Wednesday, May 27, 2009
An Ascension Greeting from the Orthodox Christian Mission Center
The Orthodox Christian Mission Center (OCMC) joins you in celebrating the glorious Ascension of our Lord, Jesus Christ! Continuing the work of the Apostles themselves, may we all be given the strength to answer the call issued by Christ on that day to "go and make disciples of all nations." Please pray for the 1.8 billion people around the world who have yet to hear the Gospel and for mission workers who will serve as witnesses for the Orthodox faith to the ends of the earth.
Tuesday, May 26, 2009
OCMC Board Gathers for its Annual Spring Meeting in St. Augustine, FL
St. Augustine, FL – The OCMC Board of Directors gathered at the Renaissance Resort at the World Golf Village on May 19 and 20 for their annual Spring Board Meeting. The occasion for this meeting, however, was of tremendous significance, as it immediately preceded the dedication of the new Archbishop Anastasios and Archbishop Demetrios Missionary Training and Administration Building.
On the evening of May 19, OCMC Board President Clifford Argue and OCMC Executive Director Fr. Martin Ritsi updated the board on the progress of OCMC’s current strategic plan and emerging mission fields in Africa, Asia, and Latin America. Former Board members Bob Gremley and Dr. Spero Kinnas were also recognized for their contributions to the organization over the years.
As chairperson of the new building Dedication Committee, Helen Nicozisis reported that preparations for the dedication event had been completed. She offered sincere thanks to her fellow committee members, Board Members, and staff for their tireless efforts in welcoming the many hierarchs and guests from around the world who would share in the joy of the new building’s completion.
On the morning of the 20th, the Board received presentations from two of the Mission Center’s longest serving Missionary families, Nathan and Gabriela Hoppe and Floyd and Ancuta Frantz. They arrived from Albania and Romania to represent all OCMC Missionaries and Missionary Candidates during the dedication events.
Nathan shared that two of his former students at the seminary in Tirana, Albania have been elevated to serve as bishops. He also reported that the summer youth camps he and his wife Gabriela coordinate in Kosovo are enjoying increasing popularity. These camps are a ministry of love to children who suffered terribly during the war. These camps are part of the humanitarian and philanthropic work of the church and are not religious in nature.
Floyd reminded the board that alcoholism remains a significant issue in Romania and that the St. Dimitrie program that he directs has intervened in the lives of thousands of people who struggle with this debilitating disease. He also shared that the Protection of the Theotokos Day Center, which is directed by his wife Ancuta, maintains its wonderful record in preventing child abandonment by offering unwed mothers daycare, counseling, and employment services. Following his talk, Floyd presented the Board with a hand painted icon from the Church in Romania.
The OCMC staff was also given the opportunity to introduce themselves and offer presentations that detailed many of the Mission Center’s programs. The staff was honored to meet the Board they serve.
An afternoon session led by OCMC Board Treasurer Bill Birchfield revealed that, in spite of a difficult economic climate, support for the work of missions continues to grow among the Orthodox faithful of North America. Although the faithful have been generous so far, the need for increased development effort was stressed to insure adequate resources are provided to OCMC and it many programs throughout the rest of the year. One new initiative underway by the board is a “Friends of Missions” appeal.
The Board also welcomed its two newest members, former Missionary to Albania and Professor of Missions at Holy Cross Seminary, Fr. Luke Veronis of the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese and Dn. Andrew Rubis of the Albanian Orthodox Diocese of America.
As the annual Spring Board Meeting drew to a close, events for the dedication of the new building began – an occasion that represented an answer to prayer shared by all the Board Members, staff, and Missionaries who were in attendance.
The Orthodox Christian Mission Center (OCMC) is the official missions agency of the Standing Conference of Canonical Orthodox Bishops in the Americas (SCOBA) dedicated to fulfilling Christ’s last command to make disciples of all nations.
On the evening of May 19, OCMC Board President Clifford Argue and OCMC Executive Director Fr. Martin Ritsi updated the board on the progress of OCMC’s current strategic plan and emerging mission fields in Africa, Asia, and Latin America. Former Board members Bob Gremley and Dr. Spero Kinnas were also recognized for their contributions to the organization over the years.
As chairperson of the new building Dedication Committee, Helen Nicozisis reported that preparations for the dedication event had been completed. She offered sincere thanks to her fellow committee members, Board Members, and staff for their tireless efforts in welcoming the many hierarchs and guests from around the world who would share in the joy of the new building’s completion.
On the morning of the 20th, the Board received presentations from two of the Mission Center’s longest serving Missionary families, Nathan and Gabriela Hoppe and Floyd and Ancuta Frantz. They arrived from Albania and Romania to represent all OCMC Missionaries and Missionary Candidates during the dedication events.
Nathan shared that two of his former students at the seminary in Tirana, Albania have been elevated to serve as bishops. He also reported that the summer youth camps he and his wife Gabriela coordinate in Kosovo are enjoying increasing popularity. These camps are a ministry of love to children who suffered terribly during the war. These camps are part of the humanitarian and philanthropic work of the church and are not religious in nature.
Floyd reminded the board that alcoholism remains a significant issue in Romania and that the St. Dimitrie program that he directs has intervened in the lives of thousands of people who struggle with this debilitating disease. He also shared that the Protection of the Theotokos Day Center, which is directed by his wife Ancuta, maintains its wonderful record in preventing child abandonment by offering unwed mothers daycare, counseling, and employment services. Following his talk, Floyd presented the Board with a hand painted icon from the Church in Romania.
The OCMC staff was also given the opportunity to introduce themselves and offer presentations that detailed many of the Mission Center’s programs. The staff was honored to meet the Board they serve.
An afternoon session led by OCMC Board Treasurer Bill Birchfield revealed that, in spite of a difficult economic climate, support for the work of missions continues to grow among the Orthodox faithful of North America. Although the faithful have been generous so far, the need for increased development effort was stressed to insure adequate resources are provided to OCMC and it many programs throughout the rest of the year. One new initiative underway by the board is a “Friends of Missions” appeal.
The Board also welcomed its two newest members, former Missionary to Albania and Professor of Missions at Holy Cross Seminary, Fr. Luke Veronis of the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese and Dn. Andrew Rubis of the Albanian Orthodox Diocese of America.
As the annual Spring Board Meeting drew to a close, events for the dedication of the new building began – an occasion that represented an answer to prayer shared by all the Board Members, staff, and Missionaries who were in attendance.
The Orthodox Christian Mission Center (OCMC) is the official missions agency of the Standing Conference of Canonical Orthodox Bishops in the Americas (SCOBA) dedicated to fulfilling Christ’s last command to make disciples of all nations.
Tuesday, May 19, 2009
OCN to Provide Live Coverage of the Dedication of the New Archbishop Anastasios & Archbishop Demetrios Missionary Training & Administration Building
St. Augustine, FL – Several hundred Orthodox Christian faithful from throughout the country and as far away as Albania and Romania will be in St. Augustine this week for the dedication of the new Archbishop Anastasios and Archbishop Demetrios Missionary Training and Administrative Building of the Orthodox Christian Mission Center (OCMC). This new facility will serve as the international missions headquarters for North America’s estimated 1.5 million Orthodox Christians. Events begin with an evening banquet Wednesday, May 20, and continue on Thursday with a Divine Liturgy service at 7:30 a.m. The actual Dedication ceremony will take place at 10 a.m. Thursday, May 21, to be followed by a luncheon.
Both His Beatitude Anastasios, Archbishop of Tirana, Durrës and All Albania, and His Eminence Demetrios, Archbishop and Primate of the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of America and Chairman of SCOBA, together with other hierarchs of SCOBA, will be at the dedication to celebrate this historical moment in Orthodox missions and cooperation, and to lead the gathered Faithful in praying for the continuation of this vital work of the Church. Also participating are current and former OCMC missionaries who are serving or have served in various worldwide locations; mission team volunteers; members of the OCMC board of directors; benefactors; staff; and other Orthodox clergy and laity.
Coverage of this historic event, including photos, interviews, and a live blog, will be provided by Fr. Chris Metropulos of Orthodox Christian Network (OCN). Logon to www.MyOCN.net on May 21st to share in this monumental expression of Orthodox Christian unity in North America and the continued growth of the Orthodox missions movement.
In response to Christ's final command to "make disciples of all nations," the OCMC is dedicated to helping the Church realize its missionary vision. In addition to sending Missionaries and Mission Team volunteers, the OCMC subsidizes the salaries of over 350 indigenous clergy in 18 mission countries. It helps train new church leaders by supporting seven seminaries around the world, and it funds numerous ministry and philanthropic projects of the Church abroad. In the new Missionary Training and Administration Building, these programs will be able to work toward sharing the Gospel of Christ in more areas around the world in the years to come.
Both His Beatitude Anastasios, Archbishop of Tirana, Durrës and All Albania, and His Eminence Demetrios, Archbishop and Primate of the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of America and Chairman of SCOBA, together with other hierarchs of SCOBA, will be at the dedication to celebrate this historical moment in Orthodox missions and cooperation, and to lead the gathered Faithful in praying for the continuation of this vital work of the Church. Also participating are current and former OCMC missionaries who are serving or have served in various worldwide locations; mission team volunteers; members of the OCMC board of directors; benefactors; staff; and other Orthodox clergy and laity.
Coverage of this historic event, including photos, interviews, and a live blog, will be provided by Fr. Chris Metropulos of Orthodox Christian Network (OCN). Logon to www.MyOCN.net on May 21st to share in this monumental expression of Orthodox Christian unity in North America and the continued growth of the Orthodox missions movement.
In response to Christ's final command to "make disciples of all nations," the OCMC is dedicated to helping the Church realize its missionary vision. In addition to sending Missionaries and Mission Team volunteers, the OCMC subsidizes the salaries of over 350 indigenous clergy in 18 mission countries. It helps train new church leaders by supporting seven seminaries around the world, and it funds numerous ministry and philanthropic projects of the Church abroad. In the new Missionary Training and Administration Building, these programs will be able to work toward sharing the Gospel of Christ in more areas around the world in the years to come.
Monday, May 11, 2009
Missionary Candidate James Hargrave to speak in Tampa, FL
On June 14, 2009, immediately following Liturgy at St. John Greek Orthodox Church, 2418 Swann Ave, Tampa, FL, James will give a brief presentation on the work of the Orthodox Church in Tanzania, his role in that ministry, and how you can be involved. Divine Liturgy starts at 10:00am.
OCMC Associate Director and Family Celebrate Pascha with Hogar Raphael Ayau
OCMC Associate Director Fr. David Rucker and his family celebrated Holy Week and Pascha with the children and nuns of the Hogar Raphael Ayau. Although this orphanage has been open to children since 1857, it is only since 1996 that the Orthodox nuns of the Monasterio Ortodoxo Lavra Mambré have run this vital ministry of the Church in Guatemala. Every year since 1998 OCMC Mission Teams have come to minister to these precious youngsters, who range in age from infancy to their early teens. Currently, approximately 100 children live at the Hogar.
The Hogar has had visits from several priests and from two OCF Real Break teams during the Lenten season, but they do not have a permanent priest. Fr. Rucker has made two previous trips to the orphanage, but this was his first time to celebrate Pascha there. He was impressed by the children, who knew many of the Holy Week and Pascha hymns by heart.
When asked about his trip, Fr. David Rucker said:
When I learned that the blessed mothers of the monastery, over 70 children in the orphanage, and all the staff and Faithful would be without a priest in Guatemala, I thought, "How can I say no to them?" I was going to be serving in a parish in the USA with several priests and two Deacons ministering to perhaps 500 people, and here was an entire country without a single Orthodox priest during the highest feast days of the year. Many years ago my wife and I prayed a very simple prayer: "God, our family belongs to you. We will go wherever You send us. We will do whatever you ask us to do. We belong to You." Serving in Guatemala this past Holy Week and Pascha was a great privilege for our family. As is the case with almost all missionary work, we received far more than we could ever give. It is our joy on behalf of OCMC to contribute in a small way to all that God is doing in Latin America through the prayers of these blessed mothers and the children they love and serve. "The harvest truly is plentiful, but the laborers are few. Therefore pray the Lord of the harvest to send out laborers into His harvest" (Mt. 9:37-38).
The Hogar has had visits from several priests and from two OCF Real Break teams during the Lenten season, but they do not have a permanent priest. Fr. Rucker has made two previous trips to the orphanage, but this was his first time to celebrate Pascha there. He was impressed by the children, who knew many of the Holy Week and Pascha hymns by heart.
When asked about his trip, Fr. David Rucker said:
When I learned that the blessed mothers of the monastery, over 70 children in the orphanage, and all the staff and Faithful would be without a priest in Guatemala, I thought, "How can I say no to them?" I was going to be serving in a parish in the USA with several priests and two Deacons ministering to perhaps 500 people, and here was an entire country without a single Orthodox priest during the highest feast days of the year. Many years ago my wife and I prayed a very simple prayer: "God, our family belongs to you. We will go wherever You send us. We will do whatever you ask us to do. We belong to You." Serving in Guatemala this past Holy Week and Pascha was a great privilege for our family. As is the case with almost all missionary work, we received far more than we could ever give. It is our joy on behalf of OCMC to contribute in a small way to all that God is doing in Latin America through the prayers of these blessed mothers and the children they love and serve. "The harvest truly is plentiful, but the laborers are few. Therefore pray the Lord of the harvest to send out laborers into His harvest" (Mt. 9:37-38).
Friday, May 8, 2009
Washington, DC Area OCMC Benefit Banquet
There will be an OCMC Benefit Banquet on May 31, 2009 in Falls Church, VA. This event will be hosted by St. Katherine Greek Orthodox Church, 3149 Glen Carlyn Rd, Falls Church, VA 22041. Hors d'oeuvres will be served at 6:00 pm, with dinner at 7:00 pm. Cost is $50.00 per person; please make reservations ahead of time. The keynote speaker will be the Very Reverend Father Alexander Veronis, President Emeritus of the OCMC Board; he will speak on "The Great Empowerment: Acts 1:8 From Jerusalem to the World." For more information, contact Dr. John Demakis at jgd11@erols.com or Mrs. Betty Slanta at slanta@verizon.net.
Missionary Representatives to Attend Dedication
Two of our longest serving missionary families, Floyd and Ancuta Frantz of Romania and Nathan and Gabriella Hoppe of Albania, will be representing all our missionaries at the dedication of the new building on May 21. The Frantz's will be available for meetings in the Chicago area May 12-18. They will be available for meetings in the Miami, Florida area May 22-24. To schedule a meeting or attend one in your area, please contact Floyd directly by E-mail: f.frantz@ocmc.org.
Local Volunteer Receptionist Needed at the OCMC
The Orthodox Christian Mission Center (OCMC), is seeking 3 volunteers to assist in welcoming guests and answering phones during the middle part of each weekday from 12:00 noon until 3:00pm at its new building in St. Augustine, Florida. Members of this team would volunteer on different days of the week. The new OCMC building is located just east of I-95, Exit 311, off State Route 207. Training and orientation will be provided. The time commitment is 3-6 hours per week. To find out more information, or to volunteer to become a part of this team, contact Margo Kelley at (904) 829-5132 or at margonk@ocmc.org.
Wednesday, May 6, 2009
Invitation to OCMC Dedication
The Board of Directors and Staff of the Orthodox Christian Mission Center (OCMC) are pleased to invite the Orthodox faithful of the Americas to the dedication of the Archbishop Anastasios and Archbishop Demetrios Missionary Training and Administration Building. This building, the first permanent facility of an agency of the Standing Conference of Canonical Orthodox Bishops in the Americas (SCOBA), holds 12,000 sqare feet of training space and offices. Among those planning to attend are His Beatitude Anastasios, Archbishop of Tirana, Durrës and All Albania, and the Head of the Holy Synod of the Albanian Orthodox Church; and His Eminence Demetrios, Archbishop and Primate of the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of America and Chairman of SCOBA, as well as other hierarchs representing canonical jurisdictions in the Americas.
The dedication will begin with a banquet on Wednesday, May 20, at 6:30 p.m at the Renaissance Resort at World Golf Village, located on 500 South Legacy Trail in St. Augustine. Tickets are $65 per person. A celebration of the Divine Liturgy will take place on Thursday, May 21 at 7:30 a.m. at Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Church, which is located at 2940 CR-214 in St. Augustine. The liturgical service is open to the public.
The dedication ceremony, which will take place at the new Archbishop Anastasios and Archbishop Demetrios Missionary Training and Administration Building, is also open to the public and will begin at 10 a.m. Dedication ceremonies will be followed by a reception and building tours at 11 a.m. Events conclude with a luncheon at 12:30 p.m. at the Renaissance Resort at World Golf Village. Tickets for the luncheon are $40 per person. Reservations for the banquet on the 20th or the luncheon on the 21st must be made by May 15 by calling (904) 829-5132 or visiting www.OCMC.org.
The dedication will begin with a banquet on Wednesday, May 20, at 6:30 p.m at the Renaissance Resort at World Golf Village, located on 500 South Legacy Trail in St. Augustine. Tickets are $65 per person. A celebration of the Divine Liturgy will take place on Thursday, May 21 at 7:30 a.m. at Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Church, which is located at 2940 CR-214 in St. Augustine. The liturgical service is open to the public.
The dedication ceremony, which will take place at the new Archbishop Anastasios and Archbishop Demetrios Missionary Training and Administration Building, is also open to the public and will begin at 10 a.m. Dedication ceremonies will be followed by a reception and building tours at 11 a.m. Events conclude with a luncheon at 12:30 p.m. at the Renaissance Resort at World Golf Village. Tickets for the luncheon are $40 per person. Reservations for the banquet on the 20th or the luncheon on the 21st must be made by May 15 by calling (904) 829-5132 or visiting www.OCMC.org.
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