“Expanding African Orthodoxy Throughout the World One Community At a Time”

Volume 2, Issue 1 “Expanding African Orthodoxy Throughout the World One Community At a Time” Fall Special 2009

Welcome to the Trumpet!

The Official Newsletter of the Historic African Orthodox
Church Inc., where +Archbishop George Walter Sands is
Primate Metropolitan. The “Historic” African Orthodox
Church Inc. has churches located in the United States and
abroad: New York City, Illinois, Florida, Maryland; Abroad:
West Indies, Africa, Cuba, and the Canadian Territory. You
may also visit us on the web @www.theaocinc.com. to learn more
about the history of great church and our founder Saint George
Alexander McGuire.
INSIDE THIS ISSUE `

Welcome Our Statement of Faith

Our Statement of Faith “We are a true part of the one Holy Catholic and
1 Our Mission Apostolic Church. We accept the Seven Ecumenical
Councils held between 325 A.D. and 787 A.D.
Primates Corner
2 Officers of the General Holy Synod
We believe in the Father in the Son and of the Holy
Care Africa Spirit. We believe in the justification of faith
3 A Mission of Mercy necessary for eternal salvation.
A Mission of Mercy Continued Our Call to service is that we oppose discrimination,
4 Saint James Yard Sale
in reference to the worth of the individual, in that all
Saint James Acolyte Named on Boston School individuals should be given full opportunity to
Board develop their freedom of Religion, the freedom of
5 Meet Our PR Director speech, the freedom from fear, and the freedom from
want. Our mission is for the welfare of all people
6 Meet Our PR Director Continued both socially and religiously.”

7-9 Photo Gallery of Holy Synods of USA & Cuba

Our Mission
International Chancery “To advance the work of Christ in the community of
Holy Cross Pro Cathedral
122 W 129th Street Christians that comes together under the guidance of
New York, NY 10023 the Holy Spirit. To continue in the teachings of
212-882-0894
Christ as modern disciples seeking to meet the
African Orthodox Church Inc. Headquarters physical, emotional, and spiritual needs of our
Saint Peter’s African Orthodox Cathedral community growing in faith and unity through
4841 N. W. 2nd Avenue
Miami, Florida 33101
African Orthodoxy”
305-759-0314
The “Historic” African Orthodox Church Inc. All Rights Reserved 2009 Page 1
 “Expanding African Orthodoxy Throughout the World One Community At a Time”

HOUSE OF BISHOPS
METROPOLITAN GEORGE WALTER SANDS, OSB,
M.DIV
Primate of the African Orthodox Church Incorporated

THE MOST REVEREND JAMEN BERNHARDT BUTLER,

OSB, D.D.,

PRIMATES CORNER THE MOST REVEREND SETH SKEETE, OSB. D.D.

+Metropolitan George Walter Sands, OSB., MDIV
My Brothers & Sisters in Christ:

Through the grace of God, we have completed our 88th

OFFICERS OF THE GENERAL HOLY
Annual General Synod on July 19th 2009. What a SYNOD
successful and holy experience it was. As we gathered at
the Antiochian Village to pray, to worship, to fellowship, to
celebrate, and to work, God’s blessed Holy Spirit abode PRESIDENT
with us from beginning to end. Primate Metropolitan George Walter Sands, OSB,
M.DIV
The fruit of our Holy Synod will be seen by the good works
of our church and friends of the church during the upcoming
year. Therefore, over the next year leading to our 89th Holy
VICE PRESIDENT
Synod, each of us is asked to fast, to pray, and to work daily Reverend Father JohnLuke Ealey II, OSB
for the continued unity, growth, and prosperity of God’s
Church. Please continue to examine your own personal GENERAL SECRETARY
commitment and willingness do dedicate prospering God’s Debra Whiteside
Church in African Orthodoxy.

Remember this years theme: Answering The Call “Here I ASSISTANT SECRETARY
Am Lord, Send Me” A New Attitude of Christ Service Reverend Sister Dr. Irene King, OSB
and Commitment for the Building of Christ Church.
TREASURER
It is my continued pray that those who love and support the
African Orthodox Church Incorporated will pray without
Frederika Stewart
ceasing, that God will lead and guide us in the way in which
HE would have us to go. For those of you who were FINANCIAL SECRETARY
physically unable to attend this synod, but were with us in Dr. Wilma Sena
spirit, we thank you for your prayers and support.

May the blessings of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you all
CHANCELLOR
In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy By Special Appointment
Spirit, Amen

God’s Humble Shepherd,

Archbishop George Walter Sands, OSB

Primate Metropolitan , African Orthodox Church Inc.

“I spiritually enjoyed my Synod, the excitement of the meetings to the delicious meals, to the few exercising
trails taken with the members. The Antiochian Village experience will be one that I will remember.
See you on the Moving A.O.C. Train.” Sister Dianne Roll
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 “Expanding African Orthodoxy Throughout the World One Community At a Time”
Care Africa
By Rev. Sister Domnika Ealey, OSB
Care Africa is a prayer group for Christian men and
women interceding in prayer, for Darfur and all of Africa.
I started this ministry early this year through the Darfur
Program located here in the Washington D.C. and
Maryland area. I was born in Tripoli Libya (Northern
Africa), so my heart is not just here in the U.S., but in
Africa as well I have had the wonderful yet humbling
privilege to meet many men and women from the country
of Darfur, and the stories that I hear are truly
heartbreaking, and inspiring.
If you are interested in joining the Care Africa prayer
group, please feel free to send me an email at:
sisdomnika@yahoo.com
Touloum Refugee Camp, Eastern Chad
“A young Sudanese girl walks through the Medicines Sans
Frontiers Clinic in the Touloum Camp of eastern Chad.
Touloum is now home to more than 15,000 refugees. The
medical relief organizations are working around the clock
on both sides of the border. Due to the massive scale of the
displacement - both in numbers and geography - few
displaced persons have access to health care. Malnutrition
and advanced life-threatening diseases will continue to take
their toll.”
Photo and quote by my friend R.S. Reed. 
The “Historic” African Orthodox Church Inc. All Rights Reserved 2009
A Mission of Mercy
By Reverend Father JohnLuke Ealey II, OSB, Vice President of the
Holy General Synod
God indeed blew His breath of fresh air throughout our
Church in the form of the Holy Spirit during our
mountain top experience at Holy Synod 88. This year’s
Holy Synod was held at the Antiochian Village in
Bolivar, Pa from July 15-19 2009.
It was in this Holy atmosphere of unity, love, and
commitment that Primate Metropolitan George Walter
Sands presented the developed future direction,
leadership and vision of the African Orthodox Church
Incorporated for the next five years and beyond.
“Answering the call: Here I am Lord Send me. A new
attitude of Christ service and commitment to building
Christ Church.”
Out of our many goals and expectations of service,
commitment, and work to the building of Christ’s Church
detailed at Holy Synod 88, Primate Metropolitan George
Walter Sands commissioned and the August body
approved a new mission for the Historic African
Orthodox Church on July 18th, 2009:
“Saint McGuire Orthodox Mission of Mercy and
Outreach, of the Historic AOC Inc.”
It is named after our church Founder Saint George
Alexander McGuire.
Saint McGuire’s Mission’s sphere of ministry initially
encompasses the District of Washington D.C., and the
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 “Expanding African Orthodoxy Throughout the World One Community At a Time”
A Mission of Mercy (continued)
states of Maryland and Virginia of the Mid-Atlantic
geographical region.
Reverend Father JohnLuke Ealey II OSB is the Rector and
Reverend Sister Domnika Ealey is the Deaconess and
Chairperson of the Woman’s Outreach Ministry.
The purpose and heartbeat of Saint McGuire’s Mission is
to provide God’s Mercy to the poor in spirit; to the broken
and battered women and children of the world; to the
hungry; to the sick; and to those living in community jails.
It is God’s hospital , kitchen, and peaceful refuge for
God’s downtrodden children.
Saint McGuire’s with Saint Peter’s African Orthodox
Church Missions will work hand in hand with the Office of
International Missions to spread the good news abroad.
As a retired Marine Corps Officer, I traveled the world
three times and witnessed firsthand the casualties of war
and conflict imposed upon the citizens of the world.
Imagine seeing mother’s trying to feed their children with
no resources, the sound of children crying and crying and
crying. Then one day the crying stops. You don’t know
what’s worse.
Looking into the eyes of human beings and seeing no hope
resonant from their eyes. Where is this you say? You
might think that I am talking about abroad. And you would
be right. But I am also talking about right here in the
United States of America.
Let us venture together in a spirit of unison to raise the
Cross of Jesus Christ. It will draw all men, women, and
children as we feed and care for God’s sheep. Nothing else
matters. God is waiting to do a great work the World over.
God does not prefer any one place or country over another.
We are all HIS children and HE desires for us all to be
baptized and living with HIM for all eternity.
In closing, our children, Reverend Sister Domnika and I
thank everyone for your love, kindness, friendship and
financial support. To my Bishop-Primate George Walter,
the House of Bishops, clergy, laity, friends and August
Body, I am eternally grateful for granting me the privilege
of starting this Mission of Mercy and Outreach. 
Your servant,
the unworthy,
Reverend Father JohnLuke Ealey II, OSB
The “Historic” African Orthodox Church Inc. All Rights Reserved 2009
Saint James Yard Sale
Whether it was the price of the gently worn shoes, or the new
ladies pocket book that got the community in at St. James
AOC on Saturday, August 19th, 2009 it was well worth the
shoes and the bag. In an effort to continue the process of self
efficiency, the members of St. James AOC in Roxbury,
Massachusetts, came out to support this venture.
The four hour yard sale began with strong prayers of faith at
10:00am on a ninety degree summer day. The weather did
not deter passersby from stopping in and take a look and to
inquire about the church. Although the reason of this sale
was fiscal, it did grant us the opportunity to educate the
community about the ‘white church on the hill’ and to learn
more about our faith and jurisdiction. The primary reason
was clear that we were fostering a new relationship with our
community, one that it had not seen in some time.
Fiscally the yard sale was a success; spiritually it
strengthened the hope and faith of our local parishioners.
The faces of the older members showed great pride as the
edifice and our faith were on display. This is something that
was not seen outside of the Sunday Masses for quite some
time. The joy and prayers gave us the ability to barter our
goods in exchange for the recognition of our Father.
Special thanks go out to the organizer of the day, Sister
Marcia Davis (St. James AOC vestry board member and
church secretary) whose vision was successful and
committed. She recruited the help of parishioners and
community members alike.
Although it may have been the shoes, and bags that brought
them in, in was with the blessings of our Father that we
succeeded and will again. The yard sale will be an ongoing
effort to complement funds from our collection and tithing
monies. Keep us in your prayers and please contact us if you
have any recommendations and/or question.
To God Be The Glory.
Ministries and Committees within the
African Orthodox Church Inc.
International Ministries Public Relations Music & Arts
Department Finance Committee Youth Ministry
Steering Committee Cannons & Constitutions
Seminary Research & Historian Guild of Saint Monica
And Much More!
Page 4
Youth & Education
Media Ministry
 “Expanding African Orthodoxy Throughout the World One Community At a Time”
Saint James Acolyte Named
on the Boston Public School
Board
Acolyte Brother Michael Davis will be sworn in by
Boston Mayor, Thomas Menino on September 1st 2009
as member of the Boston School Board. The board
consist of seven members and one seat reserved for a
state student representative. The charge of this board is
to define the vision, mission, and goals of the Boston
Public School Systems.
Among the many charges, the board sets and review
policy and practices to support student achievement.
Brother Michael, who is in his senior year at East
Boston High School, is a lifelong member of St. James
AOC. The young acolyte attributes his faith in God and
this community to the positive experiences he has and
what will come.
“Perceptions of inner city children are usually negative
at best, but it’s my job to change this perception to a
positive one.” Brother Michael stated. He has political
aspirations and will use this experience coupled with his
AOC culture as a motivation for his venture again.
Congratulations Brother Michael and his family for a
job well deserved. 
Brother Michael Davis Acolyte
The “Historic” African Orthodox Church Inc. All Rights Reserved 2009
Meet Our PR Director
By Brother Ambrose Davis
Synod 2009 outside of Pittsburgh, PA in the town of Bolivar
brought me to place of my faith that I did not know exist. A
faith that was reinforced by the synod’s theme: “Here I am
Lord, Send me.” Fellowship, prayer and vision have brought
me to my current challenge as Director of Public Relations.
With prayer as my primary guide I will seek the training and
guidance necessary to maintain this venture as a successful
one. I pray daily to Our Father that the future of the African
Orthodox Church, Inc will be a great success to both clergy
and laity.
I was born in Barbados, West Indies and attending church as
early as I can recollect. And I enjoyed it. This pathway of
ministry has been instilled in me from a very young age.
Ironically, members of our extended family were members of
the AOC circa 1940, along with my great grandmother’s
affiliation to the Marcus Garvey movement in New York
circa 1920 to 1930. My destiny was a divine hand of God,
and has led me to be a steadfast trainee of the deaconate this
is a destiny I fully accept.
For many years my family attended St. James African
Orthodox Church in Roxbury, Massachusetts. Although my
career had relocated me to the New Jersey area, I attended
Mass when I returned home or on special occasions. The
culture of the orthodoxy inspired me and impressed me.
There was a certain level of divine maturity that I always felt
after attending Sunday Mass. Then I had the opportunity to
attend Synod 2007 in Cambridge, Massachusetts separated by
the Charles River and the city of Boston. The power of the
catholic and apostolic church really revealed itself to me, a
stranger to religion I am not, but the attachment to the
commitment I felt inspired me to be a part of the African
Orthodox Church. Under the leadership of +Archbishop
Primate Metropolitan George Sands, +Archbishop Jamen
Butler of New York, and +Bishop Seth Skeete of the West
Indies. I find their guidance immeasurable in maintaining the
orthodoxy of the vision of our founder the Bishop George
Alexander McGuire.
Over the next year, my capacity as the Public Relations
Director will include chairing the marketing committee;
develop historical church paraphernalia, media outreach,
recruitment and retention of members, etc. As I begin these
tasks it will include the entire village. If I have not reached
out to you, please reach out to me. It is that shoulder and arm
that I know will give us that vantage point.
I am humbled to be part of the new history together
with the past sacrifices and commitment to move The
“Historic” African Orthodox Church Inc. forward
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 “Expanding African Orthodoxy Throughout the World One Community At a Time”

Meet Our PR Director (Con’t)

Along with my commitment to the church, I have a
wonderful family, a brave son who is a member of the
United States Marine Core, a wonderful granddaughter, and
a gracious daughter in law, a devoted mother who is a
member of the St. James AOC diocese and an equally
devoted sister who serves as a vestry member and secretary
of the church. My vision of my challenge as the director of
Public Relations extends to each diocesan, clergy and
visionary that has the best interest of the advancement of
the Canons & constitution of the AOC.

I am humbled to be part of the new history together with

the past sacrifices and commitment to move The “Historic”
African Orthodox Church Inc. forward. As we look ahead
to the Synod in 2010 in Delray Beach, Florida let the theme
be your guide, and the Father will show us the pathway
ahead I will remain your humble Servant.

African Orthodox History Collage Created By Rev. Sister Domnika OSB © 2009
Brother Ambrose Davis Graduated from Roxbury College,
and matriculated to the University of Massachusetts,
Boston Campus He received his degree in Political Science.
Post academia, he returned to the corporate world and
joined the management team of Qualink, Inc. and OSI
Company: An outsourced company providing clients with
contract receivables and claim resolution. His seasoned
career began in insurance support management. He began
his career at John Hancock Life Insurance Company before
returning to academia. 

Our Faithful Departed

Mr. George Barr Sr.

1928-2009

Eternal Rest grant unto him, and let

perpetual light shine upon him.
May his soul rest in peace

"

Br. Ambrose Davis, Deacon in Training

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 “Expanding African Orthodoxy Throughout the World One Community At a Time”

Photo Gallery Holy Synod 2009

LtoR: Rev. Sister Clovine Alleyne, OSB Illinois LtoR: Rev. Deacon Donnie Brown, OSB Florida
Rev. Sister Dr. Irene King, OSB New York Rev. Deacon Derrell Cuthbertson, OSB Florida
Rev..Sister Angelica Stewart, OSB Florida
Rev. Sister Domnika Ealey, OSB Maryland

LtoR: Rev. Father JohnLuke Ealey, OSB Maryland LtoR: His Grace Seth Skeete, OSB Caribbean
Rev. Father James McPhee, OSB Florida His Eminence, Metropolitan George, OSB Florida
Rev. Father Peter Fowler, OSB Illinois His Eminence, Jamen Butler, OSB New York

(Priests Not Shown)

Rev. Father James Barr, OSB

Rev. Father Nickolas Acers, OSB
Rev. Father Albone Hughes, OSB
Very Rev. Canon Alfred Drake, OSB
Very Rev. Canon William Semple, OSB

The Episcopacy and Clergy of

The “HISTORIC” African Orthodox Church Inc.

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“Expanding African Orthodoxy Throughout the World One Community At a Time”

Holy Synod 2009 (continued)

The “Historic” African Orthodox Church Inc. All Rights Reserved 2009 Page 8
 “Expanding African Orthodoxy Throughout the World One Community At a Time”

Holy Synod 2009 AOC Cuba

These pictures are of the Holy Mass of closing of the VI diocesan Synod of our church in Cuba and the ordination to
sub deacon of brother Yenier Carmenate.

The Diocesan Council of the Church in Cuba was conformed in the following way:
PRESIDENT
Bishop Elías (Jorge R. Brito)

SECRETARY
Sub deacon Yenier Carmenate.

TREASURER
Rev. Father Jorge L. Alfonso.

MEMBER
Subdeacon Andrés Díaz.

MEMBER
María of The Ángel.Contributes

MEMBER
Dayamís Guach.

God bless you and greetings to all the clergy and faithful of the AOC, Inc.

Your humble servant,

+ Elías

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 “Expanding African Orthodoxy Throughout the World One Community At a Time”

Special Fall 2009 Volume 2 Issue 1

Senior Executives
+Archbishop Primate Metropolitan
George Walter Sands, OSB, M. DIV D.D.
Saint Peters African Orthodox Cathedral
Miami, Florida
House of Bishops of the
“Historic” African Orthodox Church Inc. +Archbishop
Jamen Bernardt Butler, OSB D.D.
The Trumpet Sounds! Holy Cross Pro Cathedral
New York, NY

The Trumpet is the Official Newsletter of the African Orthodox +Bishop

Church Inc. and is published quarterly. To Place an article, story, Seth Skeete, OSB, D.D.
St. Teresa/Saint Enid African Orthodox Church
or pictures in the Trumpet Newsletter, you may mailto:
Barbados, West Indies
sisdomnika@yahoo.com
Visit us on the web @ Editor & Graphic Designer
Rev. Sister Domnika Ealey, OSB
www.theaocinc.com
www.twitter.com/africanorthodox Newsletter Staff
www.facebook.com/africanorthodox Dianne Rolle
Trumpet Newsletter Banner © 2009 All Rights Reserved African
Edith Barr
Orthodox Church Inc. Elaine Marshburn
Created by Rev. Sister Domnika Ealey, OSB

Image of Saint George Alexander McGuire

Webmaster
Founder of the African Orthodox Church Inc. Fr. JohnLuke Ealey II, OSB
Banner Icons
Brother Bob Lentz OFB Internet Communications Coordinator
(All Rights Reserved Used With permission) Shenita Brown

The “Historic” African Orthodox Church Inc. All Rights Reserved 2009 Page 10
“Expanding African Orthodoxy Throughout the World One Community At a Time”

Newsletter 11