The statement of the bishopric concludes by expressing its protest against such parades, which sought to change the public beliefs in order to make the unnatural seem natural and be approved. Earlier this week the extreme rightist and nationalist Bulgarian National Union led by the former associate of the Ataka party Boyan Rasate declared it would organize several counter-events within a "Week of Intolerance". According to Rasate, homosexuality had a lot to do with pedophilia.

On the feast of the uncovering of the precious relics of St Sergius of Radonezh, the primates of the Russian and Cypriote Orthodox Churches presided over the festal divine services in the Cathedral of the Dormition at the Holy Trinity-St Sergius Lavra. With His Holiness, Patriarch Alexis II of Moscow and All Russia and His Beatitude, Archbishop Chrysostomos II of New Justiniana and All Cyprus hierarchs of the Russian Orthodox Church, as well as priests who were members of the Cypriote delegation, and members of the Lavra's brotherhood, concelebrated.

After the Divine Liturgy, the primates of the fraternal Local Churches celebrated a service of supplication to St Sergius of Radonezh on the monastery's main plaza. In accordance with tradition, the chanting of the feast was provided by a unified choir of singers from the Lavra and from the Moscow seminaries, under the direction of Archimandrite Matthew (Mormil'). The chanters sang from specially erected platforms near the Lavra's bell-tower.

Present at the divine services was a youth group from several of the dioceses of the Russian Orthodox Church Outside of Russia, headed by Protopriest Andrew Sommer, a member of the clergy of the Synodal Cathedral of Our Lady of the Sign, in New York City. Following the service of supplication, His Holiness, Patriarch Alexy, and His Beatitude, Archbishop Chrysostomos, venerated the precious relics of St Sergius, and afterwards addressed words of greeting to the thousands of pilgrims who had traveled to the Holy Trinity-St Sergius Lavra from Russia, the Ukraine, Belorussia, and other countries.

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Born on January 1, 1937 in Campbell, OH, he graduated from Saint Tikhon’s Seminary, South Canaan, PA in May 1959 and was married to the former Anna Timpko the following month. He was ordained by His Eminence, Archbishop Dimitry [Magan] of Philadelphia and Pennsylvania, to the diaconate at St. Barbara Church, Cassville, NJ, on August 26, 1959, and to the priesthood at the Nativity of the Theotokos Church, Cassville, NJ, the following day. He served several parishes in Ohio and Pennsylvania before his assignment to Christ the Saviour Church, Byesville, OH, in 1968. In 1984, he was assigned rector of Holy Transfiguration Church, Steubenville, OH, where he served until the time of his repose.

Father John was active in numerous community ministries and organizations. For many years he served as a member of the board of directors for the Salvation Army. A genuine "people person," he constantly pursued helping others and was well known for bring humor into their lives, whether it be in working at a soup kitchen, socializing with heart patients, or visiting friends at local restaurants or businesses -- always wearing his "signature" kamilavka. He left an indelible stamp on everyone he met. Passionate about his faith and the Church, he was never afraid to speak up on controversial issues. He supported the pro-life movement and attended numerous local and national pro-life celebrations. He was a leader in the pan-Orthodox community, placing the faith above ethnicity, as reflected in the parishes he served, which included faithful of Slovak, Russian, Romanian, Greek, Serbian, Albanian, Lebanese, and other heritages. He revealed his passion for life through singing, traveling, gardening, cooking, and grandparenting. His love for people, however, was obvious to all who knew him.

For his years of faithful pastoral service, Father John received numerous clerical awards, including the right to wear the nabedrenik, skufia, kamilavka, and gold cross; elevation to the rank of archpriest; and the right to wear the jeweled cross and palitza. At the time of his repose, he and his wife were anticipating the celebration of the 50th anniversary of his ordination in 2009.

Father John is survived by his wife, Matushka Anna; his son John and his wife Enid and his grandsons Jonathan and Alexander, St. Charles, IL; and his son Nicholas and his wife Cindy, Mingo Junction, OH. His third son, Andrew, fell asleep in the Lord in 1983. He is also survived by his sister Olga and sister-in-law Joann, both of the Youngstown, OH area. In addition to his immediate family, he leaves many godchildren, nieces, nephews, friends, and faithful parishioners.

Funeral services will be celebrated on Friday evening, July 25, at Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Church, 300 South 4th St, Steubenville, OH, at 7:00 p.m., after visitation throughout the day. On Saturday, July 26, the Divine Liturgy will be celebrated at Holy Transfiguration Church, Steubenville, OH at 10:00 a.m. His Grace, Bishop Tikhon of Philadelphia and Eastern Pennsylvania, locum tenens of the Diocese of Western Pennsylvania, will preside. Following a repast, interment will take place at Saint John the Baptist Cemetery, Campbell, OH.

May Father John's memory be eternal!

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http://www.oca.org/news/1598

CAMBRIDGE, NY [New Skete Monastery] -- The Monastic Communities and Chapel Community of parishioners of New Skete Monastery, Cambridge, NY, invite all to join them for a day of prayer and reflection celebrating their feast day on Saturday, August 9, 2008 (rain or shine). The theme of the pilgrimage is "Healing: New Life in Christ."As is the rule of monastic life, the day will begin and end with prayer with Matins at 8:30 am, followed by the celebration of the Divine Liturgy at 9:30 am, and Vespers and Vigil at 5:30 pm.

A special healing service will be held at approximately 4:15 pm. Two main presentations will be held in the afternoon -- "Perspective on Healing" with Dr. Demetra Velisarios Jaquet and Fr. Steven Voytovich and "Holy Unction: Human Illness, Healing, and Wellness" given by Rev. Dr. Alkiviadis Calivas.

In addition, the day will include tours of the monastery Churches, a demonstration of the monks' dog program, as well as time for hiking, conversation, reflection and quiet. Activities for children and teens are also planned. Traditional ethnic and American style food will be available for purchase. The Monks, Nuns, and Companions of New Skete are a Stavropegial monastery of the Orthodox Church in America.

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The article appeared in the Monday, July 21, 2008 edition of La Patria, page 10a.

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The purpose of the seminar was to increase awareness on the issues of human trafficking. Topics discussed included prevention methods and counseling assistance for the victims.

The seminar was opened by Ms. Gyulnara Shahinian, UNODC (United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime) expert on trafficking and human rights, who presented a report on the overall situation of trafficking in the world. She discussed the manifestations of trafficking, new methods of exploitation, as well as current Armenian legislation on the issue. She also spoke about the re-integration of trafficking victims into society and other related issues.

During the three-day seminar, group discussions were held on several topics. Clergy participants identified ways to aid trafficking victims, methods to integrate them back into society and how to mediate between society and the family members of the victims. It was emphasized that the victims of trafficking very often need counseling and compassion from experienced priests, and therefore the Armenian Church has an important role to play in these efforts.

The participants also watched documentaries on trafficking issues, which were followed by discussions.

As part of the activities scheduled for the seminar, attendees toured the monastic complex of Kecharis and participated in evening services.

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http://www.armenianchurch.org/

His Holiness Aram I awarded the “Saint Mesrob Mashdots” Medal to Lebanese Armenian artist and painted Haroutioun Torossian during a ceremony in the Saint Asdvadzadzine Monastery in Bikfaya on July 18. The event also celebrated the launch of Torossian’s “Tuidanguines”

(“From my Perspective”) book.

Father Sahag Yemishian delivered the opening remarks of the conference, highlighting the importance of art and its influence on the lives of people. Well known pedagogue Krikor Shahinian, an old friend of the artist, then spoke about Torossian and his paintings. “The lines of his paintings are clear and firm, his shapes are impressive but not severe.” Due to his long-standing friendship with Torossian, Shahinian had come to know the man beyond the artist. “He’s a good man and a passionate Armenian. It is a true pleasure to see artistic skills and moral values on one person”, Shahinian observed.

Speaking in French, Mrs. Mary Therese Tabet portrayed in detail the artist’s personality. “The art of Haroutioun Torossian is an experience that enriches the soul, specially when produced by an artist who has such a sensitive spirit,” she said.

A student of Torosian, Hanna Bou Soujwan, expressed his gratitude towards her teacher. “An artist in every sense of the word, he never knew hatred, nor rest. He breathed with the colors, having Lebanon as his source of inspiration,” he said in his Arabic speech.

In his concluding remarks, His Holiness Aram I upheld the characteristics of Torossian the man and the artist. “Haroutioun Torossian is the combination of simplicity, love and spiritual values. As an artist, he has been one that has remained peaceful at times like the calm sea and restless at others like the stormy sea.” His Holiness highlighted three unique characteristics in Torossian: the artist of letters, colours and lines; the artist of dialogue between east and west; the artist who clearly articulates the spirit of what does it mean to be Armenian. His Holiness observed that Torossian had produced his art with faith and a firm dedication to our nation’s values. “We come and go, but we remain in the life of people by what we give to humanity” added the Pontiff.

His Holiness then placed the Catholicosate of Cilicia’s “Saint Mesrob Mashdots” Medal on the artist’s chest as a symbol of appreciation for his valuable work. The event also featured a cultural entertainment program including a performance by Father Torkom Donoyan on the piano. The ceremony ended with the collective singing of “Cilicia”.

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The collection of Eastern and Western Armenian literary masterpieces, “Orhnerkoutyoun Medzaskanchin” published last year by the Catholicosate of Cilicia, dedicated to the Armenian language, was presented on July 17 to educational officials from around the Armenian Diaspora gathered in Antelias to attend the second Pan-Diaspora Conference on Education.

The event, sponsored by His Holiness Aram I, was to re-evaluate the “Year of the Armenian Language” declared by the Catholicosate of Cilicia in 2007, during which several initiatives throughout the Diaspora brought the Armenian Language at the center of attention. The volume was edited by Lebanese-Armenian intellectual Sarkis Giragosian, also lecturer on the Armenian Language and Literature at the Seminary and an intellectual. It had been published towards the end of the year.

In his opening remarks, Deacon Father Mesrob Sarkissian talked about the educational mission of the Catholicosate of Cilicia, which coexists side-by side with its spiritual, religious mission. Seminary students then recited poems praising the Armenian Language.

Lebanese Armenian poet Hagop Manoukian delivered a comprehensive account of the content of the volume and the editorial work involved in its preparation. Mr. Manoukian presented to the audience poetic and literary excerpts from the volume, speaking about the uniqueness of the collection.

In his speech, His Holiness Aram I once again upheld the essential importance of the Armenian Language. Speaking about the Catholicosate of Cilicia’s initiatives to bring important issues to the center of public attention, His Holiness talked about the Year of the Armenian Language in 2007. “However, for each Armenian the Armenian Language is a daily existential struggle. The Armenian Language is one of the Holy values of our nation and one that can not be forgotten, not only because the discovery of the Armenian letters was made by a Saint, but because the Language acquired a value equal to that of sanctity in Armenian life. Is there an Armenian intellectual who has not realized the important value of our language? Is there an Armenian clergyman, who while conveying the Word of God, does not realize the sacred value of the Armenian Language?” wondered His Holiness. On this occasion the Pontiff also highly praised editor Sarkis Giragossian, the Cilician Brotherhood members who organized the conference, the Seminary students who participated in the program and the Seminary’s management. The cultural entertainment program continued with performances by Seminary students and a reception by the Seminary’s management.

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The second Pan-Diaspora Conference on Education was launched on July 17 in the Saint Asdvadzadzine Monastery in Bikfaya. The conference brings together some 100 Armenian community officials from around the world involved in the field of education, including principals of Armenian schools and teachers of Armenian Language, Literature, Religion.

The official opening of the conference in the “Prapyon Doumanian” Hall of the Seminary followed the morning service in the Saint Asdvadzadzine chapel. In his speech the Pontiff praised the commitment of the Armenian school and its dedicated teachers to the spiritual and intellectual formation of the new Armenian generations. Referring to the discussions of the first conference on education held four years ago in Antelias, His Holiness talked about those proposals, which had been brought to life as well as the shortcomings in realizing some others.

Outlining his vision of the second conference’s discussions, His Holiness advised that it should be unique in its kind. “This is not only a conference to share our difficulties and concerns with one another. We have come here to talk about re-organizing the teaching of Armenological topics, particularly Armenian Language, Literature, and Religion. We live in different circumstances. In some countries there are difficulties with regard to classes, textbooks and even teachers. Therefore, the exchange of viewpoints and your proposals are essential for the coordination of our collective efforts. Finally, His Holiness called up the participants to work collectively.

The sessions of the first day featured discussions on the status of the above-mentioned topics in each of the Dioceses and other concerns. The conference will continue over the next two days.

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On Friday, June 11, in the Holy Dormition Svyatogorsk Lavra the celebrations were held at which thousands of pilgrims and numerous representatives of the clergy from Russia, Ukraine and Belarus were present. The vigil on the day of the Holy Apostles Peter and Paul was presided over by His Eminence Metropolitan of Voronezh and Borisoglebsk Sergiy in concelebration with other hierarchs, clergy and brethren of the Lavra of Svyatogorsk.

On Saturday, July 12, in the Cathedral of Holy Dormition of the Svyatogorsk Lavra in the course of Divine Liturgy was performed the rite of glorification in the ranks of saints of the Synaxis of the Holy Fathers Who Shone in the Holy Mountains at Donets. Taking part in the solemn divine service together with Metropolitan of Kyiv and All Ukraine Volodymyr were 18 hierarchs: Metropolitan Sergiy of Voronezh and Borisoglebsk, Hiero-archimandrite of the Holy Dormition Svyatogorsk Lavra Metropolitan Hilarion of Donetsk and Mariupol, Metropolitan Iriney of Dnipropetrovsk and Pavlohrad, Metropolitan Ioannikiy of Luhansk and Alchevsk,

Archbishop Efraim of Kryvyi Rih and Nikopol, Archbishop Ioann of Kherson and Tavriya, vicar of the Kharkiv Diocese Archbishop Onuphriy of Izyum, Deputy Abbot of the Hermitage of Nativity of the Theotokos in Glinka Archbishop Luka of Konotop and Glukhiv, Bishop Amvrosiy of Chernihiv and Novhorod-Siverskyi, Deputy Abbot of the Holy Dormition Svyatogorsk Lavra, Vicar of the Diocese of Donetsk Bishop Arseniy, Bishop Mytrofan of Horlivka and Slovyansk , Vicar of the Donetsk Diocese Bishop Varnava of Makiyivka, Bishop Yelisey of Berdyansk and Prymorsk, Bishop Agapit of Severodonetsk and Starobilsk, Rector of the Kyiv Theological Academy and Seminary Bishop Anthony of Boryspil, Bishop Alexander of Pereyaslav-Khmelnytskyi, and His Grace Bishop Alipy. Concelebrating with the hierarchs were the host of clergy and the brethren of Lavra. І

At the Divine Liturgy at the Lesser Entrance was served the last Litia for the reposed God-pleasers, thereafter two hierarchs said the word of enunciation. Bishop of Kryvyi Rih and Nikopol Efraim read out an extract from the Journal of Proceedings of the session of the Holy Synod of the Ukrainian Orthodox Church, which passed the decision on glorification among the saints of the Synaxis of Fathers who shone in the Holy Mountains at Donets, approved the troparion, prayer service and the icon for veneration. Then Bishop Mytrofan of Horlivka and Slovyansk read out the lives of each of the hermits of Svyatogorsk. Thereafter the icon depicting the synaxis of the Fathers of Svyatogorsk was taken from the altar to the singing of troparion to the newly-glorified saints, and the Primate of the Ukrainian Orthodox Church His Beatitude Metropolitan Volodymyr performed the first prayerful veneration of the holy image and of the reliquaries with the holy relics that stay here, at the Cathedral of Holy Dormition. This example was followed by other archpastors and clergy, and the Divine service went on.

Upon completion of the Liturgy in the Cathedral of the Holy Dormition the festive prayer service was performed proclaiming "many years" to the Primate of the Ukrainian Orthodox Church, to the hierarchs, clergy and all those praying.

At Most, in Czechia, a new Romanian Orthodox church will be built with the feast day of Holy Martyr Valentine. The church will be a memorial for the 40,000 Romanian soldiers who died on the area of the former Czechoslovakia during the two World Wars.

The founding stone was consecrated by the praise-worthy Patriarch Teoctist on June 14 2007, together with Right Rev. Vincentiu of Ploiesti, Patriarchal vicar. The building of the new worship place will help promote the Romanian spirituality and traditional architecture in Czhechia.

The church is the first to be built in Czechia after World War II and its consecration is set to take place in 2010, when 65 years will be celebrated from the end of World War II.

Those who wish to join the Romanian Patriarchate by contributing to this sacred deed of honoring the heroes of the Romanian nation, can make deposits in the following accounts of the Romanian Patriarchate, mentioning 'For the Most church.'

The Romanian Patriarchate - Social and Cultural Mission: RO31RNCB0075004895030117 (account in RON) and RO04RNCB0075004895030118 (account in Euro), accounts opened at the Romanian Commercial Bank.

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