SEPT./OCT. VOL. LXXIV, 2009 Nos. 9-10 The Herald/SOLIA...have God’s transcendence without His...

VOL. LXXIV,Nos. 9-10

SEPT./OCT.2009

THE HERALD•••••

JACKSON, MI

2 SOLIA SEPT/OCT 2009PRAY AND WORK FOR ORTHODOX UNITY IN NORTH AMERICA

SOLIA — THE HERALD (ISSN 0038-1039)is published bi-monthly for $15.00 per year:United States, $20.00 per year: Canada, and$25.00 per year in other countries by The Ro-manian Orthodox Episcopate of America, 2535Grey Tower Road, Jackson, MI 49201-9120.Periodicals postage paid at Jackson, Michigan,and additional offices. Phone: (517) 522-3656,Fax: (517) 522-5907. E-mail: [email protected]: http://www.roea.org.

POSTMASTER: Send address changes to:SOLIA — THE HERALD, P.O. Box 185,Grass Lake, MI 49240-0185, U.S.A.

Articles and news published in SOLIAdo not necessarily reflect the views orthe endorsement of the Romanian Or-thodox Episcopate of America.

CHAIRMAN:Most Rev. Archbishop

Nathaniel Popp

VICE-CHAIRMAN:Right Rev. Bishop Irineu Duvlea

ENGLISH EDITOR / SECRETARY:Archdeacon David Oancea

ROMANIAN EDITOR:Rev. Fr. Anton Frunza ¨

STAFF:Hieromonk Calinic Berger Ph.D.

V. Rev. Dr. Remus GramaHdcn. Sebastian Dumitrascu

Mr. Mark ChestnutMr. Richard C. Grabowski

CONTENTSEnglish Section

Holy Space: Heaven on Earth,Hieromonk Calinic (Berger) .......................3, 8, 10

“Welcome Home” – God’s Love inEl Salvador, Jessica Precop .........................4-5, 16

The Pursuit of Happiness,Psa. Janene Wey ................................................ 6, 9

Vacation Church School,Fr. Cosmin Sicoe ............................................. 7, 15

Where Earthly Cares Fall Away,Patti Michaelson .............................................. 8, 10

Stanitz/AROY Scholarship Recipients 2009 .............9Clergy Changes .........................................................10Hierarchal Schedule .................................... 10-11, 13Auxiliary Bishop Schedule .......................................12What is ARFORA?, Lucy Pop..................................13Financial Report ................................................. 14-15Solia Financial Report .............................................16

Romanian SectionCuva[nt de Suflet, Septembrie – Octombrie 2009,

+ IRINEU, Episcop Vicar ...................... 17, 18, 20Ce Este A.R.F.O.R.A=, Lucy Pop ............................18Nasçterea Maicii Domnului,

Pr. Dr. Cezar Vasiliu ...................................... 19-20Preot Profesor Dr. Cezar Vasiliu la 70 de Ani .....20Prega¨tirea Pentru Primirea Tainei Sfintei

ömpa¨rta¨sçanii, Preot Anton Frunza¨ ......................21Ca[nd sçi Cum Sa¨ Ne ömpa¨rta¨sçim=

Ierom. Petru Pruteanu ................................... 22, 24Educarea Cresçtina¨ a Familiei,

Maica Preoteasa¨ .............................................. 23-24

OUR COVER: Icon of our Venerable MotherParascheva of Ias çi, Romania, celebrated on Octo-ber 14.

All Good Wishes &Many Years to

His EminenceArchbishop NATHANIEL

on the occasion of

the 10th Anniversary ofhis elevation to the rank of

ARCHBISHOPon October 20.

öntru Mulòi AniSta¨pa[ne!

SOLIA SEPT/OCT 2009 3PRAY AND WORK FOR ORTHODOX UNITY IN NORTH AMERICA

abiding and personal presence. Today, the OrthodoxChurch alone in the Christian world maintains a deepreverence for holy space – such as the altar-sanctuary– and for holy things. Why is this? Is this an erroneousbelief? Is not God everywhere?

In fact, both traditions exist side by side in theScriptures and both are equally necessary. On the onehand, God “does not dwell in temples made by hands”(Acts 17:24). “Where shall I flee from your pres-ence?” (Ps. 139:7). This is a great comfort to believ-ers: God is always with us and nowhere are we sepa-rated from His presence and power. God is “every-where present” – or, in a proper theological sense,God is in no place and yet in all places simulta-neously. “His power permeates all things, but nothingpermeates Him,” wrote St. John of Damascus.

On the other hand, however, there is holy space.Many such places were sanctified by God Himselfonly to be revealed in the lives of patriarchs andprophets. For example, Moses was told to remove hisshoes, “for the ground on which you are standing isholy” (Ex 3:5). Jacob unwittingly took a nap at a holyplace and awoke in terror declaring it to be none otherthan the “house of God” (Beth-El) and the “gate ofheaven” (Gen 28:17). Jacob responded by consecrat-ing an altar there.

The theological problem of the meaning of holyspace was addressed directly by St. John of Dam-ascus. God, being immaterial in a manner beyond ourunderstanding, is beyond “place,” being His own“place,” as beyond all things, filling all things andmaintaining all things. “Place,” properly speaking, ispart of created reality (as is time), not uncreated

HOLY SPACE: HEAVEN ON EARTHby

Hieromonk Calinic (Berger)

“This holy altar before which I stand is stone, ordi-nary in its nature, in nowise different than other slabsof stone… but seeing that it was consecrated to theservice of God, and received the benediction, it is aholy table, an altar undefiled, no longer touched bythe hands of all, but of the priests alone, and that withreverence.”

So wrote the Cappadocian Father, St. Gregory ofNyssa, in the fourth century. He continues that weshould not consider “as a commonthing” anything consecrated, “for thepower that operates is mighty andwonderful are the things wroughtthereby.”

St. Gregory’s words reflect theChristian fulfillment of an ancienttradition, with its roots both on MountSinai and on Mount Zion, that spe-cific places are sanctified in a par-ticular and special manner by God’s

him by God on Mount Sinai, where Moses was com-manded to make everything to the exact specificationsshown to him (Ex 25:40).

In the Hebrew tradition, the temple was modeledafter the structure of creation. The “Holy of Holies,”where God’s presence was most acute – a place be-hind a veil entered by the High Priest alone – washeaven, God’s throne, “the beginning” which was priorto the first day of creation. As such it was outside oftime, as God, who is outside of time, was in that place.The worship in the temple’s Holy of Holies was there-fore a participation in heavenly worship with the pres-ence of angel-priests, and hence Moses was com-manded to carve the images of the cherubim for theHoly of Holies.

Many of the Fathers of the Church commented onthe division of the temple and its items, all of whichpoint to Jesus Christ. Heaven and earth, the templeand the human heart – all of these are interwoven inworship. Hence, St. Maximus the Confessor could seethe tri-partite division of the church building (narthex,nave and sanctuary) as a model of both the cosmosand of the human soul – the sanctuary being God’sheavenly throne and the depth of the human heart,where God abides – simultaneously. The early Churchmaintained this division in its temples, and it is main-tained in the Orthodox Church to the present day.

Through its tiered division, the architectural schemeof an Orthodox church is a confession that one cannothave God’s transcendence without His immanence,and vice versa. If God were to be all transcendent,there would be no immanence (He would be exiled to

reality. However, God is active in creation and choosesplaces where His energy and grace become mani-fested in a more explicit manner. These places are setaside, “sanctified,” by God, being used for His wor-ship, and in turn manifest of His personal presence.This perspective makes perfect sense in Orthodoxtheology which considers grace to be uncreated.

With this in mind, we can understand why GodHimself commanded that holy space be set aside for

His special presence among thepeople: “And the LORD spake untoMoses, saying… let them make mea sanctuary; that I may dwell amongthem” (Ex 25:1, 8). This tradition ofa holy space for God was solidifiedwith the election of Mount Zion asthe location of a permanent temple.This tabernacle/temple was not “de-signed” by Moses: its structure andall the items in it were revealed to

Cont. on page 8


En el nombre del Padre, del Hijo y del Espíritu Santo.In the Name of the Father and the Son and the Holy

Spirit. Amen.

Last February, I had the privilege of being a part ofa mission team, through Orthodox Christian Fellow-ship (OCF), that traveled to El Salvador to visit SanCristóbal Orphanage outside of San Salvador, thenation’s capital.

“WELCOME HOME” —GOD’S LOVE IN EL SALVADOR

by Jessica Precop

Jessica with Cristián

This trip was life-changing, and it opened our heartsto Jesus in a way I can only attempt to describe.Arriving in El Salvador late Saturday night, we werebriefed on the conditions of the orphanage and theproject we would undertake: building a storage unitfor the boys’ room to replace the feeble clotheslinethey were presently using. We felt a sense of pridewhen we completed the shelving units, complete withhanging rack bars and shoe racks. However, the mostrewarding part of this visit was spending time withthese precious children of God. The children werefilled with joy at the sight of the new and clean por-tion of the otherwise decrepit orphanage in whichthey lived. The living situation for the children wasone of the most depressing things I have ever comeacross. There was filth everywhere, and only a fewfeet away from the children’s beds were the bathroomstalls, which hadn’t been cleaned in who knows howlong. We purchased cleaning supplies and a few of usgirls scrubbed the toilets as well as the dormitoryfloor using our own t-shirts as rags to clean the win-dows.

The kids had next to nothing. What little clothesthey did have were showing extreme signs of age.They were growing out of them as their toes were

busting out the fronts of their shoes. Many of themlacked things as basic as underwear. Their playgroundwas a heap of broken furniture and trash. Upon dis-covering them rifling through the garbage after ourfirst lunch, we gave the majority of our lunches there-after to them, because they didn’t get enough to eat.And despite not having enough to eat, the first thingeach child always did was find someone to share itwith.

We took every opportunity to interact with themduring time in the playground and completing manyarts and crafts projects. Many of these kids have comefrom troubled pasts. Because of this, they were veryreserved at first; almost hiding from us. For example,one boy who I especially connected with was Cristián.A young boy no older than 12, Cristián came from afamily that abused him as a young child. Given this,he was naturally a very closed, timid, and quiet child.Near the beginning of our trip, Cristián would gener-ally reject our attempts to love and show compassionto him, and rightfully so. However, as the week pro-gressed, Cristián began to realize that we were thereto show him love and kindness, something he and theother orphans rarely EVER experience. I will neverforget the look on his face every morning as our buswould pull into the orphanage. The smile and joypouring out of Cristián’s and every other kid’s faceand heart really made me realize what miraculous andgreat things we were doing for these children throughGod. One of my favorite moments with Cristián hap-pened one afternoon when everyone was playing out-side. Being the timid child he was, he stood at thecorner of the pavement just watching. I called himover to sit by me where he and I could be spectatorsof the activities going on. He sat close to me and Ibegan to rub his head and back. For about an hour hesat there with a look of absolute contentment on hisface. Many times other people asked him to play, buthe refused. He wanted to sit next to me; he wanted andNEEDED that love. That moment shook my heart intothe reality that these precious children who deserveall of the love in the world receive it once a year-when O.C.F. brings a group of students to the orphan-age.

During the few days I spent at the orphanage, Ideveloped deep relationships with many kids, but thefunny thing is they didn’t speak English and my Span-ish was dreadful. Even though we did not speak thesame language, we understood each other, we playedtogether, we worked together, we shared with eachother, and we loved each other – for God’s love tran-scends language. As the time came for us to say


goodbye, I knew that we would always be connectedthrough Jesus Christ who loves us. And through thatexpression of love as Christ portrays, I learned weneed not words, but actions. The language of Chris-tianity, the language of Orthodoxy, is LOVE!

The very first day we arrived there, it was justabout lunchtime. We brought out some chalk andstarted coloring on the ground with the children. Oneof the little boys grabbed my hand and took me overto his picture; he had written the words “WelcomeHome”. It was so moving to see this little boy, whocannot speak a word of English, write welcome home;and at that moment, I felt at home. Another beautifulsight was watching some of the children work on theshelving units with us. They took pride in their newaddition to the orphanage.

Our team brought many balls, jump ropes, sidewalkchalk, and crafts to do with the children. We, as ateam, had so much fun ourselves playing with the kidsat the orphanage. As you can imagine, they don’t havethese simple toys to play with on a daily basis, sothese crafts and toys were an exciting thing for them.Each day our team left, each of us had more stories,more connections, and more love for the children atSan Cristobal Orphanage; therefore, we were dread-ing having to say goodbye.

The last day was a day of gifts – gifts of love. Wewere each assigned 2 or 3 orphans to shop for. Frommattresses and bed sheets, to toiletries, clothes, un-dergarments, shoes, and toys, we literally got every-thing in sight that would help these children who haveso little. Gathering all the kids in a room, we pre-sented them with their gifts one by one. Judging bythe looks on their faces, you would have thought thatthey just won the lottery. But then they all did some-thing totally unexpected. No later than a minute ortwo after they had received their gifts, they turnedaround and started sharing with every one of theirfriends. The fact that these children can physicallyhave so little, yet share amongst each other with greaterjoy than anyone of us that have so much and are soblessed, is truly astonishing.

Being that it was the second time going to thisorphanage for myself and five other students, it wasextremely difficult saying goodbye. What made it soheart-wrenching was that the children I had madeconnections with last year had more love for me thisyear, and to see them so upset and tears running downtheir faces saying in Spanish “don’t leave Jessica” or“promise me you’ll come back Jessica,” truly brokemy heart. There is no better feeling than feeling likeyou are loved and needed, and these children genu-inely love us Orthodox students and truly appreciatedthe attention we gave them, despite the language wespeak, or the lack of time we spend there.

El Salvador translated means “The Savior” in En-glish. You would think that the country with the nameof the Lord in it would have a strong religious pres-ence. However, there is no Orthodox church in ElSalvador. Our team of 13 Orthodox students, 2 tripleaders, and 1 priest, was the Orthodox Church. Forthose Orthodox Christians living in El Salvador, theyget the opportunity to participate in the Divine Lit-urgy once a year, take Confession once a year, andtaste the Body and Blood of Christ just once a year.They don’t even have a place to worship; therefore,they have been forced to maintain their faith in theirhome. To still remain faithful and keep a close rela-tionship with God in this setting is astonishing to me,and a lesson for us all. It has made me more apprecia-tive of the services and sacraments I have the oppor-tunity to partake in, as well as the many churches Ihave to worship in around me. Many of us take forgranted the Sunday Divine Liturgy, Saturday Vespers,the monasteries in driving distance, and the spiritualfathers we have to talk to. I know that from now on,I will think twice about missing a service, and I knowthat the others on my trip will too.

So this was our week, an experience that will re-main with us forever. Our faith teaches us that it is notenough to believe what is right; we also have to dowhat is right. What we do is proof of what we believe.In the case of people in need, Jesus told us to help theleast of these – those without food, drink, shelter orhealth. Mother Teresa of Calcutta insisted that shewas but an instrument, a tiny pencil, which God wasusing to write a love letter to the world. God needsmany such tiny pencils today to write His love letterto the world. Another, Sister Cyprian, gave the fol-lowing definition of what it means to serve God;“Serving God,” she said, “is not what we do for God;serving God is what we let God do through us, andwith us. He needs each one of us.”

I want to express my deepest appreciation for all ofthe support from my family, friends, my church: St.George Cathedral (Southfield, Michigan), all of thechurches in our diocese who supported and prayed forme, and His Eminence, Archbishop Nathaniel. I wouldnot have been able to do what I was able to do for

Jessica with a few of the girls Cont. on page 16


All too often today, people believe that anythingcan and should be justified so long as it makes one“happy.” The implication is that what we do is nolonger important, whether it ultimately leads to life ordeath, but rather whether it makes us happy in thatmoment.

We in our modern western world have been shapedby the phrase, “life, liberty, and the pursuit of happi-ness.” It describes a philosophy which has shaped,arguably, every person born in this country, perhapseven the world, since it was penned over two centu-

probable that there are situations in which we mayfind our happiness necessarily shaken in order forrepentance and healing to take place.

Most of the time, our pursuit of happiness is onewhich blinds our spiritual eyes to the need for con-tinual and daily repentance. It becomes an end initself, for it appeals to the desires of the flesh and thisworld, and provides no motivation to pursue thingsspiritual and truly needful. It, in fact, leads us awayfrom repentance by the mere effort it requires of us. Itusurps the desire for the pursuit of anything spiritual.

THE PURSUIT OF HAPPINESSby Psa. Janene Wey

the way we choose and shape our relationships, theway we spend our free time, the way we make andspend our money, the way we raise our children; itliterally shapes our personal philosophy of life. But isit really an “inalienable right” given to us by God?And is this notion supported in Holy Scripture and theTradition of the Church?

The happiness which so many of us pursue in thisday and age is perceived as an ultimate contentment,a final “arriving” at the place for which we havesought long and hard; it is desired above all, as theculmination of our journey, an acceptance of the premisethat in the end, all is finally as it should be, and thereis no reason not to sit back, take stock, and considerthat we are in need of nothing more. By this world’sstandards, one who is not pursuing this happiness isseen at best as unfortunate and at worst, a fool. Butthis state of being “happy” is one which precludesmost essentially the need for any repentance; espe-cially if this could potentially lead to less “happiness”and could even cause one to look more closely atone’s life and recognize the emptiness. It is, in fact,

ries ago. But what, par-ticularly, is this “pursuitof happiness,” and is ittruly our “right”? Is itsomething we as Chris-tians should even pursue?Admittedly, we as Ameri-cans have been taughtsince the start of our for-mal education, if not be-fore, that the pursuit ofhappiness is one of those“inalienable rights” be-stowed upon us by God.Most of us have abso-lutely embraced it andhave made that pursuit themotivator for everythingwe do – it impacts wherewe live, our course ofeducation and vocation,

itly infer that we have a “right” to happiness, nor evena duty to pursue it. We are, however, exhorted topursue and desire blessedness, and to find not onlyblessedness, but joy.

Happiness and blessedness are not the same. TheHoly Scriptures and Tradition teach us that happinessis a treasure which is laid up for oneself alone, andleads to complacency and self satisfaction; hence theparable of the rich man whose barns were full andwhose sole aim in life was to “eat, drink and bemerry!” That night his soul was required of him, forin his happiness he forgot the source of his blessed-ness and became complacent, self-satisfied, and turnedaway from the desire and need for repentance.

On the other hand, to be blessed is to possess thatawareness of God among and within us which fills ouremptiness and longing for the Transcendent and healsthat innate brokenness which we have inherited fromAdam. It is to be made aware that God the Father hasnot only invited us, but has even enabled us to partakein that communion of love, through Christ’s taking on

Happiness which is pur-sued and rooted in thisworld only, tethers us tothis world and ends ulti-mately in physical death,for we all die, but it bringsspiritual death as well.

In the Sermon on theMount (Mt 5), we findChrist laying out the wayto blessedness in the Be-atitudes. But typical oftoday, newer translationshave changed the word“blessed” to “happy.” Butare they really inter-changeable states of be-ing? We like to believethat they are, but in factthey are not. Nowhere inScripture does it implic-

Cont. on page 9


According to the revelation of the Bible and theteaching of the Orthodox Church, the gift of salvationwas brought to us by God, through the incarnation ofthe divine Word of God, our Lord Jesus Christ, thesecond person of the Holy Trinity who “dwelt amongus” (John 1:14). This dwelling of God with His peopleopened the way towards theosis, deification, our uni-fication with God. According to St. Athanasius, “Godbecame man, so that man might become god.”

Starting from this fundamental teaching of the Or-thodox Church; and also, knowing that as human be-ings, created in the image of the Trinitarian God, weare called to resemble in our lives the perichoresis(the indwelling of the three persons of the Holy Trin-ity), St. George Orthodox Cathedral initiated a Vaca-tion Church School last year. The main idea of thisproject was to give the children of the church and theirspiritual father the chance to spend time together, toget to better know each other, to “have a few beautifuldays together in the love of God”, as the poster of thisevent said.

After last year’s wonderful experience, it was de-cided to have a Vacation Church School (VCS) againthis year from August 19th to 21st. This year’s VCSwas attended by 26 children ages 3 to 12 who gottogether in the church basement on Wednesday, Au-gust 19th at 9:00 am. The generic topic of this year’sVCS was the presence of God in our lives. Therefore,after morning prayers and after writing their name

Fr. Cosmin Sicoe (center) teaching the children at the VCS in Regina

VACATION CHURCH SCHOOL“And the Word became flesh and dwelt among us….” (John 1:14)

tags, Fr. Cosmin Sicoe taught the children about themeaning of the Holy Cross and its power.

After this opening, the children were introduced tothe first craft of the day: the making of Cross neck-laces. When, after a little bit of struggling, the crossnecklaces were completed, the children together withFr. Cosmin Sicoe and Fr. Cosmin Vint went upstairsin the church, and they implored the Holy Spirit tocome upon the Crosses and to sanctify them. At theend of the service, the children came one by one toreceive their crosses now sanctified, and then theywent downstairs singing: “We venerate your Cross,O, Master and we glorify Your Resurrection”. Herethey began to work on the second craft of the day: thedecoration of plain white caps with the sign of theCross and the inscription: “The Cross – The Power ofGod” and underneath: 1 Cor. 1:18.

After having a Lenten lunch prepared by Psa. MihaelaVint, Psa. Grigoreta Sicoe, Virginia Eberlee, DonnaDavies and Linnet Moldovan, being a cold, rainy day,we went to an indoor swimming pool where every-body had tons of fun. The day ended back at thechurch with evening prayers and the picking-up of thechildren by their parents at 5:00 pm.

The second day’s craft was a diptych including theicon of our Lord Jesus Christ and His Mother. Afterreceiving adequate explanations about our Lord JesusChrist and the Mother of God and about the meaning

Cont. on page 15


heaven); likewise, if we sought to make God all im-manent, we would lose His transcendence (meaningthat we would lose all sense that anything is holy, asset apart and filled with the power of other world).Rather, God is both transcendent and immanent si-multaneously. Hence in Orthodox churches, the sanc-tuary is separate and hidden; it is transcendent – andthis very separateness or transcendence grounds theimmanence of God’s presence in our churches. Theiconostasis, with its roots in the temple veil, is theexpression of this theological truth par excellence. Itspurpose is to reveal heaven, not conceal it – but para-doxically, it does this by concealing. If unconcealed,it cannot be revealed. St. John Chrysostom expressesthis truth succinctly, commenting on the Liturgy: “whenyou behold the curtain drawn up” (revealing the sanc-tuary, before the consecration of the gifts), then “theHeavens are let down from above and angels are de-scending.”

As in Biblical times, a special, holy place, set asidefor God, is not exclusive to the temple. There areother holy places which in Biblical times also hadaltars. The Apostles worshipped both in the temple(Lk 24:53; Acts 3:1, 5:12-13, 5:42) and elsewhere.Hence, it is an ancient Christian tradition that eachhouse is also considered a church, the members beingthose of the household (e.g. Acts 2:46, Rom 16:5, ICor 16:19, etc.). As such, each family-church shouldhave an “altar” – a place set aside exclusively forGod, as a place sanctified for His presence – and thisis the place for prayer. Typically, this has been acorner in a room that is in a quieter location, not oneheavily trafficked or with a television, etc.

Here are some suggestions as to what should beplaced in this household altar: it can be a table, adresser or a special shelf, covered with a linen cloth,and in the center, on the wall or in the corner, the mainicon of Christ or the Mother of God. Around this mainicon other icons can be placed. The Scriptures, prayerbooks, the church calendar and other things, such asholy water, are kept there as well. In many traditions,an olive-oil lamp is lit here at times of prayer, oftenhanging. In addition, each bedroom should have adistinct place where an icon is hung and daily prayersare said.

In this way, the dwelling of Christians is sanctifiedby the presence of God, His Mother, His saints andangels. They all live with us. How important to make

Holy Space Cont. from page 3

Here at St. Raphael of Brooklyn Parish (Detroit,Michigan), we are continually receiving God’s bless-ings. We are blessed with a wonderful priest, Fr. LeoCopacia and Psa. Mary, who care deeply for our well-being, and their tasks are many. The weekly prepara-tion of the sermon, bulletin and “Soul Food” alwaysgoes beyond expectations. The Altar is served by com-mitted, devout men, and we are led in song by ourhard-working choir. Our membership is full of thosewho want to give back and do so by doing good worksfor our church.

There are blessings however, that often go unno-ticed. They begin as you enter the gates of The Ascen-sion of the Lord Monastery (in which our parish churchis housed). The building, nearly 80 years old, worn bytime but still majestic, looms up in front of you. A tinycemetery sits to your left just inside the gates, a finalresting place for holy servants of God. It sits as areminder of continual prayer and busy hands through-out the years, hands now asleep in the Lord. It is aplace suspended in time. There is a moment when yourealize that you stand on hallowed ground.

The monastery is now home to monks from Roma-nia. Their numbers are few, but it remains a place ofspirituality where they live an ordinary life extraordi-narily well. It is a place of both peace and joy. Themonks serve daily the divine services, which includethe Divine Liturgy on Wednesday and Saturday. Theyare holy men who pray for the world, and they prayfor us. Their church has a large attendance for theSunday Liturgy, and the monks serve this communitywith both guidance and confession. They welcome allto attend, and they share great fellowship.

If you happen to be there during the week, thefragrant smell of candle wax often drifts through thehallways where the walls are adorned with holy im-ages. When asked, the monks will cheerfully showyou their candle-making factory and the process ofmaking the candles. While walking the grounds, youmay find one of them working in their beautiful gar-den. In old world fashion, each plant is carefully tiedto a main line. The chores of the monastery are many.The “Jesus Prayer” is said while working, and theymay even prompt you to pray along with them.

If you are there working on a church project, themonks, aware that you are there, are quick to lend ahand when help is needed. Always ready for a goodconversation, they are eager to share both their storiesand yours. If you happen to be there when it is meal-time, you are invited to join them. Their food is oftensimple, but it is offered with great generosity, and thecoffee will jump start your day!

It has been remarked that they are “happy” monks.Nothing could be closer to the truth. The love for ourLord and the holy Mother of God dwells within themand upon their lips. Long after you have left the mon-astery, you find yourself smiling, and your own heartis joyful. You give thanks for God’s blessings. It trulyis a place “where earthly cares fall away.”

WHERE EARTHLYCARES FALL AWAY

By Patti Michaelson

Cont. on page 10


have learned that with God and family support, any-thing is possible.” She credits her involvement in thelocal parish and the AROY chapter for developing herpersonality, skills in leadership, time management andcommunication, and for the opportunity to make life-long friends. At her local AROY chapter, she held thepositions of historian, secretary, vice-president andpresident. She was president of the AROY Chapterwhen Holy Trinity parish celebrated its 100th Anniver-sary, so she played a large role during the planningprocess for that event. Through the Church she wasintroduced to youth on the national level at CampVatra and Annual AROY Conferences, and she feelsthat “these are some of my closest friends . . . withwhom I can share my troubles, goals and religiousdiscussions.”

John Nicholas Kalugar of St. George Cathedral,Southfield, Michigan, has entered his first year ofstudy at Siena Heights University, Adrian, MI, wherehe plans to major in Marketing. He was also recruitedto play on the Men’s Varsity volleyball team due tohis accomplishments at Lake Orion High School andat Michigan Elite Volleyball Club (MEVBC). He evenworked as a coach at MEVBC . Regarding his localparish church, John has served as an altar boy since hewas four years old, first at Presentation of Our Lord,Akron, OH, then at St. George Cathedral. He has been

many activities, John states: “I feel my extensive in-volvement in the church and its organizations, as wellas various outside activities, have enriched my life.”

May God bless these two fine AROY members intheir future endeavors and inspire young peoplethroughout the Episcopate to follow their examples ofservice in their local parishes, dedication to Christianvalues and the setting of high goals in their personallives.

STANITZ / AROY SCHOLARSHIP RECIPIENTS2009

At the concluding banquet of the 60th Annual AROYConference held in Cleveland, Ohio over Labor Dayweekend, the following AROY members were eachpresented with a $1,000 Scholarship.

Andreea Nemes

Andreea Nemesof Holy TrinityChurch, Youngstown,Ohio, is a second yearstudent at the Univer-sity of Akron, Akron,OH. During her firsttwo years, she hasmaintained a 3.7grade point average.She is working to-ward a degree in MassCommunication witha minor in Interna-tional Studies. An-dreea states that: “Thechallenges of collegehave further strength-ened me in my faithand my family ties. I

John Kalugar

heavily involved inthe life of the Churchon both the local andnational levels. In theparish, he has servedas an AROY officernumerous times,served at church din-ners and helped withthe church’s cateringservice wheneverneeded. After attend-ing Camp Vatra as astudent, for the pastthree years he hasvolunteered twoweeks every summerto work at the camps.Speaking about his

Pursuit of Happiness Cont. from page 6

of flesh and dwelling among us. It is blessednesswhich gives joy that He continues to dwell within usby filling us with the Holy Spirit. It is in this pursuitof blessedness and the journey of continual repen-tance that we are refashioned in His image and arefreed from the pursuit of enslavement to the things ofthis world. Blessedness, which is pursued throughcontinual repentance, leads to life and joy which tran-scends any fleeting “happiness” this world can offer.

In his Letter to the Galatians, Saint Paul describesthe fruit of the Spirit dwelling within each of us, notas “happiness,” but as “love, joy, peace, longsuffering[that certainly is not what the world considers part ofthe pursuit of happiness], kindness, goodness, faith-fulness, gentleness, self-control... And those who areChrist’s have crucified the flesh [certainly not a happythought, if you consider happiness as the world con-siders it] with its passions and desires” (Gal 5:22-24).

While it is true that happiness may come in themidst of being blessed, it is certainly not the measure

Cont. on page 13


STATUS OF THE CLERGYANTONESCU, Rev. Fr. Cosmin, is released from

his duties as Parish Priest of Holy Trinity Church,Youngstown, OH, and assigned Parish Priest of theFalling Asleep of the Ever-Virgin Mary Church, Port-land, OR, effective 1 October, 2009.

PACURAR, Rev. Deacon Ovidiou, was ordainedto the Holy Priesthood on 13 September, 2009, atHoly Cross Church, Hollywood, FL by His Grace,Bishop Irineu. Effective 1 October, 2009, he is as-signed Parish Priest of St. Polycarp of Smyrna Mis-sion, Naples, FL.

PARTIOC, V. Rev. Fr. Alexander, is releasedfrom attachment to Sts. Peter & Paul Church, DearbornHeights, MI effective 1 August 2009, and attached toSt. George Cathedral, Southfield, MI effective 2 Au-gust 2009.

POPA, Rev. Fr. Gabriel Liviu, is released fromhis duties as Parish Priest of Holy Archangels Michael& Gabriel Church, Palm Springs, CA and appointedas Parish Priest of the Falling Asleep of the Ever-Virgin Mary Church, Colleyville, TX, effective 1September 2009.

STATUS OF THE PARISHES AND MISSIONSNAPLES, FL – St. Polycarp of Smyrna Mission

was accepted conditionally as a Mission of the Epis-copate by the Episcopate Council on 2 July 2009.

HOUSTON, TX – St. Mary of Magdala Missionwas accepted as a Parish by the Episcopate Congresson 3 July 2009.

LONDON, ON – Holy Cross Mission was ac-cepted as a Parish by the Episcopate Congress on 3July 2009.

ANJOU, QC – St. Elias Mission was accepted asa Mission of the Episcopate by the Episcopate Coun-cil on 2 July 2009.

MONTREAL, QC – St. Nicholas Misson wasaccepted as a Parish by the Episcopate Congress on 3July 2009.

TERREBONNE, QC – St. Panteleimon Missionwas accepted as a Mission of the Episcopate by theEpiscopate Council on 2 July 2009.

CLERGY CHANGES

January 25. Detroit, MI. Ascension Monastery.Hierarchal Divine Liturgy. Review fire damage.

January 30 – February 1. Fairlawn, OH. Presen-tation of Our Lord. Saturday: Memorial Service. GreatVespers. Sunday: Hierarchal Divine Liturgy. Ordina-tion of Deacon Stefan Florin Stoleru to the Holy Priest-hood. Patronal Feast day banquet.

February 6-8. Chicago, IL. Saturday morning: HolyName Ukrainian Cathedral. Enthronement of BishopDaniel. Hierarchal Divine Liturgy. Banquet. Saturdayevening: St. Mary. Great Vespers. Sunday: St. Mary.Hierarchal Divine Liturgy.

February 13-20. Miami, FL. Christ the SaviorCathedral (OCA). Sunday: Hierarchal Divine Liturgy.

February 21-23. Miramar, FL. Holy Trinity. Sat-urday: Clergy meeting. Great Vespers. Sunday: Hier-archal Divine Liturgy. Banquet.

February 24-27. Colorado Springs, CO. Holy SynodRetreat / Meeting.

February 27-28. Lake George, CO. Protection ofthe Holy Virgin Monastery. Visit.

March 1-2. Denver, CO. Sunday morning: St.Dimitrie the New Mission. Hierarchal Divine Liturgy.Blessing of land. Sunday evening: St. John the HozeviteMission. Vespers.

March 3. Southfield, MI. St. George Cathedral.Funeral of John Tipa. Detroit, MI. Sacred Heart Semi-nary. Ecumenical Meeting. Detroit, MI. AscensionMonastery. Visit.

March 5-8. St. Paul, MN. St. Mary. Friday: Visitto St. John Abbey. Saturday: Divine Liturgy. LadiesAuxiliary Retreat. Great Vespers. Sunday: Morning -Hierarchal Divine Liturgy. Dinner. Evening – Sundayof Orthodoxy Vespers.

March 10. Grass Lake, MI. Vatra Romaneasca.Visit of Archbishop Germanos of Cleveland.

March 15. Southfield, MI. St. George Cathedral.Hierarchal Divine Liturgy.

March 20-22. Cleveland, OH. St. Mary Cathedral.Friday: Meeting with Archbishop Germanos. Satur-day morning: Joint gathering of the councils of theROEA and ROAA. Saturday afternoon: EpiscopateCouncil meeting. Sunday: Hierarchal Divine Liturgy.

March 25. Grass Lake, MI. St. Mary Chapel. Di-vine Liturgy for Annunciation feast day.

March 27-28. Ridgewood, NY. Descent of the HolySpirit. Friday: Vespers. Dinner. Saturday: Blessing ofRares Onofrei to be Reader & Subdeacon. HierarchalDivine Liturgy. Ordination of Deacon Ionut Preda toHoly Priesthood. Banquet. Evening – St. Mary,Elmhurst, NY. Great Vespers. Dinner.

March 29. New York, NY. St. Dumitru. HierarchalDivine Liturgy. Ordination of Rares Claudiu Onofrei toDiaconate. Banquet.

HIERARCHAL SCHEDULE

a holy place for God in the home! It shows that wewant God in our hearts and in our lives, talking withus, guiding us, being present with us.

Orthodox Christians, honor holy spaces and makesure your homes are sanctified with God’s presence!Do as did King David, who would not build for him-self a dwelling nor a place to sleep until He hadhonored God with a place for His worship (Ps. 132:4-5)!

Holy Space Cont. from page 8


March 30 – April 2. Syosset, NY. OCA Chancery.Holy Synod meeting.

April 3. Jamaica, NY. St. Andrew Mission. Ves-pers. Dinner.

April 4. Easton, CT. St. Dimitrie. Visit to newchurch.

April 5. Middle Village, NY. Archangels Michael& Gabriel. Hierarchal Divine Liturgy. Lunch.

April 12. Warren, MI. Descent of Holy Spirit.Hierarchal Divine Liturgy. Ordination of Deacon DanielUngureanu to Holy Priesthood. Banquet.

April 16. Rives Junction, MI. Dormition Monas-tery. Hierarchal Divine Liturgy for Holy Thursday.Evening: Twelve Gospels service.

April 17. Southfield, MI. St. George Cathedral.Lamentations Service for Holy Friday.

April 18. Rives Junction, MI. Dormition Monas-tery. Hierarchal Divine Liturgy for Holy Saturday.

April 18-19. Southfield, MI. St. George Cathedral.Resurrection Service. Hierarchal Divine Liturgy forPascha.

April 19. Rives Junction, MI. Dormition Monas-tery. Afternoon: Agape Vespers for Pascha.

April 20. Rives Junction, MI. Dormition Monas-tery. Hierarchal Divine Liturgy for Bright Monday.

April 24. Detroit, MI. Ascension Monastery. Hier-archal Divine Liturgy for feast of Life-giving Fount ofthe Mother of God.

April 26. Southfield, MI. St. George Cathedral.Hierarchal Divine Liturgy. Ordination of Deacon SabinPop to Holy Priesthood. Banquet. Afternoon: Thanks-giving Service for 80th Anniversary of the Founding ofthe ROEA.

April 28. Grass Lake, MI. Vatra Romaneasca. Visitof Bishop Mark of Toledo (Antiochian Archdiocese).

May 2-3. Dearborn Heights, MI. Sts. Peter & Paul.Saturday: Baptism of Bianca Balanean, daughter ofRev. Fr. Horatiu & Psa. Mihaela Balanean. Sunday:Hierarchal Divine Liturgy. Ordination of Mircea Vasiuto Diaconate. Reception.

May 9-10. Colleyville, TX. St. Mary. HierarchalDivine Liturgy. Banquet.

May 11-13. Dallas, TX. Holy Synod meeting.Wednesday: St. Seraphim Cathedral. Hierarchal Di-vine Liturgy concelebrated with Metropolitan Jonah andthe Holy Synod of Bishops. Banquet honoring Arch-bishop Dmitri upon his retirement as ruling hierarch ofthe Diocese of the South.

May 15-17. Indianapolis, IN. Sts. Constantine &Helen. Saturday: March for Orthodox Christian Mis-sions. Great Vespers. Sunday: Blessing of Frank DavidWeiner to be Reader / Subdeacon. Hierarchal DivineLiturgy. Banquet.

May 21-25. South Canaan, PA. St. Tikhon’s Mon-astery. Memorial Day weekend services.

May 30. Grass Lake, MI. Vatra Romaneasca. Epis-copate Council Meeting.

May 31. Rives Junction, MI. Dormition Monas-tery. Hierarchal Divine Liturgy. Lunch.

June 2. Detroit, MI. St. Andrew House. Ecumeni-cal Meeting.

June 5-6. Chicago, IL. St. Mary. ARFORA Con-gress. Saturday: Great Vespers. Blessing of RichardGrabowski to be Reader.

June 7. Merrillville, IN. Descent of Holy Spirit.Blessing of George Ross to be Reader. Hierarchal Di-vine Liturgy. Kneeling Vespers. Banquet for PentecostPatronal feast day.

June 14. Southfield, MI. St. George Cathedral.Hierarchal Divine Liturgy.

June 18-21. Crestwood, NY. St. Vladimir’s Semi-nary. Summer Institute.

June 24. Third Lake, IL. Serbian Orthodox NewGracanica Metropolitanate. Visit with Bishop Longin.

June 28. Cleveland, OH. St. Mary Cathedral. Hi-erarchal Divine Liturgy.

June 29. Rives Junction, MI. Dormition Monas-tery. Hierarchal Divine Liturgy for Sts. Peter & Paulfeast day.

July 2-5. Grass Lake, MI. Vatra Romaneasca.Annual Church Congress.

July 7-13. Paris, France. Archangels Michael,Gabriel & Raphael Church. On July 12, concelebratedwith Patriarch Daniel of Romania and other hierarchsthe re-blessing of the holy altar of the parish followedby Hierarchal Divine Liturgy.

July 18-20. Boston, MA. Holy Trinity Cathedral(OCA). Sunday morning: Hierarchal Divine Liturgy.Afternoon: Presided at the Mitescu / Reaganwedding.July 22 – August 4. Phoenix, AZ.

August 5-6. Ellwood City, PA. TransfigurationMonastery. Pilgrimage. Wednesday: Vigil for the Feastof the Transfiguration. Thursday: Concelebrated Hier-archal Divine Liturgy & Holy Unction with BishopMelchisedek (OCA).

August 9. Rives Junction, MI. Dormition Monas-tery. Hierarchal Divine Liturgy.

August 14-15. Rives Junction, MI. DormitionMonastery. Pilgrimage. Wednesday: Vigil for the Feastof the Dormition celebrated by Metropolitan Jonah.Thursday: Hierarchal Divine Liturgy concelebrated withMetropolitan Jonah and Bishop Mark (Antiochian Arch-diocese).

August 16. Southfield, MI. St. George Cathedral.Hierarchal Divine Liturgy concelebrated with Metro-politan Jonah. Reception. Afternoon: Brunch. Visit toAscension Monastery (Detroit).

August 19-25. Phoenix, AZ. Saturday morning:Exaltation of the Holy Cross Mission. Hierarchal Di-vine Liturgy. Pastoral Visits. Saturday evening: St.Parascheva. Great Vespers. Sunday: St. John. Hierar-chal Divine Liturgy. Banquet.

August 31 – September 3. Syosset, NY. OCA Chan-cery. Holy Synod meeting.

September 4-6. Cleveland, OH. St. Mary Cathe-dral. Annual AROY Conference.

September 9-17. Calgary, AB. St. Mary. Satur-Cont. on page 13


January 1, 4, 6, 7. Detroit, MI. Holy Ascension Monas-tery. Hierarchal Divine Liturgy.

January 17. Detroit, MI. Holy Ascension Monastery.Baptism of Andrei Cristian Liliac.

January 18. Detroit, MI. Holy Ascension Monastery.Hierarchal Divine Liturgy.

January 25. Dearborn Heights, MI. Sts. Peter & Paul.Hierarchal Divine Liturgy.

January 31. Dragus, Jud. Brasov – Romania. St. Mary.Baptism of Luca Nicolae, son of Rev. Fr. Gheorghe Rosca.

February 1-2. Dragus, Jud. Brasov – Romania. St. Mary.Hierarchal Divine Liturgy.

February 8. Silistra, Bulgaria. Sts. Peter & Paul. Hier-archal Divine Liturgy concelebrated with Metropolitan Ilarionof Dorostorum.

February 15. Dearborn Heights, MI. Sts. Peter & Paul.Hierarchal Divine Liturgy.

February 21. Detroit, MI. Holy Ascension Monastery.Baptism of Francesca Maria & Marriage Service for Eduardand Marcela.

February 22. Dearborn Heights, MI. Sts. Peter & Paul.Hierarchal Divine Liturgy.

February 23. Detroit, MI. Holy Ascension Monastery.8th Anniversary. Hierarchal Divine Liturgy and MemorialService.

March 1. London, ON. Holy Cross Mission. HierarchalDivine Liturgy.

March 8. Houston, TX. St. Mary of Magdala Mission.Hierarchal Divine Liturgy. Evening: Sugar Land, TX. Holy40 Martyrs. Pan-Orthodox Vespers for Sunday of Ortho-doxy.

March 14-15. Detroit, MI. Holy Ascension Monastery.Saturday: Hierarchal Divine Liturgy and Memorial Service.Sunday: Hierarchal Divine Liturgy and Memorial Service.

March 21. Cleveland, OH. St. Mary Cathedral. Episco-pate Council Meeting.

March 22. Cleveland, OH. Annunciation Church. PatronalFeast. Hierarchal Divine Liturgy concelebrated with Arch-bishop Nicolae Condrea (ROAA).

March 25. Grass Lake, MI. St. Mary Chapel. HierarchalDivine Liturgy for feast of Annunciation.

March 29. Baton Rouge, LA. Three Hierarchs Mission.Hierarchal Divine Liturgy.

April 5. Detroit, MI. Holy Ascension Monastery. Satur-day: Hierarchal Divine Liturgy and Memorial Service.

April 10. Hollywood, FL. Holy Cross. Friday evening:Holy Unction.

April 11-12. Miramar, FL. Holy Trinity. Saturday:Hierarchal Divine Liturgy. Sunday: Hierarchal Divine Lit-urgy.

April 14. Clearwater, FL. St. Stephen the Great Mis-sion. Holy Tuesday: Bridegroom Matins.

April 15. Jacksonville, FL. St. Anne. Holy Wednesday:Bridegroom Matins.

April 16. Orlando, FL. Sts. Michael & Gabriel. HolyThursday: Twelve Gospels service.

April 17-19. Miramar, FL. Holy Trinity. Holy Friday:Lamentations service. Holy Saturday. Morning: HierarchalDivine Liturgy. Midnight & Sunday morning: Resurrection

AUXILIARY BISHOPSCHEDULE

Service and Paschal Hierarchal Divine Liturgy.April 20. Hollywood, FL. Holy Cross. Bright Monday:

Paschal Hierarchal Divine Liturgy. Afternoon: Naples, FL.St. Thomas Mission. Agape Vespers.

April 23. Lilburn, GA. Sts. Constantine & Helen. Hier-archal Divine Liturgy.

April 26. Dearborn Heights, MI. Sts. Peter & Paul.Hierarchal Divine Liturgy.

May 2. Dearborn Heights, MI. Sts. Peter & Paul. Bap-tism of Bianca Ioana Balanean, daughter of Rev. Fr. Horatiu& Psa. Mihaela Balanean.

May 9. Dearborn Heights, MI. Sts. Peter & Paul. Roma-nian Festival.

May 10. Dearborn Heights, MI. Sts. Peter & Paul. Hi-erarchal Divine Liturgy.

May 17. Dearborn Heights, MI. Sts. Peter & Paul. Hi-erarchal Divine Liturgy.

May 21. Detroit, MI. Holy Ascension Monastery. Hier-archal Divine Liturgy.

May 23. Philipsburg, PA. State Prison.Visitation & Con-fession.


May 28. Detroit, MI. Holy Ascension Monastery. PatronalFeast. Hierarchal Divine Liturgy concelebrated with Arch-bishop Nathaniel.

May 30. Grass Lake, MI. Vatra Romaneasca. Episco-pate Council. Afternoon: Warren, MI. Descent of the HolySpirit. Marriage Service for George & Gabriela Florea.


June 7. Bals – Olt, Romania. Sts. Constantine and Helen.Hierarchal Divine Liturgy.

June 8. Cugir – Alba, Romania. Holy Trinity. 200th

Anniversary. Hierarchal Divine Liturgy. Afternoon: Vinerea– Alba. St. Nicholas. Vespers.

June 9. Alba Iulia, Romania. St. Lazarus Skete. LittleMemorial Service at the gravesite of His Grace, Bishop PolicarpMorusca.

June 13. Woonsocket, RI. St. John the Baptist. MarriageService for Mihail Gheorghe & Sanda Gabriela Morar, theson of V. Rev. Fr. Onisie & Psa. Anca Morar.

June 14. Cambridge, MA. St. Mary Mission. HierarchalDivine Liturgy.

June 21. Detroit, MI. Holy Ascension Monastery. Hier-archal Divine Liturgy.

June 24. Detroit. MI. Holy Ascension Monastery. Hier-archal Divine Liturgy.

June 28. Dearborn Heights, MI. Sts. Peter & Paul.Hierarchal Divine Liturgy for Patronal Feast.

June 29. Detroit, MI. Holy Ascension Monastery. Hier-archal Divine Liturgy.

July 2-5. Grass Lake, MI. Vatra Romaneasca. Episco-pate Congress. Sunday, St. Mary Chapel: Hierarchal DivineLiturgy concelebrated with Archbishop Nathaniel.

July 11. Troy, MI. St. Nicholas. Marriage Service forMarius George & Cristina Maria Buliga.

July 12. Chicago, IL. St. Mary. Hierarchal Divine Lit-urgy. Afternoon: Baptism of Constantin Ursache, son of Rev.Fr. George & Psa. Ramona Ursache.

July 19. Richmond Hill, ON. St. Elijah Mission. PatronalFeast. Hierarchal Divine Liturgy & Picnic.

July 26. Detroit, MI. Holy Ascension Monastery. Hier-archal Divine Liturgy.

July 27. Detroit, MI. Holy Ascension Monastery. St.Panteleimon Feast Day. Hierarchal Divine Liturgy.


A.R.F.O.R.A. is an acronym for “Asociatia ReuniunilorFemeilor Ortodoxe Romane din America” or “The As-sociation of Romanian Orthodox Ladies Auxiliaries ofNorth America”. His Grace Bishop Policarp organizedA.R.F.O.R.A. in 1938. In 1955, the Constitution andBy-Laws were revised and approved by the A.R.F.O.R.A.Congress held in New York. A.R.F.O.R.A.’s motto in-cludes: FAITH, represented by the Cross; HOPE, repre-sented by the Anchor; CHARITY, represented by theHeart. All women should be full members of their churchas well as of the ladies auxiliary.

The main purposes of the ladies auxiliary of theparish include:• Functioning as an auxiliary of the parish and actively

supporting the parish in its activities;• Initiating and promoting unity, cooperation and fel-

lowship among its members and the congregation;• Contributing to the preservation, strengthening and

propagation of the Orthodox faith;• Supporting the religious education of the young people

in the parish;• Attending to the housekeeping activities of the church;• Raising funds for religious, charitable, educational

and cultural purposes;• Actively supporting A.R.F.O.R.A., the national orga-

nization, which is the oldest auxiliary of the Roma-nian Orthodox Episcopate of America.

Dates of Importance to the AuxiliaryJanuary – Annual meeting and election of the offic-

ers takes place. Also, elect two delegates to go to theARFORA congress. The term is for two years. Sendnames and addresses of officers and delegates to theSecretary of ARFORA. (Check the Solia Calendar orthe Episcopate’s website (ROEA.org) for the names andaddresses of the officers of ARFORA). Send member-ship dues ($10 per person) to the Treasurer of ARFORAby December 1st.

5th Saturday of Great Lent – Each parish or deanerysponsors a ladies auxiliary retreat-conference.

June – ARFORA Congress is held the first weekendof June. The president of each auxiliary and two del-egates along with Preoteasa are required to attend.

July – Each year an auxiliary sponsors the coffeeshop at the Vatra during the Episcopate Congress. Pleasevolunteer.

July-August – Provide volunteer cooks, teachers,nurses for the religious education camp at Vatra.

October 14 – St. Paraschiva Mission Fund. Eachauxiliary holds one function a year, and the proceeds aresent to the ARFORA Treasurer for use in support ofEpiscopate missions.

December – St. Elizabeth project – ARFORA re-members widowed Preotese at special times of the year.

All year – Visitations of the Shut-ins – Encouragemembers to visit the shut-ins in their parishes.

ScholarshipsMartha Gavrila graduate scholarship – ARFORA

offers a scholarship each year to women doing graduatework.

ARFORA Undergraduate scholarship – ARFORAoffers two undergraduate scholarships each year. Infor-mation about the application process is published in theSolia magazine and on the Episcopate website, ROEA.org.

If you have any questions about ARFORA or thelocal Ladies Auxiliary, or if you need help to start anauxiliary, please call or write to the President or anymember of the ARFORA board. You’ll find their names,addresses and telephone numbers in the Solia Calendaror on the web. There is also an ARFORA Guide Bookand the By-Laws, which can help you in setting up yourauxiliary. Please let us know if you need a copy. It isvery important that women are organized in an auxiliaryorganization, thus becoming vital and active supportersof their church and the Episcopate.

Lucy PopA.R.F.O.R.A. President

WHAT ISA.R.F.O.R.A. ?

Pursuit of Happiness Cont. from page 6

nor manifestation of blessedness. A quick reading of thelives of the saints will heighten one’s awareness of thisfact. While they were most certainly blessed, they didnot always necessarily dwell in what we would under-stand to be a state of happiness. Their lives and theiractions transcended this world, for their happiness wasnot tethered to this world but found its perfection andfulfillment in the next. In the midst of their struggles,they lived in the sure reality of the love of God and Hispresence among us; and their pursuit of blessednesscontinually brought them to a state of repentance andpeace, a joy in which they were transformed into Hisimage and were able to endure the sufferings and hard-ships that beset them. Did they enjoy the blessedness ofGod and live in a state of joy? Most certainly! Werethey always happy? Perhaps not, as the world judges it.But in their pursuit of blessedness, they have shown usthe path so that we too may pursue what is truly worthpursuing... blessedness.

day: Great Vespers. Reception. Sunday: HierarchalDivine Liturgy. Banquet for 40th Anniversary.

September 18-20. Grass Lake, MI. VatraRomaneasca. Preotese Retreat.

September 21-24. Syosset, NY. OCA Chancery.Holy Synod and Metropolitan Council Meeting.

September 26-27. Chicago, IL. Holy Nativity. Sat-urday: Great Vespers. Sunday: Hierarchal Divine Lit-urgy. Banquet for 70th Anniversary.

Hierarchal Schedule Cont. from page 11


EPISCOPATE SUPPORTERSMaria Pincu, Santa Monica, CA ................................... $1,000.00Sandy Cotosman, Addison, IL ......................................... $500.00John Santeiu, Jr, Garden City, MI .................................. $500.00Anonymous ......................................................................... $250.00Sabin Cerghizan, Glendale, CA....................................... $200.00V Rev Dr & Psa Remus Grama, Cleveland, OH ......... $200.00Doru Posteuca, Apple Valley, MN .................................. $200.00Miron Bonca, Costa Mesa, CA ........................................ $180.00M/M Nick Moga, Hubbard, OH ....................................... $150.00Elizabeth Ciocanea, Cleveland, OH ................................ $100.00Ann & John Dragos, Lexington, KY .............................. $100.00M/M Victor Dinu, Skokie, IL .......................................... $100.00M/M Theodore Gavala, Glenside, PA ............................ $100.00M/M Michael Kalugar, Madison Hts, MI ...................... $100.00Dr Dana Radu Scafaru, Sun City West, AZ ................. $100.00George Regep, Bloomfield Hills, MI .............................. $100.00Constance Trollan, Juneau, AK ...................................... $100.00M/M Robert Omilian, Sterling Hts, MI ........................... $75.00Veronica Branea, Banning, CA ......................................... $50.00Van & Bia Michaels, Fairfield, CT ................................... $50.00Constantine Nan, Carrollton, TX ...................................... $50.00Mary Pana, Regina, SK ...................................................... $50.00Aurelia Triff, Poland, OH .................................................. $50.00Florence & Bobby Westerfield, Warren, MI ................... $50.00Thrisia Pana, Regina, SK ................................................... $40.00George Bursan, Cuyahoga Falls, OH ................................ $30.00Saveta Buzas, Allen Park, MI ............................................ $30.00Mary Demetriade, Warren, MI .......................................... $25.00M/M George Oancea, Louisville, OH............................... $25.00

MEMORIAMVeronica Branea, Banning, CA ....................................... $250.00

(IMO Husband, Aurel Branea)Richard C Grabowski, Jackson, MI ............................... $173.00

(IMO Fr Richard & Psa Hildegard Grabwoski –Romanians by Birth – Americans by Choice)

M/M Valer Pufescu, Ann Arbor, MI .............................. $100.00(IMO Natalia Lopez-Reed)

Maria Timmons, Mississauga, ON .................................. $100.00(IMO Father, Ioan Calvarasan)

Maximo-Jones Families, Philadelphia, PA ....................... $50.00(IMO Mrs Flora Mirsch)

Maximo-Jones Families, Philadelphia, PA ....................... $50.00(IMO Mrs Leni Nemeth)

Maximo-Jones Families, Philadelphia, PA ....................... $50.00(IMO John Kisbac)

Maximo-Jones Families, Philadelphia, PA ....................... $50.00(IMO Mitru Costea)

National ARFORA .............................................................. $50.00(IMO Maria Lazar)

National ARFORA .............................................................. $50.00(IMO Ana Popovich)

GENERAL DONATIONSSt John the Baptist, Phoenix, AZ ................................ $1,000.00

(Hierarch Travel Expense)Mark & Katherine Beers, Grass Lake, MI .................... $750.00Holy Cross, Hollywood, FL .............................................. $700.00

(Hierarch Travel Expense)Anonymous, Chicago, IL .................................................. $500.00V Rev Fr Catalin & Psa Nicole Mitescu,

Claremont, CA ............................................................... $300.00(Hierarch Travel Expense)

M/M Stephen Miroy, Stafford, VA ................................. $130.00(Camp Vatra)

FINANCIAL REPORTSt Mary Cathedral, Cleveland, OH ................................ $100.00

(Hierarch Travel Expense)M/M Michael Kalugar, Madison Hts, MI ...................... $100.00

(ARFORA House Renovations)Ioan & Doina Negulescu, Baton Rouge, LA.................. $100.00

(Camp Vatra)Rev Fr & Psa Cosmin Sicoe, Regina, SK ........................ $82.64

(Hierarch Travel Expense)Marie Farca, Yardley, PA .................................................. $50.00

(Museum Fund)M/M Victor Dinu, Skokie, IL ............................................ $50.00Richard C Grabowski, Jackson, MI ................................. $20.00

(Camp Vatra)M/M Viorel Nikodin, Farmington Hills, MI .................... $20.00Erna Harrington, Shelby Twp, MI ................................... $10.00

EPISCOPATE ASSESSMENTSt Dumitru, New York, NY (2010) .............................. $8,280.00St Dimitrie, Easton, CT (2009) ..................................... $3,340.00Descent of the Holy Spirit, Warren, MI (2009) ......... $2,000.00Sts Michael & Gabriel, Orlando, FL (2009) ............... $1,200.00Holy Transfiguration Mission, Hartford, CT (2009) .... $200.00

ARCHBISHOPS’ CHARITY ENDOWMENT FUNDLeonidas Giannoulis, Calgary, AB ................................. $570.00

CAMP VATRA FOR JUNIORS CLOSING BRUNCHTamas Family .................................................................... $200.00M/M Cezar Teodorescu, Troy, MI ................................. $200.00Michaela & George Yossif, Baltimore, MD .................. $100.00Daniel Calimente, Sterling Hts, MI ................................... $50.00Mike & Lili Loria, Wyandotte, MI ................................... $50.00Crisan-Oltean Families, Sterling Hts, MI ........................ $50.00Puiu Family, Sterling Hts, MI ............................................ $50.00Hebert & Cocora Families, Dearborn Heights, MI ........ $50.00Traian Alex Balan, Glenview, IL ...................................... $40.00Radu Comsa, Plymouth, MI ............................................... $40.00Mary & John Waterhouse, Uniontown, OH ................... $35.00Marilyn Sipole, Indianapolis, IN ....................................... $25.00Anonymous ........................................................................... $20.00Anonymous ........................................................................... $10.00Anonymous ........................................................................... $10.00Loredana Covaci, Niles, IL ................................................ $10.00Jim & Jeanell Darling, Indianapolis, IN .......................... $10.00Violeta Mandea, Morton Grove, IL ................................... $10.00Aurelia & Sebastian Petre, Parma, OH ........................... $10.00Gabrielle Teodorescu, Canton, MI ...................................... $2.00

2009 CONGRESS BANQUETPresentation of Our Lord, Fairlawn, OH ...................... $200.00Dr Eleanor Bujea, Regina, SK ........................................ $200.00V Rev Fr & Psa Catalin Mitescu, Claremont, CA ....... $150.00V Rev Fr & Psa Ian Pac-Urar, Fairlawn, OH .............. $150.00V Rev Fr Constantin Alecse, Los Angeles, CA ............ $100.00M/M Virgil Barbu, Brownstown, MI .............................. $100.00V Rev Fr & Psa Ionel Cudritescu, Toronto, ON ......... $100.00Victor & Miriana Dinu, Skokie, IL ................................ $100.00V Rev Dr & Psa Remus Grama, Cleveland, OH ......... $100.00Archimandrite Theophan Koja, St Louis, MO ............ $100.00V Rev Fr & Psa Laurence Lazar, Southfield, MI ....... $100.00V Rev Fr Simion Pavel, Chicago, IL .............................. $100.00Lucy & John Pop, Northbrook, IL .................................. $100.00Valer & Ileana Pufescu, Ann Arbor, MI ....................... $100.00Alina Oprea, Brea, CA ....................................................... $80.00Radu Comsa, CA ................................................................. $60.00Constanta Dinca Korolchuk, Inver Grove Hts, MN ...... $60.00Rev Dn Ovidiu Pacurar, Miramar, FL ............................. $60.00Ion Anton, Los Angeles, CA .............................................. $50.00Rev Fr & Psa Cosmin Antonescu, Youngstown, OH .... $50.00Rev Fr Vasile Barsan, Canton, OH .................................. $50.00V Rev Fr Ioan Bunea, Richmond Hill, ON ..................... $50.00George C Cantor, Cleveland, OH ..................................... $50.00Mark Chestnut, Grass Lake Twp, MI ............................... $50.00


Vasile & Nancy Cocariu, Bloomfield Hills, MI .............. $50.00Lucia Fogoros, Cleveland, OH ........................................... $50.00Helen Freudig, Lansdale, PA ............................................. $50.00Rev Fr Anton Frunza, Byron Center, MI ........................ $50.00Richard Grabowski, Jackson, MI ...................................... $50.00Vioara Ivascu & Alina Boudi, Wayne, IN ...................... $50.00M/M David A Marovich, Perkasie, PA ............................ $50.00Rev Fr George & Psa Cristina Oanca, St Paul, MN .... $50.00Olga Petersen, St Clair Shores, MI ................................... $50.00Eugenia Poroch, St Clair Shores, MI ................................ $50.00St Mary Mission, Chelsea, MA ......................................... $50.00St Nicholas, Montreal, QC .................................................. $50.00Rev Fr Narcis Stoica, Boston, MA ................................... $50.00Eugenia Suciu, Youngstown, OH ...................................... $50.00Mariana & Maranda Tipa, Commerce Twp, MI ........... $50.00Ann Tyler, Fort Wayne, IN ................................................ $50.00Silvius Sfera, Hollywood, FL ............................................. $40.00Rev Fr Sabin & Psa Ramona Pop, Auburn Hills, MI ... $40.00Moise Nikolic, Hollywood, FL ........................................... $40.00Victor & Elena Muntean, Parma Hts, OH ....................... $40.00M/M Petru Bugariu, Leonard, MI .................................... $40.00Rev Fr Adrian Balescu, Miramar, FL .............................. $40.00Stefan Teodoru, Westville, IN ........................................... $30.00Rev Dn/M Mircea Vasiu, MI ............................................. $30.00George & Joan Puscas, Grosse Pointe Park, MI ............. $30.00Eleanor Stepanski, Troy, MI ............................................. $25.00M/M George Ross, Schererville, IN .................................. $25.00Subdeacon Robert Mitchell, Detroit, MI ......................... $25.00Ann A Jonascu, Westland, MI ........................................... $25.00Hildreth Family, Burton, MI .............................................. $25.00Mike & Goldie Kalugar, Madison Hts, MI ..................... $25.00Louise Gibb, Brookfield, OH ............................................. $25.00Rodica Dicoi, Warren, MI ................................................... $25.00M/M Nick Avramaut, Cleveland, OH .............................. $25.00Flavius Borz, Davie, FL ...................................................... $20.00Zina Cireasa, Dearborn Hts, MI ........................................ $20.00Ielita Daba, Oak Park, MI .................................................. $20.00Ioan & Maria Florea, Dearborn, MI ................................ $20.00Prunoiu Florea, Richmond Hill, ON ................................. $20.00M/M Michael J Kalugar, Beverly Hills, MI ................... $20.00Alina & Kenneth Kleinhenz, Santee, CA ........................ $20.00Petrica Malacu, Westland, MI ........................................... $20.00M/M Ronald Muresan, Bloomfield Hills, MI ................. $20.00Helen D Oprita, Roseville, MI .......................................... $20.00Mary Demetriade, Warren, MI .......................................... $20.00Jennifer Roman, Westland, MI ......................................... $20.00M/M Aurel Tofan, Fraser, MI ........................................... $20.00Rev Dn Wayne Paul Wright, Uniontown, OH ................ $20.00Mary Jane Quinn, Bloomfield Hills, MI .......................... $15.00Vita & Maria Elock, Royal Oak, MI ................................ $10.00Ionel Satnoianu, Lakewood, OH ....................................... $10.00Panta Mihailou, Baden, ON ............................................... $10.00Alex Radulescu, Farmington Hills, MI ............................... $8.00Anonymous ............................................................................. $5.00Maria Ciorba, Detroit, MI ................................................... $5.00

ST MARY CHAPEL – HRAM DAY DONATIONSM/M Adrian Leica, Washington Twp, MI ..................... $300.00Patrick & Marinela Turc Convery, Willowick, OH ... $100.00Rev Fr Cosmin & Psa Camelia Antonescu,

Youngstown, OH ............................................................. $50.00Vasile & Maria Banceu, Canton, OH ............................... $50.00Rev Fr Anton Frunza, Byron Center, MI ........................ $50.00Maria Mocanu, Rocky River, OH ..................................... $50.00Elena Turc, Willowick, OH ............................................... $50.00M/M Val Cocariu, Bloomfield Hills, MI .......................... $40.00M/M Ioan Guseila, Uniontown, OH.................................. $40.00Rev Dn Mircea & Anca Vasiu, Farmington Hills, MI ... $40.00Iustina Badila, Farmington Hills, MI ................................ $39.00Michael & Goldie Kalugar, Madison Hts, MI ................ $30.00Anna Jonascu, Westland, MI ............................................. $25.00Dan & Silvia Placinta, Livonia, MI .................................. $25.00Ielita Daba, Oak Park, MI .................................................. $20.00

V Rev Fr Laurence Lazar, Southfield, MI ...................... $20.00His Eminence Archbishop Nathaniel,

Grass Lake, MI ................................................................ $20.00Silvia Popovici, Garden City, MI ....................................... $20.00M/M Nicholas Placinta, Livonia, MI ................................ $15.00Alex Radulescu, Farmington Hills, MI ............................. $10.00George Stanulet, Dearborn Hts, MI .................................. $10.00Olivia Stanulet, Dearborn Hts, MI .................................... $10.00Anonymous ............................................................................. $5.00John E Lazar, Southfield, MI .............................................. $5.00

Vacation Church School Cont. from page 7

of their names and the inscriptions on their holy icons,each child received a small wooden box and the iconsneeded for the making of the diptych. Upon the comple-tion of the diptychs, we had a delicious lunch; and,because the weather was still cold, we went again tothe indoor swimming pool.

On the third day of our VCS, we completed our“treasure box”; again after an introduction to the im-portance of prayer in our life, the children started towork on making a prayer book. Each of them receivedcopies of the pages of the prayer book. After cuttingthem page by page, they bound them together and,then, they added the cover. The prayer book was de-signed to fit inside the diptych, and after being blessed,the diptych and the prayer book inside became thechildren’s “treasure box” which they could take withthem wherever they go.

The sun was finally shining in the Regina sky onFriday, August 21st; therefore, after having lunch, wewent to have a wonderful time outdoors at the SouthLeisure Centre. Upon returning to the church, werecited our evening prayers from our new prayer books.After giving thanks to God for these three wonderfuldays, we thanked those who volunteered for the suc-cess of this VCS: Fr. Cosmin and Psa. Mihaela Vint,Fr. Dcn. John Bujea, Psa. Grigoreta Sicoe, Virginia,Rodney and Russell Eberlee, Linnet and JamesMoldovan, Donna Davies, Roberta and Sierra Wallaceand the one who writes these lines.

On Friday morning, before the beginning of ouractivities, I was talking with one of the oldest childrenof this year’s VCS. I asked him what he thought aboutit. He answered that he liked it very much, but headded that the only thing he did not like was that itwas only three days. Then I asked him and his othertwo siblings what they usually do during the summerbreak. They answered that the days are very long andboring for them and that sometimes they end up byspending the whole day in front of the TV. After hesaid these words, I remembered that God visited us inour lowliness and gave a new meaning to our lives;and that we, as images of God, are called to visit thelonely. If we want to do this, we do not have to go toofar: the lonely are right here, in our churches, and ifwe do not break their loneliness, others will do it, butnot necessarily for bringing light and life to them.

Fr. Cosmin Sicoe


January 24 - October 7, 2009We gratefully acknowledge the following donations

and subscriptions to Solia-The Herald:

FRIENDSNational ARFORA ........................................... $500.00National AROY ................................................ $500.00Florika Zurz, Flushing, NY (IMO Parents) ... $200.00George Sarafolean, Jr., Skokie, IL ................ $100.00Alexa Mindea, Morton Grove, IL ......................$80.00John Shunda, Fullerton, CA...............................$80.00Alexa/Maria Constantinescu, Calgary, AB .....$75.00Madelena Ilcus, Jupiter, FL (IMO Joseph Ilcus) ..........................................$50.00Constantin Ardeleanu, Valparaiso, IN .............$30.00Vasile Banceu, Canton, MI .................................$30.00George/Elizabeth Oancea, Louisville, OH .......$25.00Mircea Enesco, Montreal, QC ............................$20.00Psa. Juliana Marinescu, Philadelphia, PA .......$20.00V. Rev. Fr. Daniel Nenson, Regina, SK ...........$20.00Ana Zamfirescu, Jamaica, NY ...........................$20.00Gabriele Butu, Glendale, CA .............................$15.00Ecaterina Carpinisan, San Diego, CA .............$10.00Emil Chiaburu, Grand Rapids, MI ....................$15.00Ielita Daba, Oak Park, MI ..................................$15.00Anna Pacura, New Middleton, OH ...................$15.00Marin Roman, Gary, IN .....................................$15.00Dumitru Stan, Burlington, ON ..........................$15.00Alexa Ungurian, Oakbank, MB .........................$15.00Florence/Bob Westerfield, Warren, MI ............$15.00Catherine Jones, Philadelphia, PA ...................... $5.00

SUBSCRIPTIONSAnonymous, New York, NYJessica Andrews, Columbus, OHMaura Andronic, St. Clairsville, OHNarcis Anghel, Longmont, COLucille Bandu, Warren, MIMaria Beu, Lutz, FLAurel/Veronica Branea, Banning, CAMichael Buzash, Terre Haute, INCarleton Cheetham, Mason, MITillie Cornell, Orlando, FLCheryl Ciulei, Greensboro, NCDr. Gabriel Curtis, West Chester, PADoina Dumitrescu, Princeton, NJGeorge Fara, Santa Monica, CAStephen Grabowski, Fairlawn, OHMihaela Greenwood, Des Moines, WACatherine Jones, Philadelphia, PADr. Elaine Kleiner, Jackson, MIRev. Djuro Krosnjar, Libertyville, ILHelen Lewis, Johnson City, NYAlexandria Lupu, Lake Havasu City, AZJohn Marincas, Skillman, NJElizabeth Mondschein, Lake Havasu City, AZ

Mary Panzner, Copley, OHCynthia Pollack, Warren, MIJohn Popa, Little River, SCMichael Preda, Wichita Falls, TXGeorge/Vera Puscas, Midland, TXRev. Toma Stojshich, Brooklyn, NYJohn Szeerba, Harrisburg, PAAnn Tyler, Ft. Wayne, INSt. Mary Church, Chicago, ILSt. Mary Church, St. Paul, MNVestal Publishing, Cliffwood, NJJohn De Mintici, Toronto, ONGeorge Galat, Burlington, ONWillis Soprovich, Hairy Hill, AB

SOLIA

these children in El Salvador without their emotionaland financial support.

Although our team was the only one to travel to ElSalvador, you were all with us in prayer and in heart,acting directly as the hand of God over these children.I am blessed to have had this opportunity and ask thatyou continue to pray that God bring an Orthodoxpresence to the country of El Salvador, and that Godmay protect the children of El Salvador, to help themunderstand and learn about God’s endless love forthem.

I want to leave you with this excerpt from thejournaling I did in El Salvador:

Friday, February 27, 2009God calls us to “do justly, to love mercy, and to

walk humbly with our God” (Micah 6:8). I just hopethat people realize that they don’t have to go to ElSalvador or even out of their own community to dothose things. I am learning that we can find ways to dowhat is right and stand up for those who are sick andimprisoned, or those who are hungry and naked if wejust open our eyes to the people around our owncommunity. I think that, by doing those things, that ishow we can walk humbly with our God.

I hope that you can all see what an impact missionwork has had on my life in merely one week. I ask thatyou prayerfully consider participating in some sort ofmission work – whether it be through Orthodox Chris-tian Fellowship (OCF), Orthodox Christian MissionCenter (OCMC), or right in your own backyard atsome point in your lifetime.

Dios los bendiga a todos!God Bless you all!Jessica Precop is a Member-at-Large of the 2009-

2010 National Board of the American Romanian Or-thodox Youth (AROY) and is currently completing aMaster’s degree at Michigan State University, Lan-sing, Michigan. You may read her biography at http://www.aroy.org/NationalBoard/bios/bio-jprecop.htm.

Originally posted on September 11, 2009 at http://www.aroy.org.

Welcome Home Cont. from page 5

SOLIA SEPT/OCT 2009 17RUGATçI-VAË SçI LUCRATçI PENTRU UNITATE ORTODOXAË IN AMERICA DE NORD

Cont. la pag. 18

ma[ntuim sçi sa¨ ne elibera¨m de pa¨cat, dimpotriva¨, neajuta¨ ca¨ este o credinòa¨ despova¨ra¨toare, eliberatoare,ma[ntuitoare. Cunosc ata[òia fraòi roma[ni, dupa¨ ce auajuns aici ôn America, ôn pama[ntul ||fa¨ga¨duinòei\\ aula¨sat legea stra¨mosçeasca¨ sçi au trecut la diferite religii,dar nu s-au schimbat< au plecat tot cu patimile sçiraüta¨òile lor, sçi de fapt cu pa¨catul. De acesçti semeni sa¨ne fie mila¨ sçi sa¨ ne ruga[m pentru ei. Au dat vesçniciape lucrurile treca¨toare ale acestei lumii.

Iubiòi credinciosçi.Noòiunea de pocaïnòa¨ este prezentata¨ sçi ca ||topire

a pa¨catulu\\ ca ||nimicire a pa¨catului\\, dupa¨ Sfa[ntulIoan Gura¨ de Aur.

ön noòiunea de pocaïnòa¨, primul lucru care trebuieavut ôn vedere este pa¨ra¨sirea pa¨catului, stra¨dania de aônla¨tura din suflet orice fel de fapte sau ga[nduri nega-tive. Trebuie ônla¨turat pa¨catul, care este ca¨lcarea legiilui Dumnezeu cu deplina¨ voinòa¨ sçi sçtiinòa¨ sçi care ôlalca¨tuiesçte pe om.

Sfa[ntul Apostol Pavel spune> ||Feresçte-te de raü sçifa¨ bine, Nu te la¨sa biruit de raü, ci biruiesçte raül cubinele\\.

Prin urmare, Domnul Hristos ne cere o angajare. Defapt, ônceputul luptei spre ômbuna¨ta¨òirea sufleteascaëste angajarea pentru Dumnezeu sçi pentru cei de la[nga¨noi.

Asça ne vrea Dumnezeu> pentru El sçi pentru oameni,pe fiecare dintre noi. Adica¨ sa¨ nu uita¨m de Dumnezeusçi sa¨-i avem ôn vedere sçi pe oameni.

Sa¨ ônla¨tura¨m din sufletul nostru, ôn special dinconsçtiinòa noastra¨, din esenòialul existenòei noastrega[ndurile cele rele, pornirile cele rele, sa¨ regreta¨mraül pe care l-am fa¨cut, dar sa¨ nu ne ta[nguim. De ce=Pentru ca¨ Dumnezeu nu are nevoie de nisçte ta[nguitori.Ga[ndiòi-va¨, de pilda¨, la fiul risipitor. Fiul risipitor,ca[nd a primit iertare de la tata[l saü a participat laospa¨ò. Nu s-a retras la ta[nguire. Nu! Ci a participat laospa¨ò. De ce=

Pentru ca¨ pocaïnòa aduce bucurie, aduce fericire,aduce iertare, aduce mulòumire, aduce linis çtesufleteasca¨. Un credincios adeva¨rat este un om albucuriei, sçi daca¨ este un om al bucuriei trebuie sa¨lupte sa¨ ajunga¨ la bucurie. Credinciosul este un om aliubirii, sçi daca¨ n-are iubire, trebuie sa¨ se stra¨duiasca¨sa¨ ajunga¨ la iubire, sa¨ fie angajat, sa¨ fie preocupat, sa¨fie fra¨ma[ntat, sa¨ se simta¨ raü ca¨ are nisçte ômpotrivirifaòa¨ de iubire, ca[nd vede ca¨ ôn sufletul saü apare ura,ca[nd vede ca¨ ôn sufletul saü apare un ga[nd de ra¨zbunare,apare o preocupare de ônjosire a omului de la[nga¨ el,atunci trebuie sa¨ fie preocupat sa¨-sçi ônvinga¨ aceste

CUVA[NT DE SUFLETSeptembrie –Octombrie 2009

CE ESTE POCAËINTçA=POCAËINTçA ESTE LEPAËDAREA DE PAËCAT, DE OMUL CEL VECHI.

Iubiòi Fraòi Preoòi sçi Iubiòi cititori.Cu toòii am auzit de atatea ori cuva[ntul acesta ôn

cuprinsul slujbelor noastre ortodoxe, v-ati ga[ndit oarece este pocaïnòa=, sau ||ca sa¨ ômi petrec cealalta¨ vremea vieòii mele ôn pace sçi ôntru pocaïnòa¨=\\. Ce trebuie sa¨fac eu pentru cealalta¨ parte a vieòii mele, ca sa¨ fie ônpace sçi sa¨ fie ôn pocaïnòa¨= Sa¨ sçtiòi ca¨ lucrurile ôn viaòareligioasa¨ sunt cum sunt ôn agricultura¨. ön agriculturaäi na¨dejde de rezultate, de recolta¨, daca¨ iòi faci sçi tupartea care òi se cuvine. Secera¨ cel ce seama¨na¨, culegecel ce lucreaza¨ ôn vederea culesului. Asça sçi ôn viaòareligioasa¨. Domnul Hristos ne cere credinòa¨, dar necere o credinòa¨ care e angajata¨, lucra¨toare, angajata¨ ônpurtarea Crucii. Chiar daca¨ Domnul Hristos ôi cheama¨pe oameni la credinòa¨ sçi arata¨ importanòa credinòei,sunt unii dintre cresçtini care spun ca¨ daca¨ crezi ônHristos te ma[ntuiesçti, asça cum spun sectele aici ônAmerica si nu numai aici, ca¨ doar e scris ôn Epistolaca¨tre Romani a Sf. Apostol Pavel ca¨, ||cu gurama¨rturisim ca sa¨ ne ôndrepta¨m sçi cu inima credem casa¨ ne ma[ntuim\\. Sa¨ sçtiòi ca¨ nu-i asça. De ce nu-i asça=Pentru ca¨ nu e vorba de o credinòa¨ ca act de ga[ndire,ci este vorba de o credinòa¨ ca proces de ônaintare ônviaòa spirituala¨. O credinòa¨ angajata¨, o credinòa¨ care tepune ôn faòa poruncilor Ma[ntuitorului Hristos, o credinòa¨care te duce ôn situaòia aceasta de a intra pe o poarta¨ôngusta¨, care merge pe calea stra[mta¨. Sunt nisçte lucruripe care trebuie sa¨ le faca¨ omul ôn vederea ômbuna¨ta¨òiriisufletului lui. A spus Domnul Hristos> ||POCaÏòI-Va¨!\\Ce ônseamna¨ aceasta= De obicei oamenii cred ca¨pocaïnòa e redusa¨ la pa¨rerea de raü, la regretul pentrufaptele rele, pentru pa¨ra¨sirea credinòei ôn care te-aina¨scut, pentru cuvintele neconforme cu voia luiDumnezeu, pentru ga[ndurile care nu se potrivesc cuvoia lui Dumnezeu, un fel de ta[nguire.

Cuva[ntul ||POCAËINTçAË\\ ônseamna¨ ôn noòiune sçi||caïnòa¨\\. De fapt, nu-i asça. Pocaïnòa ônseamna¨, ônprimul ra[nd, pa¨ra¨sirea pa¨catului. ön Pateric e scris ca¨cineva ôntreaba¨ pe un pa¨rinte> ||Ce este pocaïnòa=\\.Pa¨rintele ôi spune ca¨ este ||pa¨ra¨sirea pa¨catului\\. Deci,din calea intra¨rii ôn ômpa¨ra¨òia lui Dumnezeu, din faòaintra¨rii ôn ômpa¨ra¨òia lui Dumnezeu, trebuie ônla¨turatpa¨catul, pentru ca¨ ôn ômpa¨ra¨òia lui Dumnezeu n-areloc pa¨catul. ön cazul acesta pocaïnòa ônseamna¨ pa¨ra¨sireapa¨catului. Daca¨ nu pa¨ra¨sesçti pa¨catul, chiar daca¨ ôòipare raü vreodata¨ ca¨ l-ai fa¨cut, tot nu te pocaïesçti. Nutrebuie sa¨ pa¨ra¨sim credinòa noastra¨ stra¨mosçeasca¨ pentrucare au murit ata[òia martiri sçi sfinòi ai neamului sçi ôncare s-au ma[ntuit, ci pa¨ra¨sirea pa¨catului e lucrul celmai de ca¨petenie. Poòi face la fel pa¨cate sçi ôn alta¨religie, nu religia noastra¨ ortodoxa¨ ne ômpiedica¨ sa¨ ne

18 SOLIA SEPT/OCT 2009RUGATçI-VAË SçI LUCRATçI PENTRU UNITATE ORTODOXAË IN AMERICA DE NORD

ARFORA este un acronim pentru ||AsociaòiaReuniunilor Femelior Ortodoxe Roma[ne din America\\.ARFORA a fost organizata¨ ôn anul 1938 de catreEpiscopul Policarp. ön anul 1955, Congresul ARFORAcare s-a òinut la New York , a aprobat Constituòia sçiRegulamentul de funcòionare. Deviza organizaòieiARFORA este> CREDINTçA – reprezentata¨ de o cruce<SPERANTçA – reprezentata¨ de o ancora¨< DRAGOSTEA– reprezentata¨ de o inima¨.

E bine ca toate femeile sa fie ata[t membre ale Parohieii,ca[t sçi a organizaòiei ARFORA.

Principalele scopuri ale grupurilor auxiliare de femei

sunt>

• Sa¨ funcòioneze ca o organizaòie auxiliara¨ a parohieipe care sa¨ o sprijine ôn toate activita¨òile ei<

• Sa¨ iniòieze sçi sa¨ promoveze unirea, cooperarea sçispiritul de camaradenie nu numai al membrelororganizaòiei, dar sçi al ôntregii parohii<

• Sa¨ contribuie la pa¨strarea, ônta¨rirea sçi propagareacredinòei ortodoxe<

• Sa¨ sprijine educaòia religioasa¨ a copiilor sçi tineretuluidin parohie<

• Sa¨ ia parte la cura¨òenia, ônfrumuseòarea sçi menòinereabisericii ôn stare buna¨<

• Sa¨ participe la stra[ngerea de fonduri pentru scopurireligioase, culturale, educaòionale sçi de binefacere,care au fost determinate de parohia lor sau de Episcopie<

• Sa¨ sprijine ôn mod activ ARFORA, organizaòianaòionala¨, care este cea mai veche organizaòie auxiliaraä Episcopiei Roma[ne Ortodoxe din America<

Date importante pentru Organizaòia Auxiliara¨ a

Femeilor>

Ianuarie – Se òine adunarea anuala¨ a organizaòieiauxiliare a femeilor sçi se aleg oficiantele pentru noul an.Deasemeni, se aleg doua¨ delegate sçi doua¨ supleantepentru Congresul Anual ARFORA. Delegatele sunt alesepe doi ani. Se trimite o lista cu numele, adresele sinumerele de telefon ale membrelor din comitetul deconducere la secretara ARFORA.

Taxele de membrie ($ç10 de persoanaa¨ se trimit lacasiera ARFORA pa[na¨ la 1 Decembrie.

A cincea sa[mba¨ta¨ din Postul Mare – fiecare parohiesau protopopiat organizeaza¨ o zi de reculegere, ruga¨ciunesçi conferinòe pe teme religioase.

Iunie – ôn primul week-end din luna iunie are locCongresul ARFORA. Presçedinta organizaòiei auxiliaredin fiecare parohie ômpreuna¨ cu doua¨ delegate sçi preoteasatrebuie sa¨ ia parte la lucra¨rile congresului.

Iulie – La ônceputul lunii Iulie au loc lucra¨rileCongresului Episcopiei la Vatra Roma[neasca¨. Chiosçculde cafea sçi dulciuri este sponsorizat de una dinorganizaòiile auxiliare de femei de la o parohie. Va¨

CE ESTE

A.R.F.O.R.A=

ruga¨m sa¨ participaòi, pentru ca¨ ôntotdeauna este nevoiede voluntari.

Iulie-August – Taberele de copii de la Vatra au nevoiede ajutor la buca¨ta¨rie sçi ônva¨òa¨tori pentru educaòiareligioasa¨ sçi la alte activita¨òi.

14 Octombrie – Fondul misionar Sf. Paraschiva –Fiecare grup auxiliar organizeaza¨ o data¨ pe an o activitate,iar banii rezultaòi sunt trimisçi la casiera ARFORA sçi sefolosesc pentru ajutorarea misiunilor Episcopiei.

Decembrie – Proiectul Sf. Elisabeta – ARFORA trimitemici cadouri preoteselor va¨duve.

Tot anul – Vizitarea celor suferinzi sçi a ba¨tra[nilordin parohie.

Burse de studii>

ön fiecare an ARFORA ofera burse de studii pentruônva¨òa¨ma[ntul superior. Informatii suplimentare le ga¨siòiôn revista Solia ori pe website-ul Episcopiei,www.roea.org.

Daca¨ aveòi ôntreba¨ri referitoare la ARFORA, ori doriòisa¨ ôncepeòi o organizaòie locala¨ a femeilor din parohie,sçi doriòi o copie a Constituòiei sau a Ghidului de organizarea auxiliarei de femei, va¨ ruga¨m sa¨ contactaòi presçedintaARFORA sau oricare membra¨ din consiliul de conducereARFORA. Numele sçi adresele le ga¨siòi ôn calendarulSOLIA ori pe internet la adresa www.roea.org.

Lucy Pop

Presçedinta A.R.F.O.R.A.

Cuva[nt de Suflet Cont. de la pag. 17

porniri. Binenòeles ca¨ toate lucrurile acestea se potrealiza cu ajutorul lui Dumnezeu, dar sçi cu stra¨daniaomului.

Iubiòi Fraòi sçi Surori ôn Hristos.Pa¨rintele Arhimandrit Serafim, vrednic de pomenire,

era duhovnicul Ma¨na¨stirii noastre de la Sa[mba¨ta deSus, un om cu o buna¨tate rara¨ sçi o bla[deòe ôngereasca¨,el avea o vorba¨ ||Draga¨, sa¨ te depa¨sçesçti sçi sa¨ teda¨ruiesçti\\. Mi-a venit mereu ôn ga[nd aceste cuvinteale pa¨rintelui Serafim, le-am avut ôn vedere sçi le-amspus sçi altora sçi vi le spun sçi fra¨òiilor voastre care citiòiacest cuva[nt de suflet> ||Sa¨ te depa¨sçesçti sçi sa¨ teda¨ruiesçti\\.

Sa¨ te depa¨sesçti, adica¨ sa¨ faci ceva ca sa¨ nu ra¨ma[i ceesçti (omul cel vechi). Noi toòi, ôn viaòa fizica¨ avemnisçte limite. De fapt, sçi Domnul Hristos zice> ||Caredintre voi poate sa¨ adauge la statura sa un cot=\\. Tepoòi depa¨sçi, te depa¨sçesçti prin tot ceea ce faci pozitiv.Te rogi= Ajungi sa¨ te rogi mai bine. Postesçti= Ajungisa¨ postesçti mai mult. Iubesçti= Ajungi sa¨ se ônmulòeascaïubirea. Prin ônla¨turarea raülui, sçi pe de alta¨ parte, prinômplinirea binelui, toate acestea te ajuta¨ sa¨ te depa¨sçesçti.

Sa¨ te da¨ruiesçti, adica¨ sa¨ faci inima ta deschisa¨,larga¨, sa¨-i cuprinzi pe toòi. Spune Sfa[ntul ApostolPavel> ||ömbra¨caòi-va¨ ca alesçi ai lui Dumnezeu, sfinòisçi preaiubiòi.... Cu milostivirile ôndura¨rii, cu buna¨tate,smerenie, cu bla[ndeòe, cu ôndelunga¨ ra ¨bdare

Cont. la pag. 20


Prima mare sa¨rba¨toare religioasa¨ din anul bisericesc,care ôncepe la 1 Septembrie, este Nasçterea MaiciiDomnului, numita¨ ôn popor sçi Sfa[nta Maria Mica - 8Septembrie -, pentru a fi deosebita¨ de Adormirea MaiciiDomnului, de la 15 August, sau Sfa[nta Maria Mare.Sa¨rba¨toarea nasçterii Sfintei Fecioare Maria are o deosebita¨semnificaòie pentru neamul nostru, ca[nd fericitele roma[ncece-i poarta¨ numele - mame, surori, soòii sau fiice - ôsçisa¨rba¨toresc onomastica acum, la 8 Septembrie. NasçtereaMaicii Domnului este o sa¨rba¨toare comuna¨ ata[t BisericiiOrtodoxe, ca[t sçi celei Catolice sçi Greco-Catolice.

Cele patru Sfinte Evanghelii nu dau prea multeama¨nunte despre viaòa Sfintei Fecioare Maria, sçi maiales despre nasçterea sçi copila¨ria ei, aceasta explica[ndu-se prin faptul ca¨ figura centrala¨ a Noului Testament esteDomnul sçi Ma[ntuitorul nostru Iisus Hristos.

Despre pa¨rinòii saï, dumnezeiesçtii Ioachim sçi Ana,sçtim ca¨ erau originari din Nazaretul Galileii - cum scrieEvanghelia apocrifa¨ a lui Iacob. Ei ajunsesera¨ la ada[nciba¨tra[neòi fa¨ra¨ sa¨ aiba¨ copii, dar nu-sçi pierdusera¨ speranòa,ruga[ndu-se continuu lui Dumnezeu sa¨ le da¨ruiasca¨ unurmasç. ön ôncrederea lor au mers pa[na¨ la retragerea ônlocuri singuratice, separat, unde au postit, s\au rugat, aula¨crimat sçi sçi-au sfa[sçiat inima pa[na¨ ce Dumnezeu le-atrimis ra¨spuns, prin ônger, ca¨ cererea lor va fi primita¨.Asça s\a na¨scut Maria, viitoarea Sfa[nta Fecioara¨ Maria,care a fost aleasa¨ de Dumnezeu sa¨ fie vasul ales ce vapurta ôn pa[ntece sçi va nasçte pe Ma[ntuitorul lumii, cumproorocise Isaia> ||Iata¨ Fecioara va lua ôn pa[ntece sçi vanasçte Fiu sçi vor chema numele lui Emanuel\\ (Is. 7, 14).

Sfinòii Ioachim sçi Ana o consacra¨ serviciului religiosla Templu, Biserica ra[nduindu-i o alta¨ sa¨rba¨toare, la 21Noiembrie - Intrarea ôn Biserica¨ a Maicii Domnului - ônamintirea fa¨ga¨duinòei pa¨rinòilor saï trupesçti de a ônchinapruncul lor lui Dumnezeu spre a vieòui ôntru buna¨tate,cinste sçi nepriha¨nire.

Cea de a treia sa¨rba¨toare anuala¨ dedicata¨ SfinteiFecioare Maria este Bunavestire (25 Martie). Cu ocaziavizitei pe care a fa¨cut-o Elisabetei, rudenia sa, viitoareamama¨ a Sfa[ntului Ioan Boteza¨torul, aceasta a numit-o||binecuva[ntata¨ ôntre femei\\ sçi ||Maica Domnului meu\\.Iata¨ cuvintele Sfa[ntului Evanghelist Luca, unul dindiscipolii Domnului> ||sçi a intrat Maria ôn casa luiZaharia sçi s\a ônchinat Elisabetei. Iar ca[nd a auzitElisabeta urarea Mariei, pruncul a sa¨ltat ôn pa[nteceleei, sçi Elisabeta s\a umplut de Duhul Sfa[nt sçi, cu glasputernic, a strigat> Binecuva[ntata¨ esçti tu ôntre femei sçibinecuva[ntat este rodul pa[ntecului taü. sçi de unde mieaceasta¨, ca sa¨ vina¨ la mine Maica Domnului meu=\\(Lc. 1, 40-43).

Dupa¨ nasçterea minunata¨ a Fiului lui Dumnezeu ônBethleemul Iudeii (Lc. 2, 4-16), Sfa[nta Fecioara¨ Mariava fi deseori ala¨turi de Iisus ôn multe din momentelevieòii Sale pa¨ma[ntesçti> la taïerea-ômprejur, la 8 zile,ca[nd i s\a pus numele< la prezentarea la templu< ôntimpul fugii ôn Egipt de frica lui Irod, care voia sa¨-l

NASçTEREA MAICII DOMNULUIucida¨ pe Prunc< ôn timpul predicii lui Iisus ôn templu,ca[nd avea numai 12 ani< la nunta din Cana, dar mai alesôn timpul Patimilor, moment ca[nd Sfa[nta Fecioara¨ esteôncredinòata¨ de Iisus Apostolului Ioan (In. 19, 25). önsfa[rsçit, dupa¨ ôna¨lòarea la cer a Domnului (FA, 1, 14)Sfa[nta Fecioara¨ Maria sçi femeile care au urmat pe Iisusfac parte din grupul apostolic.

öntre sfinòi, Sfa[nta Fecioara¨ Maria ocupa¨ locul celmai de cinste, fiind mai presus de toate puterile ôngeresçtisçi atinga[nd cea mai ônalta¨ treapta¨ a desa¨va[rsçirii omenesçti.Cinstirea pe care Biserica o da¨ Sfintei Fecioare Maria senumesçte supravenerare sau supracinstire (hiperdoulia),spre deosebire de cinstirea acordata¨ sfinòilor, care senumeste venerare (doulia). Sfa[nta Biserica¨ o numesçte||ômpa¨ra¨teasa¨\\ sçi ||Doamna¨\\, ma¨rturisind ca este ||maicinstita¨ deca[t heruvimii sçi mai ma¨rita¨, fa¨ra¨ de asema¨nare,deca[t serafimi\\, deoarece s\a ônvrednicit sa¨ fie aleasa¨de Dumnezeu ca Maica¨ a Fiului Saü.

Temeiurile preacinstirii Maicii Domnului sunturma¨toarele> Dupa¨ ce protopa¨rinòii nosçtri, Adam sçi Eva,au pa¨ca¨tuit, Dumnezeu i-a ôncunosçtinòat ca¨ ma[ntuireava veni prin femeie> ||Dusçma¨nie voi pune ôntre tine sçifemeie, ôntre sa¨ma[nta ta sçi sa¨ma[nòa ei> aceasta ôòi vazdrobi capul, iar tu ôi vei ônòepa ca¨lca[iul\\ (Fac. 3, 15).Precum pa¨catul a venit prin Eva, ma[ntuirea avea sa¨ra¨sara¨ din Fecioara Maria> Eva cea noua¨.

Dumnezeu ônsusçi a preòuit-o pentru viaòa sa nepriha¨nita¨,alega[nd-o ca Maica¨ a Fiului Saü dintre toate femeile dinlume.

Cinstirea deosebita¨ pe care Biserica Ortodoxa¨ - ca sçicea Catolica¨ - o acorda¨ Sf. Fecioare Maria se bazeaza¨ peprerogativele speciale sau elementele mariologiei cresçtine,adica¨ ale sçtiinòei despre Sf. Fecioara¨ Maria, sçi anume,aiparthenia, sau ônva¨òa¨tura despre pururea fecioria MaiciiDomnului< ônva¨òa¨tura despre Sf. Fecioara, Theotokos,adica¨ Na¨sca¨toare de Dumnezeu - definita¨ la Sinodul IIIecumenic de la Efes din anul 431< ônva¨òa¨tura desprecura¨òenia absoluta¨, trupeasca¨ sçi sufleteasca¨, ca sçi desprelipsa de pa¨cate personale a Sf. Fecioare, anamartolia sçi,ôn sfa[rsçit, preacinstirea Maicii Domnului sau hiperdulia,depa¨sçind pe toòi sfinòii.

öngerul Gavriil, trimisul Domnului, i s\a ônchinat sçi asalutat-o cu cuvintele ||Bucura¨-te, ceea ce esçti plina¨ dehar, Domnul este cu tine. Binecuva[ntata¨ esçti tu ôntrefemei. Iar ea, va¨za[ndu-l, s\a ônspaïma[ntat de cugetul luisçi cugeta ôntru sine ce fel de ônchina¨ciune poate sa¨ fieaceasta\\ (Lc. 1, 28-29).

Oamenii din mulòimile care urmau sçi ascultau pe Iisussçi vedeau minunile Sale, o fericeau pe cea care L-apurtat ôn pa[ntece. Iar ca[nd vorbea Iisus, o femeie, dinmulòime, ridica[ndu-sçi glasul I-a graït> ||Fericit estepa[ntecele care Te-a purtat sçi fericit sa[nul pe care L-aisupt\\. Iar El a ra¨spuns> ||Da, asça este, dar mai fericiòisunt cei ce asculta¨ cuva[ntul lui Dumnezeu sçi ôl pa¨zescpe el\\ (Lc. 11, 27-28).

Cont. la pag. 20


önsusçi numele Sfintei Fecioare, de Maria, ônseamna¨Doamna¨, Stapa[na¨, cea Aleasa¨. sçi, ôntr\adevar, a fost opersoana¨ aleasa¨ sau distinsa¨. La aceasta se refera¨psalmistul ca[nd o numesçte ||Aleasa Domnului\\ sçi||Regina care sta de-a dreapta, ômbra¨cata¨ ôn haina¨aurita¨ sçi prea ônfrumuseòata¨\\ (Ps. 45, 10-18).

Nasçterea mai presus de fire a Domnului a pa¨stratneatinse peceòile fecioriei, Maica Domnului ra¨ma[na[ndfecioara¨ ôn timpul sçi dupa¨ nasçtere. Aceasta a vestit-oDomnul prin vedenia proorocului Iezechiel. ||Apoi adus ba¨rbatul acela ônapoi la poarta templului, sprera¨sa¨rit, sçi aceasta era ônchisa¨. Sçi-mi zise mie> Poartaaceasta va fi ônchisa¨, nu se va deschide sçi nimeni nu vaintra prin ea ca¨ci Domnul Dumnezeu al lui Israel aintrat prin ea. De aceea va fi ônchisa¨. Ci numai singurômpa¨ratul sa¨ vina¨ prin ea, ca sa¨ ma¨na[nce pa[ine ônainteaDomnului, sa¨ intre prin pridvorul poròii sçi sa¨ iasa¨ tot peacolo\\ (Iez. 44, 1-3). Sfinòii Pa¨rinòi afirma¨ ca acest textmesianic profeòesçte fecioria Maicii Domnului sçi dupa¨nasçtere. Domnul Hristos se va nasçte fa¨ra¨ a strica peceòilefecioriei, precum razele soarelui stra¨bat sticla, pesçtiiapa, pa¨sa¨rile aerul, fa¨ra¨ a la¨sa urme.

Recunosca[ndu-i Sfintei Fecioare Maria marele rol ôniconomia ma[ntuirii, Biserica noastra¨ o preama¨resçte dincele mai vechi timpuri, ônchina[ndu-i imnuri, adresa[ndu-i ruga¨ciuni sau numind-o ||ômpa¨ra¨teasa¨ Maica¨\\,||Pururea Fericita¨\\, ||Prea Nevinovata¨\\, ||Biserica¨sfinòita¨\\, ||Usça¨ cereasca¨\\, ||Rai cuva[nta¨tor\\, ||Lauda¨fecioriei\\ etc. Nu exista¨ nici un serviciu divin ôn carenumele Sfintei Ferioare Maria sa¨ nu fie pomenit ori sa¨nu i se adreseze ectenii sau ruga¨ciuni.

Revenind la praznicul nasçterii Maicii Domnului, putemspune ca¨ el ne apare ca marea bucurie prega¨tita¨ deDumnezeu dinaintea celei supreme, a Nasçterii Domnuluisçi Ma[ntuitorului nostru Iisus Hristos. Sfa[nta Fecioara¨Maria este aurora care vestesçte zorile, este luceafa¨rul ôncare sta¨ ascuns viitorul, lumea noua¨ a lui Hristos careavea sa¨ vina¨.

Troparul Nasçterii Sfintei Fecioare Maria este nespusde sugestiv> ||Nasçterea ta, de Dumnezeu na¨sca¨toareFecioara, bucurie a venit la toata¨ lumea, ca¨ci din tinea ra¨sa¨rit soarele drepta¨òii, Hristos Dumnezeul nostru.Ca¨ dezlega[nd blestemul ai dat binecuva[ntare sçi strica[ndmoartea ne-ai da¨ruit viaòa¨ vesçnica¨\\.

Prea Sfa[nta¨ Na¨sca¨toare de Dumnezeu, miluesçte-nepre noi!

Pr. Dr. Cezar Vasiliu

PREOT PROFESOR

DR. CEZAR VASILIU

LA 70 ANI

Roma (1968-1971), cu licenòa, ôn 1969, precum sçidoctoratul ôn Teologie, ôn 1971, cu teza ||Le relazonitra la Chiesa Cattolica e la Chiesa Ortodossa tra 1959-1970" (Palermo), echivalat ôn Bucuresçti ôn 1976.

De Cra¨ciun 1993 a fost hirotonit preot la Timisçoarade IPS Dr. Nicolae, Mitropolitul Banatului. Din 1994este preot paroh al Bisericii Ortodoxe Roma[ne ||Sfa[ntulNicolae\\ din Montreal, sub omoforul arhieresc al I.PS.Arhiepiscop Nathaniel, al Episcopiei Ortodoxe Roma[nedin America cu sediul la Vatra. Din 1998 este profesorasociat la Facultarea de Teologie a Universita¨òiiSherbrooke preda[nd Istoria Cresçtinismului Ortodox.

Na¨scut la 21 august1939, ôn Comarnic,judeòul Prahova (Ro-ma[nia), Pa¨rintele Pro-fesor Cezar Vasiliu aaniversat anul acestaômplinirea va[rstei de 70de ani. Studii semin-ariale la Curtea de Argesçsçi Bucuresçti, universitarela Institutul Teologic dinBucuresçti. Cursuri dedoctorat, tot la Bu-curesçti, cu specializarein Istoria Bisericii Uni-versale, apoi la InstitutulPontifical Oriental din

Nasçterea Maicii DomnuluiCont. de la pag. 19

omului care sçtie ce vrea, mai ales sçtie ce vrea Dumnezeudin el. Omul cel vechi, care a murit, este astupat deomul cel nou. Omul cel nou este omul ômpa¨ra¨òiei luiDumnezeu, asça cum ôl vrea Domnul Hristos sçi asçacum ni-l prezinta¨ Sfintele Evanghelii. Sa¨ ne ajuteDumnezeu sa¨ ne lepa¨da¨m de omul cel vechi sçi sa¨ neômbra¨ca¨m ôn omul cel nou ônnoit prin Harul DomnuluiHristos, sçi prin ruga¨ciunile sçi mijlocirile PreacurateiNa¨sca¨toarei de Dumnezeu sçi pururea Fecioarei Maria,ca sa¨ fim oameni de omenie, oameni prin careDumnezeu sa¨-sçi ômplineasca¨ lucrarea sa cea ma[ntuitoareôn lumea aceasta. Ca prin viaòa noastra¨, prin purtareanoastra¨, prin tot ce facem ôn lumea aceasta, sa¨ sepreama¨reasca¨ Dumnezeu cel ôn Treime ônchinat, Tata¨l,Fiul sçi Sfa[ntul Duh.

||Asça sa¨ lumineze lumina voastra¨ ônaintea oamenilor,ca va¨za[nd faptele voastre cele bune sa¨ preama¨reasca¨pe Tata¨l vostru care este ôn ceruri. (Matei, 5 -16 .)

Slava¨ lui Dumnezeu pentru toate.+ IRINEU, Episcop Vicar

Cuva[nt de Suflet Cont. de la pag. 18ônga¨duindu-va¨ unul pe altul sçi daca¨ are cineva cevaômpotriva cuiva, precum Hristos v-a iertat, asemeneaiertaòi sçi voi. Peste toate acestea, ômbra¨caòi-va¨ cuiubire care este lega¨tura desa¨va[rsçirii sçi pacea luiHristos care cova[rsçesçte toata¨ mintea voastra¨ sa¨ sesa¨la¨sçluiasca¨ cu prisosinòa¨ ôn voi\\. Sunt nisçte nuanòeale existenòei umane care se realizeaza¨ prin osteneala


Liturghia este centrul cultului divin public tocmaipentru ca¨ ôn cadrul ei se sa¨va[sçesçte Jertfa cea fa¨ra¨ desa[nge, adica¨ prefacerea darurilor de pa[ine sçi de vinaduse de credinciosçi ôn ônsusçi Trupul sçi Sa[ngeleDomnului Iisus Hristos. Este, de fapt, o reactualizarea Jertfei de pe Cruce a Ma[ntuitorului Iisus Hristos.

ömpa¨rta¨sçirea este ||piscul cel mai ônalt al vieòiiduhovnicesçti\\< de aceea, se pot ômpa¨rta¨sçi numaicredinciosçii prega¨tiòi sçi vrednici de a primi Trupul sçiSa[ngele Domnului, verificaòi ca atare de ca¨tre duhovnic,prin spovedanie. ||Sa¨ se cerceteze omul pe sine sçi asçasa¨ ma¨na[nce din pa[ine sçi sa¨ bea din pahar, ca¨ci cel cema¨na[nca¨ sçi bea cu nevrednicie, ôsçi ma¨na[nca¨ sçi ôsçi beaosa[nda¨, nesocotind Trupul Domnului\\, poruncesçteSfa[ntul Apostol Pavel (I Corinteni XI, 28-29).Pova¨òuirile din Liturghier precizeaza¨ ca¨ ||toòi cresçtiniicei ce sunt de credinòa¨ ortodoxa¨, care ôsçi aduc prinma¨rturisire pocaïnòa¨ curata¨ (adica¨ pa¨rere de raü pentrupa¨catele ce au fa¨cut), care traïesc ôn dreapta credinòa¨sçi de duhovnicul lor nu sunt opriòi pe o vreme, care aupus ôn sufletul lor hota¨ra[rea de a nu mai gresçi sçi careau na¨dejde ca¨ Dumnezeu ôi poate ierta prin ma[napreotului duhovnic, aceea sa¨ se ômpa¨rta¨sçeasca¨ cu Trupulsçi Sa[ngele Domnului, dupa¨ ce sçi-au fa¨cut cuveniteleruga¨ciuni. Asemenea sçi pruncii sa¨ se ônvredniceasca¨de Sfintele Taine, ôntru sfinòirea sufletelor lor sçi ôntruprimirea harului Domnului.\\

Pova¨òuirile enumera¨ mai departe sçi pe aceia care nupot fi ômpa¨rta¨sçiòi, sçi anume> cei care au asupra lorblestem de la episcop sau preot, pa¨ca¨tosçii ônvederaòi,desfra[naòii, concubinii, pervertiòii, fermeca¨torii sçivra¨jitorii, ghicitorii sçi desca[nta¨torii, hulitorii de celesfinte etc. ôn general, toòi cei cu pacate grave (ucigasçii,hoòii etc.) nu pot fi primiòi la ômpa¨rta¨sçire deca[t dupaün ra¨stimp mai lung sau mai scurt de pocaïnòa¨ sçicura¨òire.

Ca[nd trebuie (putem) sa¨ ne ômpa¨rta¨sçim=Pova¨òuirile din Liturghier spun> ||Preoòii sa¨ ônveòe

poporul, ca ôn cuget curat, de va fi cu putinòa¨ lapraznicele ômpa¨ra¨tesçti, iar de nu, negresçit ôn cele patruposturi de peste an sa¨ se prega¨teasca¨ spre aceasta....\\.

Dupa¨ Sfa[ntul Simeon al Tesalonicului sçi dupa¨ Sfa[ntulVasile cel Mare este bine ca tot cel ce se pa¨streaza¨curat, postesçte miercurile sçi vinerile de peste an, sespovedesçte cu regularitate sçi are dezlegare de laduhovnic, sa¨ se apropie de Sfintele Taine mai des,chiar ôn fiecare duminica¨, mai ales ba¨tra[nii, bolnaviisçi copiii, ca¨ci aceasta este pentru da[nsçii izvor de sa¨na¨tatesçi ônta¨rire.

Idealul este ca fiecare cresçtin participa[nd la Sfa[ntaLiturghie sa¨ se cuminece ca[t mai des cu Sfa[ntul Trupsçi Sa[nge, prega¨tindu-se din vreme pentru aceasta.

Prega¨tirea pentru ômpa¨rta¨sçire. ömpa¨rta¨sçania fiind

PREGATIREA PENTRU PRIMIREA TAINEI

SFINTEI öMPARTASçANII

Taina tainelor - unirea cu ônsusçi Hristos- se ônòelegeca¨ primirea ei trebuie sa¨ fie precedata¨ de ôndeplinireaunei anumite prega¨tiri, prin care fiinòa noastra¨ sa¨ fiecura¨òita¨ sçi ridicata¨ la rangul de sa¨lasç vrednic sçi cinstital Sfa[ntului Trup sçi Sa[nge. Aceasta¨ prega¨tire estetrupeasca¨ sçi sufleteasca¨ sçi consta¨ din urma¨toarele>

a) Pocaïnòa< pa¨rerea de raü pentru pa¨catele fa¨cute.b) Hota¨ra[rea de a nu mai pa¨ca¨tui.c) ömpa¨carea cu toòi< cel ce vrea sa¨ se ômpa¨rta¨sçeasca¨

nu trebuie sa¨ fie certat cu nimeni, sa¨ nu aiba¨ nimicômpotriva cuiva. (vezi Evanghelia dupa¨ Matei V, 23-24sçi Marcu XI,25-26).

d) Post sçi ruga¨ciune. Cel ce vrea sa¨ se ômpa¨rta¨sçeasca¨duminical trebuie sa¨ posteasca¨ miercurile sçi vinerile,iar ôn ziua respectiva¨ sa¨ se abòina¨ complet de la ma[ncaresçi baütura¨ ôncepa[nd de la miezul nopòii. Numai celorbolnavi grav li se poate da Sfa[nta ômpa¨rta¨sçanie pema[ncate. De asemenea ôn noòiunea de post se ônòelegesçi ônfra[narea de la ômpreunarea sexuala¨.

e) Spovedania (ma¨rturisirea pa¨catelor) sçi ôndeplinireacanonului de pocaïnòa dat de duhovnic. Numai copiiipa[na¨ la va[rsta de sçapte-opt ani sunt scutiòi de ma¨rturisire.

f) Citirea Pravilei (Canonului) pentru ômpa¨rta¨sçire,adica¨ a ruga¨ciunilor prega¨titoare pentru ômpa¨rta¨sire,tipa¨rite ôn Ceaslov sçi ôn ca¨ròile de ruga¨ciune. Este ora[nduiala¨ de 12 ruga¨ciuni, din care la nevoie pot fispuse numai sçase.

g) Participarea la Sfa[nta Liturghie. ön afara de anumitecazuri de urgenòa¨ (boala¨, accident, aflarea pe patul demoarte), participarea la Sfa[nta Liturghie este o condiòiefa¨ra¨ de care nimeni nu se poate ômpa¨rta¨sçi. Daca¨ nuesçti prezent de la ônceput la Slujba Sfintei Liturghiicum poòi sa¨ ceri sa¨ te ômpa¨rta¨sçesçti= Sunt unii cresçtinicare invoca¨ fel de fel de motive, dar motivaòia lor esteuna singura¨> dau impportanòa¨ mai mare acestor mo-tive deca[t lui Dumnzeu. Sçi atunci cum pot cere sa¨-Lprimeasca¨ pe Dumnezeu ôn trupul lor=

ömpa¨rta ¨s çania este un act de o deosebita ¨responsabilitate. Prin ômpa¨rta¨sçanie ne unim cu Hristos,de aceea se cuvine sa¨ fim prega¨tiòi sufletesçte sçi trupesçtepentru acest eveniment major din viaòa cresçtina¨. Deaceea trebuie avut ôn vedere ôndemnul Sfa[ntului SimionMetafrastul>

||Iata¨ ma¨ apropii de Sfa[nta ômpa¨rta¨sçire.Sçi ômpa¨rta¨sçindu-ma¨, Doamne sa¨ nu ma¨ arzi,Ca¨ Tu esçti foc sçi arzi pe cei nevrednici<Ci cura¨òesçte-ma¨ de toata¨ ôntinarea.\\

Preot Anton Frunza¨


...Referitor la cele doua¨ probleme care apar atuncica[nd se vorbesçte despre deasa ômpa¨rta¨sçire (adicaspovedanie sçi post), putem spune ca¨ nu gresçesçte cunimic cel care vrea sa¨ se ômpa¨rta¨sçeasca¨ o data¨ sau dedoua¨ ori pe sa¨pta¨ma[na¨ sau chiar zilnic, ba, dimpotriva¨,mult bine duhovnicesc ôsçi face. ön acest caz, mirenii,dar mai ales monahii, daca¨ sunt sa[rguinciosçi ônômplinirea cuvintelor Evangheliei sçi nu au impedimentepentru a se ômpa¨rta¨sçi, se pot spovedi sçi o data¨ laca[teva sa¨pta¨ma[ni (clericii inclusiv) sçi este suficient sa¨posteasca¨ doar miercuri sçi vineri (monahii sçi lunea),atunci ca[nd nu este un post din cele patru posturi dedurata¨. Acest sfat ônsa¨, asça cum cred ca s-a ônòelesdeja, nu este valabil pentru toòi, ca¨ci majoritatea||ortodocsçilor\\ nu prea fac cele ale Ortodoxiei. Sfatulsau, mai bine zis, ôndemnul este valabil doar pentrucei care merg regulat la biserica¨, òin toate posturileinclusiv miercurile sçi vinerile, au un canon stabil deruga¨ciune, fac ascultare de un duhovnic, se feresc depa¨cat sçi lucreaza¨ virtuòile. Cresçtini din acesçtia suntrelativ puòini, dar suficienòi pentru a putea ômpa¨rta¨sçiôn fiecare duminica¨ ma¨car ca[te 20-30 de credinciosçi(adulòi), iar la ma¨na¨stiri chiar ôntreaga obsçte.

Deasa ômpa¨rta¨sçire este respinsa¨ de doua¨ categoriide ||cresçtini\\ care pa[na¨ la urma¨ formeaza¨ una singura¨>categoria oamenilor care, neglija[nd ônva¨òa¨tura SfinòilorPa¨rinòi, se ômpa¨rta¨sçesc rar sau foarte rar sçi nu aucunoscut (duhovnicesçte) niciodata¨ folosul ômpa¨rta¨sçiriicu Hristos, ci o fac din nisçte obligaòii externe> mireniiôn baza unui obicei mosçtenit, iar clericii dinobligativitatea de a sluji. Este logic ca pentru ei deasaômpa¨rta¨sçire sa¨ fie ||un moft nemotivat sçi riscant\\.Acesçtia, daca¨ sçi-ar da mai bine seama de rostul lor pepa¨ma[nt sçi de imposibilitatea realizarii idealuluisfinòeniei fa¨ra¨ Hristos, ar dori cu siguranòa¨ sa¨ seômpa¨rta¨sçeasca¨ zilnic. Un asemenea om nu ônòelegeafirmaòia Sfa[ntului Ioan de Kronstadt> Eu mor daca¨nu sa¨va[rsçesc ôn fiecare zi Liturghie.

Sa¨ nu uitam deci, fraòilor, ca¨ Dumnezeu ne-a chematla sfinòenie (Levitic 19>2 , I Tesaloniceni 4>1 sç.a.), iaraceasta nu se poate doba[ndi fa¨ra¨ Hristos. Sa¨ lepa¨da¨m,asçadar, pa¨catul sçi sa¨ venim la Hristos, ca¨ci El ônsusçidoresçte sa¨ locuiasca¨ ôn noi ca ôntr-un Templu al DuhuluiSfa[nt.

Sa¨ facem din ôntreaga viaòa¨ o prega¨tire pentruômpa¨rta¨sçanie, ca¨ci aceasta ônseamna¨ a fi cresçtin - a-Lpurta pe Hristos! Nu se pot apropia ônsa¨ cei care nu-sçi lasa¨ pa¨catul sçi care, desçi s-au spovedit, continua¨ sa¨faca¨ acel pa¨cat. Nedorinòa de a pa¨ra¨si pa¨catul seidentifica¨ cu nedorinòa de a te ma[ntui sçi cel carema¨car nu regreta pa¨catul sa¨va[rsçit nu se poate ômpa¨rta¨sçinici pe patul de moarte.

Daca¨ tot suntem la capitolul sfaturi practice con-sider necesara¨ la¨murirea unei alte probleme legate deônsusçi actul ômpa¨rta¨sçirii. Mirenii s-au obisçnuit ca atuncica[nd stau cu luma[narea aprinsa¨ ôn faòa Altarului, preotul,

cu Sfa[ntul Potir ôn ma[na¨, sa¨ spuna¨ obisçnuitele ruga¨ciuniônainte de ômpa¨rta¨sçanie> Cred Doamne sçi ma¨rturisesc... De fapt nu este corect ca aceste ruga¨ciuni sa¨ lespuna¨ preotul, ci credinciosçii, pentru ca¨ ei vor sa¨ seômpa¨rta¨sçeasca¨. Sfinòiòii slujitori au rostit deja acesteruga¨ciuni ôn Sfa[ntul Altar, ca[nd ei ônsçisçi s-au ômpa¨rta¨sçit,de aceea repetarea acestor ruga¨ciuni ôn care mai cer odata¨ sçi ma¨ ônvrednicesçte fa¨ra¨ de osa[nda¨ sa¨ ma¨ômpa¨rta¨sçesc (ca[nd de fapt s-au ômpa¨rta¨sçit deja) esteun nonsens. Practica pe care o avem noi asta¨zi sedatoreaza¨ faptului ca¨ pa[na¨ nu demult o buna¨ parte dincredinciosçi nu sçtiau sa¨ citeasca¨, sçi atunci preotul rosteaaceste ruga¨ciuni, iar credinciosçii le repetau cu vocetare. Obiceiul se pa¨streaza¨ sçi asta¨zi ôn Biserica Rusa¨sçi Sa[rba¨ exact asça cum vi l-am descris.

ön zilele noastre ônsa¨, ca[nd toòi sçtiu carte, este foartesimplu ca cel care vine sa¨ se ômpa¨rta¨sçeasca¨ sa¨ citeascsingur ruga¨ciunile sau sa¨ le spuna¨ pe de rost (mai alesca¨ unii le sçtiu deja), iar daca¨ nu, credinciosçii trebuieôndemnaòi sçi obisçnuiòi, cel puòin, sa¨ repete aceleruga¨ciuni dupa¨ preot, ca¨ci sunt ruga¨ciunile lor. Desigur,din comoditate e simplu sa¨ spuna¨ preotul ruga¨ciunile(eventual ca[t mai repede!), dar ce ca[sçtig au mireniidin aceasta=

O alta¨ problema¨ ônta[lnita¨ ôn lega¨tura¨ cu actulômpa¨rta¨sçirii este daca¨ mirenii pot sau nu sa¨ sa¨rutePotirul dupa ômpa¨rta¨sçire. Unele Liturghiere, mai putincel roma[nesc de acum, nici nu amintesc de asça ceva.Cele slavonesçti sçi unele grecesçti spun ca¨ mirenii trebuie,dupa¨ ce s-au sçters pe buze (sau au fost sçtersçi), sa¨sa¨rute sfa[ntul Potir sçi sa¨ mulòumeasca¨ pentru faptul ca¨s-au ônvrednicit sa¨ bea din ônsa¨sçi coasta Ma[ntuitoruluiHristos. Deci, ôn cazul acesta, Potirul simbolizeaza¨coasta de viaòa¨ da¨ta¨toare a Sta¨pa[nului sçi de aceeagestul nu trebuie neglijat, ci explicat sçi practicat. El defapt se practica¨ ôn cazul clericilor (care, evident, suntmai prudenòi), dar nu trebuie ignorat nici ôn cazulcredinciosçilor. Desigur, preotul poate interzice sa¨rutareaPotirului oamenilor pe care nu-i cunoasçte, ca ma¨sura¨de precauòie, dar aceasta nu trebuie sa¨ devina¨ regula¨.

Rog deci pe toti, preoòi sçi credinciosçi, sa¨ ia amintela aceste probleme, iar acolo unde e cazul, credinciosçiipot chiar cere preotului sa¨ zica¨ ei ruga¨ciunea sçi sa¨sarute Sfa[ntul Potir. Nu vor gresçi cu nimic, dupa cumnu gresçesc nici atunci ca[nd cer (insistent) Sfa[ntaômpa¨rta¨sçanie daca¨ preotul fa¨ra¨ motiv refuza¨ sa¨ le-odea!

Tot in privinòa ômpa¨rta¨sçirii credinciosçilor cu SfinteleTaine mai sunt multe alte nuanòe demne de amintit.De exemplu, mulòi ôsçi pun ôntrebarea daca¨ putem sa¨rutaicoanele dupa¨ ômpa¨rta¨sçire, daca¨ putem dormi ôn ziuaaceea sau daca¨ putem face metanii (mari)= Este clarca¨ imediat dupa¨ ce ne-am ômpa¨rta¨sçit nu trebuie sa¨sa¨ruta¨m nici icoanele sçi nici ma[na preotului sçi nimicaltceva, dar dupa¨ ce am luat anafura sçi am ba¨ut aghiazma¨

CA[ND SçI CUM SA NE öMPARTASçIM=

Cont. la pag. 24


Cont. la pag. 24

Cele 3 surori> Minodora, Mitrodora sçi Nimfodora s-au na¨scut ôn Bitinia traïnd pe vremea ômpa¨ratuluiMaximian, prigonitorul cresçtinilor. Tinere fiind, s-auretras departe de lume, petreca[ndu-sçi viaòa ôn post sçiruga¨ciune. Afla[nd Fronton, sta¨pa[nul acelor locuri despreele, a dat ordin sa¨ fie duse la judecata¨. Impresionat defrumuseòea lor, prigonitorul le-a laüdat, apoi le-a promisca¨ daca¨ vor jertfi zeilor le va duce la ômpa¨rat care le vada multe lucruri de preò si le va ga¨si sçi soòi buni. Cele3 surori au vorbit pe ra[nd, ônta[i Minodora, ca sora¨ maimare, apoi Mitrodora, apoi Nimfodora, spuna[nd ca¨ elesunt cresçtine sçi nu vor renunòa la cresçtinism. Va¨za[nd ca¨nu reusçesçte cu promisiunile, Fronton a ônceput sa¨ leameninòe cu chinuri sçi torturi. El a sfa¨tuit-o pe Minodora,ca sora¨ mai mare, sa¨-sçi ônveòe surorile mai mici sa¨renunòe la cresçtinism. Minodora, ônsa¨, a spus ca¨ toatetrei sunt gata sa¨ se jertfeasca¨ pentru Dumnezeu. Atuncichinuitorul s-a ma[niat sçi duca[ndu-le pe surorile maimici ôn temniòa¨ a poruncit ca Minodora sa¨ fie chinuita¨.Sççi a fost chinuita¨ pa[na¨ sçi-a dat sufletul. Dupa¨ ca[teva zilele-a adus la judecata¨ pe Mitrodora sçi Nimfodora. Puna[ndôn faòa¨ trupul mort, chinuit al Minodorei, li s-a spus caäsça vor pa¨òi sçi ele daca¨ nu jertfesc zeilor. Cele doua¨surori mai mici au ra¨spuns ca¨ ôsçi pa¨streaza¨ credinòa.Deci, Mitrodora a fost chinuita¨ pa[na¨ sçi-a dat sufletul. Avenit vremea ca ultima din ele, sora cea mai mica¨, sa¨ fiepusa¨ ôn faòa trupurilor fara¨ de viaòa¨, torturate, ale surorilormai mari. Nimfodora, ônsa¨, ôn loc sa¨ jertfeasca¨ zeilor, aales sa¨ fie ea ônsa¨sçi jertfa¨ pentru Hristos. Dupa¨ ce sçi ceade a treia sora¨ sçi-a dat duhul, sta¨pa[nitorul a dat ordin caapoi cele 3 trupuri sa¨ fie arse. Dar deodata¨ s-a pornit oploaie puternica¨, focul s- a stins sçi trupurile au ra¨masôntregi. Apoi ||... alt foc, cu tra¨snet mare, a ca¨zut din cersçi ôndata¨ a ars pe Fronton sçi pe toòi slujitorii lui, care aumuncit pe sfintele muceniòe\\ ( Vieòile Sfinòilor peSeptembrie)

Sfintele Muceniòe Minodora, Mitrodora sçi Nimfodorase sa¨rba¨toresc pe data de Septembrie 10.

Sfa[ntul Mucenic Calistrat s-a na¨scut ôn Cartagina.Bunicul lui, Neocor a fost soldat ôn Ierusalim ca[nd DomnulNostru Iisus Hristos a fost ra¨stignit. El i-a cunoscut peapostoli sçi a devenit cresçtin. öntorca[ndu-se acasa¨ a aduscu el sçi credinòa ôn Iisus Hristos, boteza[ndu-sçi familia sçipovestind tuturor cele va¨zute. Calistrat, cresca[nd, a intratostasç, pleca[nd cu armata la Roma. Fiind pa[ra[t ca¨ estecresçtin a fost dus la judecata¨ ôn faòa voievodului Persentin.Deoarece a refuzat sa¨ jertfeasca¨ zeilor, a fost chinuit,apoi, ônchis ôntr-un burduf a fost aruncat ôn mare sa¨ seônece. Prin voia lui Dumnezeu, burduful lovindu-se deo sta[nca¨, s-a spart, iar Calistrat a fost luat de 2 delfini sçi

purtat la mal. Va¨za[nd aceasta¨ minune, 49 de soldaòi aucrezut ôn Dumnezeu. Voievodul, ma[niindu-se, a dat ordinca toòi cei ce au crezut ôn Dumnezeu sa fie chinuiòi apoipusçi ôn ônchisoare. Acolo, ôn ônchisoare, Calistrat le-apropova¨duit soldaòilor arestaòi ônva¨òa¨tura cresçtina¨,ônta¨rindu-i pentru chinurile ce aveau sa¨ urmeze. Voievoduli-a luat din nou la judecat pe Calistrat sçi pe cei 49, darnici unul din ei nu a renunòat la cresçtinism. önfuriat,voievodul a dat ordin sa¨ fie toòi ba¨tuòi, apoi, legaòi lama[ini sçi picioare sa¨ fie aruncaòi ôntr-o apa¨ sa¨ se ônnece.Calistrat s-a rugat lui Dumnezeu ca apa aceea sa¨ fie cabotez pentru cei chinuiòi. Sççi ôn apa¨ fiind s-au rupt lega¨turilelor sçi ||s-a va¨zut o cununa¨ foarte frumoasa¨ de suspogora[ndu-se sçi un glas s-a auzit zica[nd>\\ öndra¨znesçte,Calistrate, cu turma ta, sçi vino cu da[nsçii sa¨ te odihnesçtiôn la¨casçurile vesçnice\\ (Vieòile Sfinòilor pe Septembrie).Sççi a fost cutremur sçi un idol atunci s-a pra¨busçit. Ada[ncimpresionaòi, alòi 135 de soldaòi au crezut ôn Dumnezeu.Calistrat sçi cei 49 de soldaòi au fost ôntorsçi ôn ônchisoare,unde, ôn timpul nopòii au intrat soldaòii voievodului sçi i-au taïat ôn buca¨òi. Moasçtele lor au fost stra[nse sçi ôngropatede ceilalòi soldaòi convertiòi. Deasupra moasçtelor s-aconstruit o biserica¨.

Sfa[ntul Mucenic Calistrat sçi cei ômpreuna cu da[nsulse sa¨rba¨toresc pe data de 27 Septembrie.öntreba¨ri pentru pa¨rinòi>

- Ca[ta¨ atenòie acorda¨m noi traïrii religioase a familieinoastre= Bunicul mucenicului Calistrat, devenindcresçtin, sçi-a cresçtinat soòia si copiii, care, la ra[ndullor, sçi-au crescut copiii ca buni cresçtini. Datoritaäcestui bunic, nepotul Calistrat a devenit un foartebun cresçtin care, la ra[ndul saü, cu ajutorul luiDumnezeu, a adus pe mulòi alòii la cresçtinism. Neda¨m noi seama ca[t de mult ne putem ajuta familiadaca¨ noi traïm cresçtinismul ôn familie asça cum trebuiesçi ne da¨m seama ca[t de mult pierdem (ca[te suflete sepot pierde) daca¨ noi nu ne facem datoria de bunibunici cresçtini, buni pa¨rinòi cresçtini, buni fraòi cresçtini=

- Oare noi chiar nu sçtim cum sa¨ traïm viaòa¨ de bunicresçtini= Oare consçtiinòa noastra¨ nu ne spune ce trebuiesa¨ facem= Sau sçtim, dar suntem prea ocupaòi, preaobosiòi, prea influenòaòi de colegi, de vecini sçi deprieteni, copiii au prea multe activita¨òi extrasçcolare sçinu vrem ||sa¨-i obosim\\ cu ruga¨ciunile sçi cu mersul labiserica¨= Nu cumva ne-am la¨sat influenòaòi de modelespirituale ale celor fa¨ra¨ nici un Dumnezeu= Nu cumvasunteòi ôndemnaòi ca ôn loc de ruga¨ciuni sa¨-i ônva¨òaòipe copiii dumneavoastra¨ yoga sau altele ca aceasta pemotiv ca¨ ||asta e la moda¨ ||=

EDUCAREA CRESçTINA A FAMILIEI

Sfintele muceniòe Minodora, Mitrodora sçi NimfodoraSeptembrie 10

Sf. Mucenic Calistrat sçi cei ômpreuna¨ cu da[nsul27 Septembrie


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Educarea ... Cont. de la pag. 23- Dar voi, fraòilor sçi surorilor mai mari, va¨ ôntrebaòi ce

influenòa¨ aveòi asupra fraòilor mai mici= Nu cumva,pentru a poza, veniòi acasa¨ cu tot felul de idei ateistesau anticresçtine cu care, poate, nici voi nu sunteòi deacord, dar le spuneòi fraòilor mai mici pentru a ara¨tace grozavi sunteòi sçi ca¨ puteòi orica[nd sa¨ va¨ ||eliberaòi\\de religie sçi de pa¨rinòii= Daca¨, din gresçala¨ aòi fa¨cutaceasta, citiòi ||Fraòii Karamazov\\ (||Karamazov Broth-ers\\) de Dostoievsky pentru a putea ônòelege mai bineraül pe care, fa¨ra¨ sa¨ vreòi, ôl puteòi face fraòilor vosçtri.Fie ca¨ citiòi cartea sau ca¨ nu o citiòi, cereòi iertarecelor pe ale ca¨ror suflete, cu sau fa¨ra¨ voie le-aòi fa¨cutraü sa¨dindu-le neghina ôndoielii sau poate a necredinòei.Oare am uitat noi ca¨ pe lumea cealalta¨ o sa¨ da¨msocoteala¨ pentru fiecare vorba¨ a noastra¨= De ce, atunci,de multe ori vorbim fara¨ noima¨ (sau ca scriitori,scrim fa¨ra¨ noima¨) fa¨ra¨ sa¨ ne ga[ndim sau fa¨ra¨ sa¨ nepese ca¨ alòii iau ôn serios cuvintele noastre=Sçtiu ca¨ exista¨ sçi oameni cu o traïre religioasa¨ foarte

intensa¨. Cu tot respectul cuvenit, cera[ndu-mi scuze daca¨ôi supa¨r, asç dori sa¨-i ôntreb> aòi fa¨cut tot ce aòi putut sa¨-i ajutaòi sçi pe alòii sa¨ aibe fericirea de a fi cresçtini cutoata¨ inima lor, din tot sufletul lor, cu tot ga[ndul sçi faptalor= Nu cumva aòi putea face un pic mai mult ôn acestsens=

Dumnezeu sa¨ ne ajute pe noi toòi sçi pe familiile noastresa¨ traïm toata¨ viaòa ca buni cresçtini (o, ca[te ispite vin peparcurs!) iar ca[nd va veni vremea (clipele ultimei ba¨ta¨lii)sa¨ ne dea un ||sfa[rsçit cresçtinesc vieòii noastre, ôn pace,fa¨ra¨ de osa[nda¨ sçi ra¨spuns bun la

önfricosça¨toarea Sa judecata¨.||Maica Preoteasa¨

Ca[nd sçi Cum Cont. de la pag. 22

Cele mai importante lucruri pe care trebuie sa¨ lefacem dupa¨ ômpa¨rta¨sçanie sunt sa¨ ne ruga¨m sçi sa¨mulòumim ca¨ Dumnezeu ne-a ônvrednicit de unasemenea mare dar, sa¨ ne ferim de pa¨cate sçi sa¨ pa¨stra¨mcu smerenie sfinòenia pe care am primit-o. Sfa[ntaScrip-tura¨ ne spune> ||Paharul ma[ntuirii voi lua sçinumele Domnului voi chema\\. Din acest verset putemdeduce o ônva¨òa¨tura isihasta¨ foarte profunda¨. Scripturane ôndeamna¨ ca, dupa¨ ce am luat ||paharul ma[ntuirii\\,adica¨ Sfintele Taine, sa¨ ||chema¨m numele Dom-nului\\,adica¨ sa¨ invoca¨m numele lui Iisus> ||Doamne, IisuseHristoase, Fiul lui Dumnezeu, miluiesçte-ma¨ pe mine,pa¨ca¨tosul!\\

Sa¨ fim, asçadar, atenti sçi la aceste nuanòe ale cultuluinostru ortodox sçi sa¨ nu ne la¨sa¨m purtaòi de va[ntulnesimòirii duhovnicesçti la care, din pa¨cate, s-a ajuns!Putem ônta[lni ôn zilele noastre tot felul de falsçi duhovnicisçi falsçi prooroci (chiar din ra[ndul preoòilor), care citescruga¨ciuni, dezlega¨ri, proorocesc, ama¨gesc sçi multealtele, dar fa¨ra¨ sa¨ aminteasca¨ ma¨car de Ma¨rturisire sçiômpa¨rta¨sçanie. Aceasta este o ônsçelare sçi o falsa¨ viaòa¨duhovniceasca¨.

Sa¨ urma¨m asçadar, iubiòi credinciosçi, pe marii Sfinòiai Bisericii> Ioan Gura¨ de Aur, Teodor Studitul, SimeonNoul Teolog, Nicolae Cabasila, Simeon alThesalonicului, Nicodim Aghioritul, PaisieVelicicovschi, Ioan de Kronstadt, Ioan Maximovici,Siluan Atonitul sçi mulòi alòii (cunoscuòi sçi necunoscuòi),care se ômpa¨rta¨sçeau zilnic sçi asça au sçi ajuns sfinòi. Nule-au lipsit acestor oameni nici faptele bune, nici virtuòilecele mai ônalte, totusçi na¨dejdea ma[ntuirii lor nu era ônefortul propriu, ci ôn Hristos, cu Care se ômpa¨rta¨sçeaufoarte des.

Ierom. Petru PruteanuFragment preluat din cartea ||Liturghia ortodoxa¨>

istorie sçi actualitate\\ Ed. Sophia, 2008, pag. 335-337.

sau vin nu mai exista practic pericolul de a mai fi cevadin Sfintele Taine pe buzele credinciosçilor, deci leputem sa¨ruta (cu atenòie). Daca¨ ne ferim sa¨ sa¨ruta¨micoanele, atunci trebuie sa¨ ne ferim sçi sa¨ ma[nca¨m culingura sau furculiòa, pe care le ba¨ga¨m ôn gura¨ sçi apoile spa¨la¨m fa¨ra¨ nici o grija¨. Vedeòi deci ca[ta¨ absurditatepoate fi ôn abordarea unor probleme= (Ce sa¨ mai zic caünii, de-a dreptul prostesçte, interzic, ôn ziua ôn carecineva s-a ômpa¨rta¨sçit, sa¨ ma¨na[nce pesçte sau anumitefructe. Nici asta nu e corect!)

Exista, de asemenea, temerea unora de a se odihnisau chiar de a dormi dupa¨ ce s-au ômpa¨rta¨sçit, fa¨ra¨ a seexplica de ce anume (sau aduc ca argument o vorba¨ba¨beasca¨, chipurile, ca¨ ôn timpul somnului vine draculsçi-òi fura¨ ômpa¨rta¨sçania. Cred ca¨ nici nu avem cecomenta!). Aceasta¨ ||regula\\ nu are nici o motivaòieteologica¨ sau practica¨. De multe ori este mai de folosca cineva sa¨ se odihneasca¨ dupa¨ ce s-a ômpa¨rta¨sçitdeca[t sa¨ judece pe cineva sau sa¨ faca¨ alte pa¨cate. Suntmulte ma¨na¨stiri (mai ales ôn Sfa[ntul Munte) unde sefac slujbele noaptea sçi, dupa¨ ce se ômpa¨rta¨sçesc toòi,merg sçi se odihnesc puòin, apoi ôsçi ôncep activitateazilnica¨.

SEPT./OCT. VOL. LXXIV, 2009 Nos. 9-10 The Herald/SOLIA...have God’s transcendence without His...

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Transcript of SEPT./OCT. VOL. LXXIV, 2009 Nos. 9-10 The Herald/SOLIA...have God’s transcendence without His...