“The righteous shall be in everlasting remembrance” – Further reflections on Colonel Philip Ludwell III (1716-1767), the forerunner of Orthodoxy in North America Talk given by Nicholas Chapman, Holy Trinity Publications, at the Russian Orthodox Cathedral of St John the Baptist, Washington, DC on March 10, 2013.
Dear Friends of OCL, I am writing to you all during this Lenten Season with a special request, one that does not involve money but rather a bit of your time. Please join me in offering a special prayer asking God’s help in enlightening the hierarchs and leadership of all Orthodox jurisdictions in America so that they move forward with their deliberations regarding the establishment of a unified Orthodox Church in America. I realize that we as individuals have little control as to how the work of our leaders proceeds except through the power of prayer and our actions at…
Our Logo CHRIST CENTERED At the center of the logo is a cross. It represents OCL’s commitment to keep the gospel of Christ and His Church at the center of the organization’s ministry efforts. The cross is the compass for the organization, steering it toward ministry opportunities that elevate the gospel and strengthen the Church. UNITY The silhouette of the circle reiterates that the church is and must be one, just as Christ has one body, undivided. The concept of oneness permeates every part of the organization’s mission and ministry. Most explicitly, the organization’s promotion of jurisdictional unity in North…
Source: MYSTAGOGY An interview with Metropolitan Hierotheos of Nafpaktos and St. Vlassios by Pavel Chirila, Professor and Doctor at St Irene’s Hospital in Bucharest (Romania). 1. Question: Tell us something about death, something that comes spontaneously to you, something you consider extremely important. Answer: What comes spontaneously to mind is that death is a terrible mystery, as we chant in the Funeral Service, which is a poem by St. John Damascene. This is related to the fact that the soul is violently detached from the harmony of its union with the body. It is also a sad event, because it is related to…
(West Palm Beach, FL) Susan W. Haikalis, President of the Orthodox Christian Laity, finds Michael Jaharis’ (Vice Chair of the Archdiocese Council) overview on the State of the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese, an essential starting point for assessing and re-evaluating the administration of the Greek Orthodox Church in America, the education of the clergy for our future and the assimilation of monasticism into an organized structure of the Church. These issues are especially relevant in the context of looking to a time of administrative unity of Orthodoxy in the United States. Mr. Jaharis has put before us some issues that need…
As the year comes to an end, we wish you a Blessed and Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year! The December Issue of Estiator “The Restaurateur” Magazine (www.estiator.com), an excellent monthly trade publication of the Greek-American Food Industry, published and edited by Peter S. Makrias and designed and produced by Vicky Tsavalias, carries an article (“Orthodox Christian Laity Celebrates 25 Years of Service”) summarizing the outstanding Program celebrated at the end of October in honor of Orthodox Christian Laity’s 25th Anniversary. The high point of the Anniversary Year is the “Gramota” (Official Certificate of Merit) signed by the Synod of Bishops…
Source: A.J. Desmond & Sons Funeral Directors July 4, 1922 – December 12, 2012 Resided in Naples, FL Basil Constantine Foussianes – Totally dedicated and always loving Husband, Father, Grandfather and Friend. Basil “Bill” Foussianes cherished his family and his church, going to any length to serve both. He wanted nothing more than to see his children succeed, build their own families, and enjoy life. He loved lively conversation, had many lifelong friends and possessed a wonderful sense of humor and appreciation of life. He died peacefully with his wife of 57 years, Irene, and children by his side in…
Source: The Chicago Tribune (February 16, 1932 – November 27, 2012)Katherine (Kay) Valone, age 80, fell asleep to the Lord Jesus Christ on November 27, 2012. The loving daughter of the late Constantine (Gus) and Gianoula (nee Ladas) Valone; beloved sister of Harry (late Marjorie) and the late Victoria (late Sam) Kalas, late Louis, late George (late Mercedes), and the late James (late Lucille); loving aunt and great aunt to many nieces and nephews. Katherine will be missed by her dear cousins, relatives, and friends. Retired Chicago Public School Teacher of more than 20 years, Katherine also taught in Morocco…
Click on the image to the left to view the Gramota given by the Holy Synod of Bishops of the Orthodox Church in America to Orthodox Christian Laity in recognition of OCL’s 25th Anniversary. The text of the Gramota reads: By the Grace of God, We wish to express our Archpastoral Love and Gratitude by invoking God’s blessings upon the founders, officers and members of Orthodox Christian Laity Organization in recognition of twenty five years of dedicated service to Christ’s Church in North America. Presented October 27, 2012. Signed: +NATHANIEL, Archbishop of Detroit and the Romanian Episcopate; +NIKON, Archbishop of…
Source: Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of America – Office of Interfaith Marriage by Mr. Peter Kehayes In open pluralistic societies, intermarriages tend to become the rule, not the exception as growing majorities intermarry with the result that many religions are at a critical juncture in deciding how best to address a challenge which is at the heart of so many families and so critical to the religious community’s well being and growth. Among Greek Americans, the intermarriage rate is between 75 and 85%; with a projected attrition of communicants of greater than 60% over the next generation. America’s unique place in history…
Memory Eternal as we remember Laura Mead Jones on her 40 Day Memorial. “Blessed are those who mourn for they will be comforted…”. Laura was a member of the board of Orthodox Christian Laity (OCL) for a number of years in the mid 1990’s. I was on her extensive mailing list and received many of her letters to religious, political, cultural leaders until her death. OCL Board members remember her fondly. We were so happy to hear from her on May 1 when she informed me she was coming to our 25th Anniversary Meeting in Washington DC. I smiled, and…