St. Lazarus Serbian Orthodox Cathedral “Ravanica” 

 

GLAS RAVANICE NEWSLETTER

JUNE 2018

Видовдан SUNDAY, JUNE 24, 2018

JOIN US IN COMMEMORATING OUR CHURCH SLAVA VIDOVDAN!

WELCOME TO ST. LAZARUS SERBIAN ORTHODOX CATHEDRAL Welcome to the celebration of the Divine Liturgy. Please enter with reverence, thanksgiving, and worship in the “nave”, the church proper. The glass-enclosed narthex is designated for parents with infants and young children. However, everyone is asked to remain in the narthex during the “Small Entrance,” “Great Entrance,” “Epistles,” and “Gospel Readings”. Also, please remember to turn off all cell phones and beepers during services. If you are a visitor or newcomer, we are pleased to have you with us. Please introduce yourself to a parish board member or our parish priest. Remember that only those who are baptized or chrismated in the Eastern Orthodox faith may participate in the Holy Sacraments including Holy Communion. Following church services, everyone is invited to attend the fellowship hour for lunch or coffee in the parish hall.

Our website is http://ravanica.org

ST. LAZARUS SERBIAN ORTHODOX CATHEDRAL “RAVANICA” June 2018 Sunday Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday

1 FAST FREE

2 FAST FREE

3 Sun. 1 After Pentecost STS. CONSTANTINE AND HELEN All Saints Sun. Divine Liturgy 9 A.M.

4 APOSTLES FAST

5 APOSTLES FAST

6 APOSTLES FAST

7 APOSTLES FAST

8 APOSTLES FAST

9 APOSTLES FAST

10 Sun. 2 After

Pentecost APOSTLES FAST

11 APOSTLES FAST

12 APOSTLES FAST

13 APOSTLES FAST

14 APOSTLES FAST

15 APOSTLES FAST

16 APOSTLES FAST

17 Sun. 3 After Pentecost APOSTLES FAST Divine Liturgy 9 A.M.

18 APOSTLES FAST

19 APOSTLES FAST

20 APOSTLES FAST

21APOSTLES FAST

22 APOSTLES FAST

23 APOSTLES FAST

24 Sun. 4 After Pentecost/FAST VIDOVDAN SLAVA HIERARCHICAL LITURGY 9:30 A.M./Banquet After Liturgy!

25 APOSTLES FAST

26 APOSTLES FAST

27 APOSTLES FAST

28 APOSTLES FAST MARTYR PRINCE LAZAR & ALL SERBIAN MARTYRS VIDOVDAN LITURGY 9 A.M.

29 APOSTLES FAST

30 APOSTLES FAST

Znak za Post

Sign for Fasting

The Lord's Prayer

"011e uaiu"

Our Father, who art In Heaven, hallowed be Thy Name; Thy Kingdom come; Thy will be done, on earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our dally bread; and forgive us our trespasses as we forgive those who trespass against us. And lead us not into temptation,

but deliver us from Evil. Amen.

Otce nas, ize jesi na nebesjeh. Da svjatitsja imja Tvoje, da pridet carstvije Tvoje, da budet volja Tvoja, jako na nebesi i na zemlji. Hljeb nas nasushnij, dazd nam dnes i ostavi nam dolgi nasja, jakoze i mi ostavljajem dolznikom nasim. I ne

vovedi nas vo iskushenije, no izbavi nas ot lukavago.

The Creed I believe in one God, the Father almighty, Maker of Heaven and earth, and all things visible and invisble. AND in one Lord Jesus

Christ, the Son of God, the only-begotten, begotten of the Father before all ages. Light of light, true God of true God, begotten, not made; of one essence with the Father, by whom all things were made. Who for us men and for our salvation came down from

Heaven and was incarnate of the Holy Spirit and the Virgin Mary and became man. And, He was crucified for us under Pontius Pilate and suffered and was buried. And the third day, He rose again, according to the Scriptures, and ascended into Heaven and

sits at the right hand of the Father; And he shall come again with glory to judge the living and the dead, whose kingdom shall have no end. AND in the Holy Spirit, the Lord, the Giver of Life, who proceeds from the Father, who with the Father and the Son

together is worshipped and glorified who spoke by the prophets. And in ONE Holy Catholic and Apostolic Church. I acknowledge one baptism for the remission of sins. I look for the Resurrection of the dead, and the life of the world to come. Amen.

The Trinity Icon

Simbol Vere Verujem u jednoga Boga, Oca, Svedrzltelja, Tvorca neba I zemlje I svega vldljlvog I nevidljivog.

I u jednoga Gospoda lsusa Hrlsta, Sina Bozljeg, Jedlnorodnog, rodjenog od Oca pre svlh vekova, Svetlost od Svetlosti, Boga lstinltog od Boga istinitog, rodjenog ne stvorenog, jednosusnog Ocu, kroz koga je sve postalo;

Kojl Je radl nas ljudl I radi nasega spasenja sisao s nebesa, i ovaplotio se od Duha Svetoga i Marije Djeve i postao covek;

I Kojl je raspet za nas u vreme Pontlja Pllata I stradao I pogreben;

I Koji je vaskrsao u treci dan kao sto Je pisano;

I Kojl se uzneo na nebesa I sedl s desne strane Oca;

I Koji ce opet doci sa slavom da sudi zivima i mrtvima, i Njegovom Carstvu nece biti kraja.

I u Duha SVetoga, Gospoda, Zivotvornoga, Koji od Oca ishodi, Koji se zajedno sa Ocem i Sinom obozava i slavi, Koji je govorio kroz propoke.

U jednu, svetu, sabornu i apostolsku Crkvu, lspovedam jedno krstenje za otpustenje grehova. Cekam vaskrsenje mrtvih, I zivot buducega veka. Amin.

ST. LAZARUS SERBIAN ORTHODOX CATHEDRAL “RAVANICA”

CHURCH SLAVA

VIDOVDAN

SUNDAY, JUNE 24, 2018 Please join us in celebrating our Church Slava “Vidovdan”

Hierarchal Liturgy will begin at 9:30 A.M.

With our Honored Guest: His Grace Bishop Longin Very Rev. Zivan Urosev and Local Guest Clergy with procession around

the church to follow

Responses by S.S.S. Ravanica

Cutting of the Slavski Kolac-12.00 pm Followed by Slava Banquet-12:30 pm

Honored Kumovi Mike & Pamela Resetar Tickets $30.00-Adults

$15.00-Children 9-12 yrs. Free-8 and younger

Tickets must be purchased in advance On Sunday June 10th or 17th-- Church Office or online at:

http://ravanica.breezechms.com/form/1a4e4052992852243 Our Church Slava is the time when we pause to thank God for all His blessings to our Parish and Church Community, and to rededicate ourselves to its mission and future. Let us join that day in honoring our St. Lazarus Church “Ravanica” and all the pioneers, founders and benefactors who have gone before us. Svi Ste Nam Dobro Dosli!

From Our History: KOSOVO FIELD

It was on Kosovo Field that the Serbian armies led by Czar Lazar fought a great battle against the Turkish armies which had invaded the Serbian lands and greatly outnumbered the Serbs. Czar Lazar knew they would lose the battle but he chose to fight and de for the same principles of the Serbian Orthodox Faith that St. Sava established. On June 28th, 1389 Czar Lazar was slain and died as a martyr along with many of his soldiers for the "honorable Cross and golden Freedom." After the battle, red poppies sprung up on Kosovo Field. Even to this day, they can be seen during May and June on the field where Serbian knights shed their blood. With their sacrifice, they preserved a place in the heavenly kingdom for the Serbian people.

The land of Kosovo and Metohija has great meaning for the Serbian people. It is considered by them to be their Holy Land. The Serbian people have lived by the ethic which grew from the sacrifices of Czar Lazar and the martyrs of Kosovo. The land holds the relics of the saints and fallen heroes. On it were built so many beautiful churches and monasteries in which historical and cultural treasures of books, vestments, and icons are preserved. The spirit of Kosovo carried the people through generations of darkness, war and suffering. This same spirit of St. Sava and St. Lazar and the heroes of Kosovo comes to us and can enable us to survive as Serbian Orthodox Christians.

The Battle of Kosovo

From the Church’s Records…

BAPTISMS: Camilla Petrovski-April 29, 2018

Parents: Novica & Michelle Petrovski

Charlotte Sibinovic-April 29, 2018

Parents: Dragan & Jennie Sibinovic

Benjamin Coffman-May 13, 2018

Parents: Benjamin & Adreana Coffman

Hunter Campell-May 20, 2018

Parents: Jason & Tanya Campell

Maria Ognjanovski-May 26, 2018

Parents: Dragoslav & Jasmina Ognjanovski

Vivian Krstevski-June 3, 2018

Parents: Daniel & Rachel Krstevski

Tijana Savich-June 10, 2018

Parents: Robert & Kristina Savich

Liliana Milosavlevski-June 10, 2018

Parents: Lazar & Kristen Milosavlevski

Augustus Polovina-June 10, 2018

Parents: Daniel & Jodi Polovina

Our most sincere congratulations are extended to the parents, grandparents, kumovi and all relatives of the newly

baptized babies. May God bless all of them. Mnogaja Ljeta!

MARRIAGES: Dejan Radovanovich & Marija Bilenskij-May 18, 2018

Dusan Momcilovic & Sarah Fetzer-May 27, 2018

Graig Royal & Natalie Stakich-May 31, 2018

Cedomir Smiljkovich & Slavica Djordjevski-June 3, 2018

Congratulations to the newly married couples, families and kumovi.

May God grant you many blessed years of joy united in love. Mnogaja Ljeta!

DEATHS: +Ljubica Chonich: January 11, 2018

+Michael Rivard: March 1, 2018

+Bozana Ilievska- March 6, 2018

+Nikola Lapajenko- March 13, 2018

+Agnes Becin-March 16, 2018

+Raymond Tomich-April 2, 2018

+Atanasije Niksic-April 8, 2018

+Zivko Marinkovic-May 2, 2018

+Mary Verlinich- May 7, 2018

+Milorad Bjedov-May 24, 2018

Grant rest eternal in blessed falling asleep, O Lord, to the soul of Thy departed Servants, and make their Memory to be

Eternal! Vjecnaja Pamjat!

Vidovdan (song) "Vidovdan" is the name of a patriotic Serb folk song that was featured on the 1989 album with the same name of Gordana Lazarevic, a famous singer from Serbia. The Serbian Singing Federation published this song in memory oflong-time Ravanica Church President, +Rudolph Kordich.

Vidovdan (St. Vitus' Day, June 28) is one of the most important religious holidays of the Serbs, Serbian Orthodox Church and Serbia, as it is of great a historical importance because of the Battle of Kosovo which was fought between Medieval Serbia and the invading Ottoman Empire on June 28, 1389. The lyrics refer to the battle and Serbs of Kosovo

Lyrics

Serbian lyrics

U nebo gledam prolaze vekovi, Secanja davnih jedini lekovi.

Chorus: Kud god da krenem Tebi se vracam ponovo. Ko da mi otme iz moje duse Kosovo

Vidovdan

K 'o vecni plamen u nasim srcima Kosovskog boja Ostaje istina.

Chorus xl

Vidovdan

Oprosti Boze sve nase grehove Junastvom daruj kceri i sinove.

Chorus xl

English translation

I'm looking at the sky, centuries are passing by, The only remedy for Old memories.

Chorus: Wherever I may go, I will always return. Nobody can tear Kosovo away from my soul

Vidovdan

Like an eternal flame burning in our hearts The battle remains the truth.

Chorus xl

Vidovdan

Lord, forgive us of all of our sins. Give the courage to our sons and daughters.

Chorus xl

Church Executive Board

Cathedral Dean. V. Rev. Zivan Urosev Parish Priest Rev. Dragan Micanovic President Boban Trajcevski- bobant@hotmail.com 1st Vice President Michael Timarac-mtimarac@yahoo.com 2nd Vice President Donna Rajkovic- donna-rajkovic@yahoo.com Treasurer Kathy Goich- kgoich517@hotmail.com Recording Secretary Donna Medich- dkmedich@wowway.com Financial Secretary Steve Nesovski- Audit Chair Snezana Milutinovic- snezacg@hotmail.com Members at Large Member at Large Michael Balow - mikebalow@gmail.com Member at Large Zdravko Dobrasevic -Zdravkodd@aol.com Member at Large Roy Downie-- rdownie2@gmail.com Member at Large Mirjana Dwyer- mirjanadwyer@gmail.com Member at Large Tom Djuric -

Parish Secretary Sheryl Zatezalo

Affiliated Organizations St. Lazarus Church-School Superintendents – Mary Nickson St. Lazarus Church-School/ Youth Program Chairman- Zlatko Erdeljan Serbian Sisters Ravanica President – Donna Rajkovic Ravanica Pensioner’s Club President – Tom Djuric Ravanica Choir President – Dr. Richard Goich Beograd Lodge President- Alex Bogoevich St. Lazarus Sports Club David Willman

CHURCH SERVICES Divine Liturgy – Sundays 10 A.M. Weekday and Feast Days 9 A.M. (See Church Calendar) Church Office Hours: Monday, Tuesday, Wed., & Friday: 9:30 A.M.-2:30 P.M Parish Office Phone: (313) 893-6025 Parish Office Fax: (313) 892-6944

The “Glas “ Newsletter Editors and Church Ex. Board assumes responsibility and the right to reject, delete and rewrite, any part or all of the club articles submitted for publication. Any news or social interest should be submitted to the Editors.

“Glas” Editors: Donna and Paul Bielich

Holy Ll\t1d PilsRimAse toR the eleol\ 11011 ot t'1e . Holy CRoss :

with His Grace Bishop Irinej

VIDOVDAN lfttO B)V.I

"The Serb people live in Kosovo not to take from others what belongs to them, not to trample the freedom of others and impose their faith upon them, but in order to defend what is theirs. That is why our ancestors waged battle in Kosovo and laid down their lives. Our Lord, help us in Kosovo to always remember Your words: He who endures to the end will be saved."

His Holiness Pavle Patriarch of Serbian Orthodox Church

Every nation has one date in its history which it considers more important than any other. For the Serbs, the most important date in their history is June 15, by the old calendar - June 28, by the new calendar (Vidovdan). On that day, in 1389, 619 years ago, Serbian and Turkish armies clashed on the Kosovo Field. Both the Serbian ruler Prince Lazar and the Turkish Sultan Murat I died as a result of the battle. In addition , a great number of Serbian military leaders, as well as a great number of Serbian warriors lost their lives. Notwithstanding the fact that according to historical documents neither the Serbs nor the Turks won the battle, Serbia was so exhausted that it was unable to continue resisting the Turks - a few decades later the

heirs of Prince Lazar recognized Turkish suzerainty and five centuries of domination of the Serbs by the Turks ensued . That long and martyr-like enslavement changed the course of Serbian history and interrupted the cultural progress of the Serbs, which was clearly evident during the rule of the Nemanja dynasty. Europe Would Not be the Same Without the Battle of Kosovo. It is difficult to assess the importance of the Kosovo Battle for world history. Such is also the case with the battles at the Alamo or Gettysburg , which are so important for American history. However, it is undeniable that the Battle of Kosovo was exceptionally significant not only for Serbia, but also for Europe and European Christian civilization. It is a fact that on Vidovdan, June 15, 1389, the Serbs, without help from a single European nation , defended on Kosovo Field not only the frontiers of their own territory and lives of their people but, at the risk of losing their national independence, they also defended the interests and security of Christian Europe. In the conflict of two rival civilizations, the Muslim and the Christian , the Serbs checked the wave of the Turkish invasion, interposed themselves as a wall between the Turks and Europe, and enabled Europe to make preparations for its own defense. It is questionable whether the history of Europe would have been the same without the Battle of Kosovo and the sacrifice of the Serbian nation . However, no matter how great the historical value of Kosovo and Vidovdan may be, for the Serbs they have an additional unique dimension and preeminence. Persons of non-Serbian origin may consider Kosovo as only a far-away, strange, and even unimportant geographical territory, and Vidovdan, June 15, 1389, as a date of a battle of which they know little or nothing . As far as the Serbs are concerned , Kosovo is their Holy Land, the cradle of Serbdom, and their inalienable, historical , national, and cultural heritage. As far as they are concerned, Vidovdan , June 15, 1389, is not just the date of a battle, but their nation's identity, and the sacred will and testament wh ich contains religious, ethical , and national principles for all Serbian generations from the Kosovo Battle until the present. In the national consciousness all of Serbian history is divided into two periods: prior to the Kosovo Battle and after the Kosovo Battle. And whereas the other battles in which the Serbs took part are mentioned only in historical textbooks, Vidovdan

alone is included in the [Church] calendar, which registers holidays and the names of saints exclusively. Vidovdan alone has become a national holiday which has been observed through the centuries, and it is observed on this occasion, 619 years after the Battle of Kosovo. Blood of Serbian Martyrs Forever Confirms Serbian Ownership of Kosovo As a geographical territory, Kosovo was Serbian even before the year 1389, before Vidovdan . That ownership was not marked by sticks, in the way the prospectors for gold marked their claims, nor by the deeds written in ink on paper, but by ancient and magnificent churches and monasteries and by Serbian cemeteries and tombstones. The capitals of Serbian kings and the thrones of Serbian archbishops and patriarchs were in Kosovo. Moreover, with the Battle of Kosovo, Kosovo and Vidovdan merged into a single concept and became a synonym with a specific meaning: the Serbdom. After June 15, 1389, one cannot speak of Kosovo apart from Vidovdan or about Vidovdan apart from Kosovo. They are inseparable because on Vidovdan 1389, on the Field of Kosovo, in the blood of Serbian warriors was written an indelible deed that forever confirms the Serbian ownership of Kosovo. Vidovdan commemorations, which have been celebrated annually for centuries, are reconfirmations of both the Serbian ownership of Kosovo and of the Vidovdan-Kosovo ethics, which are the core of the Serbian national image and the essence of Serbian identity. Vidovdan Pledge, Gazimesta

It should be emphasized that the Vidovdan commemorations are not celebrations of a Serbian military victory over the Turks for the Serbs were not victorious in the Kosovo Battle. However, it is incorrect, and even malicious, to claim that at Vidovdan commemorations the Serbs "celebrate their defeat in the Kosovo Battle." Such a statement has no logical or historical support. According to the historical documents, the Turks had not won a victory in the Battle of Kosovo. Neither a military victory nor a military defeat are not and could not have been either the reason or the meaning of Vidovdan commemorations. On those occasions the Serbs honor and commemorate the heroes of Kosovo who laid down their lives defending their faith , freedom, nation , and country. At the same time, Vidovdan commemorations are the annual reviews of the post-Kosovo Serbian generations. They are evaluated in terms of

Vidovdan-Kosovo ethics and on the basis of their reconfirmation of the Pledge of Kosovo. On Vidovdan, June 15, 1389, on the Kosovo Field , the Serbs chose once and for all their religious, cultural , ethical , and national identity. Their choice, in the form of an unwritten pledge, was handed down to all post-Kosovo Serbian generations and , through 619 years, Serbs have lived by that pledge. Fortunately, Kosovo ethics remain unchanged and those values will always endure for all future Serbian generations .

Father Mateja Matejic

Saint Lazar the Great Martyr of Kosovo / The Kosovo Battle of 1389 [Vidovdan]

The Kosovo Battle of 1389 painted by Petar Radicevic 1987

Saint Lazar

www.ikonograf.co.rs

The remains of St. Lazar

Ravanica Monastery

Saint Lazar the Great Martyr of Kosovo

Prince Lazar was born in 1329 in Prilepac to the aristocrat family Hrebeljanovic. His father Pribac was a Logotet-secretary doing very confidential work for King Dusan the Powerful in the royal palace. Young Lazar was raised in the palace, and was respected by the King who entrusted him with the rule of two parts of his kingdom: Srem and Macva. Lazar married Milica the daughter of an important aristocrat named Vratko also known as Yug Bogdan - a very wise and honorable man from the Nemanjic family. Lazar had three sons: Stevan, Vuk and Lazar and five daughters: Jelena, Mara, Despa, Vukosava and Mileva. King Dusan the Powerful died expectantly in 1355 at the age of 48. This led to a weakening of Serbia's central government. Many dukes used this opportunity to secede from the Kingdom with the land that had been entrusted to them. The young son of Dusan Uros took over the throne and soon was killed. Vukasin Mrnjacevic proclaimed himself the King of Serbia. At this time, Turks were advancing toward the Kingdom of Serbia. In a battle on the river Marica in 1371, Vukasin was killed leaving behind him a weakened, poor and torn Serbia. Serbia was in desperate need of a gifted statesman, rich in virtue and deserving of God's Grace: a man similar to St. Sava and his father St. Stefan Nemanja who had founded the Serbian state. The Church recognized just such a man in Prince Lazar. His talent for leadership, wisdom and experience lifted him above those who would seize the throne by force and sought their own glory and importance. Prince Lazar, first sought to consolidate and strengthen the Kingdom. As was the custom of that day and age, he married his daughters to the

rebellious Serbian aristocrats. This enlarged and stabilized Serbia. Having thus secured the loyalty of dissident aristocrats, Prince Lazar turned to those countries which bordered his own, seeking to deepen Serbia's relationship with them. At this time, the Serbian Orthodox Church was in a dispute with the Patriarch of Constantinople. King Dusan the Powerful wanted Serbia to have an independent Church. He single-handedly sought to elevate the Serbian archbishop to the level of a patriarch. The Patriarch of Constantinople utterly rejected this act and broke relations with the Church in Serbia. This was a very serious problem and one which King Lazar managed to solve by reconciling the Serbian Church and that of Constantinople. It was a result of this reconciliation that gave the Serbian Church its first canonical Patriarch. The expansion of that Ottoman state, and increasingly frequent Turkish raids into his land, warned Prince Lazar that the time for a decisive battle was drawing near. Lengthy preparation on both sides preceded this confrontation. The fact that the armies were led by the Turkish ruler Murad 1 and by King Lazar of Serbia illustrates the importance of this battle. It was decided that the site of the battle would be a field in Kosovo (Kosovo Polje). Prince Lazar knew that his chances against the Turkish aggressor were small and on the eve of the Battle of Kosovo he gathered his upper aristocracy and asked if they should fight for the Holy cross and Golden Freedom or surrender to their adversaries and live as slaves of the Muslims. They had to choose between the Heavenly Kingdom and earthly one. In the true spirit of Christianity they preferred to place their hope in Christ and Eternal Life. The Prince and all of this warriors took Holy Communion and went into battle on Saint Vitus Day, Tuesday June 15th 1389 [by old calendar - Julian date / June 28th by new, current calendar - Gregorian date.] In the beginning of the battle Serbian warriors were able to advance. Milos Obilic, the most famous hero of this Kosovo Battle, killed the Turkish King Murad. Despite this unexpected development, the Turkish army re-grouped and over ran the Serbs. They captured Prince Lazar alive, but beheaded him shortly thereafter. Today his earthly remains are amazingly preserved intact and kept in the Monastery Ravanica which was founded by him, along with many others churches and monasteries. The faithful gather from all Serbia just as they have through centuries to venerate his Holy relics and to get comfort and healing and to inspire them in the hope and belief that better days will come.

“ENDING OF CHURCH SCHOOL YEAR”

Dear Parents,

As we have come to yet the ending of another Church School year for our St. Lazarus “Ravanica” parish I would like to take this opportunity to sincerely thank our Church School Principal Maria Mijac, Zlatko Erdeljan and our entire Church School teaching staff for all of their hard work and dedication to our Church School program this past year. From the bottom of my heart a big Hvala to all of you.

This next Church School year we will welcome Mary Nickson as our new 2018-19 Church School Principal and her Church School teaching staff. I am looking forward to working with all of them.

To our parents thank you also for your commitment in bringing your children every Sunday. I know it is difficult for you as parents to make the commitment to bring your children every Sunday. However, just remember how great the rewards your children will receive in attending Church School and learning their Orthodox Faith while making many Church School friends. YOUR CHILD’S RELIGIOUS EDUCATION IS THE MOST

IMPORTANT GIFT YOU CAN GIVE THEM! This experience for them is invaluable!

All of you will be receiving this fall our new Church School itinerary for the 2018-19 Church School year.

As Cathedral Dean and head of Christian Education in this parish I believe our church school program functioned well, however I believe

that there can still be several ideas, and improvements that can make our program better and stronger. Some of my ideas will include:

To obtain more and different materials from our Diocese: (books, audio visual etc.) to help our children better learn about the Bible, Scriptures, and Divine Liturgy and to understand their Orthodox Faith.

I would like to see a PTO (Parent/Teacher Organization) which many Orthodox churches have and it has met with much success. This would help both our teachers, parents and me to plan out Church School activities for our children (Our Church Camp, Retreats, Trip to our New Gracanica Monastery, and as always our Michigan Adventre trip and more…)

These are just a few of my ideas and I’m sure that our teachers and parents also have good ideas. As always I look forward to working with our Church School Superintendents, all our Church School staff, and our Education Committee. I believe that if we all work together in Christian Unity we can achieve the best in Christian Education for all of our children. If any of our parents have any suggestions please let me know what your thoughts are.

We pray that this year our parents will want to bring their children to Church School to learn about their Orthodox Faith and also their Serbian Culture and traditions through our Cultural Program.

We will also work hard to support our Cultural Program. I believe that MOST important of course, is religion and Church School. However, it is also very important that our children do not forget their Serbian language, history, dance and their Serbian Heritage.

Yours in Christ,

Father Zivan

, .~ 10~thodoxa I:, TM

The word acolyte comes from the Greek and means attendant that is free from sin. Acolytes or altar boys have a very important role in the Orthodox Church services. They help priests and bishops better serve God and the Church.

Altar boys represent the angels of the church because they are pure and are always ready to assist all those who need them. It is a great honor to serve as an acolyte.

1. Acolytes have many jobs

to do. They must light candles, prepare the cen­ser, carry the cross during processions, be familiar with the different vest-

3. Acolytes wear special vestments:

a tunic (stiharion) which represents purity of soul, happiness, and salvation. The very young acolytes are permitted

to wear a long sash (orarion) which represents the wings of an angel

because they are considered pure. Older acolytes will be permitted to

wear the orarion when they are ordained as readers of the church and have attained purity of spirit.

2. The most important thing

young boys must realize is that when they are an acolyte

or altar boy, people are depending on them and look

up to them to better reach God through prayer. Altar

boys are an example to others so they must always be calm,

pious, and ready to serve.

Acolytes must always behave in an exemplary way both inside and outside of the church.

iiiiilllliiiiii•••IIIII•• They must always be prepared for the service by reading the scripture so that they can follow

4.

the liturgy. Also , they need to know their prayers like Our Father, "The Creed" and the prayers

before Holy Communion. They need to be familiar with the different parts of the church.

When you are an acolyte, you have to realize that it is a privilege to serve God this way. You will have the chance to get first-hand

exposure to the liturgy by participating in it. You will create many memories of your special

role in the Orthodox family.

"Only fear the Lord, and serve him in truth with all your heart: for consider how great things he hath done for you. " 1 Samuel 12:24

"If any man serve me, let him follow me; and where I am, there shall also my servant be: if any man serve me, him will my Father honor." John 12:26

"I will wash mine hands in innocency: so will I compass thine altar, 0 Lord: That I may publish with the voice of thanksgiving, and tell of all thy wondrous works. Lord, I have loved the habitation of thy house,

and the place where thine honour dwelleth. " Psalm 26:6-8

TM

Name: _____________ _ Date: ________ _

Unscramble the words to discover

different responsibilities of an acolyte. SERVE GOO

LIGHT CANDLES

CARRY CROSS

WEAR STIHARION

CYRAR CSOSR

KWON PSERAYR

PAREREP CNSERE

WRAE SARINIOHT

HLPE PERSTI

LGITH CNLOESA

PRAYER 0 King of Glory,

PREPARE CENSER

HELP PRIEST

For to serve Thee is a great and awesome thing, even to the heavenly powers.

- Priest's Prayer during the Cherubic Hymn -

028-EN-ed03

Why Are Vigil Lamps Lit before Icons?

by St. Nikolai Velimirovic

First - because our faith is light. Christ said "I am the light of the world" Uohn 8:12). The light

of the vigil lamp reminds us of that light by which Christ illumines our souls.

Second - in order to remind us of the radiant character of the saint before whose icon we light

the vigil lamp, for saints are called "sons of light" Uohn 12:26, Luke 16:8).

Third - in order to serve as a reproach to us for our dark deeds, for our evil thoughts and

des ires, and in order to call us to the path of evangelical light; and so that we would more

zealously try to fulfill the commandments of the Savior: "Let your light shine before men, that

they may see your good works" (Matthew 5: 16).

Fourth - so that the vigil lamp would be our small sacrifice to God, Who gave Himself

completely as a sacrifice for us, and as a small sign of our great gratitude and radiant love for

Him from Whom we ask in prayer for life, and health, and salvation, and everything that only

boundless heavenly love can bestow.

Fifth - so that terror would strike the evil powers that sometimes assail us even at the time of

prayer and lead away our thoughts from the Creator. The evil powers love the darkness and

tremble at every light, especially at that which belongs to God and those who please Him.

Sixth - so that this light would rouse us to selflessness. Just as the oil and wick burn in the vigil

lamp, submissive to our will, so let our souls also burn with the flame of love in all our

sufferings, always being submissive to God's will.

l_ __ _

Seventh - in order to teach us that just as a vigil lamp cannot be lit without our hand, so too,

our heart, our inward vigil lamp, cannot be lit without the holy fire of God's grace, even if it

were to be filled with all the virtues. All these virtues of ours, after all, [are only] like

combustible material, but the fire which ignites them

proceeds from God.

Eighth - in order to remind us that before anything else the Creator of the world created light,

and after that everything else in order: "And God said, let there be light; and there was light"

(Genesis 1 :3). And it must be so also at the beginning of our spiritual life, so that before

anything else, the light of Christ's truth would shine within us. From this light of Christ's truth

subsequently every good deed is created, springs up in us and grows in us.

6

As we receive Holy Communion, the priest says, "The servant of God receives the precious Body and Blood of Christ, for the remission of sins and life ever­lasting:' These words describe another aspect of Christ's words during the Last Supper: He offered His body and blood for the remission of sins. But have we t ruly done anything terrible enough to need such forgiveness?

Read Genesis 4:1-16. In what way was Cain's offering different from Abel's? Through th is story, God first introduces the word "sin" to us. In the original He­brew, the word is a strong one. It is tak­en from a Hebrew word that means to "miss the mark" or "fall short:' In Greek, the word is amartia, and it is analogous to an archer missing a target.

Orthodoxy teaches that the whole world-everything-has been affected by sin . We consciously and unconscious­ly fall short or miss the mark according

to God 's standards and intentions for our lives. Like Cain, we give less than our best.

k up the bread and Christ did not ta e the•• were handy

. \ because " 8 20 wine s,mp Y d Genesis 14:l - · at the tab\e. Rea f the

t prototype 0

\n this Q\d lesta~end k offers bread and . t Me\ch1ze e

Euchar,s • Abraham. . d then b\esses

wine an . dek we brin& the

like Me\ch1ze . ' e" of bread and

For example, God commands us to forgive one another (read Ephesians 4:26-

32). But it can be very easy to "let the sun go down on your wrath;' harbor grudges, and let resentment build up against an unfair teacher, a demanding parent, or an estranged friend. This comes all too naturally to us because of the si nfu I state of the world.

Clearly, though, not all sins are equal. The sins for which Christ offered Him­self are not simply moral transgressions or broken rules. It runs much deeper than our personal infractions. Some acts cause us to miss the bull 's-eye wider than others. But all sin is "missing the mark" and creates a barrier between us and God.

We need to eliminate the big sins in our life first, and then strive throughout our lives to eliminate all sin. But we can never be sin-free by our own will ­power. As a constant reminder to do the right thing, Christ offers us the Eucharist and everything we need to prepare to receive Him. The Eucha­rist is a means for us to change and become more and more like Him. Eventually, doing the right thing can become as natural as breathing.

"b\ood\ess sacr1fic ersedin& the . e to the a\tar-su.p ts of the o\d

wm . fice requ,remen anima\ seer, f Moses.

t the Law o covenan '

Why does sin exist at all? Have you ever desired something you shouldn't? Surely your teachers and parents have set limits that seemed hard to respect. Perhaps the beer or other drinks in the liquor cabinet were too tempting, and you and your friends lifted a bottle when no one was looking? If you have ever done something similar, then you have an idea about the presence of sin in the world.

It's no accident that Jesus chose to offer us both Himself and forgiveness through food and the act of eating and drinking. Read Genesis 3. What is the one command that God gave to Adam and Eve?

Adam and Eve's sin was not simply disobedience, although they did indeed break God's commandment by eating the fruit of the Tree of Knowledge of Good and Evil. When we hear the word "disobedience;' what springs to mind is usually something like a child sneaking cookies or a teenager breaking curfew. But disobedience isn't the real tragedy here.

Their fundamental sin was that they hungered for life apart from God. All Orthodox interpretations agree that Adam and Eve's sin was one of breaking their relationship with God. Father Alexander Schmemann de­

scribes this fracture by saying that "the 'original' sin is not primarily that man has 'disobeyed' God; the sin is that he ceased to be hungry for God and God alone" (For the Life of the World, p. 18).

This created the condition of sin in the world we all suffer from. We are

not guilty of the sin that Adam and Eve committed; we did not inherit their gui lt. Rather, because of what they did-allowing sin to come into

the world through their actions-we live in a world subject to death, mortality, and corruption. And for that matter, Orthodox Christianity re­jects the idea that we have a sinful nature or that human beings are en­tirely depraved. Sin is not part of our true nature. The original beauty of

human life has been tarnished or marred because of sin.

We are born into an environment of death, mortality, and corruption where it is easy to do evil and hard for us to do good because sin perme­ates it. This creates a condition between us and God of self-excommuni­cation. In other words, sin breaks communion between people, between us and God, between people and the world.

Christ, th rough the Eucharist that He established, restores our ability to repair ou r relationship with God. He satisfies our hunger. When we par­take of the Eucharist, we are directing our hunger back to union with Him. Holy Communion with Christ is continual reparation of sin .

Hirn we must seek . in order that w ,n every way and ward of'f h e may feed on Hirn

unger b,, attending th· b " constantly we unneces~:ril:~~=i~~or should on the pretext that w our souls worthy of the M ~ are not really

yster,es. - St. Nicholas Ca bas ·1

TL £·1' I as, 'ne ITe in Christ

... repair our relationship with Go

The Secret is Out: Serbia is the Hottest

Holiday Spot in Europe This Year

Travelers looking for an exciting new place to explore this summer should look no further. This

year it’s all about Serbia. The Eastern European hotspot has recently shot to the top of the wish

lists of many travel editors and tourists looking for a stunning destination that’s a little bit off

the beaten track. But don’t let Serbia’s newfound popularity fool you. While interest in this

beautiful and diverse country is somewhat fresh, the history here has deep and fascinating

roots that stretch back to Byzantine, Roman, Ottoman and early Christian times. The result is a

fascinating blend of east and west, with an abundance of culture.

Here is a short list of sites and experiences that should definitely find a place in your travel

itinerary: Culture in Novi Sad; Music for all tastes; breathtaking fortresses; glorious

monasteries; magnificent museums; architectural marvels; and the stunning Adriatic Coast.

The secret is out: Serbia is the hottest holiday spot in Europe this ye

Jovan Jovanovic Zmaj, one of the best-known Serbian poets died on June 14 in 1904. He

was a doctor by profession, and during his entire life he dedicated himself to editing and

publishing literary, political, and children’s magazines. Jovan Jovanovic, known in the

children’s world as Cika Jova Zmaj, is undoubtedly one of the most beloved and popular

children’s poets in Serbia.

He studied legal science and medicine, and worked as a doctor in Novi Sad and throughout

Vojvodina. In Belgrade, at one time he was the dramaturge of the National Theater, Vice

President of the Serbian Literary Association and a member of the Serbian Academy of

Sciences.

He was the editor of several literary and children’s magazines and newspapers, and after

one of them he received a poetic nickname Zmaj. He wrote in many genres of poetry,

including love, lyric, patriotic, political, youth, etc but he is best known for his children’s

poetry. His nursery rhymes have entered the Serbian national consciousness and people

sing them to their children even without knowing who wrote them. He also translated the

works of some of the great poets.

Monument to Zmaj in Novi Sad

Zmaj Jovan Jovanovic

SAVE THE DATE

St. Lazarus “Ravanica”

Annual Golf Outing

SEPTEMBER 22, 2018 – 8:30 A.M.

FIELDSTONE GOLF CLUB (AUBURN HILLS)

Anyone interested in helping organize, volunteer, sponsor or

participate can contact:

Lou (Ljubo) Suvak – (248) 761-9796

Or

lsuvak@yahoo.com

MORE INFORMATION TO FOLLOW!

The Sisters Corner June 2018

To all our Fathers, Grandfathers, Uncles and Kumovi – We would like to Wish you a

Happy Father’s Day!

Vidovdan June 24, 2018

Wishing our Church and Parishioners a Srecna Slava!

Thank you to all the Sisters who sponsored a table with their own unique centerpieces.

Celebrating Our 2018 Graduates Congratulations to our Ravanica children for their many accomplishments for in their continuing

education!

Our Junior High School Graduates

MILAN CINDRIC GEORGE DAHER

NIKOLAS JAKSIC PHILIP AND LILLIAN SIMJANOVSKI DANIEL VUCENOVIC

DUSAN BATANJSKI

Our High School Graduates

NIKOLA BARACH ILIJA LAZICH

ALEKSANDRA POPADIC

CHRISTOPHER NICKSON

NIKOLINA VULINOVIC ANGELO SAVICH

Our College Graduates

RACHEL GOLUSIN STRAHINJA LJUBOVIC

DANIEL RAJKOVIC THEODOR VULINOVIC

CHRISTINA SARKISSIAN MILNER MASTERS DEGREE FROM UofM

DR. VIKTORIJA NIKOLINA PETROVIC GAVRILOSKI

CORBETT BERRY – DEFENDING HIS PhD AT DREXEL UNIVERSITY

Our Masters and Doctorates

Serbian Sisters Ravanica 4th Annual Scholarship Recipient!

NATALIJA BOGOEVICH

CONGRATULATIONS!!

The Sisters are happy to Sponsor another year of Church Camp this summer for our children.

Thank you to the Serbian Sisters Ravanica for being Hole Sponsors in support of The Michael J. Fox Foundation for Parkinson’s Research and Team Fox Detroit!

Congratulations to Angela for acceptance to the 2018 Germany Year program. She has been awarded the Congress-Bundestag Youth Exchange (CBYX) scholarship. She will be studying abroad in Germany for the school year 2018-2019!

Serbia, Serbia! God hears, do we?

President Woodrow Wilson heard!

President Woodrow Wilson (from Wikipedia)

"The war not not yet ended when President Woodrow Wilson made an unprecedented gesture in recognition of the sacrifices of the Serbian nation towards the common war effort. His unique eulogy to he Serbs was expressed in the invitation to Americans of all faiths and creeds to pray for the Serbs, whose lands had been devastated and their homes despoiled, but whose spirit has remained unbroken.

'Here is an account given by Frank Columbus in his article "SERBIAN AMERICANS."

"Sunday, July 28, 1918 was a hot muggy day in Washington DC like most others. But not

quite! Above the White House and ALL public buildings in Washington, DC the Serbian flag

proudly flew unfurled. President Woodrow Wilson sent the following message to the American

people which was read aloud in the churches throughout America and published in almost all

major newspapers:

"To the People of the United States on Sunday, 28th of this present month, will occur the

fourth anniversary of the day when the gallant people of Serbia, rather than submit to the

studied and ignoble exactions of a prearranged foe were called upon by the war declaration of

Austria-Hungary to defend their territory and their homes against an enemy bent on their

destruction. Nobly did they respond.

"So valiantly and courageously did they oppose the forces of a country ten times greater in

population and resources that it was only after they had thrice drived the Austrians back and

Germany and Bulgaria had come to the aid of Austrai that they were compelled to retreat

intoAlbania. While their territory has been devastated and their homes despoiled, the spirit of

the Serbian people has not been broken. Though overwhelmed by superior forces, their love of

freedom remains unabated. Brutal force has left unaffected their firm determination to

sacrifice everything for liberty and independence.

"It is fitting that the people of the United States, dedicated to the self-evident truth that is the

right of the people of all nations, small as well as great, to live their own lives and choose their

own Government and remembering the principles for which Serbia has so nobly fought and

suffered are those for which the United States is fighting, should on the occasion of this

anniversary manifest in an appropriate manner their war sympathy with the oppressed people

who have so heroically resisted the aims of the Germanic nations to master the world. At the

same time, we should not forget the kindred people of the Great Slavic race---the Poles, the

Czechs and Yugo-Slavs, who, now dominated and oppressed by alien forces yearn for

independence and national unity.

"This can be done in a manner no more appropriate than in our churches. I, therefore, appeal

to the people of the United States of all faiths and creeds to assemble in their several places of

worship on Sunday, July 28, for purpose of giving expression to their sympathy with this

subjugated people and their oppressed and dominated kindred in other lands, and to invoke

the blessings of Almighty God upon them and upon the cause to which they are pledged."

Woodrow Wilson, President, The White House, July, 1918. [Columbus: 145-146] Petrov, Dr. Krinka Vidakovich. "The Serb National Federation the Champion of Serbdom in America," SERB NATIONAL FEDERATION, FIRST 100 YEARS, Serb National Federation, July 2001, pp. 50, 51.

CROWN PRINCE ALEXANDER HOSTED PATRIARCH AND HOLY SYNOD AT THE TRADITIONAL DINNER IN WHITE PALACE

05/03/2018

His Royal Highness Crown Prince Alexander hosted a dinner at the White Palace in honor of Arch hierarchs of the Serbian Orthodox Church who are participating in the regular Church Assembly.

The dinner was attended by His Holiness Patriarch Irinej of Serbia with Metropolitans and Bishops of the Church, Prof. Dr. Mileta Radojevic Serbian Government Director for Cooperation with Churches and Religious Communities, and members of the advisory bodies to the Crown.

“I am very glad that we gathered at the White Palace for dinner as we do every year. This dinner is in the honor of His Holiness the Patriarch of Serbia and the members of the Holy Assembly of Bishops. This has become a traditional event that should be cherished because it gives an example of unity and cooperation for the common good. The Church and the Crown are the two institutions in our country that bring stability. Last year was even more special since our Patriarch officiated the wedding of my son Philip and Princess Danica, and the bells of St. Sava temple rang as the main and official sign of birth of Prince Stefan. May God bless all our people and our country”, said HRH Crown Prince Alexander.

His Holiness Patriarch Irinej of Serbia thanked for the hospitality to HRH Crown Prince Alexander, wished the good luck to the Royal Family, as well as peace, justice and salvation to all people of good will.

National Anthems Prepared by Fr. Thomas Kazich

Each of the individual states in the United States has a motto. These mottoes express the beliefs or spirit of the people when the state was established. Arizona's motto is "God enriches ." Ohio's motto is "With God, All Things are possible." But only a few state mottoes express a belief in God as in these two. The motto for the USA is "In God we trust." We can find another expression of a people's beliefs and spirit by looking at their national anthems. A national anthem is a patriotic song that is sung on official occasions, as a special sign of respect for a country. In olden days, the religious beliefs of the people were reflected in all aspects of the life, and in Orthodox countries ruled by a king, this was often reflected in the national anthem. Their anthems were more like prayers than battle songs. God was recognized as their true king.

Byzantine Empire Troparion to the Precious Cross

0 Lord save Thy people,

and bless Thine inheritance. Grant victories to the Orthodox

Christians over their adversaries; and by the virtue of Thy Cross,

preserve Thy habitation.

The tropar "O Lord save They people," is the church hymn sung at the feast of the Elevation of the Cross. In the old Byzantine Empire, that day was a national holiday. And this hymn was sung like a national anthem. All public buildings had been blessed with the cross. Those who sang it tried to live by the power of Jesus' cross. They believed that if they did so, they would win every fight against evil. They would live and even die in their love for God and for everything that is true and right and good. For the Byzantines, the empire .was like an icon of God's Kingdom on earth.

This was the national anthem of Russ ia before the revolution of 1917.

Russian National Anthem God Save the Czar

God save the Czar Strong and Mighty Reign to our glory

Reign so our foes fear Orthodox Czar

God save the Czar

Here the people recognize the Czar or Emperor as the representative of God on earth. They ask God to bless him so that He may protect them from their enemies and guide them. They pray that the Emperor will rule to their glory so that they can become God's people. When we hear "Orthodox Czar" we can understand this to mean the "czar who rightly glorifies God." We find these hymns expressed the great devotion of the people to their "king," to the dignity of his office.

Serbian National Anthem

Srpska Narodna Himna Boze Pravde

Boze pravde, ti st o spase Od propasti do sad nas, Cuj I od sad nase glase

Mocnom rukom, vodi, bran i Buducnosti Spske brad Boze, spasi, Boze hrani Srpskog Kra lja, Srpski rod!

God of Justice Thou who saved us When in deepest bondage cast, Hear Thy Serbian children's voices, Be our help as in the past.

With thy mighty hand sustain us, Still our rugged pathway trace; God, our Hope! Protect and cherish Serbian Crown and Serbian race!

This hymn speaks of God as a just God. The people recognize that He is the one who has saved them whenever they have been enslaved or in trouble. They address Him again seeking help as in the past. They ask God to protect them and to strengthen them. This anthem says in other words: Put everything in God's hands. He's a just God. He knows our needs . There is no true justice if it's not rooted in God.

National Anthems have always been a mirror in which we can see the beliefs and spirit of a people. When it has been the hymn of an Orthodox country, we also see the faith of Orthodox Christian it

SONG TO SACRED SERBIA by St. Bishop Nikolai Velimirovich

(Translation by Voya and Ann Vitorovich)

"Oh, Serbia, beloved mother! May you always have good fortune, Your children love you, And for you they pray to God.

Land of our forefathers, Knights, and saints. For the honor of the cross, martyrs For freedom, defenders.

Grave to grave -- holy cemetery, There rest Serbian slaves. And all altars to altars The legacy of Serbian kings.

On Kosovo, Gracanica, On the mountain, Studenica, By the Morava, Ravanica

In Krusevac, Lazarica.

From every battle to battle, Before and after Vidov Dan, You are everywhere poured out in blood, Everywhere washed in tears.( or awash in tears)

There Kosovo sadly stands, Counting five centuries of slavery, Memorial of glory and heroism, And discord and betrayal.

Fear not, beloved mother, God will give to you good fortune. And you will be most happy, And of all, most praised, glorious.

Molded Angel Food Cake

A Great Summer Dessert

Ingredients:

• 1 angel food cake (store bought or homemade)

Cook's Corner

• 1 (1 lb) container frozen strawberry, with juice, thawed (do not use fresh strawberries .. . Juices are essential)

• 2 packages strawberry jello • 3 cups hot water • 1 cup cold water • 2 boxes frozen strawberries • 1 pint whipped cream

Directions:

• Add 3 cups hot water to the strawberry jello. Stir until completely dissolved • Add 1 cup cold water. Chill until slightly thickened . • Beat Jello with beater until fluffy like whipped cream. • Add to the whipped Jello the frozen strawberries and fold in whipped cream , beaten stiff • Fold all ingredients together • Then take a tube pan and line with one layer of Jello mix and one layer of broken pieces of angel food

cake • Alternate with Jello layer, cake layer until you use up all the Jello mix .. • Refrigerate pan until firm • Unmold , slice and serve on plates as a cake dessert

Recipe of Mrs. Dana Bielich

From Serbian Sisters Ravanica Serbian Cookery

Once in line for the British throne, Prince Alexander

is now a royal without a kingdom

Prince Alexander has the lineage and the palace – but he may never get to rule

Prince Alexander and Prince Charles

He has been a crown prince his entire life, turning grey as he waits his turn to take the throne. As a fixture of the extended British royal family,

he’s been there for all the big milestones, including of course, the royal weddings. He, too, is a descendant of Queen Victoria, but unlike Prince

Charles – his friend and distant cousin – Prince Alexander of Serbia calls Queen Elizabeth his godmother. And unlike Charles, Alexander isn’t

guaranteed to eventually rule his kingdom. Officially, that kingdom no longer exists. The complicated life of Crown Prince Alexander – son of

the last king of Yugoslavia – is removed and yet in some ways, parallel to that of Prince Charles. The 72-year-old Alexander was once in line to

the British throne, though quite low on the list – and he forfeited that birthright after his first marriage, to a Roman Catholic.

Prince Alexander and his wife, Princess Katherine Without official duties, the Serbian royal couple focuses on charity, including raising money to purchase equipment for health facilities. The

princess’s charity recently raised enough money to purchase a new delivery table for a local Belgrade hospital.

The couple meet with hundreds of orphans twice a year – at Christmas and at Easter. The children are treated to a show and handed gifts by

the princes themselves, to briefly behold the magic of royalty.

For Crown Prince Alexander, his family’s palaces could hardly be put to a better use. “it means a lot that the palace is being used for something

good, that it becomes a tradition.” When engaging with the public at public events like this, Alexander and Katherine are treated like royalty.

It’s not unusual at such events to hear someone say, “Long live the king.”

All the pieces are in place for their official return, said Prince Alexander – even a flag with a royal coat of arms on it. “All we’re missing is the

monarchy.

Prince Alexander gestures at a portrait of his King Peter, Prince Alexander and Princess Katherine hosting an Easter celebration at the

the last king of Yugoslavia White Palace

WHY I AM ORTHODOX

A non-Greek explains why he converted Source: neoskosmos.com

Greek Orthodox Archdiocese Australia Church Bankstown, Wedding Ceremony

Neos Kosmos recently published an article by Nick Trakakis entitled Why I am not Orthodox, so I

thought I would take the opportunity to write from a different perspective, since I have journeyed in the

opposite direction to Mr. Trakakis.

I am somewhat of a typical 'Australian' with British ancestry, and I grew up in the Anglican Church. After

doing some religious searching in my university years, I eventually joined the Orthodox Church in 2013,

and have been spiritually, intellectually and socially fulfilled ever since.

Many people criticize the Orthodox Church as being archaic and out of step with the times. However,

this faithfulness to tradition is actually a major reason why I am Orthodox, because I do not

subscribe to the idea that everything modern is automatically superior to the past. Authentic

religion should not be subject to contemporary fads, fashions and biases, but should be based on

unchanging, eternal, saving truths. If a religion is not brave or strong enough to swim against the

current of the times, then it becomes a merely man-made institution and forfeits all claim to divine

inspiration.

The Orthodox Church can also be portrayed as 'anti-Western' and hostile towards unity with other

religions. Once again, I believe that this is a virtue rather than a vice when understood correctly. All non-

Orthodox religions teach different doctrines, and by definition they cannot all be true. For this reason,

religious syncretism destroys the possibility of knowing God because it denies the existence of truth and

acts as a mask for agnosticism or atheism. Is it spiritually healthy to treat truth and error the same way?

Orthodoxy is a sincere religion and so it cannot ever be relativistic or agnostic, but must instead

bear witness to the unique teachings that it possesses.

The way the Orthodox Church acts independently and is not concerned with momentary trendiness is

something that greatly appeals to me, because it demonstrates that the Church is built on the rock of truth

rather than the shifting sands of popular opinion. I want the Church to guide, challenge and purify me

rather than caving in to whatever is fashionable or convenient.

Orthodoxy is full of elaborate and beautiful rituals, which often lead to condemnations such as Mr.

Trakakis' claim that they "over-indulge in liturgical practices at the expense of the internal life of the

individual." However, Orthodox believers see their church services as a transformative encounter with

God, equipping them with the inner power to go forth and do good in the world. Indeed, the most

charitable and pious people that I know tend to be the ones that attend the most church services. If

people neglect to pray, read spiritual literature, go to confession and take part in the full spectrum of

Orthodox life, then the long services can be challenging, but they are truly rewarding to those who are

seeking God.

Finally, the ethnic side of Orthodoxy is one that turns many people away, and it has perhaps been a

problem in the Church. However, it is definitely being addressed, as there are numerous Orthodox

services available in English, and an increasing number of converts to the faith throughout the world.

Many people are unaware that the Church has done successful missionary work among the people of

Japan, Africa, North America and Latin America.

Personally, I was warmly welcomed into the Church and was delighted to encounter elements of

Greek, Russian and Serbian culture which have been so deeply imbibed with Christian principles

over the centuries.

While there will always be some individual parishioners or clergymen who act contrary to the Christian

Gospel, the head of the Orthodox Church is always Christ, who speaks through the Saints. The 20th

century Saint, Father Justin Popovic, taught that "it is therefore a blasphemy-an unpardonable blasphemy

against Christ and against the Holy Ghost-to turn the Church into a national institution... Her purpose is

beyond nationality, ecumenical, all-embracing: to unite all men in Christ, all without exception to nation or

race or social strata." (Orthodox Faith and Life in Christ, p24, translated by Asterios Gerostergios,

Institute for Byzantine and Modern Greek Studies).

There are many reasons why I am Orthodox, but the Church's uncompromising loyalty to the

ancient Christian faith is a major one. I am thankful that it has been preserved over the centuries

in order to provide an alternative to today's empty relativism and the worship of modernity.

Pontius Pilate asked, "What is truth?" (John 18:38), and the Church teaches that Jesus Christ is "the way

the truth and the life" (John 14:6) who "is the same yesterday, today and forever" (Hebrews 13:8).

Orthodoxy is not about being Greek, or being old-fashioned, or being stubborn. At the heart of

Orthodoxy is its great love for Christ, which means that its teachings and values can never be

changed. And if you believe that "Christ is Risen", then that is a very good thing.

Congratulations to Our Dads and Grads!

What Makes a Dad

God took the strength of a mountain,

The majesty of a tree,

The warmth of a summer sun,

The calm of a quiet sea,

The generous soul of nature,

The comforting arm of night,

The wisdom of the age,

The power of the eagle’s flight,The joy of a morning in spring,

The faith of a mustard seed,

The patience of eternity,

The depth of a family need,

Then God combined these qualities

When there was nothing more to add,

He knew His masterpiece was complete,

And so, He called it …Dad

Author Unknown

Your Adventure

Now that you’ve graduated,

Your adventure has begun.

Your schooling has prepared you

For the race life has you run.

We praise you for your efforts,

And send good wishes, too,

For a future filled with happiness,

And your fondest dreams come true.

By Joanna Fuchs

Flag Day

In the United States, Flag Day is celebrated on June 14. It commemorates the

adoption of the flag of the United States on June 14, 1777 by resolution of the

Second Continental Congress.

In 1916, President Woodrow Wilson issued a proclamation that officially

established June 14 as Flag Day. In August 1946, National Flag Day was

established by an Act of Congress.

Take God On Vacation With You! Written by Archimandrite Nektarios Serfes June 2008

The summer months are upon us and we must consider that God does not go on vacationbut is always present and loves us! Humbly all of us should make every effort to attend our local holy Orthodox Church even during the summer months. When we attend Church, we are able to witness Christ our Lord, and to aware of the Mother of God, who prays for us.

All of us know that the Church is a place for healing, as we encounter the Physician of ousouls Christ our true God, who is reaching out to help us, save us, and keep us by His grace, as this in itself is a great blessing for us all! How compassionate indeed is Christ our loving God!

Within the Church we find the love and compassion of Christ our Lord!

Within the Church we find hope!

Within the Church we who are all sinners, find forgiveness!

Within the Church we find true prayer, and the answer to all prayers!

Within the Church we find truth, and are no longer misguided!

Within the Church we are all spiritually filled, and go hungry no more.

Within the Church we truly find spiritual joy, rather than sadness in our lives!

Within the Church we find salvation, and now know the correct path to take during our lives!

Within the Church we partake of the Holy Mysteries that cleanse us and nourish us all!

Within the Church we behold the Mother of God, His holy prophets, His saints, holy martyrs, and the holy Fathers, who indeed all nourish us with spiritual guidance towards the Kingdom of God!

Let us spiritually make every effort to attend the many services offered to us even during the summer months in realizing God never goes on vacation. God will accompany you during your vacation! God will also be present when you return! Remember

God is with you and loves you!

Have a spiritually rewarding summer!

Peace to your soul!

Humbly in Christ our Lord, +Very Rev. Archimandrite Nektarios Serfes Who prays for you and with you! USA

_____________________________________________________________________________________

Both President Wilson, in 1916, and President Coolidge, in 1927, issued proclamations asking for June 14 to be observed as the National Flag Day, but it wasn’t until August 3, 1949, that Congress approved the natonal observance, and President Harry

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