

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Registration Opens: Orthodox Young Professionals Conference is July 25-28

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Source: Antiochian Orthodox Christian Archdiocese of North America Download the flyer With the blessing of His Eminence Metropolitan Saba, the Antiochian Archdiocese will be hosting its 10th Annual Orthodox Young Professional Conference (OYPC) in July. The four day, three night young adult conference is hosted by the Young Adult Ministry of the Archdiocese, and organizers are pulling out all the stops to ensure that it’s the best gathering yet. The invitation is extended to young Orthodox Christians from across the country in all jurisdictions to join together in the weekend of fellowship and fun in beautiful Orange County, Calif. It is hoped that attendees will enjoy opportunities for spiritual growth, and build future friendships and lasting…

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Assembly of Bishops Newsletter – January-March 2024

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Source: Assembly of Canonical Orthodox Bishops of the USA Director’s Update Dear Friends, 2024 is off to a running start for the Assembly of Bishops! We hired Spyridoula Fotinis as the Director of Inter-Parish Associations. Her experience working at the United Nations and with un-housed persons uniquely positions her to bring practical theology into the life of your parish. Our Mental Health Ministries continued training Clergy and Lay Leaders through Peace of Mind. The first book of The Living Well series is nearly complete with books two and three on the horizon. Your generosity started this ministry, and your continued support…

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Mother of God Joy of All Who Sorrow Orthodox Church in the village Bohorodychne, Donetsk Oblast, Ukraine. The village came under attack by Russian forces in June 2022. Photo: Volodymyr Kutsenko

246 Orthodox сhurches affected by war, 187 of them are UOC’s

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Source: UOJ The Ukrainian Orthodox Church remains the most affected religious denomination in Ukraine due to the military actions. The Institute for Religious Freedom has updated data on partially damaged or completely destroyed religious buildings as a result of the Russian-Ukrainian war. According to the IRS, at least 246 Orthodox churches have been affected, with the majority belonging to the Ukrainian Orthodox Church, viz. 187. Overall, according to the organization’s data, the number of religious buildings affected or destroyed as a result of military actions amounts to 630 objects to date. “The largest number of churches, prayer houses, synagogues, and mosques have been…

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How and Why the Friendship of the Russian and Bulgarian Churches Ended

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Source: Public Orthodoxy Archimandrite Nicanor (Mishcoff) Abbot of Tsarnogorsky Monastery “Holy Wonderworkers Kosma and Damian” It is said that after the Soviet army occupied Bulgaria, Winston Churchill wrote on a napkin in Yalta, “Bulgaria – 25%,” representing the portion of influence the Western allies should have in the new, post-war Bulgaria. Of course, that turned out to be wishful thinking. In two years’ time, the last opposition politician was hanged, and the Soviet influence in the country was so comprehensive that it was referred to as the “16th Republic” (of the former USSR). After the collapse of the communist regimes,…

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Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of America Holy Eparchial Synod Communique

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Source: Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of America Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of America Holy Eparchial Synod New York, March 27, 2024 Communique His Eminence Archbishop Elpidophoros of America presided today over the session of the Holy Eparchial Synod meeting, which convened via teleconference, in order to appoint, in accordance with the current Charter of the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of America, the Locum Tenens of the now vacant Holy Metropolis of Denver, following the submission of the resignation of His Eminence Metropolitan Isaiah and his subsequent election by the Holy and Sacred Synod (March 23, 2024) as Metropolitan of Lystra. After discussions, His…

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First AMEN Retreat, “The Audacity of Manhood,” Motivates and Inspires

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Source: Antiochian Orthodox Christian Archdiocese of North America Antiochian Men of the Diocese of Miami and the Southeast The Antiochian Men (AMEN) in the Diocese of Miami and the Southeast (DOMSE) held their first ever in-person conference and retreat on March 7-9, 2024 and it was a big success, thanks be to God. The event took place at the Woodland Christian Camp & Retreat Center in Temple, Ga. with 140 men in attendance.  The AMEN Conference & Retreat incorporated the best aspects of camping, conferences, and retreats into a first-of-its-kind event for Orthodox Christian men. Attendees also included some catechumens and inquirers to the…

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Medical Professionals Fellowship Hosts Inaugural Lecture: April 7 at 7 pm Eastern

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Source: Antiochian Orthodox Archdiocese of North America Download the flier With the blessing of His Eminence Metropolitan Saba, the newly formed North American Antiochian Orthodox Medical Professionals Fellowship will host its inaugural lecture on Sunday, April 7 at 7:00 p.m. Eastern Time. Daniel B. Hinshaw, M.D., will speak via Zoom about “Orthodoxy Christianity and Medical Practice: Understanding the Basics.” He is an Orthodox Christian and professor emeritus of surgery at the University of Michigan School of Medicine and consultant in palliative medicine at the university’s Geriatrics Center. Dr. Hinshaw’s clinical research interests are focused on care at the end of…

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