|
|
|
The Echoing Word by Fr. John Shimchick [Spring-Summer, 2001] Each year the Lenten and Paschal seasons prepare us for a primary, but essential affirmation that echoes within the Scriptures and our liturgical texts throughout the rest of the year: We believe in a God who is "life-creating" or "life-giving." This was the message of the Paschal Gospel: In Jesus Christ "was life, and the life was the light of men" (Jn 1:4). He came so "that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life" (Jn 3:16). We believe in a "life-creating" Trinity: the Father (Jn 5:21) and the Spirit (Jn 6:63/the Creed) "give life" as well. Everything that the Trinity does also offers life. So, if we allow ourselves to listen liturgically we will hear the following images echoing back and forth, again and again throughout our services and sacraments:
It is this echoing word, "life-creating," that we seek to explore in this issue. Fr. Michael Plekon examines it from the perspective of the life and ministry of Fr. Lev Gillet, the well-known "Monk of the Eastern Church." Gary Cattell shares from his 19 years of experiences in Christian discussions with college students at Penn State. Ivan Moody looks at the themes of life and death in the music of several contemporary Orthodox composers. Fr. Thomas George writes on its connection to the Anaphora. Archbishop Peter reviews an important group of documents entitled: "The Orthodox Church and Society: The Basis of the Social Concept of the Russian Orthodox Church." Lawrence Tosi, newly appointed Diocesan Treasurer, outlines his plan for a new "Financial Vision." Last fall, due to ill health, Fr. Alexander Warnecke retired as Diocesan Chancellor. Fr. Alexander died on Sunday July 1, the feast of SS Cosmas and Damian, while this issue was in publication. We remember his importance to the life of our Diocese and on his elevation to the rank of Protopresbyter. Special articles are presented in memory of Fr. George Timko and Kyra Shafran Griffits (daughter of Fr. Paul and Matushka Mary Shafran). There are reviews from several liturgical music workshops. Activities and special features from several parishes are noted. Lillian Lane writes of her trip to the Holy Land. Yvette Abdallah offers impressions of a course in Iconography. Fr. Ilya Gotlinsky is introduced as the new pastor of the Dormition of the Virgin Mary Church in Binghamton. We continue our movie review section and Fr. Stephen Siniari’s article, "Everyday Opportunities for Servants to See." Finally, we are happy to announce a new series, "The OCA’s Diocesan Family." In each issue we would like to highlight the history and life of a diocese in the OCA, written by representatives of that Diocese. The first installment features The Diocese of Canada. It is very easy to reflect endlessly on the all too human side of the Church’s life. The Scriptures and our worship remind us that God indeed seeks to enter into our whole life. May the "life-creating" mysteries of our Faith echo within us in ways that can help us to grow and be transformed.
|
|
|
