Diocese of the West

Diaconal Liturgical Practicum Set

chancery — Mon, 26 Jul 2010 07:15:48 +0000

Diaconal Liturgical Practicum

October 8-10, 2010

Church of the Annunciation in Milwaukie, Oregon

FRIDAY OCTOBER 8

8:00 PM Opening Prayers
Introductions
“On the Diaconate” – a presentation by Adn Kirill Sokolov
Planning for Divine Liturgy

10:00 PM End of evening

SATURDAY OCTOBER 9

8:00 AM Preparation for Liturgy; observe Proskomedia
9:00 AM Divine Liturgy
10:30 Coffee
11:00 Entering the Church; Patterns of movement in the Church building
12:45 PM Lunch
2:00 Litanies; Little Entrance
3:30 Coffee Break
4:00 Readings; Great Entrance; Communion
5:15 Break
5:30 Introduction to Parish Vigil
6:30 Preparation for Great Vespers
7:00 Great Vespers
8:00 Supper

SUNDAY OCTOBER 10

8:00 AM Matins
10:00 Divine Liturgy with the faithful of the the Church of the Annunciation in the morning
Final session and review following brunch
2:30 PM Closing prayer and departures

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Building Hope – In Us! Project Mexico 2010

chancery — Thu, 22 Jul 2010 22:07:56 +0000

After spending 34 hours in a caravan with 25 other people from Colorado, I arrived at Project Mexico during the big OBT(Orthodox Basic Training) session. Starting out the week I had the assumption that I was there to give to others, show them hope, service and love. This has been my goal, having been on countless mission trips. As the week passed I was surprised to notice my many faults, and selfish tendencies, and realized that I had so much to learn and receive.

I was impressed with the friends I made so easily, how approachable other workers from around the country were, and how humble and positive the interns were about all the hard work. Also known as “the Ranch”, Project Mexico over many years has created workers, and leaders who have developed a sense of peace and an aspiration of hope. Even when one of our drivers in our caravan got pulled over for taking pictures of the police in Rosarito, the courteous and stress-free attitude of our leader Niko amazed me. With no tension or worry and with a huge smile on his face he approached the cop and smoothed over the whole situation. His optimism showed me the effect Project Mexico has on a person.

In my experience, many past mission trips have stressed quantity more than quality. “How many houses can we make, how many people can we convert?” Even though our house building group was large enough to build two houses instead of one, that was not the goal. Project Mexico works on developing friendships with the neighborhood kids and building hope for families in Mexico. I thought I would feel a sense of encouragement for the people living in poverty, but I actually received more encouragement from them. Noami, who we built the house for, had so little and yet gave us sacrifice and service. The quality of her giving was better than building an extra house. She was out there working with us during the only hours she had away from work, and even made lunch for us on our last day.

These two experiences of optimism and service gave me the assurance that I can change. One week is never long enough to completely set me free from my faults. But it did give me a glimpse of who I am and what I can be. I don’t want to forget what I learned and I don’t want to be the same person I was when I left home. Project Mexico will always need volunteers, donations and prayers but to continue the work that Project Mexico really does is to continue to grow and change within ourselves. I once thought that we were supposed to only give and serve, until I found that I was given more. Now I’ve seen and understand what Project Mexico does, it gives everyone the desire to transform themselves.

“The rich man is not the one who has collected many possessions but the one who needs few possessions and the poor man is not the one who has few possessions but one who has many desires” ~ St. John Chrysostom

“We are not to look on the people here as less than us with pity and condescension, but to view them as equals having different struggles and a different path of salvation…we are only here to give them what we can. ‘To whom much is given much is expected in return”. – Niko (an intern at Project Mexico)

Rachael Billings
Project Mexico Colorado Team 2010

2010-2011 Retreat Schedule at the Monastery of Saint John

chancery — Wed, 14 Jul 2010 00:15:01 +0000

The next in the series of 3-day weekend retreats hosted by Father Meletios at the Monastery of Saint John are currently scheduled. Each retreat begins Friday afternoon at 5 pm and concludes Sunday afternoon at 1 pm on the last weekend of each month.

Young Adult Retreat: July 30 – August 1, 2010
Theme: Being present in the Presence

Clergy Wives Retreat: September 24 – 26, 2010
Theme: Spiritual Tools for the Presbytera

Prayer Retreat: October 29 – 31, 2010
Theme: Introduction to the Jesus Prayer #1

Recovery Retreat: November 19 – 21, 2010
Theme: “Carrying the Message.” Renewing our Commitment and Gratitude.
(For various stages in recovery).

Young Adult Retreat: December 17 – 19, 2010
Theme: Silence in the Age of Anxiety.

Prayer Retreat: January 28 – 30, 2011
Theme: The Jesus Prayer #2

Retreat: February 25 – 27, 2011
Theme: Our Lenten Journey: Our Pilgrimage to Pascha.

Cathecumens Retreat: March 25 – 27, 2011
Theme: Facing our Commitment to the Church of Christ.

Women’s Retreat: April 29 – May 1
Theme: Exploring our Spiritual Growth.

PK Retreat: May 27 – 29, 2011
Theme: Children of Clergy

Summer Silent Retreat: June 24 – 26, 2011
Theme: A time of prayers and meditation in silence

In addition to talks on the retreat theme given by our abbot, Fr. Meletios, retreatants will also participate in the monastic services and meals and stay at the monastery guesthouse. Also, there will be opportunity to spend quiet time walking the monastery grounds, as well as social time meeting others who seek a deeper commitment to Christ.

“…These retreats are a great way to visit the monastery, particularly if you have never been to a monastery before. Since everything is explained when you arrive, you do not have to fear doing the wrong thing, or not knowing what you should be doing. Actually, monastic life is usually at its best when it is very simple, yet very human. It is our duty, as monks, to offer hospitality to all our visitors, and to make them feel welcome and at their ease.” — Father Meletios

Space is limited in the monastery guesthouse, so please make your reservation early! The cost for each retreat weekend is $120, or whatever you can afford; some scholarships are available. For further information, or to make a reservation, please contact Father Nektarios at the monastery.

Additionally, the monastery hosts both guided and non-guided Individual retreats at other times under the spiritual direction of Father Meletios. Again, contact Father Nektarios to coordinate these special arrangements.

“We look forward to your visit!”

PO Box 439
Manton, CA 96059
Tel: 530-474-5964
Fax.: 530-474-3564
web: www.monasteryofstjohn.org
e-mail: email hidden; JavaScript is required

Feast of St. John of San Francisco and Shanghai

chancery — Thu, 08 Jul 2010 01:25:31 +0000

July 1 – 2, 2010 Bishop Benjamin celebrated the patronal feast of Monastery of St. John of San Francisco and Shanghai, Manton, CA with the monastery brotherhood in the little chapel that formerly stood at Point Reyes, CA. The monastery is an important place of spiritual respite in our midst and was founded by Metropolitan Jonah in 1996.

Archimandrite Meletios and the brothers have continued to grow as a community and have become prominent in the resurgence of monastic life in Orthodox America. The brotherhood includes both American and foreign born brothers working out their salvation together.

The vigil service and Divine Liturgy were beautifuly sung by the monastery choir under the direction of Father Martin. The monks not only sing traditional Slavic and Byzantine music, but also contemporary American settings by Fr. Martin and others. The prayerfulness of the services is noteworthy.

In his sermon at the conclusion of the vigil, Bishop Benjamin remarked on St. John’s ability to project the love of God for His people and entire creation by means of his quiet, humble and loving way of life. St. John was the consumate pastor, a shepherd who knew his sheep and was known by them. They followed the voice of the Chief Shepherd as it sounded through the lips of the little Archbishop of Shanghai and San Francisco. God expressed His love for His people and for these two cities through the loving ministry of St. John. In this way, he was truly a rule or canon of faith, a guide for his flock. Like Moses of old, he led his beloved flock from danger. Like Joshua, he led them into a new land. Like Solomon the wise, St. John was blessed by God to build a temple in the heart of the City of San Francisco.

The pilgrimage to the monastery is an annual event. We encourage you to visit the Monastery of St. John and also to visit the monastery’s website: http://www.monasteryofstjohn.org.

2010 Diocesan Assembly Planned for Poway, CA

chancery — Mon, 05 Jul 2010 23:34:51 +0000

St. John of Damascus Church

16903 Espola Rd,

Poway, CA 92064

Office: 858-674-1931

Web: http://www.stjohnofdamascus.org

Welcome to the Information Page

for the 2010 Diocese of the West Assemby

The 2010 Diocesan Assembly is scheduled to be held at the St. John of Damascus Church in Poway (near San Diego), CA from Tuesday, October 19, 2010 through Thursday, October 21, 2010. Delegate and Observer registration will begin on August 1. Delegate Books will be available after September 15; delegates will be responsible for downloading reports and reading the material prior to the Assembly. Also, attendees are responsible for their own travel and hotel arrangements; see below for a list of hotels near the church.

A major focus of the Diocesan Assembly this year will be the review and discussion of the draft Strategic Plan for the Orthodox Church in America. A draft is available now and everyone is encouraged to download it and review it before the Assembly.

www.oca.org/PDF/NEWS/2010/2010-0624-strategicplan-v4.6.pdf

…………..

RECOMENDED HOTELS/DIRECTIONS

Please check the parish’s Assembly site
for recommended hotels, directions,
travel suggestions and other local information.
www.StJohnofDamascus.org/Assembly

PROPOSED SCHEDULE:

On Tuesday, October 19, delegate sign-in will be held at the church after 3:00 PM. Vespers will be held at 6:00 PM, followed by a reception in the church hall. On the same evening, the Diocesan Council, including Deans and Department Chairs, will have a dinner meeting, beginning at 7:00 PM.

On Wednesday October 20, the Hours will begin at 8:30 AM followed by Divine Liturgy at 9:00 AM. Following the Divine Liturgy, there will be a Brunch for regisitered delegates, observers and invited guests served in the church hall. The Diocesan Assembly proper will begin on Wednesday after Brunch. Also, the host parish will serve dinner in the hall following the afternoon session. The assembly will continue on Thursday, October 21. A light refreshments will be available. Plan to adjourn at about 4:00 PM, possibly later. Also, the Diocesan Council, along with newly elected members, will have a short meeting following adjournment. To ensure proper attendance at these meetings, please make return flight/travel arrangements no sooner than Thursday evening.

REGISTRATION

Parish Clergy Delegates
to be completed by parish rector
Parish Lay Delegates
to be completed by parish rector

Non-Parochial Delegate
for diocesan council members and department chairs

Observer

DELEGATE BOOKS

(Will Be available after September 15, 2010)

VOLUME 1:

________

VOLUME 2:

________

VOLUME 3:

________

2010 Call for Assembly Reports

Blank 2010 Parish Report Format

Summer Conferences & Events Scheduled

chancery — Sat, 26 Jun 2010 14:00:01 +0000

June 10-July 6

Residents of Heaven: Exhibit and Modern Orthodox Icons

David Allan Hubbard Library, Fuller Theological Seminary, 135 N. Oakland Ave Pasadena, CA 91182
http://www.brehmcenter.com/event/2010-06-18-residents-of-heaven-exhibit-and-modern-orthodox-icons/

July 4-July 10

St. Eugene Youth Camp (Diocese of the West)
Saint Nicholas Camp, Dunlap, CA
Fr. Michael Anderson, Camp Director
510-333-8814
FrMichaelA (at) comcast.net

July 5-July 10

All Saints Camp High School (grades 10 thru 12) & Elementary (grades 3 thru 5)
Camp Agape on 205 Raft Island Drive East Gig Harbor, WA 98335
http://www.orthodoxwashington.org/youth.html
July 9-July 10

St. Athanasius & St. Cyril Theological Library’s Annual Conference
“St. Cyril of Alexandria: A Model of Holiness in the Orthodox Tradition”

Speakers: Bishop Serapion, Fr. George Dragas & Fr. Daniel Habib

St. John Coptic Orthodox Church, 21329 Cienega Ave., Covina, CA 91724
http://www.copticlibrary.org/files/StCyril.pdf
July 11-July 31
Week 1: July 11-July 17
Week 2: July 18-July 24
Week 3: July 25- July 31

St. Sava’s Diocesan Camp
Camp Saint Sava, 604 Broadway, Jackson, CA 95642
http://campstsava.org/site/pages/2010_campers.cgi
July 12-July 17

All Saints Advanced Camp (youth in grades 6 thru 9)
Camp Agape, 205 Raft Island Drive East, Gig Harbor, WA 98335
http://www.standrewscamp.com/applications.php

July 12-July 17

Intensive Iconography Workshop with Dmitri Andreyev of Prosopon School of Iconology
Annunciation Orthodox Church (OCA) on 13515 SE Rusk Rd Milwaukie, OR 97222

For more information: e-mail Rachel Daniels (iconographyclass [at] hotmail.com)
July 18-July 24 (2nd grade thru 11th grade)

July 25-July 31 (Teen Week, 7th-11th grades)

St. Nicholas Summer Camp
Camp St. Nicholas, 11770 Frontier Rd., Frasier Park, CA 93225
http://www.campstnicholas.com
July 26-July 30

St. John the Wonderworker Family Camp
Kiwanis Sky Camp beside Fall Creek Reservoir in Lowell, OR (in Springfield, OR)
http://users.rio.com/bamm/ST.JOHN/skycamp10.html

Father Hartman Funeral

chancery — Tue, 22 Jun 2010 16:46:55 +0000

Archpriest Kirill Hartman, 81, rector of Saint John the Baptist Church in Berkeley, California, fell asleep in the Lord in the morning of June 22, 2010. He had been in a coma since suffering and aneurysm and stroke two weeks previously.

A native of Rockford, IL, Father Kirill was ordained to the priesthood relatively late in life. A college professor, he had taught Russian language and literature at Bowling Green University in Ohio for several years before and after ordination. In the early 1990s, he took an early retirement in order to assume duties as rector of Saint John the Baptist Church, Berkeley, CA, duties he quietly, conscientiously and fully performed until the very day of his hospitalization and loss of consciousness.

An intellectual with a fine sense of humor, he delighted in Chinese art, old icons, science fiction and mystery, animals, carpentry (by which he greatly enriched his parish), and current events. He was a friend and spiritual father to a large and unlikely group of people of all ages, races, and backgrounds.

Among his spiritual children he will be remembered for his continued emphasis on the person of our Lord Jesus Christ; his emphasis on the primacy of courage among the virtues (and his reminder that loyalty is a corollary of courage); his simple and evangelical explanation of the human condition –that God came to earth so that we “might have life and have it more abundantly;” his astounding generosity; and his personal gentleness.

Father Kirill never married and has no surviving close blood relatives.

Service schedule:

At St. John the Baptist, Berkeley

Wednesday evening, Panikhida, 7:00 pm

Friday evening, June 25 – Funeral Service, 7:00 pm

Saturday morning, June 26 – Divine Liturgy

Memory Eternal to the Servant of God, Archpriest Kirill, who has fallen asleep!

Santa Rosa Retreat Planned

chancery — Sat, 19 Jun 2010 12:33:57 +0000

The Parish Sisterhood in Santa Rosa, CA, is hosting a retreat, to be led by Fr. Andrew Morbey, on Friday, July 16 and Saturday, July 17. Fr. Andrew is Dean of St. Mary’s Cathedral in Minneapolis, former rector of St. Seraphim’s and a noted retreatmaster. Everyone is also invited to our Parish Feast of Saint Seraphim: Vigil will be served on Sunday, July 18 at 5 PM, and the Hierarchical Divine Liturgy on Monday, July 19, at 9:30 AM. His Grace, Bishop Benjamin will here with us. Please plan on staying for a festive luncheon after the Divine Liturgy.

For more information, please contact Fr. Lawrence Margitich at lmargitich (at) sbcglobal.net.

The Bishop as Chef

chancery — Sat, 19 Jun 2010 12:24:27 +0000

No, His Grace, Bishop Benjamin, has not abdicated his office. Nor is he moonlighting. His Grace recently participated in a charity event benefiting his alma mater, St. Vladimir’s Seminary. In a type of “Iron Cassock,” His Grace faced off with Archpriest Alexander Rentel, Professor of Canon Law. Each prepared a gourmet meal which was then judged by four local food critics in front of benefactors who had donated towards the reduction of the mortgage on married student housing and enjoyed their own dinner courtesy of the seminary culinary staff. Word has it that His Grace won three of four categories being judged!

A write up about the event by one of the judges can be found here:

http://www.centraljersey.com/articles/2010/06/12/lifestyle/doc4c003a232da67192982411.txt

Annual Fort Ross Pilgrimage

chancery — Sat, 19 Jun 2010 12:13:55 +0000

The 85th annual Pilgrimage to Ft Ross, CA, which normally happens on July 4th, will be held this year on Saturday, July 3rd. The Hierarchical Liturgy is scheduled to begin at 10:00 am.

The trip isn’t a simple one, but “podvig” IS part of the Christian life and brings much grace! (Besides, can you imagine what the trip was like on July 3rd, 1925?) Please plan to attend, and encourage and bring your parishioners, fellow monastics, family and friends to enjoy this beautiful place where St. Innocent himself walked and prayed. Bring a picnic lunch, water, etc., and maybe a little extra to share.