V o l u m e 2 2 , N u m b e r 2 F A L L 2 0 0 6

T h e I n t e r n a t i o n a l M i s s i o n A g e n c y o f S C O B A
MISSION TEAMS 2007!
Are you Ready to
Make A Difference?
A RADIANT LIGHT
Following the Apostles
Spreading the Good News to
the Ends of the Earth
His Eminence
Archbishop DEMETRIOS,
Chairman of SCOBA
A Life of
Missionary
Ministry
Lynette Hoppe
Memory Eternal
page 3
page
page 12
Lynette Hoppe
The Eulogy of Archbishop Anastasios for Lynette Hoppe . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5
Delivered in Shen Vlash, Albania, August 29, 2006
Sermon: On Lynette Hoppes Final Moments . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6
Excerpt from Fr. Alex Veronis
In Memory of Lynette Hoppe & Her Missionary Work . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7
A Christian Witness of Living and Dying in Honor of Lynette Hoppe . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8
Excerpt from a Eulogy prepared by Fr. Luke A. Veronis
Family Friend and Fellow Missionary in Albania
O
n behalf of the Standing Conference of
the Canonical Orthodox Bishops in the
Americas (SCOBA), I am pleased to offer
words of encouragement for the continued
good work of our Orthodox Christian Mis-
sion Center (OCMC). Formally established
in 1994 as the ofcial international mission
agency of SCOBA, the important ministry of
OCMC has been, in reality, an Apostolic en-
deavor that our Holy Orthodox Church has
carried out from its foundation. Indeed, the
very lifeline of the Christian Church rests
in the primacy of Her mission, namely, to
spread the Good News of eternal salvation
in Jesus Christ to peoples in all corners of
the earth consistent with the Lords com-
mandment to His Apostles to goand
make disciples of all nations, baptizing them
in the Name of the Father and of the Son
and of the Holy Spirit (Matthew 28:19).
In light of this understanding of the primacy
of mission, it is correct to assert that we
are not properly acting as the Church, the
Body of Christ, unless we, as a Church, are
actively and globally engaged in the work of
missions.
Today, OCMC has reached considerable
levels of growth, as demonstrated by its
fully staffed ofce of dedicated clergy and
lay professionals and teams of Orthodox
Christian missionaries and their families
throughout the world. The people who carry
out this very special and important ministry
hail from widely varied backgrounds, cul-
tures, ages, and life experiences; but they
all share a commonly held conviction which
hearkens back to the same conviction held
by the Apostles themselves: They can-
not but speak of what they have seen and
heard. (cf. Acts 4:20).
In the articles that follow in this informa-
tive and inspirational issue of the OCMC Mis-
sion Magazine, you will see illustrations and
read a variety of accounts from missionar-
ies and team members in the eld who are
engaged in the sacred work of missionary
activity across the globe. All of these illus-
trations and accounts are different by virtue
of their social contexts, yet each of them
reveals and communicates an identical
source of inspiration, namely, the Holy Spir-
it. You will note that this issue begins with
a special tribute to the late Lynette Hoppe
of blessed memory, a dedicated missionary
of our Church in Albania who fell asleep in
our Lord on August 27, 2006, after ghting
a courageous battle with cancer. On behalf
The OCMCs Mission Magazine is published twice a
year for members of the Saints Cyril and Methodios
Orthodox Mission Society by the Orthodox Christian
Mission Center.
EDITOR: . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Fr. Martin Ritsi
INTERIMMANAGING EDITOR: . . . Oksana Klufas Willower
DESIGN: . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Cameron Thorp
The Orthodox Christian Mission Center (OCMC) is the ofcial
international mission agency of the Standing Conference of
Canonical Orthodox Bishops in the Americas (SCOBA).
For more information about OCMC
visit our website at www.ocmc.org
or contact us at
Orthodox Christian Mission Center
P.O. Box 4319 St. Augustine, FL 32085
PH: (904) 829-5132 Fax: (904) 829-1635
Toll Free: 1-877-GO-FORTH (463-6784)
Email: missions@ocmc.org
or visit us at:
85 S. Dixie Highway, St. Augustine, FL
Program Contacts:
Executive Director . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Fr. Martin Ritsi
Associate Director/
Missionaries . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Fr. David Rucker
Teams . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Andrew J. Lekos
Development . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . John-Paul Conners
Communications . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Alex Goodwin
Agape Canister & SAMP. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Kenny Kidd
Finance . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Jack Klees
OCMC Missionaries and their families:
Alaska: Paul Sidebottom Albania: Georgia Gilman * Nathan,
Tristan and Katherine Hoppe * Dr. Charles, Maria, George
Anthony, Joanna, Adrian and Melania Linderman * Driko
(Andrew) Christine, Anthony and Constantine Pappas *
George, Pauline, Christopher and Madeline Russell *
Dn. Hector and Katerina Firoglanis Argentina: Cynthia
Baldwin-Thanos Guatemala: Christina Hagelios * Edwin Pier
Romania: Flyod and Ancuta Frantz Uganda: John Burnett *
Peter & Sharon Georges
OCMC BOARD OF DIRECTORS:
Mr. Cliff Argue. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . President
V. Rev. Dr. Chad Hateld. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Vice President
Fr. Raymond Velencia. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Treasurer
Fr. George P. Liacopulos. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Secretary
Fr. Alexander Veronis . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . President Emeritus
OCMC BOARD MEMBERS:
Fr. Nicholas Anctil, Fr. John Chakos, Fr. Louis Christopulos,
Mr. George Conopeotis, Mr. Patrick Crosson, Mrs. Cina
Daskalakis, Dr. John Demakis, Fr. Peter Gillquist,
Mr. Robert Gremley, Fr. John Harvey, Fr. Gregory Horton,
Fr. David Hudson, Dr. Spero Kinnas, Fr. Dimitri Leussis, Mr.
George Maragakes, Fr. Constantine Mersinas, Fr. Luke Mihaly,
Mr. Scott Mitchell, Mrs. Helen Nicozisis, Fr. Ted Pisarchuk,
Fr. John Rallis, Fr. David Rucker, Mrs. Elizabeth Slanta, Fr.
Matthew Tate, Fr. Nicholas Verdaris, Dr. Gayle Woloschak, Mr.
Andrew Yiannakos
Opinions expressed are those of the individual authors and not necessarily
those of OCMC. We reserve the right to edit all articles and all submissions
for length and content. Articles may be reproduced and used with written
acknowledgement of the source.
Fal l 2006 Vol ume 22, Number 2
Taste & See . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11
Andrew LentzMission Team member to Tanzania
What is God Teaching Me? . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11
Rachel MellasMission Team member to Albania
2007 Mission Team Opportunities . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12
Let Your Journey BeginDetachable Poster
A Fluid Blessing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14
Daniel BelonickMission Team Member to Alaska
A Day in a Life . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16
Peter GeorgesOCMC Missionary in Uganda
Id Like a One Way Ticket Arriving in Albania . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16
The Luisi FamilyOCMC Missionaries in Albania
Your Continued Prayers for India . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18
Tim ArestouOCMC Missionary in India
Dad Work at the Hogar Ayau Orphanage . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18
Ed PierOCMC Missionary in Guatemala
Mission News . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20
Letters . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 23
> > F E A T U R E S
CONTENTS
MISSION MA G A Z I N E
The Orthodox Christian Mission Center: Helping Orthodox Christians respond to Christs call to preach, teach,
baptize, minister to the poor and make disciples of all nations.
A Radiant LIGHT
Contribution by HIS EMINENCE ARCHBISHOP DEMETRIOS, CHAIRMAN OF SCOBA
On the cover: A reection of Lynette Hoppes ministries.
Each of these examples reects the work of the Church in
mission, which is nothing less than sharing with others the truth of
the Gospel and the love of Jesus Christ. We share this offering as
a Church to others freely, and we do this out of our love for all
people, whom we recognize as living icons of God.
rica, countless people are being intro-
duced to the Holy Gospel, many of them
for the rst time in their lives. In some
nations where the Orthodox Christian faith
has grown signicantly over time, for ex-
ample in Uganda, we see the emergence
of seminaries which are uniquely situated
to meet the social and spiritual needs and
conditions of their people and to train lo-
cal priests accordingly. In other countries,
we see the love of Christ demonstrated
by specialized initiatives of OCMC, such
as the dispatching of trained teams of
professionals to aid with the implemen-
tation and support of substance abuse
programs; or to engage in building and
construction projects to meet the basic
needs of others in developing countries.
Each of these examples reects the
and life-giving work of OCMC, either through
a monetary contribution, or even perhaps
through the rewarding experience of serving
on a missionary team. In any event, we ask
for your continued and steadfast prayers for
the growing prosperity of OCMC, so that oth-
ers might know the glory of the Lord Jesus
Christ, His message of love, and the prom-
ise of eternal life in His Name. On behalf of
all the hierarchs of SCOBA, I bid each of you
peace in Christ Jesus, and I pray that His
radiant light may shine perpetually in your
hearts, minds, and souls.
With paternal love in Christ,
DEMETRIOS
Primate of the Greek Orthodox Church in Ameri-
ca and Chairman of the Standing Conference of
the Canonical Orthodox Bishops in the Americas
of all the hierarchs of SCOBA, I offer heart-
felt prayers and condolences to her beloved
family. May her memory be eternal.
Additional articles in this issue focus
on the tremendous Orthodox Christian
work that is being carried out by others in
the name of Jesus Christ in places all over
our world. From Alaska, to Albania, to Af-
work of the Church in mission, which is
nothing less than sharing with others the
truth of the Gospel and the love of Jesus
Christ. We share this offering as a Church
to others freely, and we do this out of our
love for all people, whom we recognize as
living icons of God. As you read this issue,
please consider supporting the beautiful
Following the ApostlesSpreading the Good News to the Ends of the Earth.
The Orthodox Bishops convened at the SCOBA conference in Chicago, October 2006. His Eminence Arch-
bishop Demetrios is located in the front row, fourth from the right.
P
H
O
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O
: b
y
P
e
te
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u
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A Radiant Light- Following the ApostlesSpreading the Good News to the Ends of the Earth
Contribution by His Eminence Archbishop DEMETRIOS, Chairman of SCOBA . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3
4 Highlighting OCMC for
20 Years of Service in
Kenya: A letter from Arch-
bishop MAKARIOS of Kenya

10 The Same Body &
Heart: Stacy Shipman
Mission Team member to
Tanzania
15 Works of Great Conse-
quenceMission Team
Families: Alex Goodwin
Mission Team Member to Ke-
nya & OCMC Communications
Director
17 Mustard Seed, Patience
and Salvation: John Burnett
OCMC Missionary serving at St.
Paul Seminary in Uganda
19 Through the World of
N. Cameroon and Chad:
Notes from a First Travelogue of
Metropolitan GREGORIOS of
Cameroon
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2 O C M C M I S S I O N M A G A Z I N E W W W. O C M C . O R G 3 O C M C M I S S I O N M A G A Z I N E F A L L 2 0 0 6
car Fr. Martin and our bclovcd Fricnd in Christ,
Christ is in our midst!
V
c scnd our warmcst lclicitations and complimcnts as thc
rthodox Christian Mission Ccntcr cclcbratcs 20 ycars ol
scnding missionarics. Truly, this occasion is a joyous onc ol
which you must bc so proud. You, Fr. Martin and Prcsvytcra Rcncc,
Nicolc and Stcphanos, all arc such a dcdictcd part ol this wondcrlul
undcrtaking ol rthodox Christians in thc Unitcd Statcs and Canada
with so many Canonical rthodox Jurisdictions working togcthcr to
hclp build rthodoxy in Kcnya, in Alrica and throughout thc Vorld.
You, and your cntirc lamily havc bccn scriously and sinccrcly involvcd
in thc work ol missions sincc thc bcginning, as Missionarics in our vcry
own Archdioccsc, and now as xccutivc ircctor ol CMC. vcn in
this 20th ycar ol cclcbration ol CMC you havc bccn in Kcnya doing
thc work ol Christ, Jcsus.
So many, similarly dcvotcd rthodox Christians havc had thcir
Hicniicn:ixc CMC
vov 20 YEARS ov Svvviov ix
A i v : : v v v v o : A v o n n i s n o v M ~ x ~ v i o s o v K v x v ~
givc cducational opportunitics lor thosc who will usc thcm as part ol
thcir daily livcs.
Vith that said, wc arc vcry thanklul lor thc support ol thc Studcnts
ol Archbishopric who havc bcnctcd lrom lurthcr cducation at Holy
Cross and St. \ladimirs Scminarics. You havc hclpcd thc local church
through this csscntial support bccausc it prcparcs thcsc pious young
pricsts lor luturc lcadcrship within thc rthodox Church in Kcnya. Vc
ask that you continuc this vital support, as cducatcd lcadcrship continucs
thc proccss ol building a strong rthodox prcscncc in Alrica.
Tc rthodox Christian Mission Ccntcrs prcscncc is strongly lclt
in thc Chcvogcrc mcdical clinic which has bccomc so crucial to local
lilc. You havc contributcd grcatly to thc wcllarc ol thc local pcoplc in so
many ways lor which God will radiatc His Lovc and Light upon you.
Te Elder Iakovos Tsalikis, pinpoints the spirit of your
work:
I give one and God gives me ten. As soon as I think of giving something,
immediately Gods response gives me many times overour charity must be
unmurmuring. 1991
Tc scrvicc ol thc rthodox Christian Mission Ccntcr rcachcs out to so
many sourccs, human and matcrial, bccausc cmphasis is placcd upon thc
Lord and His Holy Tcachings. Your Mission Tcams arc blcsscd bccausc
you cmphasizc thc spiritual clcmcnt ol cach mcmbcr. Tc intcraction
and lcllowship ol thc Mission Tcam with local rthodox is a spiritual
blcssing, as wcll as an cxamplc.Tc cxpcricnccs arc sharcd in thc common
praycr and thc common work which brings pcoplc togcthcr in Christ.
St. John of Kronstadt (1908) teaches:
Te almightiness of the Lord is without limits. Whatever His power and
His Grace touches, becomes life-givingJesus Christ is the consolation, joy,
life and peace of our hearts.
!t is our praycr and wish that thc work ol thc rthodox Christian
Mission Ccntcr will continuc to bc blcsscd by thc Gracc ol God and
thc touch ol thc Holy Spirit. Traditionally, wc sing thc hymn, God
grant you many ycars! Vc also sing, Having askcd lor thc unity ol
thc Faith and thc communion ol thc Holy Spirit, lct us commcnd
oursclvcs and cach othcr and our lilc unto Christ our God. Vith this
wc lccl indccd dccp gratitudc lor thc work ol CMC cspccially lor thc
sacriccs madc by thc cntirc Sta, Missionarics, Mission Tcams and
onors on bchall ol thc rthodox Church in Kcnya and in Alrica.
Divine aid on the one hand and our will on the other hand bring victory
against the devil. St. 8asil thc Grcat
Tcrc is a song in Swahili which says: Maisha ru milima, huwezi
anguka(Lilc is likc a mount, you cannot lall o).Tc implication is that
on our Vay to Christ, wc lacc many tcmptations but our togcthcrncss
in Christ kccps us lrom lailing to rcach God.
St. Ephraim, the Syrian, speaks directly to all of us:
Love is the capital of all virtues, the cause of all good, the salt of
virtuesBlessed and thrice blessed is everyone who has obtained true and
un-hypocritical love.
Tc Spirit ol thc Holy Trinity dwclls in cach ol you. May you bc
cncouragcd to lovc thosc who arc in nccd. Know that whatcvcr your
rolc in Missionthrough praycr, through donations ol matcrials and
moncy, or through your own pcrsonal contribution ol yoursclvcs, you
arc doing thc Vill ol God. Fccl blcsscd knowing that God lovcs you
and your good works. St. John Chrysostom rcminds us: Vhocvcr
bcars lruit with works ol laith and lovc, hc is a rcal disciplc ol Christ.
Asantcni! Tank you lor your gilts and your Holy Vorks.
rolcs in thc work ol rthodoxy throughout thc Vorld, as donors
hclping nancially, spiritually through thcir praycrs, and by cvcn
ocring thcmsclvcs as missionarics and mcmbcrs ol thc many Mission
Tcams which hclpcd in thc construction ol thc Holy Trinity rthodox
Church in Laikipia, thc Chcvogcrc Mission Clinic, thc Church ol St.
Mark, thc rthodox Sccondary School in Chcvogcrc and thc rcccnt
Mission Tcam which hclpcd to construct thc rthodox Church in
Mpckctoni, in thc Lamu arca.
Tc rthodox Archbishopric ol Kcnya has also bcnctcd lrom
thc SAMP program (Support A Mission Pricst). Tis support lor our
clcrgy has bccn so critical in thc growth ol thc laith. Sincc thc carly
days, Amcrican rthodox havc bccn involvcd dircctly in tcaching in thc
rthodox Patriarchal cclcsiastical School, Makarios !!! ol Cyprus.
!n thosc days thc numbcr ol clcrgy wcrc so lcw in numbcr. Today
wc havc 165 pricsts, scrving Christ through His Holy Sacramcnts
throughout thc country, in Nyanza Provincc, in thc Rilt \allcy lrom
Turkana, Nandi, Nakuru and thc Maasai arcas ol wuasu Kcdong to
Loitokitik in thc shadows ol Mt. Kilimanjaro. Tcrc arc also pricsts in
Ccntral Provincc, thc City ol Nairobi, Nycri, Mcru and cvcn mbu
and now on thc Coast in Mpckctoni! Surcly, without thc gcncrous aid
lrom thc SAMP program, wc might not havc madc thc progrcss wc
havc. CMC has also madc contributions ol Holy Utcnsils, \cstmcnts
and books lor thc cclcsiastical Schools Library which arc so csscntial
to our Liturgical Practiccs and to thc rcading ol our studcnts. Not only
do you build thc physical structurcs ol Churchcs and Schools, but you
Kcnya
Y
oi n~vv ,is: nv~vb :nv Lovb
say, Truly, truly ! say to you, hc
who hcars My Vord and bclicvcs
in Him Vho scnt Mc has ctcrnal lilc and
docs not comc into judgmcnt but has
passcd lrom dcath to lilc( John 5:24).Tis
was surcly thc casc ol our bclovcd Lyncttc
Kathcrinc. Shc hcard Christs word and
bclicvcd with all hcr hcart in thc Fathcr
who scnt thc Son. Shc gavc witncss to
this truth through thc Holy Spirit. Lo,
Lyncttc was in communion with Christ
Vho is thc Rcsurrcction and thc Lilc.
Shc obcycd thc last commandmcnt,
You shall rcccivc powcr whcn thc Holy
Spirit has comc upon you and you shall
bc My witncss in Jcrusalcm, and in all
Judca, and Samaria, and to thc cnd ol
thc carth (Acts 1:8). Tc last timc !
saw Lyncttc standing was at thc girls
camp on thc 16
th
ol August. Shc was
thin, smiling, and radiating a sccrct
light. Lyncttc had thc scal ol thc Holy
Spirit, knowing clcarly that thc lruit ol
thc Spirit is lovc, joy, pcacc, paticncc,
kindncss, goodncss, laithlulncss,
gcntlcncss, and scll control. Vith this
powcr ol thc Spirit, Lyncttc conlrontcd
sickncss and pain lor twcnty months.
! rcmcmbcr hcr as a martyr rcady to
acccpt martyrdom in a ccrtain unknown
proccss. Lyncttc has conlrontcd dcath
lacc to lacclor a vcry long pcriod
rst, with a strong laith, a crucicd and
rcsurrcctcd lovc, sccond,with a dccp pcacc,
third, with a scnsc ol gratitudc in thc
Lord, lourth, with an authcntic joy, and
nally, with radiating lovc transmitting
around hcr morc laith, morc pcacc, and
morc lovc. Shc bccamc a modcl ol lovc
and always, as you saw during thcsc days,
crcatcd this atmosphcrc.
Lyncttc is a modcrn sccrct martyr. !n
othcr agcs, thc laithlul wcrc conlrontcd
by lions and othcr thrcats, now, in our
agc, onc ol thcir namcs is canccr. A bravc,
gcntlc, noblc soul, Lyncttc conlrontcd
dcath singing: Who shall separate us from
the love of Christ? Shall it be tribulation, or
distress or, or? For I am sure that neither
death nor life, nor hate, nor anything else in
all creation will be able to separate us from
the love of God in Christ Jesus our Lord.
8y hcr lilc shc undcrlincd that whcthcr
wc livc or whcthcr wc dic, wc arc Gods.
Lyncttc is ol grcat importancc lor thc ncw
cra ol missionary workundcrlining thc
importancc ol inspiring pcoplc, not only
ol clcrgy but cspccially ol lay pcoplc, mcn,
and womcn alikc.
! would also likc to cmphasizc thc
importancc ol Lyncttc and hcr lamily to
thc rthodox Church ol Albania. ! said
that today thcrc is a grcat loss lor us,
dcath, a sccrct trcasurc ol thc rthodox
Church, a sign ol thc univcrsal charactcr
ol thc rthodox Church. Vc arc thanklul
lor Nathan, Lyncttc, and thcir childrcn.
Vc arc thanklul to thc wholc lamily who
all thcsc ycars and days havc cmbraccd
our bclovcd Lyncttc with so much lovc.
! would likc to cxprcss on bchall ol thc
Church ol Albania our thanks to hcr
lathcr, brothcrs, and sistcr lor supporting
hcr in hcr dccision to rcturn (! know that
this is not scll cvidcntsomc lamilics
actually crcatc problcms lor pcoplc who
would likc to comc hcrc). Now Lyncttc
will bc an ambassador in hcavcn with thc
othcr holy womcn lrom Albania, who also
gavc thcir own witncss in a vcry strong
way hcrc.
Pray lor thc progrcss ol our
Church, in ordcr to always stay in this
atmosphcrc ol thc Rcsurrcction ol Jcsus
Christ. spccially pray lor thc youth
that Lyncttc lovcd so much. ! hopc that
thc young pcoplc and all thosc lacing
sickncss and troublcs will havc hcr
cxamplc as a concrctc guidc in all thcsc
strugglcs, an cxamplc ol Christian
couragc and strcngth. May thc Lord
inspirc morc pcoplc to lollow Lyncttc
in hcr obcdicncc to Christ and bccomc
partncrs in Jcrusalcm, in Albania, and
to thc cnds ol thc carthwc do not
know whcrc.
ncc again lct us rcad thc rst vcrsc,
Truly, truly ! say to you, hc who hcars My
Vord and bclicvcs in Him Vho scnt Mc
has ctcrnal lilcbut has passcd lrom dcath
to lilc. Tcn this last gricl is not in an
atmosphcrc ol sorrow and sucring, but an
atmosphcrc ol hopc, an atmosphcrc ol thc
rcsurrcction, bccausc wc know that Lyncttc
is in thc hands ol our Lord. Shc always
livcd with this hopc, this cxpcctation, this
lilc ol thc Rcsurrcction.
May Lynettes memory be eternal!
Tc ulogy ol Avonnisnov Ax~s:~sios lor
but at thc samc timc a gain ol a prccious
trcasurc and assct. Nathan and Lyncttc
dccidcd to comc to Albania only lor
thc lovc ol Christonly obcying His
commandmcnt. !t was not an casy
dccision. Tcy wcrc lorcigncrs, acccpting
dicultics and risks. For thcm it was
nothing in thc prcscncc ol Christ. And
this last commandmcnt, Go in pcacc,
was cxactly thcir cxpcricncc.
Lyncttc is an cxamplc ol a dcvotcd
spousc. Nathan rcmains always thc samc:
a pcrson with a dccp lovc, acction, and
conccrn lor all his lamily. Tcy havc
sharcd all thc troublcs ol our lilc in
Albania lor cight ycars with thcir two
bclovcd childrcn, Tristan and Kathcrinc.
Lyncttc and Nathan acccptcd living in
simplicity, curing thcir bchavior and lilc
lor thc bcttcr. Humblc, mcck, purc in
hcart, mcrcilul in His making. Tcy havc
workcd among thc youth, cditcd dicrcnt
Church publications and madc many
othcr concrctc contributions.
Finally, Lyncttc and Nathan dccidcd
to rcturn in ordcr to dic hcrc, or rathcr to
pass lrom dcath to lilc hcrc to bc buricd
in Albania, an cvcrlasting symbol ol thc
lovc ol Christ which is strongcr than
Lynette had the seal of the Holy Spirit,
knowing clearly that the fruit of the
Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience,
kindness, goodness, faithfulness,
gentleness, and self control.
Delivered in Shen Vlash, Albania August 29, 2006
Lyncttc Hoppc
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Archbishop ANASTASIOS offers strength to
Katherine during her mothers funeral.
Children in Kenya clapping and singing during a
celebration with Archbishop Makarios
4 O C M C M I S S I O N M A G A Z I N E W W W. O C M C . O R G 5 O C M C M I S S I O N M A G A Z I N E F A L L 2 0 0 6
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yncttc is in hcr midlortics, thc mothcr
ol two young childrcn 8 and 6. Shc
and hcr husband Nathan, both wcll
cducatcd with advanccd dcgrccs, arc CMC
missionarics. Tcy convcrtcd to thc rthodox
Church about 12 ycars ago.
Lyncttc and Nathan, childrcn ol
missionarics, dcpartcd lrom thc comlorts and
sccurity ol Amcrica to cntcr thc Albanian
Mission cight ycars ago to tcach at thc
Rcsurrcction rthodox Scminary. Lyncttc,
a graphic artist and writcr, also cditcd thc
Churchs ncwspapcr. Shc rcccntly publishcd
a bcautilully illustratcd photo history ol thc
12ycar Albanian Mission undcr thc inspircd
lcadcrship ol Archbishop Anastasios. !n
cccmbcr ol 2004, Lyncttc lcarncd that hcr
body was rackcd with canccr and rcturncd to
thc Mayo Clinic in Minncsota lor trcatmcnt.
Prcsbytcra Pcarl and ! visitcd Lyncttc and
Nathan twicc in Albania and witncsscd thcir
vibrant Spirit llcd ministry rsthand. Lyncttc
imprcsscd us dccply. Hcr contagious laith
radiatcs Christs lovc. Hcr simplicity, hcr joy,
hcr gcntlc manncr and gracious pcrsonality,
and hcr skill with words pcrvadc hcr ministry.
Lyncttc kcpt a diary about hcr battlc
with canccr and hcr many lricnds and
admircrs bcgan a wcbsitc on thc !ntcrnct at
www.praylorlyncttc.org to post passagcs.
Lyncttc kncw hcr own days wcrc limitcd.
Shc and hcr lamily rcccntly rcturncd to Albania
to bc among thc pcoplc shc had scrvcd and
lovcd so dcarly.
Lynettes Final Moments
Delivered one week before her death at theAnnunciation Greek Orthodox Church, Lancaster, PA
A L i f e o f
Lynette played a vital role in the Albanian
Camp Ministries, especially planning and
implementing the craft projects. Here Lynette
demonstrates how to make a mosaic with the
girls at her rst summer camp.
Lynette trained
key young
Albanians in
graphic design to
build their capac-
ity for ministry.
BY Fr. Alexander Veronis, August 20, 2006
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Lyncttc writcs as shc laccs immincnt dcath:
WhenIrst got news of mypendingdeparture,
I was frantic, thinking I needed to do some kind
of ministry, but I soon realized that there was no
value in ministry at this point. What I have done
until now is what I have done.I am allowing
myself to simply relax in the love of Jesus, to enjoy
Himin a newway. To think about joining Him
soon.
I have so much peace in thinking that there
is nothing I can do to win over Christ. All I can
do is throw myself into His arms. I feel that I
amready to die a painless, blameless, and peaceful
death as we pray every liturgy. I may have a lot
of physical pain, but in spirit I feel no pain, other
than the pain of leaving those I love.
St. Paul wrotc, For mc to livc is Christ,
but to dic is gain. Likc him, Lyncttc livcd lor
Christ and in Christ and is now rcady to join
Him. Likc thc grcat Apostlc, shc accumulatcd
no wcalth on carth, only trcasurcs in hcavcn.
Vhcn our own timc comcs, may wc, too, bc ablc
also to say with Lyncttcs laith and conviction,
as did thc Apostlc Paul bclorc his martyrdom:
! havc lought thc good ght, ! havc nishcd
thc racc, ! havc kcpt thc laith. Tcrc is now laid
up lor mc thc crown ol rightcousncss which
thc Lord, thc rightcous judgc, will award to
mc on that day, and not only to mc, but to all
who havc lovcd His appcaring. (!! Tim. 7:8)
AMN.
To read the full text of Fr. Alexander Veronis
Sermon on Lynette Hoppe, please visit our website
at www.ocmc.org and click under News.
T
he Lord has blessed the Mission Center for the past eight years with
a missionary of Lynettes caliber. The Albanians will never forget her!
Nor will all who saw her in action in Albania. Lynette taught many how
a Christian faces death with hope, faith and love. Her ministry brought
many people closer to Christ. May her life be an example to us all and an
inspiration to those called to a life in Missions.
During the
Kosovo
crisis, Lynette
ministered to
refugees.
At the National Art Gallery of Albania,
Lynette stands in front of the poster
advertising her book signing event.
SERMON:
L
yncttc cntcrcd thc mission cld in
carly 1998 with hcr husband Nathan
and 3 month old son Tristan. Hcr rolc
as a wilc, mothcr and homcmakcr plus hcr
cxpcricncc in illustration and graphic dcsign
wcrc thc loundation lor vibrant ministrics
that inucnccd thc growth in thc Church ol
Albania. Lyncttc soon lound that hcr primary
rolc as a missionary was to assist with thc
church publications occ, crcating various
church matcrials and mcntoring othcrs in
graphic dcsign. vcn during thc Kosovo crisis,
Lyncttcs compassion lor othcrs was cvidcnt as
implcmcntcd thc cralt projccts. 8y 2003 thc
program continucd to cxpand and ourish.
Hcr prcscncc as loving mothcr and lull
mcmbcr ol thc church, impactcd many young
girls and womcn. Shc also rcachcd out to thc
childrcn in hcr ncighborhood with a lour day
Ncighborhood Kids Camp program, hcld
at thc Hoppc homc, which hclpcd draw thc
childrcn lrom thcir strcct into closcr contact
with Christ.
!n cccmbcr 2004, Lyncttc was diagnoscd
with brcast canccr by r. Charlcs Lindcrman,
who urgcd hcr to scck trcatmcnt in thc Statcs.
Hcr parcnts livcd just 30minutcs lrom thc
lamcd Mayo Clinic in Minncsota whcrc shc
sought trcatmcnt. !n thc two wcck bctwccn hcr
diagnosis and thc Hoppcs rcturn to thc Unitcd
Statcs, Lyncttc travclcd to Grcccc to chcck thc
nal prools ol hcr book at thc printing prcss thcrc.
8y Fcbruary 2005, hcr book, Rcsurrcction: Tc
rthodox Autoccphalous Church ol Albania,
19912003, was in print altcr almost scvcn ycars
ol cort.
Tc Hoppc lamily rcturncd to Albania in May,
2006. Lyncttcs battlc with canccr continucd,
yct hcr solid laith scrvcd as a shining light ol
dcpcndcncc on Christ. Trough hcr Albanian
diarics and ncwslcttcrs, shc sharcd hcr journcy.
vcn during hcr nal stagcs and strugglcs with
canccr, Lyncttc gathcrcd hcr strcngth and mcntal
lacultics to spcnd timc spcaking to thc girls camp
about thc physical dcath and prcparation to mcct
our Lord. Lyncttcs tcstimony and hcr dcvotion
to our Lord continuc to bc an cxamplc to hclp
all ol us, not only in our daily livcs but on how to
prcparc lor a Christian cnd.
shc took carc ol a rclugcc lamily in thcir homc
lor two months.
Tc Hoppc lamily grcw with thc birth ol
Kathcrinc in April 2000. Hcr dutics includcd
crcating an annual liturgical calcndar, which
was a challcngc bccausc thc lour color
proccssing cquipmcnt availablc in Albania
was cithcr damagcd or outdatcd. Shc also
cditcd Archbishop ANASTAS!S nglish
corrcspondcncc. Addcd to hcr tasks, Lyncttc
illustratcd a book lor thc Church ol Albania
and anothcr about Albanian saints and
dcsigncd nglish ncwslcttcrs.
Shc playcd a vital rolc in thc Albanian
Camp ministrics. ach ycar shc dcvclopcd and
Lynettes battle with cancer continued, yet
her solid faith served as a shining light of
dependence on Christ.
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Mi n i s t r y
Lynette sings at an outdoor concert in the countryside of Albania as part of an outreach
project in conjunction with the 2002 OCMC summer team.
In Memory
of Lynette
Hoppe & Her
Missionary Work
>> To read more of Lynettes inspiring journals visit; www.prayforLynette.org
Lynette, very near the end, surrounded by
her family. Left to right are: Lynettes father,
Lynn Holm, her brothers, Brian, Joel, and
John, and her sister Sherry
Just ten days before her death Lynette spoke
at the St. John Vladimirs girls camp, where
she spent much of the last two months of
her life, about a Christian end to life.
6 O C M C M I S S I O N M A G A Z I N E W W W. O C M C . O R G 7 O C M C M I S S I O N M A G A Z I N E F A L L 2 0 0 6
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But the righteous person, though she die early,
will be at restTere was one who pleased God
and was loved by him, and while living among
sinners she was taken up. She was caught up
before evil could change her. Being perfected in
a short time, she fullled long years; for her soul
was pleasing to the Lord, therefore He took her
quickly from the midst of evil. (Visbo: ov
Soio:ox :+)
T
nvsv wovbs vvo: :nv Visbo: ol
Solomon aptly dcscribc Lyncttc Hoppcs
46 ycars ol lilc. Many pcoplc havc bccn
inspircd by thc witncss ol laith, couragc, strcngth,
pcacc, joy and lovc which Lyncttc and Nathan
havc displaycd thcsc past 20 months. St. Paul
writcs, For il wc livc, wc livc to thc Lord, and il
wc dic, wc dic to thc Lord.Tcrclorc, whcthcr wc
livc or dic,wc arc thc Lords.(Ro: +:8) Lyncttc
has modclcd thcsc words not only through thc
way shc livcd as a Christian, a missionary, mothcr,
wilc, daughtcr, mcntor and lricnd, but cspccially
through hcr unlorgcttablc and inspiring journcy
ol canccr, sucring, and dcath.
Vhilc somc may wondcr why a laithlul scrvant
ol thc Lord in thc primc ol hcr lilc nccdcd to lacc
Hcavcn hcrc and now. And Lyncttc livcd wcll
this mystcry ol lilc and dcath likc lcw pcoplc
wc havc cvcr known.
Vhat has madc this mystcry cvcn morc
poignant is how Lyncttc and Nathan invitcd
othcrs to join thcm in hcr nal journcy
through thc wcbsitc www.praylorlyncttc.org.
Tcy rccctcd a gcnuinc undcrstanding ol
Christian community by inviting othcrs to
sharc thcir cxpcricncc and walk with thcm
both by inspiring othcrs through thcir cxamplc
and lcssons lcarncd, whilc not hcsitating to ask
othcrs to pray, visit, and hclp thcm in thcir
momcnts ol darkncss.
! had thc spccial and blcsscd privilcgc
to cxpcricncc this journcy lrom an intimatc
pcrspcctivc. Not only arc our lamilics dcarcst
ol lricnds, but throughout hcr illncss, ! spokc
with Lyncttc almost wcckly, along with bcing
ablc to scc hcr six timcs ovcr thc past 20
months. From such contact, scvcral aspccts
ol Lyncttcs journcy brilliantly stand out as a
light and cxamplc lor all ol us.
St. Paul wrotc, For me to live is Christ, and
to die is gain. (Pnii +::+) Shortly bclorc shc
dicd, Lyncttc sharcd with mc, Although ! cry
at thc thought ol lcaving my dcar husband
and prccious childrcn, ! simultancously rcalizc
that our hcavcnly homcland awaits mc, and !
look lorward to dwclling with our Lord. Lilc
is but a bricl sojourn on planct carth. God
crcatcd us lor ctcrnity, and Lyncttc undcrstood
that ctcrnal pcrspcctivc so wcll. Shc had a
passionatc lovc lor Christ, which llcd hcr
with thc joy ol going homc.
l coursc, hcr illncss hcld many vallcys
ol thc shadow ol dcath which oltcn
humblcd hcr. !n lollowing thc path ol thc
saints, though, shc was an astutc pupil who
humbly lcarncd many invaluablc lcssons
lrom hcr illncss. !n hcr inspiring journal,
shc dcscribcs hcr strugglcs with pridc,
scllrightcousncss, lack ol undcrstanding,
immaturc dcsircs, and lilclong tcmptations.
Yct, whilc honcstly critiquing hcrscll, shc
discovcrcd ancw thc unconditional and
divinc lovc ol God.
nc ol thc most illuminating charactcristics
Lyncttc radiatcd throughout hcr illncss was
hcr spirit ol joy and gratitudc. St. Paul writcs
A Christian witncss of living and dying
In honor of
nv Fv. Lixv \vvoxis
Lvxv::v Hovvv
I
met them (the Hoppes) a few weeks ago on
a mission trip in Albania. They are the most
loving, brilliant, God-fearing, and inspirational
family I have ever encountered. I hope, now
that she has passed, people do not forget the
beautiful examples and hope she provided for
so many! May Lynettes memory be eternal!
Sophia Olson,
Mission Team Albania 2006
P
lease know that many who have been
introduced to Lynette and her family
only since the onset of her illness are at
once saddened for her obviously devoted,
loving, faithful family and edied by her life
and her passing from this life....May the
Holy Spirit, the Comforter be their comfort.
With our respect,
Father Peter and Nikki Salmas
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e all send our Prayers and Sympathies
to Lynettes family and friends from
the Assumption Greek Orthodox Church,
here in Madison, Wisconsin. We ask that
our Blessed Savior grant her soul rest; and
courage to the family to continue without
her. The world only knows a few individuals
of her stature and her love for life. May those
who she came in contact with have pleasant
memories to cherish and may God grant her
rest and may her memory be eternal.
Presvytera Vasiliki &
Fr. Joseph Tzougros
& the Assumption Family
W
e can thank God for all the ways
Lynette was used by God and how she
accepted His guidance all her life, in times
of strength and weakness.
Because of the Hoppe Familys presence in
Albania, as well as Archbishop ANASTASIOS
and the OCMC Missionaries & Mission
Teams, the nation of Albania will be in a
better position to fend off the forces of evil.
In Christ,
Darla Haines
Many notes and contributions have been received in loving memory of
Lynette Hoppe. Here are a few of the many messages that reect the
strength and faith that Lynette displayed in her life:
Tributes to Lynette
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canccr and dcath and no lcss with two young
childrcnLyncttc cxcmplicd how such a path
ol illncss and dcath, whcn cxpcricnccd with laith,
can lcad onc into a lullcr union with God and
ocr a witncss morc powcrlul and mcmorablc
than many lilctimcs on carth. As thc Visdom
ol Solomon so poctically dcscribcs, thc rightcous
oltcn dont livc to a ripc old agc, but in thc primc
ol thcir livcs God calls thcm to rcmind thc world
ol what a gcnuinc, Christccntcrcd lilc ol divinc
lovc and invinciblc laith is all about.
Tc saintly 8ishop Gvv~si:os ov Anvboi
oncc said, Life is not a problem to be solved, but
a mystery to be lived. Lyncttc cmbraccd this
divinc, and somctimc harsh mystcry ol lilc, and
allowcd it to honc hcr laith, dccpcn hcr lovc,
and incrcasc hcr compassion. From a human
pcrspcctivc, wc dont undcrstand canccr and
dcath at a young agc. From a divinc point ol
vicw, howcvcr, lilc is a dccp mystcry that whcn
livcd propcrly, lcads us into thc Kingdom ol
Life is but a brief sojourn on planet earth.
God created us for eternity, and Lynette
understood that eternal perspective so well.
that wc arc to Rejoice alwaysand give thanks
in all circumstances. (+ Tnvss :+6,+8) !m not
cxaggcrating whcn ! say that at cach stagc ol
Lyncttcs illncss, hcr rst words to mc would
always bc, Well, although the news isnt good,
still I thank God
Shc posscsscd thc rarc, yct divinc, ability to
scc Gods hand at work in thc midst ol any
and cvcry situation. Shc hcld a dccp rootcd
attitudc ol gratitudc, undcrstanding lull wcll
St. Pauls promisc that Neither death, nor life
nor things present nor things to comewill be
able to separate us from the love of God in Christ
Jesus our Lord. (Ro: 8:8) ! hcard Lyncttc
thank God shortly altcr shc discovcrcd hcr
canccr, altcr hcr canccr had mctastasizcd,
altcr thc canccr cntcrcd hcr boncs, and cvcn
in hcr last days, whcn thc canccr cntcrcd hcr
livcr and thc doctors gavc hcr a lcw wccks to
livc. To bc honcst with you, il ! had not talkcd
with Lyncttc so lrcqucntly, and witncsscd thc
authcnticity ol hcr gratitudc, !m not surc !
could havc bclicvcd that it was so sinccrc.
Fccling thc concrctc prcscncc ol God, and
living with this spirit ol gratitudc, gavc root to
onc ol thc most visiblc signs ol an authcntic
rclationship with our Lordthat ol dccp,
spiritual joy and pcacc. !n thc midst ol illncss,
sucring and dying, with thc tcmptation ol lcar
and doubt cvcr lurking ncarby, Lyncttc ncvcr
lost that scnsc ol dccp, inncr joy. As shc wrotc
in onc ol hcr nal diary cntrics, 8oth Nathan
and ! lccl ovcrwhclmcd by thc amazing gracc
that God has givcn to us. Vc could not bc so
joylul without His hclp.! am happy and
lccl a grcat scnsc ol joylul anticipation at my
homcgoing. God is with us and will continuc
to bc with us until thc cnd.
And such joy lcd to a dccp, inncr pcacc.
uring onc ol hcr nal days ol lilc, my wilc
Faith and ! sat around hcr bcd, togcthcr with
Nathan, hcr lathcr, siblings and lricnds, singing
hymns and rcminiscing about Lyncttcs lcgacy.
!n thosc nal hours, Lyncttc radiatcd divinc
pcacc. At timcs, shc would opcn hcr cycs
and strugglc to smilc. Ycs, shc was dying, but
simultancously shc dwclt sccurcly in thc pcacc
ol hcr Lord.
So much morc could bc said about what
a giltcd woman Lyncttc was, but ! think hcr
bclovcd husband summarizcd it wcll a lcw
days bclorc hcr dcath: My cycs arc lull ol
tcars as ! writc but ! also havc a strong scnsc
ol joy. Tc jcwcl which ! havc bccn privilcgcd
to hold a short timc is slipping away lrom
mc, but ! know that shc will bc hcld in lar
morc worthy arms until wc arc rcunitcd. !
am so blcsscd in thcsc days by hcr joy and
hcr laith and hcr lovc. Shc is truly an icon
ol Christ to mc.
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Lynette shows the girls at winter camp
2002 how to do a stamping craft
Archbishop ANASTASIOS presides at Lynettes
funeral services at the Monastery of St. Vlash.
Also presiding were Metropolitan John of Ko-
rca, Metropolitan Ignatius of Berat and Father
Martin Ritsi, Executive Director of OCMC in
the United States.
Top: Nathan and Lynettes sister Sherry with
the children, Tristan and Katherine, plant a
spruce tree in front of the church at St. Vlash
in Lynettes memory. Left: As Tristan Hoppe
looks on, Father Martin Ritsi lays a wreath
on Lynettes gravesite on behalf of the Mis-
sion Center and its Board of Directors. Right:
Katherine and Tristan lighting a candle at the
40 day service.
8 O C M C M I S S I O N M A G A Z I N E W W W. O C M C . O R G 9 O C M C M I S S I O N M A G A Z I N E F A L L 2 0 0 6
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vcnturcd o with somc ol thc quirkicst, lunncst
pcoplc to bc lound within rthodoxy, and as a
convcrt, ! can attcst that quirky and lun arc both
abundant hcrc. Tcy arc also among thc most
compassionatc and sinccrc pcoplc that ! havc mct.
Vc boardcd our plancs and madc our way to thc
likcs ol Kcnya, Uganda, and Tanzania. Mcmorics
ood mc now r. 8ill skipping in thc Nairobi
airport highving cvcryonc in his jctlaggcd stupor,
dclirious with cxcitcmcnt and thc cxpcricncc ol
sctting loot in Alricathc giant grasshoppcr that
ncarly atc imitri whilc still training in Florida
thc look on Fr. Michacls lacc whcn our gilt lrom
onc villagc camc walking toward us blcating and
blinking. My Tanzania tcam dcbatcd on a good
namc lor our goat, but in thc cnd ! think it just
sccmcd too harsh to namc dinncr.
l coursc, thcrc arc othcr mcmorics, too.
Mcmorics ol thc Alricans thcmsclvcs, but onc
mcmory rcsonatcs in my mind, thc mcmorics
ol Joscphina or Fina, as thcy callcd hcr, a small
littlc girl about vc ycars old. Tcrc arc childrcn
cvcrywhcrc, all displaying thc natural curiosity that
makcs all childrcn cndcaring. Tcy rubbcd our skin
to scc il thc color would comc o. Tcy touchcd our
hair. Tcy shyly sat in our laps whcn handcd ovcr by
thcir wclcoming parcnts. 8ut FinaFina had a light
in hcr cycs that shown unmistakably with joy. Hcr
littlc lacc was radiant with lilc!
Tc rst timc ! mct Fina was in thc villagc ol
Rubalc whcrc wc taught a catcchism scminar lor thc
8ukoba ioccsc undcr thc invitation ol His Gracc,
W
hat is God teaching me? As
an eighteen year old on my
rst mission trip, this question by
Andy Lekos (Mission Team Director
at OCMC) echoed in my mind
throughout our teams 2 week
stay at the Childrens Home of Hope
in St. Vlash, Albania.
How inspiring the children of
the Home were! Each one of them
lived in Christ, letting their little
light so shine (Matthew 5:16) that
I felt humbled and privileged to be
there as a Mission Team member.
In the two short weeks I was there, I
learned valuable lessons in patience,
8ishop JRNYMS. Vhcn our tcam arrivcd
thcy rang thc bcll and cvcryonc camc running
into thc church, as thc scrvicc was about to bcgin.
Admittcdly ! was distractcd lrom thc scrvicc by
thc starcs ol thc small childrcn about mc and thc
Kiswahili that imprcgnatcd thc spacc around mc.
!n thc midst ol all thosc bcautilul childrcn stood
Fina. As othcrs lookcd on shyly or in thc boldcst ol
curiosity, Fina simply smilcd and lookcd up at mc as
though ! wcrc an old lricnd, anticipation lining hcr
lacc. Amidst thc karibus (wclcomc) and laraha
na amanis (pcacc and joy) hcr lacc is thc onc that
madc mc truly lccl wclcomc in this placc on thc
othcr sidc ol thc world.
Morning altcr morning this dclicious child
would run up thc villagc road to grcct our tcam. Shc
would accompany our tcam lrom class to class as wc
taught about salvation, missions, thc rolc ol lasting,
and othcr such catcchctical topics. Tcn, onc day,
shc wasnt thcrc. Vc inquircd with hcr lathcr as to
hcr mystical abscncc. !ts a bout with malaria, hc
told us through Sanktus, our translator. ur hcarts
brokc as our minds all immcdiatcly traccd back to
cnsuring that wc, oursclvcs, had takcn our own anti
malaria pills, and wc rcapplicd bug spray as wc madc
mcntal notcs to rctapc thc holcs in thc mosquito
ncts covcring our bcds.
Tanks bc to God that littlc Fina bounccd back
bclorc our dcparturc. How dclightcd ! was whcn
thc crowd ol studcnts around mc bcgan to split and
crcatc a path, down which thc amazingly rcsilicnt
Fina walkcd carrying a gilt. Hcr tiny littlc body was
shadowcd by thc long polc ol sugar canc which shc
had carclully wrappcd in a bananatrcc lcal and
carricd it toward mc. Shyly shc handcd it to mc
and as though shc had also givcn mc thc gilt ol hcr
radiancc. ! bcamcd back at hcr as ! rcccivcd it.
Vhcn 8ishop JRNYMS arrivcd, littlc Fina
marchcd with us through thc villagc ol Rubalc as wc
sang hymns to thc glory ol our God. As thc studcnts
danccd and sang lor 8ishop JRNYMS and said
goodbyc to our tcam, thc tuckcrcd out littlc Fina at
last lcll aslccp in my arms. Littlc Joscphina and !
ncvcr spokc an undcrstandablc word to onc anothcr,
but wc undcrstood cach othcr pcrlcctly. ! continuc
to think ol Fina daily. ! wondcr what will bccomc ol
hcr lilc livcd in such amazing povcrty and constantly
thrcatcncd by discascs complctcly trcatablc in my
own country. Likc wc all do, ! loolishly pondcr thc
dcsign ol Godmyscll born into abundancc and
opportunitics and shc born into dcspcration and thc
lcar ol hopclcssncss. ! achc to know il that glow in
hcr bcautilul young lacc will rcmain.
! supposc, though, in thc cnd, what has changcd
mc thc most, no longcr is Alrica thc romanticizcd
drcam !vc carricd about sincc ! was cight. Tc
namcs and laccs arc now thosc that bclong to pcoplc
with whom ! havc journcycd this lilc. Tcsc arcnt
simply thc starving Alricans ol commcrcials and
Vc arc thc Vorld singalongs, thcy arc rthodox
Christians with whom ! mystically communc at cvcry
ucharist ocring. Tcy arc ol thc samc body and !
am now grippcd with thc awcsomc rcsponsibility
to carc lor thcm as ! would myscll. All thcological
missiology dcbatcs asidc, all jurisdictional squabblcs
sticdwc arc ol thc samc 8ody. Joscphinc is my
sistcr and ! miss hcr.
I
f I were to tell you that there is a job so
fullling that you couldnt pass it up, would
you listen? You would have everything you
need and you would be living in the comfort of
knowing you are doing Gods work. Interested
yet? No? Then how about experiencing a joy
in your job so wonderful, that you couldnt
possibly imagine doing anything else with your
life? Are you ready now? All you have to do is
be a Christian!
What most tend to forget is that being a
Christian is synonymous with being a missionary.
Yeah, thats right. I hate to break it to you,
but you are in fact a missionary. It was your
commission when you were baptized as a
Christian. It takes some longer than others to
realize, but once you do your life is changed
halfway around the world in their very homes.
The importance of our mission journey was
not in the places we went, but in the spiritual
journey we took with the people we met. The
blessing was having such incredible companions
on the journey in Christ. The reward was
receiving a taste of the Christian missionary life,
a life in Christ.
Taste and see that the Lord is good
(Psalm 34). Fr. Alexander Schmemann
explains that this verse tells us we must
rst experience (taste) and only then will we
understand (see). I offer a challenge to you:
experience the Christian missionary life.
Then, you will truly understand this account
of my mission team journey in Christ in
Tanzania. Furaha na amani! Joy and peace!
the common room, a room with a
large replace, a circle of couches
and chairs, and all sorts of colorful
crafts that hung from the ceiling.
The children sang songs in both
Albanian and English, in loud
voices, eager to show off for their
visitors. The children each told us
their aspirations for the future: to be
doctors, missionaries, priests and
nuns! I was amazed to see such
young kids with such big hearts. I
thought to myself, How can I be an
example of mission work to these
children? What can I do? Andys
words echoed in my mind, What is
of faith, love and the light of Christ
that by the time we departed for
the United States I was amazed to
realize that these children taught
me more about living in Christ than
anything I could have ever hoped to
teach them!
Yet another example of Christ
working through others was the
inuence the long-term missionaries
had on us. We had the opportunity
to meet the Linderman, Pappas,
Russell and Hoppe families. Each
family impacted our missionary
experience in unique and special
ways and we were inspired by the
faith and love that emanated from
each missionary. I was incredibly
fortunate to have been able to meet
Lynette Hoppe and learn from her
and her familys example in faith.
I can speak for the entire Albanian
short-term Mission Team that
we felt truly blessed to be in the
presence of such devoted Orthodox
Christians.
What is God teaching me?
What have I learned from this
experience? For me, Andy, your
question doesnt need a long deep
theological answer. It is found in the
very scripture verse that we read at
orientation; 1 Corinthians 13:13
And now abide faith, hope, love,
these three; but the greatest of
these is love.
Vhcn our tcam
arrivcd thcy rang thc
bcll and cvcryonc
camc running into
thc church, as thc
scrvicc was about
to bcgin.

! am a young woman ol 31 who has drcamcd ol going to

Alrica. ! havc bccn prcparing myscll lor thc work ol missions
lor thc bcttcr part ol my adult lilc. My mothcr might arguc
that !vc bccn prcparing lor it sincc ! was a child, but thats
anothcr mattcr. Vhcn God orchcstratcd thc timc and mcans
lor that door to nally opcn, ! lound myscll hcading o on a
Mission Tcam with thc rthodox Christian Mission Ccntcr.
By Stacy ShipmanMission Team Member to Tanzania
LEFT: Bonding with the local children
was a highlight for the Author, Stacy
Shipman BELOW: In Tanzania, the Mis-
sion Team joins the faithful for service
at a new church still under construction
RIGHT: In the eyes of a child, theres
hope for all that is to come for the
Church in Tanzania.
O
C
M
C
T
E
A
M
S
(
E
A
S
T
A
F
R
I
C
A
)
8ody
&
Hcart
T h e S a m e
See
Tastc
~ x b
forever. I had such a life-changing experience on
my mission trip to Tanzania.
Everyday on my trip, I arose with a joy I had
never experienced before. The 5 a.m. wake up
was difcult, but the joy pushed me out of bed.
There was work to be done! Our mission was to
teach basic catechism courses and visit with local
communities who would otherwise have little or
no contact with the rest of the world. In my time
in Tanzania I learned what hospitality truly means,
generosity was redened, and being sincere in
everything you say and do was as natural as
breathing. My work became my life and my life
became my work.
Being halfway around the world can be an
incredible experience in itself, but we had the
blessing to interact with fellow Orthodox Christians
By Andrew Lentz
exibility, faith and love that I will
carry with me throughout my life.
I only hope to follow the childrens
examples: to be a beacon of light,
praising God and sharing that light
with others.
One day we were situated in
God teaching me? In just my rst
day, I experienced so much, beyond
what I expected and witnessed God
working through each and every one
of us as Mission Team members
and children alike.
The childrens lives were so full
Teaching Me?
I was amazed to see such young kids
with such big hearts. I thought to myself,
How can I be an example of mission work
to these children? What can I do?

By Rachel Mellas
What is God
ABOVE: As a welcome gift
from a Tanzanian parish,
Fr. Michael Miklos, Mission
Team Leader, receives a
goat on behalf of the team.
A procession of the faithful in one of the ten
communities visited by this years Tanzania team.
Joyous faces show true test that Christ lives in the
children from the Home of Hope as they chase bubbles.
1 0 O C M C M I S S I O N M A G A Z I N E W W W. O C M C . O R G 1 1 O C M C M I S S I O N M A G A Z I N E F A L L 2 0 0 6
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hcrc is usually a ccrtain amount ol anxicty
associatcd with any travcl, Vhat should !
pack: Vill my luggagc arrivc on timc: A
mission trip carrics additional conccrns, How will
thc group dynamics bc: Vhat can wc cxpcct: Vill
thcy havc laundry lacilitics: Vill wc bc ccctivc in
our goals: Many ol thcsc qucstions, ranging lrom thc
rcasonablc to thc rathcr silly, crosscd my mind scvcral
timcs during thc journcy across North Amcrica to
what was lor mc a distant landAlaska.
Vhcn ! rst hcard ol thc opportunity to go to
Alaska through CMC ! jumpcd at thc chancc,
partly lor sclsh rcasons. Tc mission tcam was
dcsigncd to assist in tcaching a youth rctrcat and hclp
with thc annual pilgrimagc to Sprucc !sland. ! had
always wantcd to visit Alaska.Not only was ! attractcd
to thc natural bcauty ! saw in photos but ! wantcd to
walk thc land whcrc our rst North Amcrican Saints,
such as Saints Hcrman and !nnoccnt, travcrscd.
Scvcral lricnds who had prcviously donc missions
trips in Alaska conrmcd my dcsirc. Morcovcr, ! was
attractcd to thc opportunity to tcach thc rthodox
laith to youth ol thc Kodiak rcgion. 8cing a studcnt
at St. \ladimirs Scminary ! lclt compcllcd to sharc,
in somc small way, thc knowlcdgc ol thc laith ! had
bccn givcn. Vhat ! did not cxpcct howcvcr, was thc
lcarning cxpcricncc that ! was to go through.
Altcr a days worth ol travcling lrom Ncw York,
! nally arrivcd on Kodiak to thc wclcomc ol two
ol thc Alaskan clcrgy. Although wcary lrom thc
long trip, ! was cagcr to gct to work with lcllow
CMC mcmbcrs who had alrcady arrivcd and an
rthodox Christian Fcllowship (CF) group lrom
thc Univcrsity ol Connccticut. My rst act, howcvcr,
was to vcncratc thc rclics ol St. Hcrman which
in this manncr. St. Hcrman altcr all wasnt gloricd
only duc to thc numcrous miraclcs hc pcrlormcd, but
bccausc ol his tirclcss corts in thc simplc, ordinary
labors ol lovc lor thc Alaskan pcoplc.
Tc day altcr, whilc hall ol our 14 mcmbcr tcam
rcmaincd in Kodiak to tcach a youth rctrcat, scvcn
ol us, along with a scminarian lrom St. Hcrmans,
undcrtook thc trck to thc villagc ol uzinkic,
locatcd on Sprucc !sland. ur task sccmcd simplc
cnough, to run a tccn camp lor thc Kodiak dioccsc.
8ut ! supposc thc only way to dcscribc our trip is a
word wc uscd oltcn: uid. Vc arrivcd in uzinkic
hauling lood, supplics, and othcr ncccssitics lor thc
vc day camp, cnough to covcr 35 youth and our
tcam. Knowing ol only a lcw tccns having signcd
baskctball at thc gym, thc Akathist to St. Hcrman
in thc Chapcl with thc villagcrs, thc prcparing ol
sh soup with thc cldcrs, sharing lcllowship with
cvcryonc on thc last night, and concluding thc trip
in thc bcst way wc kncw how, cclcbrating thc ivinc
Liturgy togcthcr. Vc wcnt as a tcam to tcach thc
laith, but wc lcarncd as a tcam how that laith is livcd
in thc lovc, warmth, and incrcdiblc gcncrosity ol
this littlc Alaskan villagc. ! was joking with othcr
mcmbcrs that whcn wc lclt thcy gavc mc thc kcy to
thc villagc. !ts simply knowing how to opcn a door
without knocking!
Tc rcmaindcr ol thc trip was just as rcmarkablc,
taking part in thc annual pilgrimagc to Sprucc
!sland, scrving Liturgy both on Sprucc !sland and in
Kodiak on succcssivc days, with a \igil in bctwccn!
To say thc lcast, wc wcrc all quitc tircd. 8ut as His
Gracc 8ishop N!KLA! ol Alaska rcmindcd us, a
pilgrimagc is dcsigncd to takc cort, but out ol that
cort onc nds thcir spiritual rcwards. To scrvc an
Akathist to St. Hcrman is a bcautilul cxpcricncc. To
scrvc thc \igil and Liturgy lor his lcast is just as
stunning. 8ut to bc a part ol thcsc scrviccs in thc
prcscncc ol St. Hcrman himscll is simply hcavcnly.
cspitc our latiguc lrom our camp cxpcricnccs,
manual labors around thc Cathcdral and Scminary,
in addition to thc many scrviccs, wc lound strcngth
cvcry day in thc prcscncc ol St. Hcrman and thc
pcoplc ol Alaska.
ur Alaskan cxpcricncc was morc than wc could
havc cxpcctcd. Plans changcd, locations movcd,
lcct and backs wcaricd. 8ut right bclorc our cycs
miraclcs occurrcd. oors opcncd that oncc wcrc
shut, tcn youth turncd into almost lty, smilcs camc
lrom shyncss, culturcs cmbraccd, strangcrs bccamc
lricnds, cvcn Fr. Michacl complctcd knots in his
praycr ropc! Vc camc to Alaska as visitors, wc lclt
as lamily. Troughout, wc lclt Gods gracc through
St. Hcrman guiding us. Vc lclt knowing that all wc
cncountcrcd provcd to bc a uid blcssing.
Blessing
by Daniel Belonick
A Fluid
rcsidc within thc Cathcdral on Kodiak. As a lcllow
pilgrim mcntioncd, you havc to start out right.
Hcrc, in lront ol mc, lay St. Hcrmans rclics, along
with thc hcavy ironcross and hat that accompanicd
him through thc Alaskan tcrrain.
Many timcs ! thought ol Saints livcs and works
as distant lrom my own. 8ut to stand bclorc St.
Hcrman and bcgin work whcrc hc laborcd was an
cxpcricncc that brought signicantly morc mcaning
to our corts. Knowing about St. Hcrmans lilc, this
was a blcssing ! hadnt cxpcctcd, and ! think, thc only
way to start this particular trip.
From this glorious bcginning, ! spcnt thc rcst ol thc
day hitting ccmcnt with a pickaxc ncar thc Cathcdral
to clcar lor drainagc. Tis was lollowcd by hclping to
stain thc woodcn chapcl at St. Hcrmans Scminary
that was wcaricd by a long wintcr. Ncithcr ol thcsc
tasks ! cnvisioncd. 8ut it sccms morc tting to bcgin
up in uzinkic and bringing along a lcw lrom
mainland Kodiak, our cxpcctations sccmcd to bc
highcr than circumstanccs pcrmittcd. 8clorc arriving
in Kodiak wc had anticipatcd almost 30 youth, which
turncd into lcss than 15 by thc timc ol our arrival in
uzinkic. ! think most ol us at that point wcrc lccling
anxious, cspccially with conlusion about whcrc thc
camp was to bc hcld. Vc cvcntually scttlcd into thc
rcccntly built community ccntcr which ocrcd us
both cooking lacilitics and room to hold classcs and
activitics, thc pcrlcct hub lor our camp.
vcr thc coursc ol thc wcck, what was to bc a
tccn rctrcat bccamc a villagc youth cvcnt. ur locus
was thc Crccd, having two Christian cducations
pcr day, along with art and physical activitics. Tc
strongcst momcnts ol thc camp, howcvcr, wcrc not
lclt in thc classroom, but in singing thc Troparion
to St. Pctcr thc Alcut by thc campcrs, thc gamcs ol
St. Herman after all wasnt gloried only due to the numerous
miracles he performed, but because of his tireless eorts in the
simple, ordinary labors of love for the Alaskan people.
UPPER LEFT: Chapel on Spruce Island built over St.
Hermans original burial site. LEFT: Liturgy on Spruce
Island ABOVE: Ouzinkie Team at Monks Lagoon BE-
LOW: Ouzinkie Youth performing native dances
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Tc ranks ol this ycars shorttcrm mission tcams
wcrc llcd with lamilics in unprcccdcntcd numbcrs,
hcading a singlc call to scrvc and sprcad Gods word
to all lour corncrs ol thc carth. Tcy all congrcgatcd
lar lrom thcir own homcs in a sccmingly coincidcntal
anomaly, all hoping that a voyagc ol grcat distancc
would somchow bring thcm closcr togcthcr. As it
turncd out, thcsc journcys wcrc longcr than cvcn thc
cxpansivc and boundlcss wastcland that lazily oatcd
by, lor thcy bcgan with a lovc lor onc anothcr and
thcy will livc on as trcasurcd sharcd cxpcricnccs.
Varrcn Goodwin, ol Roscvillc Calilornia, who
scrvcd with his wilc and son, statcd, Vc wcrc
blcsscd with thc opportunity to cxpcricncc our
rst CMC shorttcrm mission as a lamily. Vc
cxpcricnccd thc wondcrs ol Kcnya, thc cnthusiasm
ol its pcoplc, and thc solidarity ol thcir rthodox
laith. Vc also wcrc witncss to thc spiritual growth ol
onc anothcr as individuals. Tc two most signicant
cvcnts lor my wilc and ! wcrc thc warmth and thc
gratitudc givcn to thc cntirc mission tcam by thc
parishioncrs ol thc community wc wcrc thcrc to
scrvc, and thc opportunity to scc our son cxpand
his mission cxpcricnccs and continuc his spiritual
journcy.
Tcrc arc mcmorics that mark scminal momcnts
in cvcry human lilc. Tc imagcs ol thcsc momcnts
warm our hcarts, rcmaining clcar in our minds,
immunc to thc movcmcnts ol timc. Tc passing ol a
brick lrom thc tattcrcd hands ol a daughtcr to thosc
ol hcr mothcr as thcy toilcd in a small villagc on thc
horn ol Alrica to build a housc ol worship was just
onc such mcmory. For my wholc lilc, my mom has
watchcd and supportcd mc as !vc grown, rccallcd
Sara 8rcitsprcchcr ol Minncapolis, Minncsota.
!t madc mc proud to scc hcr stcp outsidc ol hcr
comlort zonc and ! was thanklul that ! could bc
thcrc to support hcr in hcr growth. ur trip signicd
a changc in our rclationship. Shc will always bc my
mom, but wc saw cach othcr as pccrs lor thc rst
timc giving us a grcatcr apprcciation lor onc anothcr
as pcoplc.
God has always workcd proloundly through
lamilics. Vith thcm Hc has altcrcd thc coursc ol
human history lorcvcr. Hc rcintroduccd mankind
to its Crcator in thc gcncrations that
strctchcd lrom Abraham to Jacob.
Trough Saint Joachim and Anna camc
Mary, thc mothcr ol our Lord and Savior
Jcsus Christ. Constantinc and his mothcr
Hclcn brought laith to an cmpirc. And
two brothcrs, Saint 8asil thc Grcat and
Saint Grcgory ol Nyssa, born in thc lourth
ccntury to parcnts who arc also canonizcd
saints, shapcd Christianity as wc know it.
History rcvcals that works ol grcat conscqucncc
havc oltcn comc through thc lamily. As such, thc
sccmingly coincidcntal contribution ol so many
lamilics to mission work in 2006 is not coincidcntal
at all. From Alaska to Guatcmala, in Albania and
Romania, and lrom Kcnya to Uganda lourtccn
lamilics sharcd thc Gospcl through thcir praycrs,
thcir words, and thcir scrvicc. As tcachcrs, buildcrs,
and mcdical prolcssionals, God workcd through
thcm, bcstowing upon thcm thc gilt ol timc with
onc anothcr and with Him.
Vill thc corts ol thc lamilics that sharcd in
this ycars shorttcrm mission cxpcricnccs havc as
prolound an impact on thc coursc ol humanity as
Abraham or Saint 8asil thc Grcat: !ndccd, thcy
alrcady havc. !n timc thcir namcs may bc lorgottcn,
but thcir contribution, as part ol Gods plan lor
salvation, will bc ctcrnal.
Tc common blood that ows through thc vcins
ol lamily crcatcs an unspokcn bond that is strongcr
than stccl and morc prccious than thc rarcst ol
gcmstoncs. !t is incorruptiblc and timclcss. Tc Holy
Spirit ridcs on this currcnt likc thc winds across thc
rolling duncs ol thc Sahara, tying onc gcncration to
thc ncxt , rcvcaling thc dcpths ol thc Fathcrs lovc
lor us, His prodigal childrcn, ocring us salvation,
and bcckoning us homc.
Wo r ks o f Gr e at Co ns e que nc e
We were blessed with the opportunity to
experience our rst OCMC short-term mission
as a family. We experienced the wonders of
Kenya, the enthusiasm of its people, and
the solidarity of their Orthodox faith.
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t 30,000 lcct thc rcd sands ol thc Sahara lookcd likc an occan ol rc.
Tc dcscrts stillncss could bc lclt cvcn lrom on high, providing thc
pcrlcct opportunity to rccct on thc grcat work that wc had just complctcd.
Most ol thc othcr tcam mcmbcrs wcrc slccping soundly, lullcd by thc roar
ol thc cngincs and thc smooth skics that God had blcsscd us with. Amongst
thcm could bc lound parcnts, childrcn, husbands, wivcs, brothcrs and sistcrs
dcsiring not to scrvc mcrcly as individuals, but as a lamily.
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UPPER LEFT : Breaking a sweat for the Gospel. ABOVE: Father and son
Mission Team members during orientation in St. Augustine RIGHT: A new
Church takes shape thanks to the work of Mission Team members. LEFT:
The sun sets on another day in Africa, affording the perfect opportunity to
reect on the great work that had just been completed.
MissionTeam
Families
By Alex Goodwin
Alex Goodwin, with his parents, Warren
and Madeline Goodwin.
1 4 O C M C M I S S I O N M A G A Z I N E W W W. O C M C . O R G 1 5 O C M C M I S S I O N M A G A Z I N E F A L L 2 0 0 6
Missionaries
I
am oltcn askcd to dcscribc my typical day hcrc in
Uganda and ! ncvcr know quitc how to answcr.
Somc days arc morc cvcntlul than othcrs, and
no day is cvcr complctcly routinc. Today thcrc is no
music lcstival, nor is it a school visitation day. !m
not travcling to a villagc dccp in thc bush, nor am !
visiting our parishcs in Gulu. !m not cvcn going to
downtown Kampala.Tcrc arc no prizc bulls or goats
in this story, but a pig will makc a bricl appcarancc.
Tc school tcrm cndcd ycstcrday, and wc
collcctcd rcport cards lrom about sixty ol our
sponsorcd studcnts. ! photocopicd thc rcports lor
our lcs whilc wc had powcr. 8ccausc ol national
loadshcdding, wc havc commcrcial clcctricity cvcry
othcr day. Today was an on day and ! wantcd to
takc advantagc ol thc situation so wc could rcturn
thc original rcports to thc childrcn altcr church
on Sunday. Tcn ! spcnt somc timc prcparing
solicitation lcttcrs lor our Childrcns Fund.
Sharon has bccn working six and a hall days
a wcck at thc hospital, so ! ocrcd to do a littlc
shopping lor lrcsh vcgctablcs. n thc way to thc
Kasubi opcnair markct, ! stoppcd by thc housc
whcrc our daughtcr Panayota was spcnding thc
school holiday. Panayota is in sixth gradc at a villagc
boarding school. Shc cndcd up thcrc last ycar altcr
shc had a disciplinc problcm with an aunt with whom
shc had bccn staying. Panayota had bccn bcatcn on
thc hcad with a soda bottlc and subscqucntly ran
away lrom homc. ! didnt want hcr to rcmain alonc
in thc villagc, nor could ! scnd hcr back to thc aunts,
so ! prcvailcd upon hcr stcpmothcr to takc hcr in
to spcnd thc holiday with hcr hallsiblings Sophia,
Gcorgc, and Paraskcvi. ! had crayons and coloring
books lor thc kids and a littlc cxtra moncy lor mom
to buy lood.
!d hcard storics about thc irrcsponsiblc, drug
By Peter GeorgesOCMC Missionary in Uganda
Dshiroj nj bilet vajije (Id like a
one-way ticket).
After many months of preparation, the
Luisi Family (Constance, Dennis and their
ve year old son Dominico) have arrived
safely in Albania. Below, is a reection
from Constance of the familys journey as
missionaries to Albania:
T
he morning of September 8th, many of
you will be waking up, and longing for
coffee when we arrive in Tirana. Well be a bit
addictcd, alcoholic lathcr, but thcrc hc was whcn !
arrivcdcalm, industrious, and sobcr. His latcst
vcnturc is raising pigs, and hc hasnt yct accumulatcd
cnough cash to build a sty. A numbcr ol giant hogs
wcrc rooting around thc yard, and as ! tricd to navigatc
my way around thcir stout, aromatic bodics, onc big
lcllow uncxpcctcdly chargcd and nuzzlcd my rcar
cnd with his snout, much to thc amuscmcnt ol thc
childrcn. Altcr grccting thc lamily, ! privatcly gavc
mom thc moncy lor thc lamilys nccds at Kasubi.
Tc sprawling outdoor markct was bustling
with activity and thc womcn sclling thc vcgctablcs
brazcnly and laughingly callcd to mc,Muzungu, ovcr
hcrc! ! lound what ! nccdcd and marvclcd at how
much ! could buy lor so littlc moncy. ! accumulatcd
a largc bag ol lrcsh tomatocs, grccn pcppcrs, carrots,
and potatocs lor thc cquivalcnt ol two dollars! Tcn
! crosscd thc road to buy brcad and cggs.
Having accomplishcd my mission, ! lookcd up
and saw thc church van parkcd ncarby. Aha! A chcap
and convcnicnt ridc homc. Vhilc ! was waiting, !
hcard a musical voicc grccting mc. !t was Fathcr
Joscphs wilc, Anastasia, with baby Pclagia. Shc
had also sccn thc van and had thc samc idca. ! took
Pclagia lrom hcr arms and tricd to convincc thc
brcad vcndor that shc was my kid but hc wouldnt
buy it. Tc drivcr appcarcd and soon wc wcrc all
salcly back on our littlc hill.
Last wcck ! told Sscm, a contractor lricnd,
that ! wantcd to visit JjaJjas housc to scc about
adding a bathroom to thc prcmiscs. JjaJja is an old
woman who takcs carc ol about a dozcn orphancd
grandchildrcn in a small housc bctwccn thc main
road and a swamp. Last ycar wc nishcd hcr housc
and carlicr this ycar wc addcd a pit latrinc, but thc
lamily has no privatc placc to bathc. A bathroom
can actually bc an outdoor stall whcrc onc takcs soap
and a basin ol watcr, and maybc a towcl! Tats how
many pcoplc wash thcmsclvcs hcrc.
Sscm arrivcd and wc hcadcd o to JjaJjas.
Shc and thc kids wcrc happy to scc us, and altcr
thc obligatory grcctings wc inspcctcd thc sitc and
agrccd on a proposcd location lor thc addition. As
wc wcrc about to lcavc, JjaJja insistcd wc comc
in to scc baby Simon whom shc said was sick. !
rcmcmbcrcd that hc had ccrcbral palsy, but still !
was shockcd by what ! saw. Tc twoycarold was all
hcad and bclly, with tiny, vcstigiallooking lcgs and
arms dangling limply lrom his distcndcd torso. His
hcad lollcd opcnmouthcd and his cycs gazcd into
nowhcrc. lcvcnycarold Fiona pickcd him up and
gcntly hcld him whilc ! sat down on thc bcd, lccling
stunncd and hclplcss.
! soon camc to my scnscs, though, and callcd
Sharon on my mobilc phonc. Shc promptcd mc
with somc pointcd qucstions, and, ably assistcd
by Sscm as a translator wc dctcrmincd that
Simon was scriously malnourishcd. His mothcr
has bccn lccding him only milk lrom a cup. Vc
gavc JjaJja instructions on how to prcparc maizc
our porridgc lorticd with milk, cggs, and othcr
nutricnts, providcd hcr with a littlc moncy to buy
thcsc itcms, and told hcr to comc to our hospital
lor somc nutritional counscling.
Vc dcpartcd, and just to add a bizarrc notc to our
lcavctaking, wc passcd a woman sitting on thc sidc
ol thc road playing with gravcl. As wc approachcd,
! rccognizcd hcr as onc ol JjaJjas daughtcrs, thc
mothcr ol two ol our kids. Shc sccmcd about manic,
so ! grcctcd hcr in Luganda and had a bricl but
intcrcsting convcrsation. Tcn Sscm and ! boardcd
a matatu back to Namungoona.
Tat cvcning altcr \cspcrs, ! lound two ol our
high school studcnts, Sophia and 8attc, waiting
to givc mc thcir school rcports. ! rcvicwcd thcir
pcrlormanccs, gavc a littlc advicc lor improvcmcnt,
and scnt thcm on thcir way as night was lalling. So
cnds anothcr day in Uganda.
Postscript: Tursday, August 24
Today whilc ! was in town, Sophia and hcr sistcr
Maria, cousins to littlc Simon, tcarlully camc
to tcll Sharon that hc had dicd this morning.
Mcrcilul God, may his mcmory bc ctcrnal. His
sucring is ovcr, now hc is pcrlcct and dwclling
in pcrlcct Lovc.
bleary-eyed, too, having own from Chicago
to Frankfurt, to Vienna, to Tirana in about 19
hours. Well have left the comfortable, familiar
surroundings of Chicago, and will have arrived
in the poorest nation in Europe.
We are joining a vibrant, growing community
of Christians in Albania. The building of the new
cathedral is well underway. There are plans for
new Orthodox schools. There are hopes for a
senior home, near the successful soup kitchen.
The Childrens Home of Hope is now about full,
with 30-35 children. Classes continue at the
Seminary, the church camp season is over. Its
inspiring, and a little daunting, to be joining
a community that the Holy Spirit has clearly
taken in hand.
There are improvements in Albania. There
is a new, brightly-lit imported goods ~ grocery
store. There are other recently opened stores
a posh, four-oor shopping mall with European
luxury stores has been putting up posters around
town. Tirana has also been repaving the streets
and with the new streets come new street signs,
to the joy of many who have had some trouble
nding their way around.
We were on the road almost every weekend
for the rst 6 months of the year, traveling non-
stop for more than a month during Lent. Weve
logged more than 100 hours just driving and
have visited 12 states. None of this would have
been possible without the encouragement,
support and prayers of all of you. We are more
grateful than we can possibly say.
During their missionary service, the Luisis
primary job will be to work with the youth
and childrens choirs, rst in Tirana and then
throughout the country. Dennis skills will
be put to work on various building and repair
projects. There may also be opportunities
to put Constances language skills to work in
teaching English and French.
We ask for your continued prayers for the
Constance, Dennis and Domenico. Funds to
help support the Luisi Family can be sent to the
Orthodox Christian Mission Center, designated
for the Luisi Family in the memo line, to P.O.
Box 4319, St. Augustine, FL 32085-4319.
To nd out more about the Mission Centers
missionaries, visit www.ocmc.org. or contact
us at missionaries@ocmc.org.
M
y work in the Ugandan Orthodox Church
consists mainly in teaching and trying to
strengthen St. Paul Seminary in any way that I
can. Generally, I teach Dogmatics, Liturgics, Old
Testament and New. There are 16 seminarians
from villages all over Uganda, of different tribes
and tongues. Were hoping to initiate some
practical programs in 2007, which will make
use of their skills as farmers. Like the mustard,
which is the smallest of seeds, we will patiently
develop dignity, cooperation, and self-support
in and among the parishes. There is a lot of
room, and need, for creativity in Africa, and I
am tremendously inspired and condent in the
abilities of our seminarians.
Teaching is not my only activity. In church,
I am struggling to provide translations of all
the service books in modern English, some
10,000 pages of text. Its been a great help
for people to pray the entire daily cycle for the
rst time in a language they can understand.
Once the Horologion and Octoechos/
Paraklitiki have been distributed to all the
parishes, and priests and catechists trained
in using themthey can serve as a strong,
uniform, accessible, and in fact, almost ideal
foundation for catechetics. Im impressed
at how wise the fathers were, who put the
Octoechos together and gave it to us as the
main fare of each liturgical day.
By no means am I a professional musician,
but Ive sung in Orthodox choirs for 30 years
and seem to have a good ear. As Ive begun
providing the English texts, its fallen to me
to lead some of the chanting, especially of
the Daily Cycle on weekdays. These efforts
have been for the most part well-received.
Weve all gained a deeper understanding
of the services from working with them
every day. Serving Vespers and Matins with
the seminarians and other faithful every
day has been a major part of my ministry.
There is vast room for liturgical growth
here and it will play a key role in the future
evangelization/catechetical programs we will
be developing.
Im trying to encourage some young
artists to study icons and learn to write them,
since our churches have so few. Im trying to
organize translations and service books in
four languages. Im trying to get a few people
started learning computers. We can sure use
their help when they do! We need a catechetical
program. We need to train teachers and singers
and catechists. We need to train priests and
deacons. I love it here!
Weebale! (Thank you!)
What Can You Do?
We ask for your continued prayers for John
Burnetts ministry with seminarians in Uganda.
Funds to help support the him can be sent to the
Orthodox Christian Mission Center, designated
for John Burnett in the memo line, at P.O.
Box 4319, St. Augustine, FL 32085-4319.
To nd out more about the Mission Centers
missionaries, visit www.ocmc.org. or contact
us at missionaries@ocmc.org.
Help us to equip some wonderful young
men to carry the ame of Christs love and
truth deep into the vast continent south of the
Sahara!
Arriving in Albania The Luisi Family
A Day in the Life
Mustard Seed, Patience and
SalvationThe Seminary in Uganda
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Peter Georges, OCMC Missionary in Uganda,
watches the children dance.
Students of St. Pauls Seminary listen attentively while
John Burnett offers Theological Training.
Children of Uganda smile as their lives
are blessed by Missionaries Peter & Sharon
The Luisi Family, Constance,
Domenico, and Dennis
1 6 O C M C M I S S I O N M A G A Z I N E W W W. O C M C . O R G 1 7 O C M C M I S S I O N M A G A Z I N E F A L L 2 0 0 6
21 February
Vc sct o lor North Camcroon by car. !t is unbclicv
ablc how thc sccncry changcs into an cndlcss road in
thc junglc. n a dirt road, rcd carth cvcrywhcrc, wc
procccd slowly bchind largc trucks carrying all sorts ol
mcrchandisc, thc carthcovcrs cvcrything. Latc at night
wc arrivc at 8crtua, cxhaustcd and unrccognizablc
lrom thc dust. Vc havc alrcady travclcd 850 km and
still havc a long journcy ahcad ol us.
24 February
Tc ncxt day, thc sun rosc vcry carly around 5 a.m. and
thc pcoplc wcrc alrcady busy with thcir work as thc
tcmpcraturc startcd rapidly rising. Altcr Matins wc
bcgan our visits to thc parishcs... pcoplc cvcrywhcrc,
hundrcds ol childrcn, Ninc out ol tcn womcn havc a
baby on thcir back, our drivcr cxplains. vcrywhcrc
wc wcrc grcctcd with dcmonstrations ol joy, rcspcct,
and crics ol approval wcrc hcard whcncvcr thc namc
ol Patriarch Tcodoros was mcntioncd. oukoula,
achcka, Gouai, Tchatibali, 8ougai, Zouai, Giri,
8iri, Kongron 8aiga, Touilalc, Tsigla, Toulou!,
Gidigis, unknown villagcsalmost all ol thcm laid
out in thc cxact samc lashion, in thc samc dcscrt
and as strangc as thc acccnt with which thcy arc
pronounccd. A world drcsscd in bright colors and
strangc impromptu songs wclcomcs us with widc,
gcnuinc smilcs and with childlikcncss so bcyond
any uropcan maturity. ! shakc thc hands ol mcn,
womcn and childrcn. Hands madc rough lrom
hard manual labor. Ncvcr bclorc has a handshakc
madc mc lccl so bad. ! listcn to problcms, accounts,
spcculations, all ol which arc taintcd with a narrativc
spcll, thc tclling ol a story that must bcgin and cnd
in a particular, pcrhaps cpic, manncr. vcrywhcrc,
thcrc is hopc in thc way thcsc pcoplc look at mc
hopc that ccrtain things will changc in thcir livcs.
Tcy ask lor schools and small mcdical ccntcrs, and
! ask myscll, arc wc thc only organization activc
in this arca: At night wc rcturn to our Missionary
Ccntrc, cxhaustcd. ! try to takc notcs ol cvcrything.
Tcrc is a nccd lor barc ncccssitics cvcrywhcrc and
wc nccd to dcvclop a plan.
26 February
Vc movcd what was nccdcd lor thc consccration ol
thc Parish ol thc Trcc Hicrarchs in oukoula and,
altcr a spccial scrvicc, wc movcd thc holy rclics. Vc
placcd thc icons on thc iconostasis, and instantly thc
atmosphcrc ol thc church was translormcd by thc
dclicatc 8yzantinc paintstrokcs and modcst colors.
! pcrlormcd thc Consccration lor thc rst timc.
!t was a uniquc cxpcricncc not only lor mc, but also
lor thc pcoplc. Vc had distributcd thc Consccration
pamphlct, and thcn cvcryonc watchcd in silcncc and
dcvoutncss. Tc choir was chanting thc psalms in
thc Tipouri languagc with a hcartlclt passion.
Altcr thc Liturgy, a mcal was prcparcd lor
cvcryonc, in thc rooms ol thc ncighboring schools. A
A
s my Spanish improvcs, and it still has a long
way to go, !m ablc to makc morc convcrsation
with thc kids. Now thcy scc mc as morc ol a ad
typc gurc, and by doing so, ! havc bccn taking on
morc ad work. Tis continucs to bc my most
important task.
Tanks to a gracious donor, wc wcrc ablc to trcat
somc ol thc childrcn to conccrts by thc National
Guatcmalan Symphony.
Vc took about six ol thc
oldcr kids at a timc. Not
only wcrc thc kids ablc to
hcar good music, it gavc
cclcbration lor all as thc spirit ol carly Christcndom
rcsonatcd. Tis is how thc carly Christian agapc
must havc lclt with an atmosphcrc crcatcd by thc
simplicity and opcnhcartcdncss ol thc pcoplc.
28 February
At Touloum, ! was ocrcd a baskct ol dricd lrcsh
bcans and two batchcs ol millct, both bcing
traditional cultivations ol thc arca. !n thc cvcnings
at thc Missionary Ccntrc, wc rcad thc cvcning
scrvicc in thc Parish ol thc Twclvc Apostlcs, which
is packcd with childrcn. At thc cnd, wc givc candy to
cach ol thcm. Grcat joy lor thc childrcn and surprisc
to us whcn wc scc that somc ol thcm arc actually
putting thc candy in thcir mouth along with thc
wrapping!!!! Soon altcr, thc songs bcgin.
6 MarchMeatfare Sunday
! pcrlormcd liturgy in thc Parish ol thc Twclvc
Apostlcs. Altcr thc Gospcl, ! stood at thc Holy
Gatc to spcak. ! had prcparcd a lcw thoughts
on thc Gospcl thc night bclorc. Ncvcr bclorc
had ! lound it so hard to nd thc right words. !
just lookcd around and saw mcn with dissolvcd
clothing, childrcn barcloot with what was lclt ol
thcir clothcs on thcm (only to look at thcm, llcd
mc with shamc to bc wcaring shocs), mothcrs
with childrcn on thcir backs. God, what am ! to
say to thcsc pcoplc who arc thc poorcst ol thc
poor: Vhat can ! say to thcsc pcoplc who, lor
agcs now, havc only catcn onc typc ol lood: Vhat
can ! say to thcsc pcoplc who trcad milcs ol land
to qucnch thcir thirst: Vhat can ! say to thcsc
ctcrnal prisoncrs ol thc dcscrt: To thcsc mothcrs
who havc brought dcspair to dcspair itscll: Vhat
can ! say to thcsc pcoplc who will bc thc judgcs
ol thc First and thc Sccond world: ! thought ol
prostrating bclorc thcm, ol apologizing lor having
bccn born in thc First world, and say nothing morc.
Suddcnly, an imagc ol thcsc vcry pcoplc during a
prcvious scrvicc camc to mind, hcrc during Holy
Communion, thcy placcd a littlc baskct in lront
ol thc Holy Gatc and cach pcrson, in turn, would
approach it and lcavc a lcw coins, lor thc poor,
rccognizing, in this way, that thcrc wcrc othcrs
cvcn poorcr than thcmsclvcs. Tis imagc savcd mc
and so, ! spokc ol thc cvcn poorcr ol thc poorcst
brothcrs ol thc Lord. Vhcn ! nishcd, ! wasnt
quitc surc ! had ! donc wcll in spcaking or should
H
is Grace, Bishop GREGORIOS takes us through his journey of North
Cameroon and Chad last year, showing his gratitude to the people
he serves. Here are some excerpts from his travel log.
A First Travelogue
THROUGH THE WORLD OF N. CAMEROON AND CHAD
! just havc prostratcd bclorc thcm:
7 March
Crossing thc bordcrs to thc rst city, Fianga, wc
stoppcd at customs to obtain thc rcquircd pcrmit.
uring our wait, which was long as usual, wc hcard
loud cricsa lathcr running with a child in his arms,
chascd by two womcn who cricd dcspcratcly, raising
thcir hands cvcry so oltcn to thc sky. Tcy had just
rcturncd lrom thc doctor whcrc thcy had takcn thc
child to bc cxamincd and during thc cxamination, thc
child dicd ol somc galloping illncss, an indcscribablc
sight takcn straight out ol an ancicnt tragcdy. Chad is
a dicrcnt world. !t took us a scvcral hours to rcach thc
parishcs, not only bccausc ol thc distancc, but also duc
to thc bad statc ol thc roads. ! always rcmcmbcr thc
words ol my dcpartcd lathcr: Tc varictics ol pcoplc
composc thc bcauty ol this world. !t is rcmarkablc
how within such rclativcly small distanccs cvcrything
can bc so dicrcnt! Likc thc bad quality ol thc watcr,
that looks morc likc rust than watcr. Yct thc parishcs
arc llcd with cnthusiasm which is uncannily rccctcd
on thc laccs ol thc pcoplc. Tradition commands that
a visitor must stay at lcast onc night. Vc abidc by
thc local laws.
8 March
Thc rcturn to our Missionary Ccntcr is in
unbcarablc hcat. ! sit down and rccord thc nccds,
my imprcssions, words and cxpcnscs. !n thc
cvcning, thc childrcn rcturn and bcgin singing.
A suddcn silcncc balllcs mc and thcn ! hcar a
hoarsc voicc ol a vcry young child. ma... cma...
manucl... cma... cma... manucl it said. And
thc choir rcpcatcd macmamanucl...
cmacmamanucl... ! was struck by thc
passion and strcngth ol this littlc hoarsc voicc
and approachcd thc childrcn. !n thc darkncss,
! could barcly makc out thc littlc solo singcr.
Hc was probably not oldcr than six ycars
old, with nothing on him othcr than what
appcarcd oncc to bc a pair ol shorts. Hc
clappcd his hands whilc singing to maintain thc
rhythm, ma... cma... manuclcmacma...
manucl, and somcthing clsc ! couldnt quitc
gct. Vhat do thc words ol thc song mcan: !
askcd our translator manucl, Son ol God,
comc, comc to us, manucl comc to us, manucl,
Son ol God, why wont You comc to us:!!
16 March
At thc cnd, it sccms that Alrica is discovcrcd by cach
pcrson, uniqucly, and that Alrica rcvcals hcr own scll
to cach pcrson, uniqucly. Somctimcs in thc lorm ol
pain or thirst, othcr timcs in thc lorm ol a big hcart
that bcats to an unknown, but oh so vcry rcal bcat
a bcat that, oncc listcncd to with rcsignation, makcs
cvcry rcturn to thc civilizcd world painlul...
Never before had I found
it so hard to nd the
right wordsGod, what
am I to say to these
people who are the
poorest of the poor?
Orphanage
The all girl Orphanage of 158 is in Bakesware, a
rural area located about 6 miles from Kalighat,
Calcutta. The Orphanage currently supports
orphans from school levels Kindergarten through
College. It is the only orphanage that I know of
in India that is willing to educate and support
the girls from Kindergarten to completion of
a university degree. All the orphans needs
are completely free of cost to them. The
Philanthropic Society has also built a vocational
facility, right next to the orphanage, for those
orphans who chose an alternative career path
to provide training for developing skills in arts
and crafts. Our goal is to educate and train the
orphans to be contributing members of society
in many respects.
School for the Blind
We currently have 5 blind students and their
teachers living at our orphanage and utilizing our
vocational building. They are currently involved
in a pilot program that is trying to integrate
them into the mainstream school system. They
will be shifted to the blind school once it is
completed. This is done in association with the
National Association of the Blind in India.
Church of the Transguration
Ten kilometers from the Orphanage, in an
impoverished area of Kalighat, a light shinesthe
Orthodox Church of the Transguration. Situated
in a compound that contains a guest house,
ofces for the Philanthropic Society and clergy,
and a free medical clinic, it provides space for
tutoring services for local youths. Vitamin enriched
milk and biscuits are distributed to the children
in the poor neighborhood everyday. It distributes
food to approximately 2000 individuals through
a program that targets the poor. Those who are
screened and registered are divided into two groups,
which alternate on
Mondays to receive
rice, lentils, a soy
product, and a hygiene
item. Scattered in rural
areas of West Bengal
are four medical
clinics providing low
cost medical and
prescription services.
There is also a welfare program that provides
comprehensive care to those on an individual
basis.
Primary Schools
India has a high number of illiterates in its nation.
The Philanthropic Society has built, operates, and
funds ve primary schools, from Kindergarten to
Class IV in rural areas of West Bengal. Free tuition
and text books are provided to several hundred
students, preparing them with a good foundation
for higher education.
Pastoral Works
There are currently 11 Orthodox churches
established in West Bengal, India, and all are
served by indigenous priests. It is my blessing
to meet with them once a month to receive
information concerning their pastoral activities.
thcm an opportunity to lcarn to drcss up practicc
thcir manncrs. Sincc wc would takc about thrcc boys
and thrcc girls, onc ol my jobs was to tcach thc boys
how to bchavc as propcr cscorts lor thc girls. Vc all
agrccd thc bcst part about lcarning manncrs was thc
trcats in thc thcatrcs calc during intcrmission!
Tis scmcstcr, wc start schcdulcd classcs in thc
altcrnoons. Tc rst projcct was to build a toolbox.
Tis projcct providcd practicc in simplc
woodworking skills. !n accomplishing
thcsc tasks thc childrcn lcarncd how to
rcad simplc plans, usc a tapc mcasurc,
compass, handsaw, block planc, coping saw,
scrcwdrivcr and scrcws.
Vcvc also bcgan construction ol
a ncw grccnhousc. So lar, wcvc pourcd
concrctc lootings, laid brick loundations,
and bcgun thc lraming ol thc walls. Soon
wc will rcccivc thc rcmaining lumbcr to
nish thc projcct.
Tc childrcn arc hclping mc dcsign and
construct a storm watcr disposal systcm,
that will hclp disposc ol runo lrom thc
intcnsc rains that occur throughout thc
wct scason. ! continuc to invcstigatc, map and rcpair
thc Hogar watcr systcm, dcsigning clcvatcd watcr
storagc, and upgrading thc wcll pump.
As ! scc it, onc ol my rcsponsibilitics is to bc
a rcprcscntativc hcrc, ! am your prcscncc with thc
nuns and childrcn as ! continuc to do ad work.
Funds to help support Ed Pier can be sent to the
Orthodox Christian Mission Center designated for Pier
in the memo line at PO Box 4319, St. Augustine, FL,
32085. Tank you for your prayers, love, and support!
After experiencing a Mission Team in 2005, Ed Pier decided to leave his home in Seattle and
serve the OCMC at the Hogar Rafael Orphanage in Guatemala. Based on his training and
experience, Ed performs whatever work is needed, and offers assistance in the management
of the orphanage facilities. One signicant contribution Ed has made is to simply offer his
presence among the childrento be a good example of a safe, appropriately loving and
observant Orthodox man to the children. Below he reports on his efforts.
By Edwin PierOCMC Missionary
Assisting Ed to design and construct a storm wa-
ter disposal system, this boy helps measures the
percolation rate of the soil.
ABOVE: Ed Pier poses with
the young girls of the Hogar
Ayau Orphanage as they
attend the National Guate-
malan Symphony. LEFT: Ed
with one of the Nuns.
Your Continued Prayers needed
INDIA
Under His Eminence Metropolitan NIKITAS
of Hong Kong and Southeast Asia, the
Orthodox Church ministers in India,
through The Philanthropic Society of the
Orthodox Church. Below are some of the
major activities it performs.
By Tim Arestou
With the blessings of His Emminence
Metropolitan NIKITAS, and my spiritual father
Fr. Costas Constantino, also with the help
of my parish at St. Gregory of Nyssa, and
many churches, relatives and friends, I,
as an OCMC missionary, am able to do a
small part in something great.
Parishioners sometimes walk miles to
attend liturgy
DAD Work at the Hogar Ayau Orphanage
1 8 O C M C M I S S I O N M A G A Z I N E W W W. O C M C . O R G 1 9 O C M C M I S S I O N M A G A Z I N E F A L L 2 0 0 6
have widened their understanding of the
teachings of their Church. We wish we
could continue having a mission team
every year.
2007 MARKS THE
25 YEARS CELEBRATING
ORTHODOXY IN GHANA
T
he Orthodox Church of Ghana is
preparing for a year celebration
of Orthodoxy in the Diocese. 2007 will
mark 25 years since the Church in Ghana
was received into canonical Orthodoxy
by the Patriarchate of Alexandria and All
Africa. It will also mark 10 years since
the Diocese of Ghana was established.
The whole year has been set aside to
commemorate this important landmark
in the history of the Church with various
activities.
As the preparations for the celebra-
tion are underway, it is appropriate to
mention the two Churches in Ghana that
the OCMC has had a role in construct-
ing. In Brakwa, the community of St.
George, and in Peki, the community of
St. Paul, have been completed through
the generous efforts of mission-minded
people from the United States. Another
community that will benet by having a
permanent building in which to worship
in is Eshiem, which broke ground early
this year on the Presentation of our Lord
Orthodox Church. His Grace DAMASKINOS,
Bishop of Ghana, shares the exciting
news of a mass baptism from that com-
munity where 21 people were received
into the Church.
The Bishop of Ghana inaugurated a
two classroom Day Nursery school in the
Eastern Region of Ghana in the village
of Domeabra which serves as a train-
ing center for future leaders. In Asane, a
suburb of Oda, 40 people embraced the
Orthodox Church where they are wor-
shipping under a wooden structure.
Another building is now under con-
struction on the premises of the Holy
Transguration Orthodox Cathedral in
Accra which was built by OCMC. It will
house a seminary to train indigenous
clergy. This has been identied as an
urgent need by the Diocese which cur-
rently lacks the required number of
adequately trained clergy. This school
building is due to be completed by the
end of May 2007 with other prepara-
tions underway, hopefully starting the
T
he Diocese of Bukoba is thankful for
mission teams sent by OCMC that
help, in an integral way, new Orthodox
believers experience the day-to-day life
in Christ. Taking on Christ substantially
changes a person. It transgures the in-
ner person, helps to transcend the giv-
en, and enables one to be lled with joy
and happiness. A life in Christ is a life of
belonging to each other with relations
based on love and readiness to share. It
is here that there is a taste of the king-
dom of God which is peace and joy in
MissionNews
F A L L 2 0 0 6
the Holy Spirit (Rom.14:17).
Truly, mission teams, in particular
short-term teams, help the new Ortho-
dox Christians live in reality what they
believe. In Orthodoxy, all nations have
space, all languages can glorify the liv-
ing God, all colors can gather together
and, in unity, worship God. Together
they can say: Our Father Who art in
heaven. St. Paul would tell us: If we
live in the Spirit, let us also walk in the
Spirit (Gal 5:25). The OCMC Mission
Teams which have come to our Diocese
have expressed the love that Orthodox
in the United States have for us. And out
of that love they are willing and ready
to share with us our common faith. We
feel we are true brothers and sisters in
Christ. The Orthodox faith has power -
- the power to transcend that which is
given and unite people in Christ.
In our Diocese, different teams have
come over the years and accomplished
different missions. Together we have
built the Kasikizi Catechetical School.
This is an important symbol for our Dio-
cese. It is here that the future catechists
and priests are trained. Together we have
built the All Saints Church in Kasikizi. It
is a place for all nations, from all corners
of the world, to worship the living God.
What matters is our common faithour
Orthodox faith. We have had teaching
teams come for three consecutive years.
The newly catechized have deepened
faith and learned more about their Or-
thodoxy. And if we planted, the teams
have watered, and we beseech God to
help them grow. During the teams stay
with us, we have worshipped together,
communed from one common cup the
Body and Blood of Christ, and shared
our cultural values. Indeed there has
been a give and a take.
When these teams leave, rst we
are lled with tears. Separation is pain-
ful. Soon we realize that these tears ce-
ment our spiritual relations. We develop
a feeling that we have Orthodox broth-
ers and sisters far away who love and
pray for us and we must do the same
for them. Our understanding of what the
Church of Christ is essentially changes.
The mission teams come to us because
we belong to the same Church - the one
Church of Christ, which is for all nations
all over the world. What is accomplished
contributes to the growth of our mission
Diocese of Bukoba. Things are not the
same as before. A new Catechistical
School is in place, a new church has
been constructed, and the neophytes
academic year in September.
His Grace extends his gratitude to all
the donors of the OCMC who have as-
sisted in making the ministry in Ghana
possible.
ALIVE IN CHRIST
SINGARAJA, BALI
I
n Singaraja, Bali, the community of All
Saints Orthodox Church celebrated
the completion of their church building
last year. This in itself was a wonder-
ful event to celebrate, but having the
church completed had another positive
result. This year, seventeen new people
have been baptized and chrismated and
seven more are attending catechism.
This is a signicant increase from last
years growth of only six new members.
Having a building in which to worship
has been instrumental in bringing more
people to the faith.
An ongoing ministry of the Church in
Singaraja is the St. Thomas Home where
orphaned children, young adults and the
poor are cared for. Every day, morning
and evening prayers, as well as Bible
studies, are offered to the 20 students.
Four of the students are currently study-
ing English at the University, and six are
LIVING WITH PEACE AND JOY IN THE HOLY SPIRIT IN BUKOBA,
TANZANIA BY HIS GRACE JERONYMOS, BISHOP OF BUKOBA.
Fr. Stephanos at the St. Thomas Home
in Singraja helps the children with their
studies.
His Grace, Bishop JERONYMOS,
spending time with younger members
of the church.
2 0 2 1 O C M C M I S S I O N M A G A Z I N E F A L L 2 0 0 6
Dear Friends of the Mission Center,
Missions trips: Vhy ycs, actually. !vc rcccntly
rcturncd lrom a short tcrm mission trip to Al
bania with CMC. !n lact, at my homc par
ish, St. 8arnabas, ! was onc ol 11 collcgc stu
dcnts (all lrom our parish) to go on shorttcrm
trips with CMC this summcr. Vc wcnt to
Kcnya, Tanzania, Alaska, Albania, and Roma
nia. !t was such an incrcdiblc cxpcricncc, and
! hopc and pray to go back whcncvcr ! can.
Vhilc wc wcrc thcrc, cach ol us had a uniquc
and inspiring cxpcricncc. Vc mct most ol thc
long tcrm missionarics, and wcrc so touchcd
by thc sacriccs that thcy makc and thc dcvo
tion that thcy had towards Christ and sprcad
ing thc lovc ol His Church. And now that all
clcvcn ol us arc homc salcly, wc arc working to
lorm a missions committcc at our parish, and
also to sprcad thc word about rthodox Mis
sions by visiting sistcr parishcs hcrc in South
crn Calilornia to spcak about our cxpcricnccs.
Mary Braun
St. Barnabas Orthodox Church
Huntington Beach, CA
Dear OCMC,
n bchall ol thc congrcgation ol Saint Hcr
man rthodox Church in Port Graham
Alaska, ! would likc to say Tank You! lor
scnding a Mission Tcam to our villagc. !t was
thc rst timc wcvc had a mission group hcrc
and it was a rcal cyc opcncr lor many. ur
church attcndancc has dcclincd grcatly ovcr
thc ycars and thcsc wondcrlul pcoplc camc to
hclp us rcbuild intcrcst in coming to scrviccs.
Tcrc havc bccn many commcnts on how kind
and lricndly this group was, which is cxactly
what our pcoplc nccdto know that thcrc
arc rthodox all ovcr thc Unitcd Statcs and
thc world is vcry cxciting! Vc wcrc dclightcd
with this group ol pcoplc. vcryonc ol thcm
LETTERS to the Editor MISSIONNEWS continued
The two weeks that the team spent
in Uganda, traveling over rough terrain
and setting up temporary clinics, were
not only about diagnosing, prescribing
or dispensing drugs to the needy and
sick Africans in the upcountry commu-
nities. It was nothing else but an exten-
sion of the healing ministry of our Lord,
Jesus Christ. Our Lords therapy was
not only physical, but spiritual as well.
It was a joy to see the doctors and their
assistants so involved emotionally with
their patients. The doctors went over-
board by giving out icons, crosses, as-
sistance, and above all LOVE. That was
the Christian witness that other worldly
doctors miss. This OCMC Medical Mis-
sion Team was not intended for the sole
purpose of proselytism, but love has a
magnetic catch, or reaction. The Spirit
of the Lord was blowing wherever It
willed. The doctors and I had to send
away many hundreds of patients unat-
tended because of our time constraints.
Yet after the team left we did not hear
ill words because people had not re-
ceived the medical care for which they
had come. Instead, people were asking
when the good doctors would come
back. People, even in Africa, can per-
ceive that there is a limit to human inter-
vention or effort. What was not nished
by the medical team, the Holy Spirit will
fulll. After the team left, many people
who were not Orthodox asked for more
information on the Orthodox Faith; oth-
ers have already started catechism and,
God willing, many will come to the com-
mon table of our Lord through baptism.
Another blessing that the Medical
Team brought to Uganda was a clergy
seminar on death and dying led by Dr.
Dan Hinshaw. All of the clergy from
the entire country were invited to this
event.
On behalf of His Eminence Metro-
politan JONAH, the patients served and
unserved, the priests serving in Ugan-
da and on my own behalf as the local
team leader, we would like to express
our heart-felt deep appreciation to the
American medical team of 2006, the
members of OCMC in Florida and the
board members and donors who made
this healing ministry to Uganda a suc-
cess. May the Name of the Holy Trinity
be gloried among His Saints.
Giving the Light of
Orthodoxy to All in Zimbabwe
H
is Eminence GEORGE, Metropoli-
tan of Zimbabwe, shares the many
ways that the Light of Orthodoxy is
spreading in Zimbabwe and Malawi.
One of the most exciting of these are
the massive baptisms which occur
three times a year after candidates have
undergone a six-month period of cat-
echism with lessons twice each week.
On the eve of Pentecost this year, 300
newly illumined were brought into the
fold of the Church. Two Zimbabwean
men began studies at the Patriarchal
Seminary in Nairobi, a three-year pro-
gram of course studies for the priest-
hood. Nektarios Justin, graduated in
July 2006 and is now offering catechism
in Malawi.
enrolled in tourism school. Food and
clothing are distributed to old people,
widows and widowers. The community
has also had the blessing of marrying
two couples from abroad, one from the
United States and one from Timor, East
Indonesia.
had somcthing spccial to ocr along with thcir
uniquc pcrsonalitics. As lor mc, thcy touchcd
my hcart and strcngthcncd my laith in thc r
thodox Church.
Vc gladly wclcomc anothcr mission
group in thc ncar luturc!
Thank you all,
Deborah McMullen
Port Graham, AK
Dear OCMC,
!t is my privilcgc and honor to givc you this
donation on bchall ol thc Sunday school stu
dcnts ol Holy Trinity. ur studcnts look lor
ward cach ycar to takc thcir coin boxcs homc
and comc up with crcativc ways to raisc moncy
lor thc rthodox Christian Mission Ccntcr.
Vhcthcr thcy sct up lcmonadc stands or havc
a dollar lor dollar match up with thcir parcnts,
it is lruitlul way lor thcm to makc a dicrcncc
to othcrs in nccd.
Sincerely,
Juli M. Pritsos
Sunday School Director
Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Cathedral
Phoenix, AZ
OCMC Healing Ministry
Uganda 2006
A Word from the Pearl of Africa
by Rev. Dr. Nicholas Bayego, Uganda
W
e waited with great anxiety for the
arrival of the Health Care Team.
The two weeks that they were here was
like a marathon journey around the vari-
ous parishes of the Orthodox Church in
Uganda. Every day the team journeyed
two to ve hours, which was enough
to drive one crazy. The program was
certainly a taste for the American mis-
sionaries of what missions is like in the
heartland of Africa. Headaches, fatigue
and mixed joy was the order of the day
after the typical African bumpy road ride.
Many of the team members may have
considered the next plane back to the
States, but they resisted that temptation
so that the healing ministry of our Lord
Jesus Christ could be accomplished.
They stayed rekindled by the beautiful
words of two beloved hierarchs in Africa
who say that the three important virtues
a missionary should apply are: rst pa-
tience, second patience, and third pa-
tience.
During the ten one-day clinics throughout
Uganda, Dr. Sanda Constantidi, along with an
interpreter, offers medical treatment to young
patients from the area.
Team Members from St. Barnabas Orthodox Church,
Huntington Beach, CA (Left to right) Peter Wilson, Hannah Ray,
Christine Gilbert, Sophia Olson, Joshua Haught, Claire Kruse, Fr. Wayne
Wilson (Parish Priest), Monika Lehman, Tim Fogle, Meghan Ray, Fr. Martin Ritsi,
OCMC Executive Director, Andrew Honore, Shannon Berry, Mary Braun
Children smiling as they greet His Eminence
GEORGE, Metropolitan of Zimbabwe
Coin boxes give kids a
chance to support Missions.
Go thcrclorc and make
disciples of all the nations,
baptizing thcm in thc
namc ol thc Fathcr and
ol thc Son and ol thc
Holy Spirit (Matthcw 28:19)
Taking the Gospel of Christ
to the ends of the Earth
1-877-GO-FORTH (463-6784)
www.ocmc.org
You can help us
to spread the
Gospel of Jesus
Christ around
the world.
Please mail your generous
contribution today!
2 2 O C M C M I S S I O N M A G A Z I N E W W W. O C M C . O R G O C M C M I S S I O N M A G A Z I N E F A L L 2 0 0 6
P. O. Box 4319 St . Augus t i ne, FL 32085- 4319
For More Information about OCMC: missions@ocmc.org
www.ocmc.org 1-(877)-Go-Forth (463-6784)