The Autonomous Orthodox Metropolia of North and South America and the British Isles

Consecration of Bishop CHRISTODOULOS of Miami and Cuba

noreply@blogger.com (Deacon Joseph Suaiden) — Wed, 15 Feb 2012 02:39:00 +0000

On Sunday, February 12 (NS), His Grace, Bp CHRISTODOULOS of Miami and Cuba was consecrated by His Beatitude, Metropolitan JOHN of New York and Bp FANOURIUS of Lincoln at the Holy Archangels Parish of Lincoln, NE, with the assent of Archbishop HILARION of Texas, who could not attend.

The new Bishop will be the Synod's representative for Latin American Parishes.

The Lincoln Parish was blessed with the consecration during a period of great change in the Metropolia, as it adapts to its current role of filling the void left by attempted absorption and collapse of the Milan Synod.

Bp CHRISTODOULOS is assigned as a Synodal representative for Latin America and currently has a mission in Miami and Cuba, as well as missions forming in other regions.

Many Years! Ad Multos Annos! ¡Muchos Años!

An Appeal for Aid

noreply@blogger.com (FatherAugustine Fetter) — Tue, 17 Jan 2012 16:45:00 +0000

To The Beloved Clergy and Laity of our Church,

The past year (2011) has seen many marked improvements and changes. Many of these we can see in our own interior struggles as well as in our exterior conditions. For us at the Abbey of the Holy Name, which is the administrative and spiritual center of our Church, we have witnessed the rapid construction of our new church. For several years the old stone superstructure sat on the property with no work; but, thanks to the God blessed windfalls of a few generous people, as well as the steady support, we were able to begin construction anew.

A few of our clergy, especially those who had contractor and construction skills, have provided them completely free of charge, which meant only the cost of building materials was needed, as well as gasoline to drive back and forth to get the materials. However, in the process, we have also experienced several set backs, that have led to unexpected expenses; such as the kitchen sink completely failing and needing to be replaced, water pipes freezing, the need for insulation to prevent further freezing, unexpected medical expenses, charitable giving on the part of the Monastery to help others, and other unexpected events.

I know many already give generously to us, and I know that the many who can't, are just as valuable Christian souls to us as those who can. And if nothing monetarily can be bestowed, then the offering of prayers, moliebens, and other services are greatly appreciated. We remember all the benefactors at our monastery when we sing the 15 Gradual Psalms prior to the Midnight Office.

However, for those who can do anything, or pass this problem along, we would greatly appreciate it. As a result of all the above enumerated problems, we have sunk deeper into the red as concerns our upcoming tax bill in April. As we are unable financially to pay the bill quarterly, we are forced to pay so yearly, which, unfortunately, means that the government ads additional 'fees' to our late payment. We are currently about 3,000 dollars past the red line. Now, if we could abstain from eating almost entirely, as well as using little to no electricity, and other extreme austerities (including forsaking heating oil, for which we pray for a continual light winter to help), we could make the bill, with room to spare. Sadly, our conditions do not enable us (especially with the people we care for here), to take such extreme measures at the present time (or, at least, we would be very loath to enforce such measures for fear of any further medical complications).

If it is at all possible, to remember us during this time, it would be greatly appreciated. Even if nothing can be given, we ask to pray that somehow the Lord would bestow something on us, even at the last moment.

Yesterday, when our kitchen sink broke, we had to remove it. In the process, we had to buy a new one from the Home Depot. During this trip, the three of us who went, were constantly thinking about how we could manage to do this. During the trip, our Metropolitan, Vladyka JOHN, was hit in the head with a board from car on the outside of the building (as Fr. Augutine, myself, and Fr. John, were loading up the materials just purchased). Vladyka had already been worried greatly about this matter of finances, additionally, he had forgotten to take his medicines earlier that morning, so, he was in not too good shape. Fr. Deacon John had to insist that he drive (since Vladyka, much to our chagrin likes to drive himself), and Vladyka was having many difficulties. He has tingling in his arms and fingers, his blood pressure was highly elevated, and he could barely operate as he should. Several of our clergy insisted he go to the hospital, but, he refused, saying that he was alright. He will be going to the physician this Thursday, so, I pray that we all pray he will be fine.

Forgive me for writing anything here that may put too much upon us as individuals, but, I believe that all Christian souls under the omophor of Vladyka John have a responsibility to help or remember him. This is not to imply that you have not helped in the past, are helping, or doing whatever you can, in whatever means you can, to help. But, it is, I believe, a simple reminder, of the fact that our situation at the monastery here, hangs on by a thread. If God should so will or allow, that we lose the monastery, we will continue, because the Gospel cannot be stopped by loss of buildings; but, it would be a blow to our work, as we would have no stable base to carry on the various works we conduct from here.

All this above, is in addition to the upcoming consecration of Archimandrite Michael, who is currently a Bishop-Elect, to the Holy Episcopate. As we currently have many missionary opportunities in South America, a future Bishop Michael will be a great help. Fr. Michael suffered greatly when he, the Abbot, left his small monastery and residence in Florida, after one of our previous priests (who owned the land the monastery was on) was coaxed to go to the Sergianist-Ecumenist Moscow Patriarchate. He finally, after some time (and much prayers from us, and what we could do), able to get a small apartment, and then, convert and baptise a few people. As there are many Spanish-speaking groups of people in South America who are interested in joining our Holy Metropolitan Church, and these groups wish to be traditional and true Orthodox Christians, the consecration of Fr. Michael is important in this work. Vladyka JOHN, does not speak Spanish, and he is getting older, and thus, his ability to travel, in conjunction with his other functions is now much limited in these southern regions of the globe.

So, in conclusion, and without meaning to sound too presumptuous, I ask for all your prayers, and good works, and any contributions to the specific issues I have addressed.

With many fond memories, and hopefully more in the future, and praying that God will help us in this time of need,

In Christ our Lord,

Hierodeacon Augustine
Abbey of the Holy Name

Contact Information

Telephone: 973-838-8795
FAX: 973-838-2228
Postal address: 100 Abbey Lane, W. Milford, NJ 07480-3909 USA

Hierodeacon Tikhon Suspended

noreply@blogger.com (FatherAugustine Fetter) — Tue, 17 Jan 2012 16:35:00 +0000

As of January, 2012, the current ecclesiastical status of Hierodeacon Tikhon is:

SUSPENDED

For questions concerning the legality or validity of ecclesiastical acts performed by the individual named above, please contact the Diocesan offices.

Construction of the New Monastery Church

noreply@blogger.com (FatherAugustine Fetter) — Tue, 20 Dec 2011 06:13:00 +0000

The construction of our new monastery church progresses, with much work down, including the baptismal font and the framing for the Rood Screen, as well as the rood image. Many thanks to God for all the help..

Below are some pictures from the construction this past Monday:

Rood Cross' future position, and the frame of the rood screen before final stage of construction.

Baptismal Font, very large, approximately 3ft high. Surrounding walls undergoing framing and insulation.

Recent Visit to Entrance of the Theotokos Mission

noreply@blogger.com (FatherAugustine Fetter) — Thu, 08 Dec 2011 00:02:00 +0000

On Saturday December 3rd New Style, which was November 20th Old Style, Metropolitan John visited the Entrance of the Theotokos mission. He celebrated the Divine Liturgy on the next day, which was Sunday. The visit was occasioned by the missions patronal feast. It was a joyous occasion, as a new reader was ordained, and greater spiritual ties were established between the faithful.

New Priest for AL and Southern Region

noreply@blogger.com (FatherAugustine Fetter) — Sat, 19 Nov 2011 14:24:00 +0000

On the 21st Sunday after Trinity, which was October 31st OS/ November 13 NS, Fr. Joseph Gagliano was ordained to the Sacred Order of the Priesthood by Metropolitan John. It was a joyous occasion, as several other clergy from Church were present, coming from neighboring areas to be present and serve at the Holy Liturgy.

Fr. Joseph was originally baptised in World Orthodox (the OCA), but after several year he left World Orthodoxy as a layman in search of True Orthodoxy. After several years of study, and months of conversations with Metropolitan John and several of our clergy, he decided to join our Church. He was Chrismated through the Order of the Reception of Heretic/Schismatics. He was subsequently ordained to the minor orders (October 28th and 29th Old Style), the Diaconate (October 30th Old Style), and then to the Holy Priesthood on the 21st Sunday after Trinity (October 31st Old Style).

Fr. Joseph concelebrated the Liturgy with Metropolitan John, with several Deacons serving. Fr. Joseph's father was present for the occasion.

Fr. Joseph then was allowed to celebrate the Liturgy on the Festival of All Saints, which took place on the Monday after his ordination. He then celebrated the Liturgy on All Souls Day which on the following Tuesday.

It was a joyous occasion, as he and his father provided a great deal of help to many of our clergy as we continue to build the new church building on the monastery grounds.

Fr. Joseph will be conducting missionary activity in Maylene, Alabama. Future details will be announced, as will pictures. His mission will be dedicated to St. Lawrence the Martyr, Archdeacon of Old Rome.

New Official Site Address: www.orthodoxmetropolia.org

noreply@blogger.com (Deacon Joseph Suaiden) — Sun, 07 Aug 2011 02:00:00 +0000

Reflecting the change of jurisdictional structure for the Autonomous Metropolia of North and South America and the British Isles, the official site of the Metropolia is now:

http://www.orthodoxmetropolia.org

Please update your bookmarks to keep receiving future news from the Metropolia, our Bishops and parishes.

New Bishop Consecrated for the True Orthodox Church of Russia

noreply@blogger.com (FatherAugustine Fetter) — Sun, 17 Jul 2011 20:47:00 +0000

July 4/17 Commemoration of the Holy Tsar-Martyr Nicholas

Metropolitan John, participated in the consecration of Archimandrite Daniel (Mogutnov), to the rank of Bishop. Also participating was Bishop Porphyrios of the True Orthodox Church of Greece. Metropolitan Raphael, Archbishop of Moscow, First-Hierarch of the True Orthodox Church of Russia was the chief consecrator. Bishop Daniel was previously the deputy chairman of the Department of External Church Affairs of the True Orthodox Church of Russia. He will continue to serve that function in his new capacity as bishop.

Pictures of the event can be found here:

http://ovcdipc.blogspot.com/

Joint Message of the True Orthodox Churches of Russia, Greece, Bulgaria, the Americas and British Isles

noreply@blogger.com (FatherAugustine Fetter) — Sat, 16 Jul 2011 22:30:00 +0000

GLORY TO GOD!

Message from the Primates of the TOC (R), the Synods of Metropolitans Anghelos, Gervasie, and John on the occasion of signing the Tomos of Canonical Communion
The True Orthodox Churches gathered at Moscow on 30 June [civil calendar 13 July], 2011:

Beloved! Gathering now on this glorious day at the holy Cathedral of the Twelve Apostles at St. John the Baptist Monastery - the spiritual center of the True Orthodox Church of Russia led by the Archbishop of Moscow the Metropolitan of All Russia Raphael, in order to witness our spiritual unity and communion, we, the primates and hierarchs of the True Orthodox Churches of Greece, Russia, Bulgaria, America and the British Isles, are appealing to all to follow the urgent apostolic calling, and to follow suit.

The past has shown us that in the twentieth century there was the beginning of the falling away -- a forerunner of the coming of the Antichrist (2 Thessalonians 2:3) -- when starting from the 1920s, one of the "official" Orthodox Churches, led by Constantinople, became controlled by the world behind the scenes. Another part of the Churches went into the service of the atheist Bolshevik regime when there was first formed the Moscow Patriarchate (1942), and then after World War II the other local Orthodox Churches in Eastern Europe fell under the control of the Antichrist's power. All this in turn gave birth to a movement of adherents of True Orthodoxy, locally formed in different countries, but especially in Greece and Russia, each having its own church structure. Trouble befell them, and it was our misfortune until recently that often, as the Apostle wrote, we were not jealous of true understanding (Romans 10:2), but were absorbed in endless genealogies and word-fighting (1 Timothy 1:4). Now is the time for all True Orthodox Christians to realize that the way of the so-called "World Orthodox" with its arguments about the diptychs, about who and under what conditions Local Churches can grant autocephalous or autonomous status is not our way. Let us not seek power over one another. Let us also not follow the vain customs of this world. Therefore let us leave the debates regarding "jurisdictions" and turn rather to the continual building up of the unique Church of Christ in love. It is in this Church that we find all effectiveness, and in which we acquire real unity. Referring to His Heavenly Father our Lord Jesus Christ testified in His High Priestly prayer when He spoke of His disciples and their followers: I in them, and Thou in Me, that they may be made perfect in one; and that the world may know That thou hast sent Me, and hast loved them, as Thou hast loved Me (John 17:23). Thus complete unity is achieved and we have a common faith in accordance with the preserved truth of Orthodoxy, in the words of the Apostle, through love (Gal 5:6), when this belief allows us to truly have unity in the Holy Eucharist. Thus it is to this love we urge all of you, True Orthodox. Let us love one another (1 John 4:7) in order to have this eucharistic interchange and therein find true unity in the Church of Christ. Then indeed we are one body and one Spirit, one hope and one Lord, one faith, one baptism and one God and the father of all (Ephesians 4:4-6).

+ Raphael, Archbishop of Moscow, Russian Metropolitan

+ Angel, Metropolitan Avlonsky and Beotiysky, chairman of the Holy Synod, Metropolitan of the Church of the true Orthodox Christians of Greece of the Patristic Calendar

+ Gervasi, Metropolitan Sofia and all Bulgaria

+ John, Metropolitan of New York,all America and the British Isles

Cathedral of the Twelve Apostles, the glorious vsehvalnyh, 2011

New Mission in Miami

noreply@blogger.com (Deacon Joseph Suaiden) — Mon, 20 Jun 2011 23:24:00 +0000

A new, Spanish-language mission has been established with the blessing of Metropolitan John, headed by Archimandrite Mijail (Acosta-- Bishop-elect) in Miami, FL. The name of the mission is the Holy Spirit Orthodox Mission, which began services-- most appropriately-- on Pentecost. The mission is currently located in Miami proper, and a new website can be seen, containing writings of Fr Mijail, at http://misionortodoxadelespiritusanto.blogspot.com.

Italian Website Not Recognized

noreply@blogger.com (Xenia Suaiden) — Sat, 11 Jun 2011 03:54:00 +0000

The previous websites of the Milan Synod in Italy are no longer recognized by our Metropolia as official sites, and have no connection with our Metropolia.

Great is the Harvest!

noreply@blogger.com (Xenia Suaiden) — Mon, 30 May 2011 11:41:00 +0000

"Then saith He unto his disciples, The harvest truly is plenteous, but the labourers are few; Pray ye therefore the Lord of the harvest, that He wills end forth labourers into his harvest." (Matt. 9:37-38)

How many of us have ancestors that were at one time Orthodox?

The Orthodox Church is the One, Holy Catholic and Apostolic Church, founded by Jesus Christ. It is the Ark of Salvation, and, as St. Cyprian of Carthage states, "There is no Salvation outside the Church." Thus, the Orthodox Church seeks to convert the descendants of her departed children. In North America, South America and Great Britain this work is carried on, though, slowly due to the lack of resources and the low spiritual climate. Yet, the opportunities for salvation are abundant if one is willing to make the sacrifice. The Autonomous Orthodox Metropolia of North and South America and the British Isles, is a True Orthodox Synod (i.e., Old Calendarist Orthodox Church), that seeks to convert as many persons to the true Orthodox Christian faith as possible.

Many Americans have Western European ancestory, meaning that they all have Orthodox ancestors, since they were all Orthodox prior to the Great Schism of the 11th century. For the Slavic peopls they have historically been Orthodox, and for the Middle Eastern, they have also been Orthodox. At one time Northwest Africa was Orthodox. The Spanish culture that expanded into Latin America was once an Orthodox culture. Even the heretical Nestorian, Monophysites, Uniate, and World Orthodox patriarchates were at one time Orthodox in their recent or distant ancestory.

One of the means of restoring people to their God-given original birthright is by returning to the historically ancient Orthodox Western 'rite'. This is the Liturgy, Ritual, and Divine Office as used by the Orthodox Christians of the West, around the time of the Great Schism. This in no way precludes one from using the Eastern Orthodox usage, which is the majority usage of Orthodox Christians.

In fact, many of the common uses among Western Christians of the present day hearken back to a time when the West was Orthodox Catholic.

Of course, if people wish to embrace the fullness of their Western Orthodox heritage, then it follows that today they must return to that ancient Usage which existed at the time of the Schism as so many of their forefathers followed, and they must accept the decisions of the Ecumenical Synods and those Synod and canons accepted by the Orthodox Church. To be truly Orthodox, one must also understand that this is not only a positive acceptance of the true Religion of the Apostles, and the Teaching of Jesus Christ, as those are explicated by the Holy Fathers and Saints, but, that this also involves the negative rejection of the modern heresies of ecumenism and modernism (as exemplified in the so-called 'Orthodox' Patriarchates, such as Moscow, Antioch, and Constantinople, and those in union with them).

We invite all of those who wish to return to that Apostolic Faith, the one established by Jesus Christ and confirmed in the heritage of so many of us in these lands, the opportunity to join us in our struggle for salvation.

Questions and Answers

We are planning a Question and Answer section to this site. If anyone has any questions about matters pertaining to Orthodoxy, anti-ecumenism, history, or the different liturgical rites and usages of the Church, or any other related question please reach out to the Diocesan offices through the contact page.

Metropolitan John's Visit to Greece

noreply@blogger.com (FatherAugustine Fetter) — Thu, 19 May 2011 17:29:00 +0000

From May 7th to May 11th, Metropolian John visited with our Sister Synod in Greece; at the same even Metropolitan Gervasius of the Bulgarian Sister Synod was present, along with Bishop Damascene. On Sunday the Patronal Feast of Monastery Convent of Theogennitoros was celebrated, with 5,000 persons in attendance for the celebrations at the monastery and the procession through the streets.

Short video clips of the celebrations can be found below, courtesy of Bishop Damascene.

Feast of Monastery Convent of Theogennitoros #1

Feast of Monastery Convent ...#2

Feast of Monastery Convent ...#3

Photos: Picasa Photo Album of Metropolian Chrysostomos of Ecuador

New Website for Mission of the Entrance of the Theotokos

noreply@blogger.com (Deacon Joseph Suaiden) — Sat, 30 Apr 2011 23:35:00 +0000

A new website has been established for the Mission of the Entrance of the Theotokos in Emmitsburg, MD for northern Maryland and southern Pennsylvania. The Mission Pastor is Rev Fr Elias Yelovich.

The website with more information about the mission and the pastor can be found at: http://entrancemission.org/

New Deanery For the British Isles

noreply@blogger.com (Deacon Joseph Suaiden) — Mon, 25 Apr 2011 20:08:00 +0000

Christ is Risen!

H.B. Metropolitan John of New York has named Fr Kentigern Reid as Dean for the British Isles. The British Deanery was established as part of the Autonomous Orthodox Metropolia of North and South America and the British Isles per the instruction of Decreto #582.

We will be adding the information shortly to our directory of Parishes. Further, we wish Many Years to Fr Kentigern in his new role of service to the Metropolia and the British Isles.

Status of Current Churches in Communion

noreply@blogger.com (FatherAugustine Fetter) — Mon, 04 Apr 2011 16:53:00 +0000

As of March 22 (OS)/ April 4 (NS), 2011 the Autonomous Orthodox Metropolia of North and South America and the British Isles is no longer in communion with Synod of the Autonomous Orthodox Metropolia of Western Europe (commonly called the 'Milan Synod'). This is due to the fact that the European Metropolia ('Milan Synod in Europe') broke communion with her sister churches, over her desire to unite with the World Orthodox Patriarchate of Moscow, which has been condemned by the European Metropolia's former Sister Synods in America, Greece, Bulgaria, and Russia.

However, the Autonomous Synod of the Americas and the British Isles still maintains communion with our Sister Synods:

Genuine Orthodox Church of the Patristic Calendar, under the presidence of Metropolitan Angelos

Bulgarian Synod, under the presidency of Metropolitan Gervasius

True Orthodox Russian Synod, under the presidence of Metropolitan Raphael

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New Priest Ordained for Minneapolis

noreply@blogger.com (FatherAugustine Fetter) — Sun, 03 Apr 2011 22:54:00 +0000

ON the Fourth Sunday in Lent (Laetare Sunday), Fr. Eugene McLawhorn was ordained to the holy priesthood by Metropolitan John. Fr. Eugene will serve as a priest for St. Patrick's Western-rite Orthodox mission in Minneapolis, Minnesota.

Ecclesiastical Status of Hieromonk Christopher (Wayt)

noreply@blogger.com (Deacon Joseph Suaiden) — Thu, 31 Mar 2011 05:49:00 +0000

As of March, 2011, the current ecclesiastical status of Hieromonk Christopher(Wayt) is:

SUSPENDED

For questions concerning the legality or validity of ecclesiastical acts performed by the individual named above, please contact the Diocesan offices.

Alleged Concelebration With the Moscow Patriarchate

noreply@blogger.com (FatherAugustine Fetter) — Tue, 29 Mar 2011 04:01:00 +0000

ON THE SUBJECT OF THE ALLEGED CONCELEBRATION IN EUROPE,

Metropolitan John has instructed me (Hierodeacon Augustine) to say that, based upon information available to us, we have not understood that there have been any concelebrations that have taken place between bishops of the Milan Synod and the Moscow Patriarchate. We are awaiting further information in terms of the details mentioned on the website of the Milan Synod.

The Autonomous Orthodox Metropolia of North and South America and the British Isles does not approve of any concelebrations with the World Orthodox patriarchates.

EDITOR: Since this post was published some 9 months ago, communion was severed with the Milan Synod of Europe. It was severed a few weeks after this post, due to the actions of Metropolitan Evloghios, who, under the advice of the now retired Bp. Abundius, ceased all communion with his sister Churches. This was unfortunate, and it has lead to his isolation, and his complete take over by forces attempting to destory his church and mission by bringing it in wholesale to World Orthodoxy, despite the fact that better knowledge is had regarding those apostate bodies desire to continue in the ecumenical and modernist heresies condemned by the Church.

Tomos of Autonomy

noreply@blogger.com (Xenia Suaiden) — Tue, 08 Mar 2011 23:30:00 +0000

original tomos0001

EDITOR: Since this post was published some 9 months ago, communion was severed with the Milan Synod of Europe. It was severed a few weeks after this post, due to the actions of Metropolitan Evloghios, who, under the advice of the now retired Bp. Abundius, ceased all communion with his sister Churches. This was unfortunate, and it has lead to his isolation, and his complete take over by forces attempting to destory his church and mission by bringing it in wholesale to World Orthodoxy, despite the fact that better knowledge is had regarding those apostate bodies desire to continue in the ecumenical and modernist heresies condemned by the Church.

Scheduled Maintenance

noreply@blogger.com (Xenia Suaiden) — Sat, 05 Mar 2011 21:28:00 +0000

The site will be undergoing a template change and maintenance. We will back back up shortly.

New Metropolia elevated by Milan for North and South America

noreply@blogger.com (Deacon Joseph Suaiden) — Fri, 04 Mar 2011 03:16:00 +0000

On February 14/27, Archbishop John (LoBue) of New York was elevated to the rank of Metropolitan of North and South America for the Autonomous Orthodox Metropolia of North and South America and the British Isles in Milan, Italy. Two new Bishops were elected to act as assistants to the Metropolitan. One was consecrated that week in Milan and the other is to be announced.

Metropolitan John is to be commemorated as "His Beatitude" in divine services of the parishes of the new Metropolia.

More information is forthcoming.

Many Years!

EDITOR: Since this post was published some 9 months ago, communion was severed with the Milan Synod of Europe. It was severed a few weeks after this post, due to the actions of Metropolitan Evloghios, who, under the advice of the now retired Bp. Abundius, ceased all communion with his sister Churches. This was unfortunate, and it has lead to his isolation, and his complete take over by forces attempting to destory his church and mission by bringing it in wholesale to World Orthodoxy, despite the fact that better knowledge is had regarding those apostate bodies desire to continue in the ecumenical and modernist heresies condemned by the Church.

Elevation Photos

noreply@blogger.com (Xenia Suaiden) — Tue, 01 Mar 2011 01:47:00 +0000

Repose of Bishop Pavlos of Maspeth

noreply@blogger.com (Fr. Augustine) — Fri, 04 Feb 2011 01:46:00 +0000

On the 21 of January OS, which is the 3 of February NS, the Right Reverend Bishop Pavlos of Masepth pased away of congestive heart failure. Bishop Pavlos had been experiencing several medical complications for the last few years, and was undergoing kidney dialysis, as well as having undergone surgery for a heart condition.

Bishop Pavlos was 85 years old, and the grandson of a Georgian Orthodox priest who lived to be 113. In his youth, Apostolos Metroupoulos, grew up on a farm with his father, and three brothers. As a child he always accompanied his Georgian granfather, who was already a very elderly priest by that time, as his grandfather would walk for miles every day to hear confessions, give communion, and to commend the dying. This impressed the young Apostolos with the dedication that a priest should have in fulfilling his duties, and in refusing ostentation and pretension. His grandfather also met St. Nektarios of Aegina, and was given an epitrachelion by the saint, which was later passed on to Bishop Pavlos.

During World War 2, Apostolos' (later Bishop Pavlos), and his family hid apporximaely 350 Ukrainian Jews who were seeking refuge in Greece. Although, being an Orthodox Christian, he and his family understood that Judaism was erroneous in rejecting Christ, they understood that their duty was to help people, no matter who they were. Eventually, Apostolos' father was reported for hiding the refugees, and he and his family managed to evacuate the Jews to a safer spot. Unfortunately, his father was machine gunned by German soldiers, losing part of his hand. Thankfully, they escaped.

After the war, Apostolos married, and became a police man. During this time he began to go to the Rizarios Ecclesiastical School. He was later ordained a priest in the State Church, but, later left, like many priests, who became disillusioned with the modernism in the body. He then joined the True Orthodox Church. Eventually he came to America in the late 60s, and served as founder and priest for the Sts. Haralambos and Paraskeva Greek Orthodox church in Maspeth, Queens. He was consecrated bishop in 1998. Until his health failed, Bp. Pavlos was very strict in observing the services, and carried on a Georgian tradition he learned from his grandfather of always delivering a vibrant hour long sermon along with serving a 3hr long or more service on Sunday morning.

It is with heartfelt sorrow at his death that we commend his soul to our clergy and faithful to pray for his repose in these 40 days after his death. May his soul be granted the peace and safety in Paradise where the Presence of Christ and the Saints are.

Eternal Memory!

Ecclesiastical Status of Hieromonk George (Grube)

noreply@blogger.com (Deacon Joseph Suaiden) — Mon, 31 Jan 2011 06:57:00 +0000

As of January, 2011, the current ecclesiastical status of Hieromonk George (Grube) is:

SUSPENDED

For questions concerning the legality or validity of ecclesiastical acts performed by the individual named above, please contact the Diocesan offices.