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Archived issues of The Orthodox Vision
sarily reflect the views or policies of the Dio-
cese or the editors. The advertisements con- Complete letters of instruction from His Grace
tained herein are not necessarily endorsed And much, much more
by the Diocese or Editorial Staff.
The Orthodox Vision
I recently forced myself through a flurry of “straight- Bishop Boris, was ad-
ening up things.” This describes an activity meant to ministering our Dio-
bring order out of chaos, but actually resulting in the cese, since it says just
creation of a new sort of disorder out of the old: it’s what I want to say to
also called “paper-shuffling.” I re-sorted all my cop- you today:
ies of “The Orthodox Church” (since the first issue),
all my copies of “The Russian-American Orthodox The Apostolic and Eucharistic life of
Messenger” that preceded “The Orthodox Church,” our diocese and its parishes goes on.
all my copies of “One Church” (organ of the Mos- This alone should be a cause for joy
cow Exarchate/Parishes in America), all my copies on all our parts…joy which might be
of the “Messenger” (Viestnik) of the Russian Student difficult to express, but which never-
Christian Movement since the 20s, all my copies of theless truly exists. I believe that we
the “Messenger” of the Moscow Patriarchate in West- must as diocese go forward and grow
ern Europe, all my copies of “Orthodox Life”, based on our immense potential and
“Pravoslaynaya Rus”, “Pravoslavnaya Zhizn,” and the God’s love for us, and that the impor-
“Orthodox Word.” Finally, I came to our diocesan pe- tant keys to that growth and progress
riodical (s). I do not have the earliest such: these were are a kind of joyous asceticism and a
Xeroxed one-sheet flyers that Fr. Leonid Kishkovsky, serious rededication to the unchang-
then the Rector of the St. Innocent Mission at Holy ing values and goals of Holy Tradi-
Trinity Cathedral, used to send by bulk via air freight tion. The late Serbian theologian, Fr.
to each Dean, who then was obligated to distribute Justin Popovich, wrote that the true
them in his Deanery. But I do have the next realiza- missionary endeavor is asceticism.
tion of a Diocesan periodical, the newspaper “Light Indeed, the deepest goals and aims
of Life”, and I arranged all my copies of them, then of both asceticism and missionary
all my copies of its successor, “The Orthodox West,” work are based in the love of others.
then all my copies of what we have today: the fine I see one of these deep goals and aims
magazine: “Orthodox Vision.” as charity (or charities) and a clear-
cut program developed for and by it.
I’ve always contributed articles to the issues of “The I hope that our diocesan council will
Orthodox West” and to the “Orthodox Vision” since create this department and that the
you, brothers and sisters, and the Holy Synod of the clear mandate for it will come from
Orthodox Church in America elected me and His Be- the floor of the assembly.
atitude, together with Archbishop Dmitri, Bishop
Boris, and Bishop Job, consecrated me Bishop. +Bishop TIKHON
1
The Orthodox Vision
John spent the first day primarily on the site of the retreat center.
After a tour with the listing agent, John stayed on and inventoried
and photographed the entire facility (interior and exterior), and
grounds. The center consists of two buildings. The largest has a
kitchen, two dining rooms, two chapels, a lobby and library, a meet-
ing room for up to 30 people, storage and business office, and 20
guest rooms with about 45 beds between them. The other building
has a meeting room for about 50 people, 12 beds and a kitchenette.
There are 43 parking stalls plus considerable open space on the
property which could be used for additional building. offered to be of help.
Although the facility presents no physical problems, it is not cur-
In general, John found the facility to be in good order operationally rently zoned as a retreat center and would require a conditional use
which indicates that the campus has been well maintained despite permit for any new owner to continue operations.
its age. Over the last several years, the Sisters have accomplished
what major projects one would expect to find in a facility this age. Next John made an estimate of the potential income and the value of
Recent mechanical, electrical and plumbing work throughout the the property. The sisters had cut back the number of retreats to far
facility has kept exhaustive modernization to a minimum. Addition- below capacity. The potential income was derived from a conserva-
ally, the roof was replaced in its entirety in 1992 and should last +/- tive model, which used the current prices charged by the sisters, but
25 more years longer due to the type of roofing tiles used. However with a higher occupancy rate that reflects the capacity of Well-
John discovered that several projects remain to be done, and esti- spring. John then triangulated the value of the property by two
mated their cost. methods: replacement cost, and the cost of comparable properties
The next day John met with the City of Boulder with Code Enforce- John presented his findings in a report to the Diocesan Council
ment Officer, Mr. Jim Dicus, to discover any issues which might meeting of June 2. In the conclusion to his report, he stated the
affect an offer to a purchase. Mr. Dicus stated that he had a long following:
history of dealing with this property and nothing stood out as a
major concern. He advised us to go forward with an offer, and “In preparing of this report, I have sought council from
several people, some from within the Church and others
from a variety of professions related to banking, real es-
tate and facilities development. I state this to establish
that my facts and recommendations are based upon more
than my opinion alone.
Cont. on p. 14
3
The Orthodox Vision
Alex and Natalie Teshin moved to Sonora in 1995. Their only misgiv-
ing about the move was how far they would be required to travel to
Five years ago two Orthodox priests, one from the Orthodox Church worship in an Orthodox Church. Upon moving, they became affili-
in America and one from the Greek Diocese, and a handful of found- ated with St. Mary Magdalene in Merced, an OCA mission. Though
ing members undertook building an Orthodox Church in Tuolumne the Merced mission answered their immediate need for Orthodox
County, a rural area in California’s gold country. It was a daunting worship in the region and they enjoyed their affiliation with it as
task. There are few models for such a collaborative effort, and the they had known Fr. Jonah Paffhausen for many years, they found
founders, who had no meeting space and limited resources, had not the drive a serious obstacle especially during the winter. In early
undertaken mission work before. Yet the Orthodox Christian Mis- 1996, Fr. Jonah learned of Dr. Craig and his interest in a church for
sion of Sonora has itself become a model of a successful collabora- Tuolumne County from Fr. Jon at Annunciation. At Fr. Jonah’s urg-
tion between Orthodox jurisdictions. The mission now owns its ing, Natalie called Dr. Craig who recollects, the “conversation quickly
own building, celebrates liturgy, instructs catechumens, teaches turned into a long, pleasant visit.”
inquiry classes and serves a congregation drawn from three coun-
ties, with members of varied ethnic Orthodox backgrounds as well The Teshins and Craigs foresaw that using English and having two
as converts from Protestant churches. The mission’s history is sig- priests of different Orthodox ethnicities would help to break the ice
nificant because of the remarkable individual stories of which it is for prospective members of a new church. Asked if the group had a
made and the extent of the collaboration found at the heart of its clear idea of how to proceed from the outset, Natalie laughs as she
practical achievements. exclaims, “No! [Alex and I] had always gone to church where the
choir sang and the priest celebrated liturgy. We undertook it with
Dr. William Craig, a graduate of an Episcopal theological seminary ‘fear and trembling’!” In May of 1996 both priests and fifteen people
and an expert on the life and writings of the Christian apologist C.S. met at the Teshins’ home. After talking at length about the project,
Lewis, served as an Episcopal minister for 54 years. He was dean of it was evident that the cooperation between the OCA and Greek
the New Orleans Episcopal cathedral, an honorary cannon of the priests was warm and genuine. It was also evident that the participa-
Episcopal cathedral in Salina, Kansas and served six years on the tion of both would play a critical role in establishing the mission.
national Executive Council before moving to Tuolumne County Looking back Natalie is certain that two key elements of the mission’s
where he served as an interim pastor for years before converting to success have been the model and structure provided by the OCA’s
Orthodox Christianity. Dr. Craig explains his and his now late wife,
Mary-Eliot’s, conversion to Orthodoxy as “a return to something
very close to the teachings of the Episcopal Church before that
denomination declined from its old standards of faith and morals.”
The Annunciation (Greek Orthodox) Church in Modesto was the
nearest Orthodox church. It exemplified what attracted the couple to
Orthodoxy, as Mary-Eliot explained in a memo, “[with] its liturgy, full
attendance of adults, large numbers of children, and what is felt as
an attentive and devout atmosphere...’the Church’ feels to me to be
the answer to a desire for a life of religious meaning.”
4
The Orthodox Vision
Cont. on p. 15 Cont. on p. 16
5
The Orthodox Vision
For example,
Deacon Peter
was assigned to
Billings, but in
fact worked with
the St. Anthony
the Great Mis-
sion in Bozeman,
Last summer at the All-American Council, a proposal was put for- helping establish
ward to initiate a Seminarian Internship Program. The Program was it and prepare it
meant to get students out from the Seminary and into a parish for a for his possible
summer where they would learn about parish life and assist the return next year
priest. It was enthusiastically accepted by the Council and the as a resident
Program was formulated. Parishes were asked to submit applica- priest. Fr. John
tions and seminarians were encouraged to apply for the Program, was to work not
and the OCA agreed to fund the Program. only with his par-
ish assignment
A year later after many applications, the first of the seminarians but the St. Inno-
were sent to parishes throughout the country this summer. There cent Mission in
were five seminarians accepted and four were assigned to parishes Eureka where he
in the Diocese of the West. The Priest Robert Skidmore, from St. will be assigned
Vladimir’s Seminary was assigned to Annunciation Church in after the summer.
Milwaukie, Oregon; Priest John Ramos of St. Vladimir’s was as- Fr. Robert worked not only with all of the parishes in the Portland
signed to Protection of the Holy Virgin in Santa Rosa, California; area but also looked to take on the mission in Ashland after the
Deacon Peter Tobias of St. Vladimir’s was assigned to St. Nicholas internship. John Beal, was able to return to his parish in San Anselmo
in Billings, Mon- and help contribute to its parish life and his development.
tana; and John
Beal, also of St. The common denominator was “practical experience”. Many of the
Vladimir’s, was as- seminarians have not had a chance to experience parish life nor to
signed to St. get some practical seasoning in serving. Here they have a chance to
Nicholas in San work closely with a mentor in the “field”. All have had the chance
Anselmo, Califor- to preach, teach and serve the community in a way quite similar to
nia. when they get to their parish assignment after graduation. And
with the careful guidance of their mentor/priest are able to avoid
Since this was the some of the obstacles many new priests find before them. And
inaugural summer since all of the interns look to be assigned to the Diocese, they are
of the Program, able to observe and learn about how the Diocese of the West oper-
many details ates and meet the many clergy and laity they will be working with
needed to be over the years.
worked out includ-
ing compensation, It is quite clear that the Program has been a resounding success.
housing and most Every parish with an intern has risen to the challenge and the in-
importantly, the terns, in turn, have responded with great enthusiasm. Such pro-
programs require- grams as these will only help in the training of future clergy and
ments itself. make them stronger in meeting the needs of the parish. And this
Archpriest makes the Church as a whole stronger!
6
The Orthodox Vision
It was with great joy and anticipation that 21 clergy wives gathered
for the third annual Matushka retreat in Portland, Oregon. Partici-
pants were from all over the Diocese of the West of the Orthodox
Church in America.
her life as a clergy wife for the benefit for all. This will try to be
arranged. If anyone knows of someone qualified and willing, please
alert next year’s retreat planners.
The retreat will be the third weekend in May (May 18-20, 2001). All
clergy wives from the Diocese of the West are welcome to attend.
Further information will be mailed as time draws closer. We thank all
those who helped in the planning and running of the retreat as well
as the participants. These annual gatherings have become a great
source of joy and fellowship for us who have been placed in a
unique position in serving God. Gatherings such as this allow us to
work together for the building of the Church and make us strongerin
supporting our spouses’ ministry. We hope that more will partici-
pate inthis retreat as time goes on.
Next year the conference will be held at the new Diocesan retreat
center at the Life Giving Spring in Boulder City (near Las Vegas,
Nevada). Mother Gabriella from the Dormition Monastery, outside
of Lansing, Michigan will be the primary presenter. It was requested
that an older, more experienced Matushka be recruited to talk about
7
The Orthodox Vision
The purposes of the new Deanery are these: A son of the Diocese and a recent graduate of St. Tikhon’s Semi-
nary, the former Reader James Brittain was tonsured to the Lesser-
1. To improve Diocesan communication with the parishes Schema at the Monastery of St. John of Shanghai and San Fran-
concerned by their homogeneous grouping and conse- cisco on the Feast of Ascension and ordained to the Holy Diaconate
quent direct links with them. the following Sunday at Holy Trinity Cathedral in San Francisco.
2. To foster a renewed impetus in the Russian language mis-
sionary outreach of the Diocese, particularly to the newer One of the founding members of St. Anne Orthodox Mission in
immigration of Orthodox and the un-churched from Russia. Albany, Oregon which just celebrated its tenth anniversary,
3. To foster fellowship and mutual assistance in this mission- Hierodeacon Isidore converted to Orthodoxy at the age of seven-
ary outreach through retreats and publications. teen. He attended Willamette University in Salem, Oregon where he
4. And to assist the other Diocesan deaneries and parishes studied Japanese, after which he began his studies at St. Tikhon’s
with their pastoral and missionary activities among the Seminary. Hierodeacon Isidore spent the last three years at St.
same people. Tikhon’s and graduated in May. The close contact he had with the
monastics of St. Tikhon’s Monastery while studying at seminary, he
His Grace TIKHON says, was very influential in drawing him toward the monastic voca-
Bishop of San Francisco and the Diocese of the West tion. “My experiences at seminary really showed me the impor-
tance of Church service and giving one’s
whole life to the Church,” Hierodeacon
Isidore said, “the formation there [at St.
Tikhon’s] instilled within each of us a sense
of duty and obedience to the Church, a love
for the services and the Orthodox way of
life which naturally directed me to make the
decision to petition His Grace, Bishop
TIKHON to be tonsured and ordained to
the Diaconate.”
8
The Orthodox Vision
Why is it women can be lawyers, doctors, CEOs or anything they want in the secular world,
but why in the Church can’t women be priests?
Many years ago, a Russian “Baba” or grandmother said to ments) by which the ‘‘Wedding Feast of the Lamb’ (Rev-
me, “I think it’s fine for women to be priests as long as they elation 2:19 and 19:7-9) is made present by anticipation in
don’t go into the Holy Altar.” Now, some might believe this the midst of the Church of God?”
comment to have proceeded from almost laughable igno- More simply stated, we are asking, “Is a woman a suitable
rance or even superstition. In fact, there are times and cir- substitute for the Groom at a wedding?”
cumstances, such as exist in certain monasteries for women,
when it is both necessary and proper for women to go into It should perhaps be no surprise that this question never
the altar. What this, truly, very wise, lady was saying, was even arose until the current eruption of sexual perversion
that the issue is not one of power (should men let women be and “gender confusion” and that those Protestant groups
priests?) nor of equality (don’t women have the right to be which have admitted women to preside in their assemblies
priests?) nor one of utility (could women be good priests?) have also moved away from Christian teachings about sexual
Rather it is a question of human nature. (Did God create morality, abortion and marriage. Some of these groups, such
men and women to be different, and, if so, is one of those as Methodists, Presbyterians, and United Church of Christ,
differences that men can do certain things and women other now have factions which have recently declared that there is
things which are, by nature, exclusive to each sex?) a “Goddess” in addition to God. Priests have always been
understood, even by pagans, as representatives of their
Now it is obvious that there are many jobs, such as those of Gods. Priestess serve goddesses.
doctor, lawyer, CEO, teacher, cab driver, or police officer,
which men and women are able to handle equally well. There All of this is not to say that men are better or more important
are some other jobs such as combat soldier, heavy con- than women. We may well prefer cake to bread or milk to
struction worker nurse, or early childhood instructor, which, wine, but bread and wine, not cake and milk, are the appro-
while we may identify them with one or the other sex, have priate elements for the Divine Liturgy. Similarly, God has
been equally well performed by the opposite sex. But, there ordained that men not women should stand in the place of
is at least one function within God’s plan, which is solely the Bridegroom at the Eucharistic Wedding Feast. Even
reserved to men. Only a man can be a husband, a father, our Blessed Lady who is more honorable than the Cheru-
can beget a child. Only a woman can be a wife, a mother, bim and beyond compare more glorious than the Seraphim,
can give birth to a child. Thus, about half of the human race, did not appropriate to herself the Holy Priesthood to which
all men, was excluded from the blessings extended to St. her son chosen and ordained His Holy Apostles. In reality,
Hanna, St. Anna, St. Elizabeth and the other righteous the thought of a female Christian priesthood could only have
women, hallowed in childbirth, through whom the good will arisen in a world far gone from the purity of the Apostolic
of God was revealed to the world. Furthermore, only a Faith; and the fact that Orthodox men and women are
woman, the Theotokos and Ever Virgin Mary, could give troubled by such questions is a measure of the extent to
birth in time to the Timeless One and be hailed by all genera- which the spirit of this age has confused the thinking of some
tions as “Full of Grace, Burning Bush, Cause of Our Joy, of God’s very own people.
Rescuer of the Perishing and Joy of All Who Sorrow.”
What the old Baba knew that we forget is that the questions
We must go on to ask then, is there something about the is not one of power, or equality, or utility, but of human na-
Orthodox Christian Priesthood which makes it impossible ture as God created it. No man can be a mother, no woman,
for women to exercise its function? To this answer, the a bridegroom.
Church answers and always has answered “yes”. Remem-
ber, we are not asking, “Can a woman preach, teach, pray, Archpriest Joseph Hirsch is the Dean of Transfigura-
console, counsel or administer a parish as well as a man tion of Christ Cathedral in Denver, Colorado. If you
can?” The question is, “Can a woman perform the specifi- are interested in having him answer a question concern-
cally priestly function of standing, visibly, in the place of the ing church life, doctrine, or practices, please send a let-
invisibly present Bridegroom of the Church and High Priest, ter or email to the editor-in-chief of The Orthodox Vi-
Jesus Christ, in the celebration of those mysteries (Sacra- sion. We will try to answer all questions.
9
The Orthodox Vision
Following the Molieben, those in attendance gathered under a After the singing of Many Years, everyone was again invited out-
40’x60' tent for fellowship and light refreshments. A 1950’s fire truck doors to the “banquet tent” for a Champagne Brunch. Bishop
was on hand for the children to climb and explore, and commemora- TIKHON congratulated Fr. George and the St. Anne community. He
tive booklets and “BT 2000” badges were distributed especially for exhorted the mission’s members to do the will of God above all else,
the occasion. A model of a proposed future temple and other prop- and that the building of a temple should never be viewed as an end
erty developments were also on display. in itself.
Later that day, John Burnett from Expanding Edge, an export com- During the brunch, Priest Stephen Soot thanked all those present
pany based in San Anselmo, CA, conducted a Russian church bell for their prayers and support and presented His Grace, the Chancel-
ringing class and demonstration with five authentic Russian bells lor and choir directors with gift baskets. He then handed over the
he personally transported to Albany for the celebration. Each of the
Cont. on p. 16
10
The Orthodox Vision
On July 19, Archpriest Steven Kachur, retired priest from Holy Assumption Church in Clifton, NJ fell asleep in
the Lord in Phoenix, AZ.
On July 23, Priest George Gray of St. Nicholas Church in Portland, Oregon was elevated to Archpriest by His
Grace TIKHON.
On August 19, Archpriest Eugene Tarris, a retired priest from St. Herman Church in Littleton, Colorado was
awarded the Palitza.
Priest Valerii Boulannikov is assigned to the Nativity of the Virgin Mary Church in Menlo Park, California.
Hierodeacon Isidore (Brittain) is assigned to St. Paul Church in Las Vegas, Nevada.
11
The Orthodox Vision
Russians here in
America could
only hold on to
each other and
their Orthodox
faith.
12
The Orthodox Vision
Perspective on Youth and confess their thoughts, keep vigil and live as though they were
foreigners and strangers in this world. Then they actually begin
By Priest Anthony Karbo putting that foolishness into practice. Furthermore, they even take
all of the Scriptures seriously.... Our whole concern at present is to
One night, thinking that it had already dawned, Sophronius went keep people away from spiritual occupations, especially prayer
out by the monastery’s gate and looked towards the outer gate... and the reading of those smoky books.... They are like darts in our
There he saw a man, black in appearance and fearful in form. He side....
wore the garb of a military officer... His eyes were blood red and
shone like flames of fire. His mouth was like that of an ape and his In the days we live in, days of ease, comfort, of seeking after material
teeth protruded from his mouth. At his waist he had entwined around well- being, all the in the supposed name of “God” - such Patristic
him a large serpent, whose head hung down with its tongue hang- witness takes on special significance. Perhaps at no other time in
ing out like a sword. On his shoulders there rested “galloons” history has there been such an abundance of “comforts” and dis-
shaped like the heads of asps and on his head he wore a hat, from tractions facing our youth. Sports, scouts, school events, social
which venomous snakes extended their bodies and wrapped them- outings and obligations, dating expectations, jobs, not to mention
selves like hair around his neck. When the abbot Sophronius saw internet, videos, Nintendo, music... - none of which, in and of them-
this, he became petrified from fear... selves are by any means “evil” - compete for the hearts, minds, and
time of our young people. Parents run ragged from event to event,
The above vision took place at a monastery founded by St. Paisius fad to fad, hoping to keep even the youngest child “happy,” well-
Velichkovsky (feast day - Nov. 15th) some years after his repose. By rounded, and involved. Sunday mornings are no longer sacred, filled
that time the monastics had already grown lax in their discipline - as they are with tournaments, events, obligations and demands on
finances were healthy, the country was at peace, food was plente- us all. “Our whole concern at present is to keep people away from
ous, the gardens were beautiful, visitors were generous. By all spiritual occupations... “ says the demon to Sophronius. And we
worldly accounts the monastery was indeed “blessed”... find ourselves responding with the saintly abbot- “What further
need have you with us, seeing as we have all but given up our
The demon introduces himself to Sophronius as the Chief Com- fight?... Our children are too busy to be at the Feasts, to active to
mander sent by the Arch-Adversary to wage war against the monks: worry about the fasts, too occupied to keep even a simple rule of
prayer....”
“Be it known to you...When you make your promises at your ton-
sure, you declare an unseen war on us and you inflict many wounds The one thing the Adversary fears more than any other? ‘Those
on us with your spiritual weaponry. Many times we retreat in books!” May we parents, church educators, god-parents, and clergy
shame, since the flame of your prayers burns us. Now, however, we see to it that our young people have access to “those books”,
no longer fear you... “ specifically, the lives of saints. Let us acquaint them intimately with
the men and women of old who prayed, fasted, confessed, kept
The demon recalls how, at first, sixty thousand of his ranks were vigil... and took “all of the Scriptures seriously!” Being part of the
sent to fight the holy and experienced Paisius and his disciples. “As One Church, the One Body of which Christ is the Head, we must
long as he was in charge, we had no rest. In spite of all the tempta- enable them to be ONE with those who have gone before them in
tions, devices and snares that we tried against him, we availed faith; to live THE life of the saints, to become saints. It is for us to
nothing... “. After St. Paisius, however, things let up a bit - and ten produce not future church “attendees”, but holy men and women.
thousand of the enemy hosts were “re-assigned.” When the monks Let us provide for them “those books” in our church libraries, as
became negligent and took more concern for their fields and houses gifts, in family reading times together - that “those little upstarts
and vineyards than for their souls, another ten thousand demons begin raging against” the unseen hosts of darkness on our behalf
were relieved of their watch. Division was stirred up and some monks and for the salvation of all.
cont. on p. 13
left - a victory celebration for the hosts of darkness, and
more demons took leave. Now comparatively few were
needed to keep watch over the once spiritually powerful
monastery.
13
The Orthodox Vision
Retreat Center
Cont. from p. 3 The City Planning Commission met on July 19 to review
In all cases, the facts illustrate that the hard value of this conditional use of Wellspring as a retreat center. Many neigh-
asset always exceeds this range of my suggested pur- bors of the center attended and showed overwhelming sup-
chase price. If accepted, we would establish a substan- port for the transaction. The Commission approved the user
tial equity position in the project while also lessening
permit unanimously. The purchase was completed on July
our debt service....
21, 2000.
My only suggestion before going
forward and placing an offer to Eric and Theresa Patterson have
purchase this property, should this agreed to move into the facility and
be your desire, would be finding manage it pro tem while a perma-
candidates (priest or layperson) nent director is sought. Eric is head
who may possess the skills in both chef at a leading restaurant in Las
the areas of hospitality and fa- Vegas, and Theresa has been the
cilities maintenance and opera- Chancellor’s secretary for several
tions. years. Both have experience in the
hospitality industry and have proved
While it is impossible to predict
the future, I believe this project
themselves eminently competent and
can become a catalyst project for devoted to the Church. Wellspring
our diocese, from which, many has been around so long and touched
other services and charitable pro- the lives of so many, that it enjoys a
grams can spring.” surprisingly widespread good repu-
tation in the community. Fr. Deacon
Fr. Stephen Soot, a professional fund raiser for community Isidore, newly arrived in Las Vegas, has used the guest logs
service institutions, sent a letter on Wellspring to be submitted the Sisters supplied to call Wellspring’s large clientele and
to this meeting of the Diocesan Council. The letter expressed keep up their interest in the center.
his judgment that Wellspring was an extraordinary opportunity
for the Diocese to. create an institution of great impact and Wellspring can now become a part of the life of the Diocese.
value for the Church, confirming John’s conclusions. Low air fares to Las Vegas and the support of a diocesan
institution make it a natural for diocesan gatherings, from
The Council approved the proposal to put together funding retreats to assemblies—not only for our diocese, but for
and make an offer. For the down payment, Fr. Nikolai others. It can continue to serve the local community, but
approached different groups within the Diocese for help. now can start to offer services specifically attractive to Or-
One group in particular agreeed to help with the thodox as well. In this way, it could be a great help in the
downpayment. Then Fr. Nikolai talked to the Sisters, who work of the Church in America. As this era gets underway,
were delighted that the Diocese was serious. They agreed we extend a heartfelt thanks to Fr. Nikolai and John Della
to remove one obstacle after another, including a signifi- Monica for their selfless efforts to bring this to pass. Mat the
cantly higher bid for the property from another party, and new Retreat Center be a place of renewal and witness for
later in June accepted our offer. the Diocese for many years to come.
loan. This permission has enabled the mission to reach its long-held
Sonora goal of offering services every Sunday by alternating Liturgy cel-
Cont. from p. 5 ebrated by Fr. Tom with readers’ services led by Deacon Elias. As
the mission prepared for its first Pascha, supplies and gifts came
Fellowship, crucial to encouraging relationships and new members, from as far away as Las Vegas.
was hindered by not being held on the premises. Even committed
worshipers had to overcome feeling transient in the space. For some Today Dr. Craig begins his class for new catechumens with ques-
first-time visitors fellowship requiring formal planning and the com- tions about what brought them to Orthodoxy and to this mission.
mitment of leaving the church and making one’s way to meet the Two of the four catechumens—a father and daughter respond im-
group at a restaurant was an intimidating obstacle. Scheduling posed mediately. “I was born into a Russian Orthodox family,” the father
a further challenge to evangelism. As mission members worked to explains, “but we lived in Germany and there were no Orthodox
raise community awareness and encourage attendance, they could churches near us so I was raised Roman Catholic.” His daughter has
not declare their location and invite the community to attend ser- not been brought up in the church because there were no Orthodox
vices. Invitations were burdened with reminders of the first-and- churches near their previous home. They are delighted to have an
third-Sundays-schedule and further qualified in case of changes in Orthodox mission close to them—even in this rural place. His com-
St. Anne’s calendar or Fr. Tom’s assignments. This was a particular ments are echoed by others. Families with some members raised
issue for community members who remembered an earlier group’s Orthodox are finally able to bring other family members to church;
attempt to found a local mission. Many equated “irregular” services Orthodox Christians who have been in the foothills for years have a
with instability and were reluctant to become involved. The mission’s church locally to come home to; local people who are drawn to
members began to dream of a home of their own and the ability to Orthodoxy have an opportunity to experience an Orthodox Liturgy.
offer consistent, weekly activities.
Each week reveals yet more work to be undertaken “with fear and
An ideal space appeared on the market in a former retreat center trembling” and, simultaneously, opportunities to marvel at what is
featuring a large hall for worship, an adjacent kitchen/hall for fellow- possible, what has been accomplished through Divine will and the
ship, ample living quarters for a priest and his family, additional collaborative efforts of so many, and an affirmation of how much the
room for accommodating guests or classes or meetings, appropriate work of this mission is needed.
zoning, adequate parking—all just outside the town of Sonora. The
mission’s members had just enough time to ponder how they could
marshal the resources to purchase the space before it sold. Ac-
knowledging it was not yet time for such a move, the group resolved
to continue worshiping at St. Anne’s.
15
The Orthodox Vision
who participate the remembrance and commemoration of those who But Mr. Chekene’s most fervent passion was the development of
paved the way for all Orthodox Christians in this land. the property known as St. Eugene’s Hermitage. His dream began
with the Holy Trinity Cathedral bell tower renovation. He could not
The morning began with a Hierarchical Divine Liturgy, celebrated find it in his heart to discard the old bell tower and so he proposed
by His Grace, Bishop TIHKON in the fort chapel. Serving with his to give it new life by constructing a new foundation in the form of a
Grace was our Chancellor, Archimandrite Nikolai, Fr. Leo Arrowsmith chapel in the woods of Pt. Reyes. Mr. Chekene worked endlessly to
from the Fremont mission of St. Innocent, and the Heirodeacon bring his vision to fruition - planning development, supervising
Isidore. The choir, directed by Fr. Stephen Meholick, was com- construction and maintaining public awareness through organized
posed of several bay area priests as well as of the brothers from the picnics and fundraisers. He cajoled everyone with the requisite
Monastery of St. John of Shanghai. Directly following the Liturgy skills to donate their expertise, and he could be found working weekly
a procession took place to the Ft. Ross Cemetery where his Grace side-by-side with Leon von Hauffe, George and Anna Dorian, his
presided over a Panihkida service. After the conclusion of the constant companion, Lubov, and many other tireless volunteers.
service a representative from the state park presented to His Grace And to those who were at times discouraged by the sheer magni-
a document researching who had been buried at the Ft. Ross cem- tude of the effort, Mr. Chekene could often be heard to say, “Your
etery. A picnic concluded the days events. Parishioners from the reward will be in heaven.”
Protection of the Holy Virgin parish in Santa Rosa and St Nicholas
in San Anselmo prepared and barbecued a delightful meal. The chapel, dedicated to the memory of St. Sergius of Radonezh,
was consecrated in 1988 in honor of the Millennium of the Russian
Groups of people, including several of our priests, formed ensembles Orthodox Church. During the ceremony Mr. Chekene blinked away
and sang patriotic songs for the occasion. A state park official was tears of joy as well as tears of regret at what he had left undone. For
present to share the history of Ft. Ross and to conclude the day his dream had not been limited to construction of the chapel; in-
with the shooting off of Canons. deed, Mr. Chekene had envisioned a complete renovation of the
existing facilities and the creation of a peaceful refuge for his fellow
We were blessed this year with beautiful weather which provided Orthodox Christians.
for some spectacular views of the rugged Coastline as well as the
large Redwoods that covered the rolling California hills to the east.
It would be difficult for one to leave this rustic sight without ac- If you would like to contribute money in memory of
knowledging the rich history of the Russian émigrés and get a sense
Constantine Chekene to the Monastery of St. John of
of God’s abounding grace that enabled the spread of Orthodox
Christianity in this land. San Francisco, you can send it to the memorial fund set
up in his honor.
The annual celebration will continue next year around the 4th of
July as the Diocese will gather again to celebrate the spread of Monastery of St. John of Shanghai and San Francisco
Orthodoxy in America. We hope that more people will come for this PO Box 563
annual pilgramage as we celebrate the history and the future of the Point Reyes Station, CA 94956-0563
Diocese of the West. It is truly a remarkable past and an exciting ATTN: Chekene Memorial Fund
future!
Albany
The Diocese of the West Cont. from p. 10
Announces the microphone to Archimandrite Nikolai. Fr. Nikolai commented on
2000 Annual Assembly how pleased he was to see so many from other parishes present,
and encouraged the people to remain united in their common wit-
ness for the Church.
to be held October 23 to 26
Thus, after a final prayer and blessing from the bishop, St. Anne’s
in Las Vegas, Nevada 10th Anniversary came to a close. According to Fr. Stephen, the
celebration has left an indelible mark on the minds and hearts of the
For more information, contact: mission members who hosted it. All the effort that went into prepar-
The Office of the Chancellor ing for the event produced more than its share of blessings in re-
5400 Annie Oakley Drive turn. “We continue to reap the blessings from the prayers offered
Las Vegas, NV 89120 by so many at our patronal feast, and thanks to His Grace, our
(702)898-4800 beloved Chancellor and the clergy and faithful who supported us,
we are emboldened to carry on the work that lies ahead.”
16
From the Fathers
This was given by Bishop Raphael in New York’s Russian Cathedral at the Service of his
Nomination to the Bishop of Brooklyn, Vicar of the Aleut Dioceses on February 28, 1904.
“O Lord, may Your will be done”
Hence, I accepted and I’m accepting now this episcopacy
Wise in God Archpastors! not for the sake of honor so if I would have been ambitious
then I would have accepted the archbishop’s order in my
As it is known to you, the most Blessed Meleti Patriarch of land in Syria, - not for the sake of self-interest - for by ac-
Antioch, together with his Holy Sobor, called on my unwor- cepting here this high episcopate order my material wealth is
thiness many times to accept the grace of the High Order of not going to be improved; - not for the sake of comfort and
the Archbishop in my native Antiochian church, though I personal peace, for I know really well how difficult it is to be
declined this great honor of episcopacy every time, prefer- a bishop everywhere and at all times and especially during
ring the laborious service as a missionary priest in a foreign our time and in this foreign New World. Yes, I hear what
land to the high episcopate service in my kind of storms of little faith and waves of
land and everything that is connected with indifference rush to hit the church ship, I also
the Archbishop’s Order, great honor and see what kind of and how many wolves of
comparatively better living conditions. unbelief and dishonesty are surrounding
Christ’s flock and are ready to steal them
I acted this way because, on the one hand, away. . . But in spite of this and many other
I wanted to follow the example of Moses obstacles and difficulties of episcopate ser-
who, according to the words of the vice in America I accepted this service not
Apostle, “refused to be called the son being afraid of labor but of idle rest and in-
of Pharaoh’s daughter, choosing rather activity, - not of the fight with obstacles and
to share ill treatment with the people of difficulties, but indifference and apathy in the
God” on the other hand I had in mind the face of vivid dangers.
words of our Archpriest Jesus Christ who
said, “what man of you, having a hun- Now when you hear my daring words don’t
dred sheep, if he has lost one of them, think, Holy Archpastors, that the reason for
does not leave the 99 in the wilderness, them is presumptuous arrogance, - for I
and go after the one which is lost”. So I preferred labor know my shortcomings and that I am weak, - but they come
and suffering rather than comfort and honor for the sake of from strong reliance on the all powerful and all mighty grace
spiritual consolation and the salvation of those of my fellow of God, “healing infirmities and relighting fires”, by
countrymen who by the incomprehensible will of God are laying your hands, Holy Hierarchs, on my head, it mystically
now scattered in a foreign land, especially those within the comes in and dwells and acts in me for my salvation and the
borders of North America who are like sheep without a salvation of all my loving children of God’s chosen flock.
Shepherd.
It is very cheerful for me that I begin my high service under
But when this same high episcopate service was proposed your high guidance, Enlightener of the Aleut and North Ameri-
to me here in America and among my spiritual children for can Diocese. In spite of my shortcomings and weaknesses
the sake of their spiritual betterment I accepted this service you deigned to accept me as a member of your service.
with a feeling of wholehearted appreciation to you my dear That’s why I hope that you as before and as in the future will
hierarchs, with a son’s gratitude toward the Holy Orthodox not leave me without your wise precepts and fatherly for-
All-Russian Synod and the All-Blessed Meleti, Patriarch of bearance. In these thoughts and hopes I am with readiness
Antioch, with the deepest devotion to His Righteous Em- and meekness repeat what I started my speech with “O,
peror of All Russia Nicholas the Second the only Protector Lord, may Your will be done.”
and Defender of the Church in the Whole World and with
reverent obedience to the all wise and all blessed God’s will This document was translated from Russian by Olga Maev of St.
about me. Nicholas of South Canaan Mission in Billings, Montana
The Diocese of the West BULK RATE
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