http://www.goarch.org/en/news/releases/articles/release8760.asp

National Shrine Day to Include Gold Medalist Bruce Jenner

February 2, 2004

St. Augustine, FL – St. Augustine, FL – The Saint Photios Greek
Orthodox National Shrine will celebrate the feast of its patron
saint, Saint Photios the Great, at the 22nd Annual Saint Photios
National Shrine Pilgrimage on February 6 through 8, 2004 in St.
Augustine, FL. Olympic Gold Medalist Bruce Jenner will be the Keynote
Speaker at the National Shrine Day Luncheon.

The Saint Photios National Shrine Day is Sunday, February 8, 2004.
Divine Liturgy will be celebrated at the Saint Photios Chapel,
followed by the National Saint Photios Shrine Day Luncheon at the
Casa Monica Hotel in downtown St. Augustine.

Olympic Decathlon gold medal winner Bruce Jenner has accepted the
invitation of the Saint Photios Shrine Executive Director, V. Rev.
Nicholas Graff, to speak at the National Shrine Day Luncheon on
February 8. Mr. Jenner will be offering the Keynote Address on "The
Olympic Spirit."

Bruce Jenner became the "World's Greatest Athlete" by winning the
gold medal in the 1976 Olympic Decathlon. In the years since his
athletic achievements made him world famous, Bruce Jenner has become
a highly respected motivational speaker, sports commentator,
entrepreneur, commercial spokesperson, television personality, actor,
producer and author. A devoted father and husband, Jenner is also a
loyal supporter of non-profit and charitable organizations.

The feast of Saint Photios the Great will be celebrated on Friday,
February 6, 2004 at the St. Photios Chapel. The St. Photios
Foundation Board of Trustees will meet for their Annual Meeting
during the Pilgrimage on Saturday, February 7, 2004.

The 2004 corporate sponsors who have in part made this event possible
include Spectrum Films, Video, Interactive of Jacksonville, FL, and
Corporate Partners, LLC of Jacksonville, FL. Shrine Trustee and
Archon Dr. Manuel Tissura of Tucker, GA, will chair the 22nd Annual
Saint Photios National Shrine Pilgrimage.

The Saint Photios Greek Orthodox National Shrine is a living memorial
to those first Greek settlers, and to all the Greek Orthodox pioneers
whose love of freedom and desire for a better life for themselves and
their children brought them to this New World. Information on the
22nd Annual St. Photios National Shrine Pilgrimage and the National
Shrine Day Luncheon is available at the Saint Photios National
Shrine, P.O. Box 1960, St. Augustine, FL 32085, Tel (904) 829-8205,
or E-mail info@....

Contact:

Andrew J. Lekos - Tel 904/829-8205 - Fax 904/829-8707 - E-mail
AJLekos@...

Arutz Sheva IsraelNationalNews.com
http://www.israelnationalnews.com/print.php3?what=news&id=57206
[Original Letters by Patriarch alleging anti-semitism linked below]

Supreme Court Blocks Irineos Appointment

The Supreme Court has put the appointment of Irineos as Greek
Orthodox Church Patriarch on hold for at least three weeks. The
appointment of the controversial figure - whose anti-Semitism and
friendship with Arafat is evident in at least two letters he wrote to
the PLO leader - was supposed to take effect today, following a
Cabinet decision nine days ago.

The Court made the decision in response to a petition brought by
Atty. Dan Avi-Yitzchak on behalf of an unnamed client.

The Greek Orthodox Church in Israel has been operating without a
Patriarch since August 2001, when the pro-Israel Patriarch Theodorus
died. Though Irineos was chosen by the Church to succeed him, Israeli
security agencies were strongly against him because of his ties with
Arafat. Only recently did a ministerial committee narrowly vote to
approve the appointment, followed by a Cabinet decision to accept the
recommendation.

The Avi-Yitzchak suit is based on the same claims made by the General
Security Service and the police for several months against Irineos'
appointment. At the last ministerial committee session, one of the
participants, Welfare Minister Zevulun Orlev, said that for some
unexplained reason, the security officials were suddenly silent and
did not repeat their claims. The precise nature and details of the
current petition's stance are classified.

The Court decision gives the petitioner ten days to present a more
detailed case, and then ten more days for the government to respond.
Another suit against the appointment, by a Greek Orthodox Church
leader in the Galilee, has also been filed.
===

Letter 1:  http://www.a7.org/hebrew/newspaper/documents/greek-
patriarch/patriarch.htm

Letter 2: http://www.a7.org/hebrew/newspaper/documents/greek-
patriarch/patriarch2.htm

ORTHODOX WORLD NEWS  LISTSERVER

Latest news online at:
http://www.goarch.org/worldnews

Unsubscribe information at the end of this email

============================================

SCOBA
The Standing Conference of the Canonical Orthodox Bishops in the Americas
8 East 79th Street, New York, NY 10021


For Immediate Release
February 2, 2004

NATIONAL ORTHODOX RADIO PROGRAM: Come Receive The Light (CRTL)
Schedule of Programs for February 2004


02/07/04
Topic: Experiencing Great Lent as a Community
Guest: Fr. Roman Braga
We are fast approaching the Lenten Season, are you prepared? Fr. Roman
Braga joins Fr. Chris and Emmy this week as he will share his story of
being in prison for eleven years, relating it to one's journey through
Great Lent. Many of us experience Great Lent individually, but Fr. Roman
will explain that we should all experience the Lenten season as a
community. Tune in this week for a spiritually uplifting program as you are
preparing for Great Lent and learn how to discover who you are through your
Great Lent experience.

02/14/04
Topic: Romance in Marriage
Guests: Fr. Don and Khouriya Maggie Hock
  As many of us are celebrating Valentine's Day today Fr. Chris and Emmy
welcome Fr. Don and Khouriya Maggie Hock who will provide an Orthodox
Christian perspective of Romance in Marriage, highlighting the importance
of rekindling and keeping the flame lighted at all times. They will also
discuss the three stages of marriage: enchantment, disenchantment and
maturity focusing on how romance should be cultivated throughout these
stages. Set aside time with your spouse or loved one and experience what
joy there can be in an Orthodox Christian marriage that is God centered. Be
sure to invite your friends, especially those who are preparing for
marriage to listen to this program.

02/21/04
Topic: Another look at the Passion
Guest: His Grace Bishop Savas
Fr. Chris had the great pleasure of speaking with His Grace Bishop Savas,
Chancellor of the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese, and getting an in depth
interview of his reaction and thoughts of the upcoming release of the Mel
Gibson movie Passion of Christ. Last summer, His Grace attended a summer
pre-screening of a raw version of the movie along with other religious
leaders and Mel Gibson. Be sure to tune in this week and see what His
Grace's thoughts and point of view are on this highly controversial movie;
does it truly portray the actual events accurately?

02/28/04
  Topic: Orthodox Christian Summer Camps that educate our youth
Guests: Rev. K. Michael Anderson and Rev. Fr. David M. Zuder
How can Orthodox Christian Summer Camps and its structure be beneficial for
our youth? Fr. David Zuder and Fr. Michael Anderson join Fr. Chris and Emmy
as they address this question, emphasizing the rich education that our
children receive each summer. Sending our children to an Orthodox Christian
Summer Camp is very important in view of today's needs and pressures on our
children. Stay tuned this week and find out how our youth are motivated to
lead a Godly life upon attending Orthodox Summer Camp; the experience they
receive is unforgettable. In addition, learn more about the different
Orthodox Christian Summer Camps that you may consider sending your child to
this summer; and remember to register them early as spots fill up quickly.

Subscribe to the Come Receive The Light e-newsletter at
http://www.receive.org for a weekly inspirational message and the latest
updates of upcoming programs.
For More Information please contact:
OCN - Orthodox Christian Network
  Sub Deacon Nicholas Tentzeras, Booking Director
"Come Receive the Light" Radio Program SubDeaconNicholas@...
PO Box 4690
Ft. Lauderdale, FL 33338-4690
1-877-2RECEIVE (1.877.273.2348)

INVITATION: Religious Freedom in Kosovo on  WEDNESDAY, Feb. 4
From: "Institute on Religion and Public Policy"

JAN KARSKI WELLSPRING OF FREEDOM
A Program of the Institute on Religion and Public Policy

Invites you to a discussion of

Religious Freedom in Kosovo

with special guest

His Grace Bishop Artemije
Serbian Orthodox Bishop of Raska and Prizren


Since 1999, Orthodox sites in Kosovo have been repeatedly attacked,
including the desecration, looting and destruction of graveyards and
churches. To date, no one has been prosecuted. Today, in Kosovo-Metohija,
religious freedom is ignored. Bishop Artemije will present a unique and
authoritative perspective on the current situation inside his diocese at
the grass roots level and discuss the long-term consequences of the
on-going violence and instability in the region.


Date: Wednesday, February 4, 2004
Time: 10:30 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.
Where: 106 Dirksen Senate Office Building


To RSVP, or for more information, contact Carol Paisley at
202-835-8760 or via e-mail at Paisley@...


posted in the The Copts Daily Digest for 02/03/04
www.netcom.com/~us_copts/           Also visit http://www.copts.com

February 2, 2004

ELCA, LWF Leaders Visit Orthodox Ecumenical Patriarch in Istanbul
04-014-JB

      ISTANBUL, Turkey (ELCA) -- The presiding bishop of the Evangelical
Lutheran Church in America (ELCA) praised His All Holiness Ecumenical
Patriarch Batholomew for his great concern for care of the environment, and
said that people of faith appreciate the patriarch's leadership often
carried out "in the face of adversity."

      The Rev. Mark S. Hanson and a 14-member joint ELCA-Lutheran World
Federation (LWF) delegation met with Bartholomew for about 45 minutes Jan.
28 here at the Ecumenical Patriarchate.  Hanson also made the visit in his
role as LWF president.  He was
accompanied by the Rev. Ishmael Noko, LWF general secretary, Geneva,
Switzerland.

     Bartholomew is the world leader of Orthodox Christians, which include
churches such as Greek Orthodox, Syrian Orthodox and Antiochan Orthodox
churches.  Among patriarchs who lead the many Orthodox churches, Bartholomew
is considered "first among equals."

      The ELCA group was originally scheduled to visit Orthodox leaders here
as part of the presiding bishop's March 2003 ecumenical journey, which
included meetings with world church leaders in Geneva, Rome and London.  But
the group postponed its trip here until 2004 because of security concerns
related to the start of the U.S.-led war with Iraq.  The January trip here
was not announced in advance because of those concerns.

      During the audience Bartholomew, Hanson and Noko exchanged formal
statements, and Bartholomew described his trip to dedicate an Orthodox
church building in Cuba, from which he returned earlier in the same week.

      "I am here to witness to the growing unity we have in Christ," Hanson
said in his statement.  He said the LWF Assembly in Winnipeg, Manitoba, in
July 2003, with the theme "For the Healing of the World," focused on justice
and peace and the healing of divisions within the church.

      In his role as ELCA presiding bishop, Hanson said he has "come to
appreciate all the more that Lutherans and Orthodox have much that binds us
together."  He noted that followers of Martin Luther hoped to forge strong
ties with Constantinople (Istanbul) and that key agreements have been
reached in the U.S. Lutheran-Orthodox dialogue.

      Bartholomew is known in many circles as the "Green Patriarch" because
of his emphasis on care of the environment. Hanson presented Bartholomew
with a copy of the ELCA social statement on the environment, "Caring for
Creation: Vision, Hope and Justice."  He also presented the ecumenical
patriarch with a glass mosaic of the ELCA emblem.

      "The Lutheran World Federation (LWF) wishes to strengthen its
partnership with Orthodox sisters and brothers in all places and in all
ways," said the Rev. Ishmael Noko, LWF general secretary, in his remarks.  A
strengthened partnership, said Noko, would contribute "to the accomplishment
of our efforts in  all areas where churches struggle with serious challenges
in the world."

      The LWF and the Ecumenical Patriarchate share similar concerns and
commitments regarding conflict resolution and peace building, Noko said. He
underlined the patriarch's "strong dedication to the cause of protecting
God's creation as it has been entrusted to us for good stewardship, with
respect for all life and its environment."

      "It is a pleasure and a blessing at the same time to come together as
Christian brothers and sisters," Bartholomew said in his remarks to the
Lutherans. "We really appreciate your visit to our church which is an
expression of the long and good relationship between our two churches."

      The Orthodox Ecumenical Patriarchate has existed for 1,700 years, he
said. For many centuries, the Orthodox Church was the
"center" of all Christianity, and today it is still the center of Orthodoxy,
Bartholomew said.

      The Orthodox Church responds to a variety of human needs and seeks
justice for all, Bartholomew said.  "Moreover, we work
against all kinds of violence including terrorism," he said.  "It is not
surprising that the Ecumenical Patriarchate has been working for the
peaceful coexistence of religious communities here and abroad.  We have been
living in a predominantly Muslim environment for centuries and our
Patriarchate has always encouraged people to live together in peace and
harmony, independently of their differences in race, religion and culture."

      On Christian unity, the ecumenical patriarch noted that such
relationships can be difficult to develop. "Nevertheless, we have found good
partners in this journey among the Evangelical Lutheran Church," he said.
"We thank God for all the progress we have made together so far.  It's
always been a pleasure for us to be with you, to have a theological dialogue
with you and to share with you not only our knowledge but also our spiritual
experience."

      Bartholomew said Lutherans and Orthodox members should "join our
spiritual forces so as to work constructively and fruitfully"
on environmental matters.

      "We take your visit as an opportunity to demonstrate our brotherly love
to you and to renew our commitment to the continuation of our common
spiritual journey toward unity," Bartholomew concluded.

LWF President, Cuba Visit, Monastery Noted

      Following the exchange of statements, Bartholomew spoke informally to
the Lutherans.  "It seems providential that you would come here in another
capacity," Bartholomew told Hanson. Since the postponement of the originally
scheduled visit here last March, Hanson was elected LWF president and now
represents 63 million Lutherans worldwide, including the 5-million member
ELCA.

      When he was a young bishop, Bartholomew said he visited the ELCA
churchwide office in Chicago, and in 1995, he visited the
LWF in Geneva as ecumenical patriarch.

      Through the LWF Lutherans are involved in an international theological
dialogue with Orthodox Christians, and in North America the ELCA is in a
dialogue with the Orthodox.  Bartholomew noted the "longstanding"
relationship of the Orthodox with Lutheran "brothers and sisters" and said
he encouraged the dialogues "as a continuation of our relationship and
fellowship in Christ."

      Bartholomew said he was personally received by Cuban President Fidel
Castro, who offered to translate some Orthodox theological books into
Spanish and proposed opening an Orthodox seminary in Cuba, at which students
would be trained in Spanish. Bartholomew called that "a happy surprise" and
said the proposal was welcome, but he said it is also very important for an
Orthodox monastery on Halki Island near Istanbul to reopen first before
establishing a seminary in Cuba.  The ELCA group visited the Halki Island
monastery, known as the Holy Monastery of St. Trinity, Jan. 29.

      The monastery, which has trained Orthodox clergy for centuries, has
been closed since 1971, though a small staff remains there to host scholars
who use the library.  A grade school is also operated there.

      The monastery was closed 33 years ago by a government order which
outlawed privately operated universities, said Metropolitan
Apostolos Daniilidis, monastery abbot.   Since then the Orthodox Church has
been working with the government in hopes of reopening the monastery to
seminary students, he said.
-- -- --

      Presiding Bishop Hanson's formal statement to His All Holiness
Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew is at
http://www.elca.org/bishop/messages.html on the ELCA Web site.

      Information about Lutheran-Orthodox dialogues can be found on the
Department for Ecumenical Affairs home page at
http://www.elca.org/ea on the ELCA Web site.

For information contact:
John Brooks, Director (773) 380-2958 or news@...
http://www.elca.org/news

Special Feature: Again magazine interviews Metropolitan Philip and the Road
to Orthodox Unity (PDF) -

http://www.antiochian.org/Again/AGAIN25.4web.pdf

AN EXCLUSIVE  AGAIN INTERVIEW WITH METROPOLITAN PHILIP
Having just returned from a crucial series of meetings in Damascus with the
Holy Synod of Antioch, His Eminence spoke openly with AGAIN regarding the
historic decision for Antiochian self-rule.

also in this issue:

A VISION FOR NORTH AMERICAN ORTHODOXY
by Charles R. Ajalat

As Chancellor of the Antiochian Orthodox Archdiocese of North America, and
a founder of IOCC and the OCMC, Charles Ajalat has played a key role in
shaping Orthodoxy on this continent. What opportunities does he see
awaiting the
Church in North America?

ON THE ROAD TO ORTHODOX UNITY
by John H. Erickson

The new Dean of Saint Vladimir's Seminary considers the implications of
Antiochian self-rule and discusses the need for cooperation and unification
between all the jurisdictions.

February 2, 2004

Armenian Patriarch of Constantinople Injured in Automobile  Accident


According to news received  today in the Mother See of Holy Etchmiadzin, His
Beatitude Archbishop Mesrob  Mutafian, Armenian Patriarch of Constantinople, was
injured in an automobile  accident.  His Beatitude and his  delegation were
traveling on a pilgrimage to Antalia.  As a result of the accident, Abp. 
Mesrob’s leg and nose were broken, and suffered numerous other minor 
injuries.  He was immediately  transported to a hospital.

On February 2, His Holiness  Karekin II, Supreme Patriarch and Catholicos of All
Armenians, spoke by  telephone with the Vicar of the Patriarchate, His Eminence
Archbishop Shahan  Svajian, and learned of the details surrounding the incident
and the condition  of the health of the Patriarch.  His  Holiness requested that
Abp. Shahan convey his wishes for a quick and complete  recovery to His
Beatitude.

The cause of the accident was  attributed to a failure of the automobile’s
brakes.  Also slightly injured in the accident  were Rev. Fr. Sahak Mashalian of
the Patriarchate, and ten others who were  accompanying the Patriarch.  The 
Patriarchate is headquartered in Istanbul, Turkey.

##

PRESS  RELEASE

Mother See of Holy Etchmiadzin, Information Services

Address:  Vagharshapat,  Republic of Armenia

Contact:  Dn. Armen  Devejian

Tel:  (374 1) 517  163

Fax:  (374 1) 517  301

E-Mail:   DnArmen@...

http://english.pravda.ru/science/19/95/380/11927_orthodox.html

Russian Orthodox society intends to build a church in Cuba
01/30/2004 16:27

"An overwhelming majority of Orthodox residents are natives of the
nations situated at the canonical territories of the Russian Orthodox
Church of Russia, Ukraine and Byelorussia," states the declaration of
the Union of Orthodox citizens.

"Interfax" received the text yesterday.

There no more than fifty parishioners at the Constantinople
Patriarchy, informs the document. However, it was this particular
Patriarchy that initiated the opening of the church right in the
center of Havana. The Patriarchy has been officially welcomed by the
country's leader Fidel Castro.

Authors of the declaration reminded Cuban authorities that the
country has not provided Moscow's Patriarchy with neither a church
nor a simple room. Therefore, they have no other choice but to
conduct services at the Russian Trade Mission building.

Russian Orthodox believers expressed their anger and frustration at
Cuban authorities. "They simply ignore and humiliate thousands of
Orthodox Slavs, who have been slaving for Cuba for decades while
developing the country's industry, army and power engineering."

Russian Union of Orthodox residents regarded the Patriarchy's
connection with the opening of the Orthodox Church as a continuation
of "the split of Orthodoxy in Estonia and a slight flirting with the
idea of possible split in Ukraine."

"Why don"t they proceed with the mission in the regions where
Orthodoxy is not a practicing religion?"

Authors of the declaration deny comments of several media sources
regarding the fact that the Constantinople Patriarchy represents the
main headquarters for about three hundred millions of Orthodox
Christians worldwide.

"A pompous meeting of Patriarch Varfolomei I, escorted by a
delegation of American Protestants and Cuban authorities somewhat
resembles a challenge to Russia. Moscow has left Havana and Cuba
turns to Washington with the Constantinople Patriarchy by its side.
However, Orthodox Christians along with believers of the Russian
Orthodox Church are the ones to suffer as a result of this Havana's
demarche," declares the Union.

Leaders of the Union plan to visit Cuban ambassador to Moscow
personally in order to clarify the details of the case.


Source: NewsRu

February 2, 2004

ELCA, Orthodox Leaders Discuss Wide Range of Issues
04-013-JB

      ISTANBUL, Turkey (ELCA) -- Relationships domestically and
internationally between Lutherans and Orthodox Christians were
described as "very good" by Lutheran and Orthodox Christian leaders who met
here Jan. 27.  The Lutheran delegation included
leaders of the Chicago-based Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA)
and the Lutheran World Federation (LWF), based in
Geneva, Switzerland.

      The Lutherans visited here Jan. 26-30 with a variety of international
leaders and theologians of Orthodox Christians. The Rev. Mark S. Hanson,
ELCA presiding bishop and LWF president, and the Rev. Ishmael Noko, LWF
general secretary, headed the 14-member joint ELCA-LWF delegation.  Members
of the ELCA delegation were to have visited here in March 2003, but
postponed the trip because of security concerns related to the start of the
U.S.-led war with Iraq.

      In a meeting that covered a wide range of topics, the Lutherans met
with Orthodox leaders at the offices of the Ecumenical Patriarchate, home of
the international leadership for Orthodox Christians worldwide.  In the 3
1/2 hour meeting the church leaders had a frank discussion on such topics as
Lutheran-Orthodox dialogues, Lutheran Church relationships in the United
States, ELCA full-communion relationships, and the ordination of women and
people who are gay and lesbian in committed relationships.

      His Eminence Metropolitan Athanassios of Helioupolis and Theira, noted
that Hanson's visit here continued a tradition in which ELCA presiding
bishops have visited world Orthodox leaders in Istanbul. Athanassios is
president of the Orthodox Inter-Church Affairs Synodical Commission.

      "We thank you for these regular visits to the Patriarchate," he said.
This meeting was the first in which both the LWF
president and general secretary visited Istanbul together, Athanassios
noted.

      "It is an honor to greet you on behalf of the ELCA and also on behalf
of the LWF," Hanson said.  "We come here to express
gratitude to God for the deepening unity we experience in the body of
Christ.  We come grateful to God for progress in the U.S.
and international Lutheran-Orthodox dialogues."

      The ELCA-LWF visit is in keeping with the historic tradition of the
church, Noko said.  Lutherans and Orthodox Christians
should greet one another as a sign of unity, he added.  Good relations
between Lutherans and Orthodox Christians are possible
because the churches respect one another and one has never "condemned" the
other, Noko said.  The good relationships "give
us a unique ecumenical opportunity," he said.

      In North America an ELCA theological dialogue with Orthodox Christians
is approaching the end of its third round, said the
Rev. Randall R. Lee, director of the ELCA Department for Ecumenical Affairs.
The two churches have been exploring the Holy Trinity and the "mystery" of
the Christian Church, he said.

      In June, the dialogue participants hope to publish a common statement
and a guidebook for congregations of both religious
traditions to use in conversation, and to encourage common prayer services,
Lee said.  Lee said he was grateful to the Rev. Donald
G. McCoid, co-chair of the U.S. dialogue with Metropolitan Maximos.  McCoid
is bishop of the ELCA Southwestern Pennsylvania
Synod, Pittsburgh. Maximos is bishop of the Greek Orthodox Diocese of
Pittsburgh.

      In addition to the North American dialogue, there is an international
Lutheran-Orthodox theological dialogue.  His
Eminence Metropolitan Gennadios of Sassima, a member of the Orthodox
Inter-Church Affairs Synodical Commission, suggested
there should be better "coordination" of the two dialogues.Gennadios said
such an idea was discussed several years ago, but
has not been discussed much in recent years.

      Hanson pledged there would be a "continuity of topics" in both
dialogues. "I hope my presidency of the LWF will facilitate
the integration of the dialogues and not any unilateral action by the ELCA,"
he said in response.  "I hope you hear that
commitment."

      Athanassios asked the ELCA delegation specifically about the status of
the ELCA's full communion relationship with the
Episcopal Church in the wake of its consecration of Bishop Gene V. Robinson,
who is gay and in a committed homosexual
relationship. Under present policy, the ELCA expects that its pastors
refrain from any sexual activity outside of marriage.

      The ELCA is in a study process, examining whether or not to ordain
clergy who are gay or lesbian and in committed homosexual
relationships, and whether it should have a policy on blessing same-sex
relationships.  The church has no formal policy about
blessing of same-sex relationships, though its bishops have advised the
church they do not approve of such ceremonies.

      Hanson told the Orthodox leaders that the full communion agreement --
"Called to Common Mission" -- states clearly that
each church maintains its own clergy standards.  "We do not change our
standards for ordination because the Episcopal Church
consecrated a gay bishop," Hanson responded.

      "The ELCA is now in a period of study and we are very mindful that we
do not carry out that study in isolation," Hanson
said.  "We are mindful that study and any recommendations from it impact our
global and ecumenical relationships."

      The ELCA and Orthodox leaders briefly discussed the ordination of
women.  The ELCA and its predecessor church bodies
have ordained women for more than 30 years; Orthodox churches do not.
Gennadios said some Orthodox churches are studying the
issue, mostly in response to questions from other church bodies.

      "There is no request from inside our church for this (ordination of
women)," he said.  "We respond to questions from
outside the church.  The role of women is very different in the United
States compared to Turkey and Greece."

      Other subjects discussed in the meeting were the status of other ELCA
full communion relationships and church-to-church
theological dialogues; relationships between the ELCA and Lutheran
Church-Missouri Synod, Middle East concerns; National
Council of Churches of Christ in the U.S.A. and World Council of Churches
relationships; and the possibility of  a single, common
date for the celebration of Easter by Western and Orthodox churches.

      Accompanying Hanson, his wife Ione, and Lee on the visit to Istanbul
were: the Rev. Lowell G. Almen, ELCA secretary; the Rev.
David E. Jensen, Ascension Lutheran Church, Minocqua, Wis. and ELCA Church
Council member; Kathy J. Magnus, regional officer for
North America, Lutheran World Federation, Chicago; Arthur Norman, Spanish
Fort, Ala.; the Rev. Fred S. Opalinski, Trinity Lutheran
Church, Reading, Pa.; the Rev. Karen S. Parker, assistant to the bishop,
ELCA Pacifica Synod, Yorba Linda, Calif.; the Rev. Paul
A. Schreck, executive assistant, ELCA Office of the Secretary and associate
for bilateral dialogues, ELCA Department for Ecumenical
Affairs, Chicago.

      Representing the LWF were the Rev. Ishmael Noko, general secretary;
Karin Achtelstetter, director, Office for
Communication Services; and Archbishop Georg Kretschmar, co-president,
Lutheran/Orthodox Joint International Commission, St.
Petersburg, Russia.

      Reporting on the trip were Achtelstetter and John R. Brooks, director
for news and media production, ELCA Department for
Communication
  -- -- --
      Information about Lutheran-Orthodox dialogues can be found on the
Department for Ecumenical Affairs home page at
http://www.elca.org/ea on the ELCA Web site.

For information contact:
John Brooks, Director (773) 380-2958 or news@...
http://www.elca.org/news

http://www.lacopts.org/general.php?id=P1346

The Coptic Path (Article from Wall Street Journal)

By JONATHAN ERIC LEWIS
Wall Street Journal
URL for this article on the Wall Street Journal Website:
http://online.wsj.com/article/0,,SB107223219966741100,00.html

COMMENTARY

On the day before Christmas, as we prepare to worship and to celebrate, let
us not forget the plight of the Coptic Christians of Egypt—a people who
are, to put it with supreme understatement, less free than we are to
practice the religion of one’s own choosing.

Egypt is the most populous of the Arab countries, and in many ways the most
sophisticated. Its path will determine the fate of a region stagnating
under archaic economic and political systems. And no group in Egypt would
benefit more from democratization than the beleaguered Copts, particularly
when democracy is defined not simply by voting rights but by pluralism and
the respect for the rights of minorities. Indeed, for Egypt to democratize,
it must end its discrimination against its Coptic population, arrest and
prosecute the Islamic extremists who have repeatedly targeted the Christian
community, and include the Coptic community in all aspects of civic and
political life. This would not only go a long way to foster democratic
change in Egyptian society, but would also serve as an impetus for other
Arab states to begin to better include their ethnic and religious
minorities in the region’s cultural and political life. Most significantly,
the protection of Coptic rights within a stable, pluralistic Egypt allied
with Washington is in America’s national interest.

* * *
Constituting 15% of the population, Coptic Christians, though technically a
minority, are an integral part of the Egyptian nation. Indeed, the term
“Copt” is the Greek linguistic root of the English word “Egypt.” Although
castigated by Islamic extremists as agents of the West, Copts maintain
cultural, linguistic, and religious traditions that long predate the advent
of Egyptian Islam in A.D. 641. They trace their strong Christian faith back
to St. Mark the Evangelist’s mission to Alexandria in the 1st century A.D.
Although they primarily belong to the Coptic Orthodox Church, they also
maintain smaller Catholic and Protestant communities. Having had to live
under dhimmi, or inferior non-Muslim, status for much of their history,
Copts nevertheless produced a rich corpus of theological literature for
Near Eastern Christianity, particularly during the 13th-century Coptic
Renaissance.

It was not until 19th-century Ottoman reforms, however, that Coptic
Christians were freed from their subservient status under Islamic rule and
were released from paying the jizya, a discriminatory tax mandated for
non-Muslims. Throughout the late 19th and early 20th centuries, Copts, like
Christians in other parts of the Ottoman Empire, experienced a cultural
rebirth and reasserted their distinct identity. Partially due to British
imperial influence in Cairo, Copts began to take an active part in
political life of the modern Egyptian state.

Much of the 20th century, however, has not been kind to the Copts, who have
seen their distinct identity denied and their faith assailed. Copts face
severe discrimination in the public sector, as there are currently no
Christian governors, mayors, or police chiefs, and they are substantially
underrepresented in national politics. They likewise face educational
discrimination, ranging from the lack of school curriculum on Coptic
history to being barred from attending the state-funded al-Azhar
University. Copts also face hostility from local officials when they
complain about harassment and violence from Islamic extremists who continue
to force Copts to pay the jizya under the nose of the local police.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

While Americans only became aware of the dangers of Islamism terrorism on
Sept. 11, Coptic Christians were subjected to a campaign of intimidation
and violence throughout the 1990s when Islamists repeatedly targeted Coptic
civilians. Given the fact that Egyptian Islamism was an incubator for al
Qaeda, one can justifiably view Copts as the victims of the same sort of
Islamic extremism that, left unchecked, went on to cost innocent lives from
New York to Bali.

Coptic intellectuals in Egypt have sought various means of addressing this
systematic discrimination, while promoting peaceful coexistence with their
Muslim neighbors. Many Copts, however, have chosen emigration to the U.S.
over the alternative of living as second-class citizens in an increasingly
Islamic Egypt, and now maintain vibrant communities in California, New
Jersey, and Texas. This has allowed for a degree of Coptic political
activism in the Diaspora that would be inconceivable back in Egypt. The
U.S. Copts Association, formed in 1996, seeks to give a voice to the
approximately 700,000 Egyptian Christians in the U.S. and to advocate on
behalf of their brethren on Capitol Hill. This promotion of Coptic rights
by Diaspora activists is in America’s long-term national interest. Yet
Washington should realize that a heavy-handed approach by congressmen to
this sensitive issue would only further enrage Egyptians already seething
with anti-Americanism. Michael Meunier, president of U.S. Copts
Association, has likewise warned of how “the fury expressed towards the
United States has been manifested in hostility towards the Christian minority.”

In officially designating Jan. 7—Orthodox Christmas—as a national holiday
for the first time in Egypt, President Hosni Mubarak has finally taken a
welcome step toward better weaving Copts into the greater fabric of
Egyptian civic life and in countering some of the anti-Christian forces in
Egyptian society. Such a move should be complemented by gradually
introducing more Coptic culture and history into Egyptian school curricula
and by curtailing incitement in the media that portrays Christians as
infidels and America’s Middle East policy as being a “Crusade.” The
Egyptian authorities should likewise vigorously investigate cases of
kidnapping and forced conversions of Coptic girls and make it clear that
the government does not tolerate such acts.

The advancement and protection of Coptic rights should not be viewed as a
Christian issue, but more broadly as a human-rights issue within the larger
context of the Middle East’s democracy deficit. The Bush administration
should promote energetically the understanding that democracy does not
simply mean free elections and majority rule, but also the protection of
minority rights under the rule of law. An Egypt in which Copts feel
insecure and are subject to violence by Islamic extremists should give way
to an Egypt in which all citizens, Christian, Muslim, and secular alike,
can take part in the full civic life of the nation. A democratic and
pluralistic Egypt allied with the U.S. and respecting minority rights will
be a beacon for liberty throughout the Middle East.

Mr. Lewis is the author of a forthcoming study of ethnic/religious
minorities in the Middle East.
================================================
Some Coptic Resources

Coptic Church Review

A Quarterly of Contemporary Patristic Studies Published by the Society of
Coptic Church Studies

http://home.ptd.net/~yanney/

Encyclopedia Coptica
http://www.coptic.net/EncyclopediaCoptica/

The Coptic Network
http://www.coptic.net/CopticWeb/

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Daily Scripture Readings and Lives of the Saints Commemorated.

On Sunday, February 1, 2004 we celebrate:

    EPISTLE READING

    The Reading is from St. Paul's Letter to the
    Romans 8:28-39

    Brethren, we know that in everything God
    works for good with those who love him, who
    are called according to his purpose. For
    those whom he foreknew he also predestined to
    be conformed to the image of his Son, in
    order that he might be the first-born among
    many brethren. And those whom he predestined
    he also called; and those whom he called he
    also justified; and those whom he justified
    he also glorified.

    What then shall we say to this? If God is for
    us, who is against us? He who did not spare
    his own Son but gave him up for us all, will
    he not also give us all things with him? Who
    shall bring any charge against God's elect?
    It is God who justifies; who is to condemn?
    Is it Christ Jesus, who died, yes, who was
    raised from the dead, who is at the right
    hand of God, who indeed intercedes for us?
    Who shall separate us from the love of
    Christ? Shall tribulation, or distress, or
    persecution, or famine, or nakedness, or
    peril, or sword? As it is written, "For thy
    sake we are being killed all the day long; we
    are regarded as sheep to be slaughtered." No,
    in all these things we are more than
    conquerors through him who loved us. For I am
    sure that neither death, nor life, nor
    angels, nor principalities, nor things
    present, nor things to come, nor powers, nor
    height, nor depth, nor anything else in all
    creation, will be able to separate us from
    the love of God in Christ Jesus our Lord.


                     (C) 2004 Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of America

    GOSPEL READING

    Sunday of the Publican and Pharisee: Triodion
    Begins Today

    The Reading is from Luke 18:9-14

    The Lord said this parable, "Two men went up
    into the temple to pray, one a Pharisee and
    the other a tax collector. The Pharisee stood
    and prayed thus with himself, 'God, I thank
    you that I am not like other men,
    extortioners, unjust, adulterers, or even
    like this tax collector. I fast twice a week,
    I give tithes of all that I get.' But the tax
    collector, standing far off, would not even
    lift up his eyes to heaven, but beat his
    breast, saying, 'God, be merciful to me a
    sinner!' I tell you, this man went down to
    his house justified rather than the other;
    for everyone who exalts himself will be
    humbled, but he who humbles himself will be
    exalted."


                     (C) 2004 Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of America

    Sunday of the Publican and Pharisee: Triodion Begins Today
    Plagal of the Fourth Tone
    Eleventh Orthros Gospel

    Resurrectional Apolytikion:

    Plagal of the Fourth Tone

    O Merciful One, You came from on high, and
    condescended to Your three day burial to save
    us from suffering. You are our Life and our
    Resurrection. Glory to You.

    Resurrectional Kontakion:

    Plagal of the Fourth Tone

    When You rose from the Tomb, You resurrected
    Adam and raised the dead. Eve rejoices in
    Your Resurrection. The ends of earth, O
    Merciful One, celebrate Your Resurrection
    from the dead.

    Seasonal Kontakion:

    Fourth Tone

    Let us flee from the boasting of the Pharisee
    and learn through our own sighs of sorrow the
    humility of the Publican. Let us cry out to
    the Savior, "Have mercy on us, for through
    You alone are we reconciled."

    Reading:

    The Pharisees were an ancient and outstanding
    sect among the Jews known for their diligent
    observance of the outward matters of the Law.
    Although, according to the word of our Lord,
    they "did all their works to be seen of men"
    (Matt. 23:5), and were hypocrites (ibid. 23:
    13, 14, 15, etc.), because of the apparent
    holiness of their lives they were thought by
    all to be righteous, and separate from
    others, which is what the name Pharisee
    means. On the other hand, Publicans,
    collectors of the royal taxes, committed many
    injustices and extortions for filthy lucre's
    sake, and all held them to be sinners and
    unjust. It was therefore according to common
    opinion that the Lord Jesus in His parable
    signified a virtuous person by a Pharisee,
    and a sinner by a Publican, to teach His
    disciples the harm of pride and the profit of
    humble-mindedness.

    Since the chief weapon for virtue is
    humility, and the greatest hindrance to it is
    pride, the divine Fathers have set these
    three weeks before the Forty-day Fast as a
    preparation for the spiritual struggles of
    virtue. This present week they have called
    Harbinger, since it declares that the Fast is
    approaching; and they set humility as the
    foundation for all our spiritual labors by
    appointing that the parable of the Publican
    and the Pharisee be read today, even before
    the Fast begins, to teach, through the
    vaunting of the Pharisee, that the foul smoke
    of self-esteem and the stench of boasting
    drives away the grace of the Spirit, strips
    man of all his virtue, and casts him into the
    pits of Hades; and, through the repentance
    and contrite prayer of the Publican, that
    humility confers upon the sinner forgiveness
    of all his wicked deeds and raises him up to
    the greatest heights.

    All foods are allowed the week that follows
    this Sunday.

           Reading courtesy of Holy Transfiguration Monastery, Brookline, MA
                 Kontakion courtesy of Holy Cross Press, Brookline, MA
                     (C) 2004 Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of America

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http://www.risu.org.ua/content.php?page_id=43&l=en

A Survey of Major Religions in 21st Century Ukraine

Over 97% of the religious communities now registered in Ukraine are
Christian. About half of these communities are of the Orthodox tradition.
The other half is divided among Catholics and Protestants. According to
official terminology the three major Orthodox jurisdictions and the
Ukrainian Greek Catholic Church belong to the category "traditional
Churches." The Roman Catholic Church is considered an «historical Church.»
Orthodox Churches

The ORTHODOX CHURCHES in Ukraine trace their history back to the beginning
of Christianity in Ukraine in 988, when St. Volodymyr the Great accepted
the Byzantine-Slavic rite of Christianity for his people. The disputes of
recent history have separated these groups, but they share a common
background and similar (Byzantine-Slavic) theological and liturgical
traditions.

There are three major Orthodox jurisdictions in Ukraine:

      * The Ukrainian Orthodox Church-Moscow Patriarchate (UOC-MP) has 9049
communities, most of which are located in central and southeastern Ukraine.
http://www.risu.org.ua/content.php?menu=1701&page_id=45

      * The Ukrainian Orthodox Church-Kyivan Patriarchate (UOC-KP) has 2781
communities, of which about a third are in the central regions and about
10% in southeastern areas.
http://www.risu.org.ua/content.php?menu=1702&page_id=47

      * The Ukrainian Autocephalous Orthodox Church (UAOC) has 1015
communities; about 80% are located in western Ukraine.
http://www.risu.org.ua/content.php?menu=1703&page_id=49

Catholic Churches

The different CATHOLIC CHURCHES of Ukraine share full communion with the
Pope of Rome and with each other. Their historical backgrounds, however,
and theological and liturgical traditions are significantly different.
These Catholic Churches are Churches sui juris, they are in full and
visible communion with the Roman Apostolic See, but they have separate
eparchial (diocesan) structures, liturgical life, canonical order,
historical and cultural particularities and so on.

There are two major Catholic Churches represented in Ukraine:

      * The Ukrainian Greek Catholic Church (UGCC) has 3317 communities, the
vast majority of which are located in western Ukraine.
http://www.risu.org.ua/content.php?menu=1704&page_id=50

      * The Roman Catholic Church (RCC) has 807 communities, of which more
than half are in the central regions.
http://www.risu.org.ua/content.php?menu=1705&page_id=51

The Armenian Catholic Church had a significant presence in Ukraine before
World War Two. It is now trying to form communities again.
http://www.risu.org.ua/content.php?menu=1718&page_id=121&l=en

Pre-Chalcedonian Church

The Armenian Apostolic Church has had a significant presence in Ukraine
since at least the 11th century. It is a pre-Chalcedonian Church, in
ecclesial communion neither with Eastern Orthodox of the Byzantine
Tradition nor with Catholics. It has 16 communities in various regions of
Ukraine.
http://www.risu.org.ua/content.php?menu=1706&page_id=52

Protestant Churches and Communities

PROTESTANT CHURCHES AND COMMUNITIES have been present in Ukraine since the
times of the Protestant Reformation in the 16th century. Their numbers and
varieties increased through the 19th and 20th centuries. And with Ukrainian
independence and freedom of conscience in 1991, they have taken a prominent
place in the Ukrainian religious scene.

      * The Baptist Church was brought to Ukraine by German missionaries in
the 1860s and 1870s. It now has 2446 communities and is located throughout
Ukraine.
http://www.risu.org.ua/content.php?menu=1707&page_id=54

      * Pentecostals have been in Ukraine since before the First World War.
There are now 1622 communities located throughout Ukraine.
http://www.risu.org.ua/content.php?menu=1708&page_id=56

      * Seventh-Day Adventists have been in Ukraine since the 1880s. They
now have 849 communities in various regions of Ukraine.
http://www.risu.org.ua/content.php?menu=1709&page_id=58

      * The Sub-Carpathian Reformed Church began at the time of John Calvin
himself. It has 105 communities and is located in Transcarpathian
(southwestern) Ukraine.
http://www.risu.org.ua/content.php?menu=1710&page_id=59

      * The Lutheran Church has been in Ukraine since the 16th century. It
has 61 communities, generally located in major cities.
http://www.risu.org.ua/content.php?menu=1711&page_id=60

Other Major Faiths

OTHER MAJOR FAITHS have also been important throughout the history of
Ukraine and today still have a significant presence here.

      * JEWS have been in Ukraine since the 4th century B.C. In the middle
ages large numbers of Jews came to the Slav lands, and Ukraine in
particular, and stayed and flourished. Though the Nazis murdered countless
Ukrainian Jews in the 1940s, the Jewish community has begun to revive with
the collapse of the Soviet Union. There are now 198 communities, located in
various regions of Ukraine.
http://www.risu.org.ua/content.php?menu=1713&page_id=61

      * The main group of MUSLIMS in Ukraine is the Tatars. They have
inhabited the Crimean peninsula for over seven centuries. Forcibly deported
by Stalin en masse in 1944, many survivors and their descendants have
returned to independent Ukraine. There are now 391 Islamic communities and,
though the majority are in Crimea, there are now also communities in some
cities like Kyiv.
http://www.risu.org.ua/content.php?menu=1714&page_id=64

Non-traditional and New Religious Movements

NON-TRADITIONAL and NEW RELIGIOUS MOVEMENTS have also come to Ukraine. The
amount of communities and the amount of faithful of these groups are
growing dynamically.

The Jehovah's Witnesses have been in Ukraine since the first half of the
20th century. They have 655 communities, the majority of which are in the
western part of Ukraine.
http://www.risu.org.ua/content.php?menu=1715&page_id=84

White Brotherhood
http://www.risu.org.ua/content.php?menu=1717&page_id=113&l=en

http://www.risu.org.ua/content.php?page_id=162&l=en

“One should not be arguing and fighting before this commonly recognized
Christian relic.”

Interview with Patriarch Filaret (Denysenko), head of the Ukrainian
Orthodox Church-Kyivan Patriarchate (UOC-KP) , conducted in Odesa and Kyiv
on 16 November 2003

—  What is your vision of today's state of the UOC-KP? Is the number of
parishes and faithful of the UOC-KP increasing?

Over the last few years, I mean the period from 1995 to 2003, the Ukrainian
Orthodox Church-Kyivan Patriarchate has developed significantly. If in
1995, for instance, we had 19 eparchies, today we have 33. In the past, we
had 18 hierarchs and now we have 37. The number of parishes increased from
2200 to 3600. Currently, the Kyivan Patriarchate has 10 million faithful,
while the Moscow Patriarchate has only 5 million followers. Therefore, the
Kyivan Patriarchate has twice as many supporters. These are the data
provided by various sociological institutions.

—  Is the number of parishes also increasing in southern Ukrainian regions?

The expansion of the UOC-KP is taking place in eastern, southern, and
partially, central and northern Ukrainian territories. In western regions,
the distribution has already been completed. For example, in eastern
Ukraine's Dnipropetrovsk region we have 200 parishes, while 8 years ago
there were only 12 parishes. The UOC-KP's influence is not only about
getting more parishes, but also about establishing new monasteries and
educational institutions. Today, we have four higher educational
institutions and six seminaries that train more than 1,500 students. We
regularly publish a church newspaper, magazine and calendars. In addition,
we publish books in Ukrainian. Recently, we published a bible in Ukrainian
and are planning to distribute 150,000 free copies across the country. We
have published all the major prayer and service books in Ukrainian, which
has never been done before. All this work has been done over the last eight
years.

The UOC-KP is becoming stronger. That is why representatives of the Moscow
Patriarchate feel like foreigners in Ukrainian territories. I do not want
to speak for the whole UOC-MP, but the clergy (priests and bishops) feel
they will not be able to stay long within the Moscow Patriarchate in
Ukraine. Sooner or later, they will have to unite with the Kyivan
Patriarchate and create a single national Orthodox Church in Ukraine.
Ukraine as a state and the Ukrainian people call for the creation of a
single national Orthodox Church.

—  How far have you gone in solving the issue of the unity of Orthodoxy in
Ukraine?

The negotiations between Moscow and Constantinople go on, but so far no
positive results have been achieved. The UOC-KP and the Ukrainian
Autocephalous Orthodox Church do not take part in these negotiations, which
impacts their productiveness. Despite the fact that these negotiations have
not led to any positive results, we believe that time will come when the
Ukrainian church will be recognized as a national church by other national
Orthodox churches, because the Ukrainian state exists and it is already
strong. This state is home to the Ukrainian Orthodox Church-Kyivan
Patriarchate, which is expanding and becoming stronger. This gives us hope
that some time in the future world Orthodoxy will recognize the Ukrainian
Church. We are sure of it.

—  Today, the Minsk copy of the Shroud of Turin is displayed for veneration
in Odesa. Representatives of the UOC-MP said it “is not a relic for
Orthodox believers” and “has nothing in common with the original.” How can
you comment on these statements?

We all know that this is a copy of the Shroud of Turin. The original is
preserved in the Italian city of Turin and owned by the Roman Catholic
Church. This is a commonly recognized Christian relic, and not only the
property of the Roman Catholic Church. That is why we treat the copy of the
Shroud of Turin as a relic, because the shrouds that we lay out for
veneration on Good Friday are not originals. Here we have an image of
Christ from the authentic shroud. Venerating the copy, we give respect to
and bow before the passion of our Lord, Jesus Christ. This relic
strengthens faith among Christians. The clergy of the Moscow Patriarchate
speak against the copy of the Shroud of Turin in vain, since they have
never seen this shroud and have an extremely vague image of what the shroud
of Jesus Christ is. The clergy of the Moscow Patriarchate should not give
the commonly recognized Christian relic such condescending treatment.

—  Metropolitan Ahafanhel of Odesa of the UOC-MP and the pro-Russian
organization “Single Fatherland” in Odesa stated that Orthodox believers
should venerate the shroud whose copy is currently in Russia. Metropolitan
Ahafanhel did not give his blessing for the veneration of the copy of the
Shroud of Turin.

If the copy of the shroud Metropolitan Ahafanhel mentions was made from the
Turin copy, then they are of equal value. One should not be arguing and
fighting before this commonly recognized Christian relic. On the contrary,
venerating this relic either in Odesa, in Kyiv, in Moscow or in Turin, we
bow before our only savior, Jesus Christ and his shroud. There are no
different kinds of shrouds, Russian or European, Orthodox or Catholic.
There is a common Christian relic. The only one. And copies may be
numerous. I repeat, one should not incite feuds among Christians near this
relic.

http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/europe/3434961.stm

Saturday, 31 January, 2004, 16:16 GMT
Monks hope to retrieve sacred bells
   By Sarah Rainsford
BBC correspondent in Moscow

   Every morning Father Roman winds his way up a narrow, stone stairway to
take his place on a platform high above Moscow's rooftops.

A softly spoken young monk with a long wispy beard, Father Roman has been
chief bell ringer at the Danilov monastery for three years.

But the bells he currently rings are a mismatched set, cobbled together
from the few that remained intact in Russia after 70 years of state atheism.

The monastery's original set was sold by Stalin to an American businessman
at the height of the Soviet crackdown on religion. They've hung at Harvard
University ever since.

Now the monastery wants them back.

"The period from the late 1920s was a tragic time for the Church," Father
Roman muses, surrounded by the vast replacement bells, dusted in early
morning snow. "All over Russia churches were closed and extremely old and
valuable bells were destroyed. The Church lost its voice."

The Danilov monastery was silenced along with thousands of others. Many of
its monks were imprisoned or shot.

The premises were finally returned to the Church under Mikhail Gorbachev
and the monastery has since been lavishly restored. Today it's the official
residence of the Patriarch but the Danilov monks say it remains incomplete.

"The bells are a link with our past; a past that was cut off, and is now
being restored," Father Roman explains. "Getting the bells back would mark
a new era. It would mark the resurrection of the monastery."

God's language

Gazing out from his office towards the salmon-pink bell tower,
Archimandrite Aleksey is grateful to Harvard for preserving the original
Danilov bells. But the monastery's Father Superior confesses he's now
praying for their return.

"For us, the bells are not just some antique - they have spiritual
significance," Aleksey explains. "They spoke in God's language. They used
to call people to prayer. We are returning a sacred object and we pray to
God that he helps us."

After decades of repression Russian Orthodoxy is enjoying a revival. At
Sunday Mass the main church at the monastery is crowded with worshippers.
Old women in headscarves shuffle between icons; gold handrails glimmer in
the candlelight. Across the country, thousands of churches like it have
been rescued and restored.

Holy event

Archimandrite Aleksey believes returning the Danilov bells to Moscow would
symbolise the return of religion to Russia.

The Orthodox Church has raised the issue in the past, to no avail. Then
last month a Danilov delegation travelled to Harvard for the first ever
official negotiations.

As a result the university has agreed to conduct a feasibility study. If
returning the bells proves logistically possible, the Danilov monastery
would cover the costs and provide Harvard with a replacement set of bells.

"Of course that requires a huge amount of money," Archimandrite Aleksey
admits. "So we have turned to all good willed people, to ask them to help
us in funding this major and holy event."

That appeal for cash has ruffled a few feathers at Harvard, where the
university's official line is that no decision has yet been made.

Michael Burstein was a bell ringer in the early 1990s and he's extremely
reluctant to see the bells sent back. Michael believes they've become an
irreplaceable part of Harvard's own history.

Spiritual

"When I was ringing the bells I felt like part of a very long tradition,"
Michael argues. "When you're in the tower you really feel that connection.
I think the bells should stay where they are and the Russians should use
the money to cast themselves a new set."

As the congregation from Sunday Mass spills out onto the monastery cobbles,
few people in Moscow share that view.

"Of course the bells should be returned. What a strange question," one
woman snorts. "They're obliged to return them!"

"According to the law, the bells belong to Harvard," another parishioner
concedes thoughtfully. "But all moral and spiritual rights to the bells
belong to us. I hope the Americans are ruled by their conscience, as
Christians. Russia waits for her bells."

http://www.oca.org/pages/news/news.asp?ID=465

Schedule of Programs for February 2004 on Orthodox Radio Network includes
noted OCA clergy

We are fast approaching the Lenten Season, are you prepared? Fr. Roman
Braga joins Fr. Chris and Emmy this week as he will share his story of
being in prison for eleven years, relating it to one's journey through
Great Lent. Many of us experience Great Lent individually, but Fr. Roman
will explain that we should all experience the Lenten season as a
community. Tune in this week for a spiritually uplifting program as you are
preparing for Great Lent and learn how to discover who you are through your
Great Lent experience.

02/14/04Topic: Romance in Marriage
Guest: Fr. Don and Khouriya Maggie Hock

As many of us are celebrating Valentine's Day today Fr. Chris and Emmy
welcome Fr. Don and Khouriya Maggie Hock who will provide an Orthodox
Christian perspective of Romance in Marriage; highlighting the importance
of rekindling and keeping the flame lighted at all times. As well, they
will discuss the three stages of marriage: enchantment, disenchantment and
maturity focusing on how romance should be cultivated throughout these
stages. Set aside time with your spouse or loved one and experience what
joy there can be in an Orthodox Christian marriage that is God centered. Be
sure to invite your friends, especially those who are preparing for
marriage to listen to this program.

02/21/04Topic: Another look at the Passion
Guest: His Grace Bishop SAVAS

Fr. Chris had the great pleasure of speaking with His Grace Bishop SAVAS,
Chancellor of the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese, and getting an in depth
interview of his reaction and thoughts of the upcoming release of the Mel
Gibson movie Passion of Christ. His Grace had the pleasure of attending
this past summer a pre-screening of a raw version of the movie along with
other religious leaders and Mel Gibson himself. Be sure to tune in this
week and see what His Grace's thoughts and point of view are on this highly
controversial movie; does it truly portray the actual events accurately?

02/28/04Topic: Orthodox Christian Summer Camps that educate our youth
Guests: Rev. K. Michael Anderson and Rev. Fr. David M. Zuder

How can Orthodox Christian Summer Camps and its structure be beneficial for
our youth? Fr. David Zuder and Fr. Michael Anderson join Fr. Chris and Emmy
as they will address this question emphasizing the rich education that our
children receive each summer. Sending our children to an Orthodox Christian
Summer Camp is very important in view of today's needs and pressures on our
children. Stay tuned this week and find out how our youth are motivated to
lead a Godly life upon attending Orthodox Summer Camp; the experience they
receive is unforgettable. In addition, learn more about the different
Orthodox Christian Summer Camps that you may consider sending your child to
this summer; and remember to register them early as spots fill up rather
quickly.

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World Council of Churches 7 Press Update
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE - 29/01/2004 - pu-04-09

Restore dignity and fullness of life to all children church consultation
urges

Free photo available - see below

As the world hails the intensification of globalization, the number of
children living on the streets has steeply increased, participants in a
21-25 January inter-regional consultation organized by the World Council of
Churches (WCC) and the Christian Conference of Asia (CCA) reported. The
consultation, on "Fullness of life and dignity of children: focus on street
children", took place at Virar, near Bombay, India.

Participants - church leaders from Africa, Asia, the Caribbean, Europe,
Latin America, and the Middle East - said that the plight of street
children calls churches to engage even more actively with and for such
vulnerable children, and gave several examples of churches working to
protect children's dignity and their right to a decent life.

Despite tremendous growth in economic activity and the globalization of
trade and capital, despite the penetration of transnational corporations
into every corner of the world and the increase of productivity, the
world's poor have not benefited, and the children of the poor suffer the
negative impact of this much-popularized development growth, the church
leaders observed.

They testified that millions of children living and working on the streets
come to hate the society that has rejected them. But they also gave
examples of churches playing a vital role in responding to the cry of "a
generation lost in the wilderness", reuniting street children with their
families and reintegrating them into society. They also emphasized that
churches need to move away from a traditional charity-based approach as the
magnitude of the problems faced by children intensifies.

Fr Gabriel Cazacu of the Rumanian Orthodox Church, who works among street
children, said that market-oriented economic reforms in Rumania have
created large numbers of street children, more and more of whom are
addicted to drugs like poisonous glue. The Orthodox Church has been
providing care and protection to hundreds of street children. "The love and
affection they have received has helped them to blossom," Fr Cazacu added.

"African children's lives are becoming much more vulnerable due to [*]
rising intra-state conflict and loosely organized fighting groups, and to
HIV/AIDS", said Emmanuel Motsamal, who coordinates a National Council of
Churches in Botswana programme on children.

Caribbean Council of Churches president Oluwakemi Linda Banks reported that
"the changing pattern in social and family lives and moral values, and the
increasing breakdown of the family have affected the upbringing of children
in many parts of the Caribbean".

Joan Arelis Figueroa of the Church of the Disciples of Christ, Puerto Rico,
also reported that the number of child workers and street children in Latin
America has increased. Begging and juvenile delinquency are common in most
Latin American countries, and increasing violence among these children is
the result of promiscuity, growing poverty and hunger, she said.

WCC programme executive for Latin America and Caribbean Marta Palma
provided additional statistics on how children are being mistreated and
exploited in Latin American countries, but said that several rehabilitation
and counselling centres for children have been initiated by Latin American
churches.

Chuleepran Pearsons of the Church of Christ in Thailand (CCT), and CCA
executive secretary Josef Widyatmaja observed that sexual exploitation of
children, including prostitution, pornography and trafficking has become a
serious problem in Asia ever since economic liberalization was launched by
Asian governments. Several Asian countries have been experiencing a wave of
sex tourism, which destroys the dignity of thousands of Asian children
every year."

The CCT has opened up new avenues to asylum and foster care for many
abandoned children and those whose parents are affected by HIV/AIDS,
Chuleepran reported.

Clarissa Chang of the Council of Churches in Malaysia said some churches in
her country have motivated congregation members to foster children who need
care and protection. And the programme director the Church of North India
ministry to children, Sanjana Das, described the dedication of several
local congregations to fulfilling the basic needs of vulnerable children
through custodial care.

In a keynote address at the start of the consultation, WCC programme
executive for Asia Mathews George Chunakara pointed out that "Despite all
the international instruments existing now to protect and promote the
rights of the child, especially the Convention on the Rights of the Child
of 1989, which has been ratified by 191 countries, more than 250 million
children around the world are on the streets, and most of them are in Asia
and Latin America".

Inaugurating the consultation, CCA president Metropolitan Dr Joseph Mar
Iranaeus of the Mar Thoma Syrian Church in India said that "As we are
surrounded by millions of children who have lost dignity and fullness of
life in their day-to-day lives, churches around the world should respond to
God's call to be the partners in His mission to restore the dignity and
fullness of life of all children." These are God's gifts, and "children
deserve them as much as any other human beings," he said.

A free photo is available at:
http://www.wcc-coe.org/wcc/what/regional/kidignity.html


For more information contact:
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  The World Council of Churches is a fellowship of churches, now 342, in
  more than 120 countries in all continents from virtually all Christian
  traditions. The Roman Catholic Church is not a member church but works
  cooperatively with the WCC. The highest governing body is the assembly,
  which meets approximately every seven years. The WCC was formally
  inaugurated in 1948 in Amsterdam, Netherlands. Its staff is headed by
  general secretary Samuel Kobia from the Methodist church in Kenya.

http://www.orthodoxchamber.com/index.php


http://www.orthodoxchamber.com/policies.php
      The Orthodox Christian Chamber of Commerce is now officially launched.
We are currently hacking through the detailed and arduous task of
programming the interface and search functions. We welcome your questions,
comments, and ideas. We know that AS IS, the value of membership is
undeniable, but striving toward excellence, we will continue to expand and
improve the benefits and services. We NEED your help, too. Please help us
pass the word around.

The Orthodox Christian Chamber of Commerce is a volunteer membership
organization. Like any conventional chamber of commerce, the primary goal
is to aid in networking and cooperation amongst the members. Furthermore,
we are committed to actively promoting the business endeavors of our
membership through education, advertisement, b2b resources, discount
programs, etc. Anyone who considers himself or herself to be Orthodox
Christian and is engaged in business (either as an owner or an agent of a
company, large or small) is encouraged to join.

Also, consistent with the precedence set by chambers of commerce throughout
various communities in North America, membership is also open to non-profit
organizations and individuals.

To qualify as a ministry recipient of funds from the OCCC, however, the
ministry must be endorsed by an official Orthodox Church. We make no
pretense, as a BUSINESS Fellowship, to solve the various issues of
controversy that are best left up to theologians and our God-appointed
bishops. May He grant them wisdom! Our focus is to do our part to further
the work of God in our personal and professional lives, our families, our
churches, and our world, by being responsible and generous stewards of the
resources He has bestowed upon us.

Initially, ONE HALF of the funds received in membership dues will be
donated by the OCCC to the approved charities and ministries, as designated
by the individual members. If t he portion to be donated is changed, for
whatever reason, members will be informed BEFORE any new dues are received.

Membership dues might be tax-deductible as a business expense, NOT as a
charitable donation. Funds are awarded to the participating ministries by
the OCCC on behalf of the membership.

If you have any further questions, please do not hesitate to contact us.
http://www.orthodoxchamber.com/contact.php

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TO BE READ FROM THE PULPIT AND PUBLISHED IN THE CHURCH BULLETIN

December 31, 2003


Beloved Hierarchs, Clergy, Trustees, and All Faithful of this God-Protected and

Self-Ruled Archdiocese:

Greetings and Blessings to all of you in the Name of our Lord Jesus Christ
on this Eve of the New Year !

Since our return from Damascus on October 18th, 2003 we have been very busy
with the detailed planning of the first steps that must be taken in order
that we properly implement the self-rule status that was granted to this
Archdiocese by the resolution of the Holy Synod of Antioch.  The official
English translation of this resolution was previously sent to you to be
read from the pulpit.  We have also received many questions from our clergy
and faithful who are rightfully interested in understanding the next steps,
and the time frame for those steps.  This letter addresses some, but not
all of those questions.  We must all be patient, and understand that events
must happen in a certain order, to insure that the best interests of the
Church are being served.  As St. Paul teaches "Let all things be done
decently and in order" (1 Corinthians 14:40).

   Now that our self-rule status is final, the first step will be for us to
integrate the Synodal resolution into the Archdiocese Constitution.  We
will accomplish this integration by the amendment process that is specified
in our current constitution.  As such, we will call a special convention
consistent with Article V, Section 2 of our current constitution.  This
special convention will be held from Friday July 16th through Sunday July
18th, 2004 in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.  Delegates are expected to arrive
in Pittsburgh on Thursday July 15th.  The date and location has been chosen
so that the clergy of the Archdiocese can proceed directly from the special
convention to the biennial Clergy Symposium that is scheduled from July
19th through July 23rd at the Antiochian Village.  All clergy, parishes,
and missions must be represented either in person or by legal proxy, as is
the case at our regular conventions.  The parish will grant their priest
time off from his pastoral duties, as well as travel and living expenses
for his attendance at this Special Convention.  Specific information
regarding the hotel and agenda for this special convention will follow in
the near future.

Our intention is to have two major items on the agenda for this special
convention; The approval of the amendments which integrate the Synodal
resolution on self-rule into the Archdiocese constitution, and the
nomination, by our General Assembly, of candidates who will stand for
election as Diocesan Bishops.  The nominations will occur according to
Article I Section 6 of our current constitution.  The election will occur
at a later time by the Local Synod of the North American Archdiocese, with
the participation of "two or three Metropolitans" designated by the
Patriarch of Antioch and invited to participate in the election.

As stated above, our clergy and faithful have asked many additional
questions regarding the implementation of self-rule.  Some information can
be given now, as follows:

1.                  We will be drawing Diocesan boundaries that will become
the jurisdictions of the Diocesan bishops.  Although these dioceses may
resemble the current regions, there will likely be changes, as well as the
creation of new dioceses that do not correspond exactly to any of the
existing regions.  This is necessary to insure that our Diocesan bishops
have the maximum opportunity to visit their flocks, and make personal
contact with them.  The specification of Diocesan boundaries is likely to
be done before the special convention is convened.

2.                  The enthronement of our current bishops into specific
dioceses will occur some time after the special convention.  The
consecration and enthronement of newly elected bishops will occur sometime
after their election.

3.                  There is no plan to establish Diocesan Assemblies in
the foreseeable future since we have Diocesan Parish Life Conferences.

4.                  The Diocesan bishops will have additional duties and
responsibilities as appropriate.  We will however, preserve the strong
unity of this Archdiocese under the leadership of the Metropolitan.

5.                  Commemorations - The Metropolitan will commemorate the
Patriarch of Antioch, the Holy Synod of Antioch, and the Local Holy Synod
of the Archdiocese.   The Diocesan Bishop will commemorate the Metropolitan
and the Local Holy Synod of the Archdiocese.  The clergy will commemorate
the Metropolitan followed by the Diocesan Bishop.  The commemoration of the
Diocesan Bishops will begin after the Special Convention in July.

   Together we have much difficult work ahead of us.  Let us pray fervently
that the Holy Spirit will continue to guide us, so that our work may be
pleasing to our Lord Jesus Christ, for the Glory of His Holy Name, and the
Glory of His Church.

   Your Father in Christ,

Metropolitan PHILIP

Primate

Antiochian Orthodox Christian Archdiocese of North America
http://www.antiochian.org/News/Message20031231SelfRuleImplementation.htm

http://www.risu.org.ua/article.php?sid=1142&l=en

Russian President Says Ukrainian Orthodox Church “Now Totally Independent”

01.26.04 (RISU.org.ua) – RTR Russia TV, Moscow, in Russian, 24 Jan 04/ BBC
Monitoring Service, UK, in English, Jan 24, 2004 – Russian President
Vladimir Putin stated that “The Ukrainian Orthodox Church is now totally
independent, including from the Russian Orthodox Church.” He talked about
this and other church matters at a meeting in Kyiv with Ukrainian President
Leonid Kuchma and Metropolitan Volodymyr [Sabodan], head of the Ukrainian
Orthodox Church-Moscow Patriarchate, on 24 January 2004.

[Presenter] The second day of the Russian president's Ukrainian visit
started today with a trip to Kiev-Pecherska Lavra [Monastery of the Caves].
[Russian President] Vladimir Putin and [Ukrainian President] Leonid Kuchma
visited one of the most ancient Orthodox holy places. It was founded in the
11th century, among caves on the banks of the Dnieper. [Passage omitted]

The Ukrainian [Orthodox] hierarch presented Putin with an icon depicting
(?Antoniy, Feodosiy) and all Pechera saints who were the monastery's first
priests. Putin responded with a gift of his own - an icon depicting
(?Serafim Sarovskiy) which is almost one hundred years old.

[Putin, presenting the icon] I would like to express my heartfelt gratitude
for the icon and the remarkably kind words. I would like to say that we in
Russia know what Kiev-Pecherska Lavra is. We have not forgotten and will
never forget the fact that it was in the Dnieper that Prince Vladimir
started baptizing Russia. It was not by accident that for a long time it
had been referred to as Kievskaya Rus [Kiev's Rus], Holy Rus.

Today, Kiev-Pecherska Lavra is a symbol of the spiritual unity of Russia
and Ukraine. Thank you very much for your service. I would like to give you
the icon of Serafim Sarovskiy. We are going to celebrate the 250th
anniversary since his birth [several words indistinct]

[Presenter] Vladimir Putin, Leonid Kuchma and Ukrainian church hierarchs
later had a cup of tea together. [Passage omitted] President Putin said he
was aware of the [Ukrainian church] split but was not going to meddle with
church affairs. Nonetheless, he expressed his support for the Ukrainian
Patriarchy. And I quote, the president said that we were with you in spirit.

[Putin] Numerous problems and difficulties have emerged as a result of the
radical historical changes that our peoples had to face at the start of the
1990s. But I would like to say that in these circumstances the role and
significance of Orthodox faith in the spiritual life of our people have
increased dramatically.

The Ukrainian Orthodox Church is now totally independent, including from
the Russian Orthodox Church. The only link that remains between the
churches is the canonical and spiritual link. In my view, this is a very
important factor in the unity of our peoples.

http://www.risu.org.ua/article.php?sid=1148&l=en


01.28.04 (RISU.org.ua) – Kyiv -- From 22 to 26 January 2004, Metropolitan
Volodymyr (Sabodan), head of the Ukrainian Orthodox Church-Moscow
Patriarchate (UOC-MP), met with the ambassadors to Ukraine from France,
Israel and Hungary.

During a meeting on 22 January, Metropolitan Volodymyr and French
Ambassador Philippe de Suremain discussed the church split in Ukraine, its
reasons, and the negative impact on the spiritual revival of the Ukrainian
people.

Ambassador Suremain stated that nowhere in the world do so many people go
to church as go to Orthodox churches in Ukraine. He also added that the
number of monasteries and monks and nuns testify not only to a visible
renewal of what had been lost during the years of atheism, but also to a
new spirituality and real practice of Christian life, which according to
the ambassador does not exist in France.

On 26 January, Metropolitan Volodymyr met with Naomi Ben-Ami, Israeli
ambassador to Ukraine, and discussed the problems of Orthodox Ukrainian
citizens traveling to Israel.

Later that day, Metropolitan Volodymyr met with Janosz Tot, Hungarian
ambassador to Ukraine. They discussed the current religious situation in
Ukraine. Ambassador Tot told the metropolitan about the present state of
and prospects for religious development in Hungary.

Source: www.orthodox.org.ua

http://www.risu.org.ua/article.php?sid=1144&l=en

US Ambassador Studies Orthodox Church Transfer

01.28.04 (RISU.org.ua) – Kyiv -- John Herbst, US ambassador to Ukraine, on
18 January 2004 acquainted himself with the situation over the Church of
the Protection of the Mother of God in the village of Malyn, central
Ukrainian Zhytomyr region, and studied the documents about the church.
Presently in the possession of the Rusyn Orthodox Church-Abroad (ROC-A),
headed by Metropolitan Lavr, the Malyn administration is trying to transfer
the church to the ownership of the Ukrainian Orthodox Church-Moscow
Patriarchate.

Fr. Vasyl Demchenko, pastor of the church, acquainted Ambassador Herbst
with a letter from the National Committee on Religious Matters, which
assigned a special commission to deal with the situation over the church.

According to the US Embassy in Kyiv, Ambassador Herbst is a member of the
Russian Orthodox Church-Abroad. This church jurisdiction is related to the
Rusyn Orthodox Church-Abroad.

RISU reported about the situation in Malyn on 14 January 2003.

Source: www.ipc.od.ua

2004.01.28 MPA:

THURSDAY, 29 JANUARY 2004
EXPECTING IMPRESSIVE MOVES IN CUBA

Istanbul, 28 January 2004 (12:20 UTC+2)

A formal invitation will be extended to Cuban leader Fidel Castro to visit
Mt. Athos, by Ecumenical Patriarch Vartholomeos, in his letter thanking him
for the warm welcome during his historic visit to Cuba, which opened up new
horizons for Orthodoxy and Hellenism, both in this island country of the
Caribbean, and throughout the American continent.

In a discussion with the press shortly before the landing of the "Olympic
Airways" flight in Istanbul, the Ecumenical Patriarch mentioned the
unexpectedly warm welcome he received from the Cuban government and its
President Fidel Castro, as well as the pressures of the US.

"The Americans cannot be pleased, but we are not a party, we are not an
ideology", pointed out the Patriarch, asking those who continue insist on
the embargo against Cuba: "What did the poor do, what did the children do,
so as not to have medicines", asked the Head of Orthodoxy.

Mr. Vartholomeos observed that the role and mission of the Patriarchate
place it above ideologies, political confrontations and quarrels.

The extent of the warm welcome Mr. Vartholomeos found from both the Cuban
leadership and people, is evident in the fact that the President of Cuba
met with the Patriarch 7 times, had three private meetings with him,
accompanied him to the airport in his car, and expressing views that were
unimaginable for an unyielding Marxist revolutionary such as Fidel.
According to statements of the public, they expect help from the Ecumenical
Patriarch and Greece, not merely financial, but help with ideas, because it
seems that Cuba is at the beginning of impressive openings. Evidence of
this opening can be found both in the wish expressed by Fidel for books on
Mt. Athos and Orthodoxy to be sent to Cuba, in order to be distributed to
the country's schools and foundations, and in the invitation for the
foundation of Theology School of the Ecumenical Patriarchate in Havana,
with the expenses to be covered by the Cuban State.
© 1994-2004 Macedonian Press Agency

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