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A SUMMARY BACKGROUND HISTORY OF THE SOCIETY OF SAINT JOHN CHRYSOSTOM (SSJC), The Society evolved from a local non-official Orthodox/Catholic dialogue group. That group began to meet in 1994 at various churches. Led by Richard Mattiussi (Roman Catholic), Father Daniel Rohan (Orthodox), and others, the group explored topics such as: Who are Eastern Christians; The Mother of God in the East and West; The Role of Deacons - East and West; Purgatory and the Afterlife, etc. On February 17, 1998 a meeting was held at Lucianno's Restaurant in Youngstown to explore forming a local Society Chapter. In attendance were Bishop John Michael (Botean) of the Eparchy of Canton, Ohio for the Romanians, and Jack Figel, publisher of the "Eastern Churches Journal." Approximately 25 people, mostly clergy, attended the meeting. (The SSJC has existed in England since 1926, however, in the U.S. its presence was manifested primarily through ECJ. A U.S. National Chapter was established in 1998.) On September 22, 1998 a meeting was held at St. Mary Byzantine Catholic Church, Boardman, Ohio to introduce interested people to the Society. On November 13, 1998 a special event sponsored by the organizers of the Society was held at St. John the Forerunner Greek Orthodox Church in Boardman. Three bishops: Bishop John Michael; Byzantine Catholic, Metroplitan Maximos of Pittsburgh; Greek Orthodox, and Bishop Dale J. Melczek of Gary, Indiana; Roman Catholic addressed the subject of church unity. Jack Figel was in attendance. On March 2, 1999 an organizational meeting was held at St. Mary Byzantine Catholic Church, Boardman for the purpose of firmly establishing the local group. An Orthodox priest (Father Gregory Becker) spoke on "Fasting in the Orthodox Tradition." Meeting schedules, dues structure, agenda, bank account, etc. were established. (Vito R. Carchedi assumes chairmanship) On May 4, 1999 the first regular meeting of the established Society took place. At this time the Society had 21 official members. The speaker was a Redemptorist priest from South Africa (Father Gary George). The meeting was held at St. Dominic Roman Catholic Church and Priory in Youngstown. The Orientale Lumen III Conference of "Mary the Mother of God, and the Church" was held June 15-18, 1999 at the Catholic University of America, Washington, D.C. No local members were able to attend. This event is part of the Society's annual schedule. The next regular meeting of the Society took place July 6, 1999 at St. John the Baptist Orthodox Church in Campbell, Ohio. Father Daniel Rohan showed a video of an Orthodox Monastery and answered questions. As of this meeting the Society had 25 registered members. The next regular meeting of the Society took place on September 7, 1999 at St. Maron Maronite Church in Youngstown. Father Anthony Salim, pastor, provided an informative presentation on the Maronite Church. Geography, history, language, monastic origins, vestments, and icons were part of his talk. Three members of the Society attended and reported on the Eastern Church Traditions and Celebrations Seminar at Notre Dame College of Ohio, Cleveland, October 15-16, 1999. This seminar is part of the Society's regular schedule. Tuesday, November 9, 1999 was the date of the next regular Society meeting held at Infant Jesus of Prague Byzantine Catholic Church, Boardman. Monsignor Alexis Mihalik, pastor, presented a brief video which introduce Eastern Christianity and followed with a history of the Ruthenian/Rusin Church. The chapter has 27 members. Orthodox 3(2 laypersons, 1 clergy) Byzantine Catholics 7(4 laypersons, 3 clergy/religious), Maronites 2 (1 layperson, 1 clergy), Roman Catholics 15 (9 laypersons, 6 clergy/religious).
*As of February 29, 2000 the chapter counts 32 members. A SUMMARY BACKGROUND HISTORY OF THE SOCIETY OF SAINT JOHN CHRYSOSTOM (SSJC), YOUNGSTOWN-WARREN CHAPTER, 2000 AD. The regular meeting took place on Wednesday January 12, 2000, 7 p.m. at St. Mary Byzantine Catholic Church in Boardman. The main speaker was Bishop John Michael (Botean) of the Romanian Catholic Diocese of Canton and CO-patron of the National SSJC. His Grace spoke of the Pope's visit to Romania and Catholic/Orthodox relations. Local membership is 27. The regular meeting took place March 22, 2000, 7p.m. at St. Luke Roman Catholic Church in Boardman. The main speaker was Father James Daprile who spoke on "The Crucifixion in Western Art." Father's talk was accompanied by slides. The regular meeting took place Tuesday May 9, 2000, 7 p.m. at St. Mark Orthodox Church in Liberty. Father Dan Rohan, pastor and member, led a discussion of "Easter and the Risen Christ," in which the Holy Fire, the date of Easter, and customs and traditions of the season were included. Orientale Lumen Conference held June 2000 in Washington DC. No members attended, but area Byzantine Catholic priest was there. The regular meeting took place July 11, 2000, 7p.m. at St. Anne Ukrainian Byzantine Catholic Church in Austintown. The main speaker was Monsignor George Appleyard, pastor and member, who spoke on problems: doctrinal, ethnic, political, etc. in terms of Catholic/Orthodox dialogue. The regular meeting took place Saturday September 16, 10:30 a.m. at the Newman Center on the campus of Youngstown State University. Speaker was Jack Figel, national chair of the SSJC and publisher of "Eastern Churches Journal." He spoke and showed slides of trip with Archbishop Vsevolod to Bari and Rome. The local SSJC counts 38 members. Eastern Churches Traditions and Celebrations seminar held October in Cleveland. Several chapter members attended. Special Meeting November 19, 2000 held at Sts. Peter and Paul Ukrainian Orthodox Church. "Forum on the Papacy" with Archbishop Vsevolod of Scopelos, Bishop Thomas J. Tobin and Bishop John Michael (Botean).
*All meetings begin with prayer or prayer service in the tradition of that particular church. CHRONOLOGICAL BACKGROUND HISTORY OF THE SOCIETY OF SAINT JOHN CHRYSOSTOM, YOUNGSTOWN-WARREN CHAPTER, 2001 January 9, 2001 was the date of the first Society regular meeting of the year. The meeting was held at St. Nicholas Byzantine Catholic Church in Youngstown. Father David J. Shortt, pastor, spoke about the necessity of Eastern Catholic Churches to return to their authentic roots as full churches in communion with Roman Catholics. The next regular meeting of the Society was March 13, 2001 at S. John the Forerunner Greek Orthodox Church in Boardman. Beginning prayer service led by the pastor, Father Andrew Kolitsos, assisted by Fr. Abbot Leo, Fr. George Gage and Fr. Brian Mulcahy. In this year of celebration of the Holy Resurrection on the same day by Orthodox and Catholics, the Society rejoices that our prayer service included Orthodox, Roman Catholic, and Eastern Catholic clergy. "Journey of East and West to the Resurrection" was the topic addressed by the evenings' speakers: Fr. Kolitsos; Fr. Mulcahy; Fr. Anthony Salim; Fr. Abbot Leo and Dr. Susan Selim. Our Lady of Mount Carmel Church in Niles was the site of our May 15, 2001 regular meeting. Father MulQueen, assistant priest, spoke on the topic: Religion in America. Four periods of America's religious development were highlighted: 1) Calvinist; 2) The Great Awakening; 3) Irish immigration; 4) Immigration of southern and eastern Europeans. The Orientale Lumen V conference sponsored by the National Society of Saint John Chrysostom was held in Washington DC in June 2001. The theme this year was "Primacy and Conciliarity." Father David Shortt attended the conference. The next regular meeting of the Society was July 10, 2001. St. Mary Byzantine Catholic Church, Boardman hosted the meeting. Fr. Anthony Salim introduced his newly published book: Captivated By Your Teachings, a resource book for Maronite Catholics and others. Father David Shortt reported on the Orientale Lumen V conference. Father George Gage, host pastor, spoke on "The Miracle of Damascus." Myrna, a young woman of Damascus Syria, has experienced visions of Jesus and Mary, oozing of holy oil, and the stigmata. Myrna had visited St. Mary's church in the mid-90s. The regularly scheduled meeting of September 11, 2001 was canceled because of the terrorist attack upon the United States. Prayer services were held throughout the area. On November 10, 2001 the Society sponsored a full day seminar entitled, "Who Are Eastern Christians?" This event was in cooperation with the Christian Formation Series of the Office of Religious Education of the Roman Catholic Diocese of Youngstown. Five credit hours toward certification offered. Speakers included: Richard Mattiussi; Fr. Mikhail (Coptic Orthodox); Fr Vladimir Demshuk (Eastern Orthodox); Msgr. Appleyard (Byzantine Catholic); and Fr. Salim, Maronite Catholic. St. Mary Byzantine Catholic Church in Boardman and Fr. George Gage hosted the seminar. (The Society has 44 members.) SUMMARY HISTORY OF MEETINGS OF THE YOUNGSTOWN-WARREN OHIO CHAPTER OF THE SOCIETY OF SAINT JOHN CHRYSOSTOM, YEARS 2002, 2003, 2004 January 14, 2002 at Infant Jesus of Prague Byzantine Catholic Church, Boardman. Speaker, Richard Mattiussi, one of the founders of the local Catholic/Orthodox Dialogue on "Where We Have Been, Where We Are, Where We Are Going." (Review of our chapter history) March 11, 2002 at St. Mary Byzantine Catholic Church, Boardman. Speaker, Father George Gallaro, pastor of a Melkite church in Warren, Michigan and instructor at Sts. Cyril and Methodius Seminary in Pittsburgh, spoke on "The Italo-Byzantine Church." May 13. 2002 at St. Dominic Roman Catholic Church and Priory, Youngstown. Speaker, Father Brian Mulcahy of St. Dominic's on "The Roman Curia: Help or Hindrance to Unity?" June 3-7 2002 Orientale Lumen conference on "Eastern Catholic Churches: Window Between East and West". July 11, 2002 at St. Mary Byzantine Catholic Church, Boardman. Speaker, His Grace Bishop John Michael (Botean) on the recent Orientale Lumen conference. September 12, 2002 at St. Mark's Antiochian Orthodox Church, Liberty. Speaker, Father Daniel Rohan, pastor, on "What is the Baptism with the Holy Spirit?" October 11-12 Eastern Church Traditions seminar at Notre Dame in Cleveland on "Christians and Their Neighbors in the Holy Land." November 6, 2002 Special Event at the McDonough Museum on the campus of Youngstown State University. Speaker, Dr. Stephanie Smith on "Death and Commemoration in Early Christian Rome." November 12, 2002 St. Michael Carpatho-Russian Orthodox Church, Youngstown. Speaker, Protopresbyter Lawerence R. Barriger, Vice-chancellor the the Carpatho-Russian Diocese of Johnstown on: "The Use of the Old Testament in Eastern Christian Worship."
January 21, 2003 at the National Shrine of Our Lady of Lebanon, North Jackson. Speaker, Msgr. William D. Bonczewski, rector on "The History and Development of the Shrine, Hail Mary Full of Grace." March 19, 2003 at St. Mary Byzantine Catholic Church, Boardman. Speaker, pastor, Father George Gage on "Lenten Practices in the Byzantine Church." May 13, 2003 at St. Mary Byzantine Ruthenian Catholic Church, Youngstown. Speaker, Anthony Dragani, doctoral candidate and teacher at Duquesne, on "The Role of the Patriarchy." June, 2003 Oriental Lumen VII Washington D.C. September 2, 2003 at Queen of the Holy Rosary Catholic Church (Traditional Latin-rite) Vienna. Speaker, pastor, Father Joseph Valentine on "Traditional Catholicism." October 10-11 Eastern Churches Traditions seminar at Notre Dame, Cleveland. December 2, 2003 at Holy Trinity Romanian Orthodox Church, Youngstown. Speaker, Father Andrew Gall on "The Spirituality of Sanctification or The Orthodox Way." March 23, 2004 at Ss. Peter and Paul Croatian Roman Catholic Church, Youngstown. Speaker, pastor, Father Joseph Rudjak on "Ethnic Links Between Ethnic Culture and Christianity." May 25, 2004 at St. Mary Byzantine Catholic Church, Boardman. Speakers, Father George Gage, pastor, on Myrna of Soufanieh and His Grace Bishop John Michael (Botean), society patron, on "The Role of Violence in the Separation of Churches." June 21-24, 2004 Oriental Lumen VIII "Orthodox-Catholic Dialogue: What's Our Bottom Line?" Washington D.C. July 21, 2004 at St. Maron Maronite Catholic Church, Youngstown. Speaker, Father David Fisher of the Marianist University of Dayton on "Ideas of Salvation: St. Augustine and the Eastern Tradition." October 8-9, 2004 Eastern Churches Traditions seminar on "The Holy Spirit: Source of Freedom and Unity in our World." Notre Dame, Cleveland. October 13, 2004 at Christ Our King Roman Catholic Church, Warren. Speaker, pastor, Father Fred Lukehart on "The Luminous Mysteries of the Holy Rosary." November 13, 2004 at St. Mary Byzantine Catholic Church Boardman. Second of chapter "Who Are Eastern Christians?" seminar in conjunction with the Youngstown Catholic Diocese. Speaker, Father Thomas J. Loya, pastor of Annunciation of the Mother of God Byzantine Catholic Church, Homer Glen, Illinois. Spoke on, "Eastern Spirituality, Liturgy, and Icons." SUMMARY HISTORY OF MEETINGS OF THE YOUNGSTOWN-WARREN OHIO CHAPTER OF THE SOCIETY OF SAINT JOHN CHRYSOSTOM, YEAR 2005 January 11, 2005 at Saint Matthias Slovak Catholic Church in Youngstown. Speaker: John Righetti, president of the Carpatho-Rusyn Society on "The Quest for the Rusyn Soul: Misunderstanding and Healing in the Rusyn Religious Community." This covered how the Rusyn community split into Orthodox and Greek-Catholic and how they are working to heal the split. June 2005 Orientale Lumen IX East in Washington, DC and West in San Diego CA. Topic: "Structure of the Church, East and West." June 29, 2005 at St. Mary Byzantine Catholic Church, Boardman. Speaker, Father George Gage, pastor. Topic: "Journey of Faith from Romania to the USA, Part 1" October 7-8, 2005 Notre Dame Cleveland Eastern Church Traditions Seminar on "Mysticism: The Experience of God in Today's World." October 8, 2005 Byzantine Spirituality Conference Pittsburgh on "Heaven on Earth: The Church and Liturgy." October 11, 2005 St. Mark's Antiochian Orthodox Church in Liberty. Speaker, Protopresbyter Thomas J. Hopko, Dean Emeritus of St. Vladimir's Seminary on "Roman Presidency and Church Unity in our Time: Orthodox Reflections on the Primacy of the Pope of Rome." November and December 2005. Jack Figel of Eastern Christian Publications and the Society of St. John Chrysostom was involved in an ecumenical delegation to Rome and Constantinople. Mr. Figel accompanied Archbishop Vsevolod of Scopelos, one of the Society patrons and Bishop John Michael (Botean) of Canton. They were in Constantinople for the feast of St. Andrew, the patronal feast of the Ecumenical Patriarch. December 13, 2005 at St. Mary Byzantine Catholic Church, Boardman. Speaker, Father George Gage, pastor. Topic: "Journey of Faith from Romania to the USA, Part 2." SUMMARY HISTORY OF MEETINGS OF THE YOUNGSTOWN-WARREN OHIO CHAPTER OF THE SOCIETY OF SAINT JOHN CHRYSOSTOM: YEAR, 2006 February 7, 2006 at St. Dominic Catholic Church in Youngstown. Speaker: Melinda Knight, Director of the Diocese of Youngstown Office of Pro-Life, Marriage and Family. She spoke on "People of All Faiths Coming Together for the Cause of Life." (March for Life in Washington D.C.) Also speaking was the assistant director of the same office, Dan Thimons. His topic was Pope Benedict's first encyclical "Deus Caritas Est" (God is Love).March 23, 2006 at The Shrine of Our Lady of Lebanon in North Jackson. Speaker: Monsignor Anthony Spinosa, rector of the shrine, on "Maronite Lenten Traditions in Connection with Gospel Readings of the West Syriac Church." April 26, 2006 at St. Mary Byzantine Catholic Church in Boardman. Speaker: Jack Figel, founder of the Society of St. John Chrysostom in this country and publisher of Eastern Churches Journal. PowerPoint presentation on trip to Rome and Constantinople with pilgrims including Archbishop Vsevelod and Bishop John Michael (Botean). The group had private audiences with Pope Benedict XVI and Patriarch Bartholomew. Oriental X West, June 12-15, 2006 at San Diego California. Topic: Church Unity Before 2054? June 13, 2006 at St. John the Baptist Orthodox Church in Campbell. Speaker: Very Rev, Fr. Thomas J. Hopko, Orthodox theologian on "What the Orthodox would have to do in order for the Orthodox Church and Catholic Church to be in sacramental communion." Orientale X East, June 19-22, 2006 at Washington, D.C. Topic: Church Unity Before 2054? August 8, 2006 at Infant Jesus of Prague Byzantine Catholic Church in Boardman. Speaker: Monsignor Alexis Mihalik on "The Transfiguration of Our Lord in Byzantine Theology, Spirituality, and Art." September 12, 2006 at St. Mary's Byzantine Catholic Church in Boardman. Speaker: Michael Aquilina, author or editor of more than a dozen books on Catholic history, doctrine, and devotion. Co-host with Scott Hahn of various TV series on EWTN. Topic: The Family on Mission: Lessons from the Early Church. October 6-7, 2006 at The Eleanor Malburg Eastern Churches Seminar, Notre Dame College in South Euclid, Ohio. Topic: Learning the Language of Icons." October 18, 2006 at St. Mark's Antiochian Orthodox Church in Youngstown. Speaker: Ray Mastroberte, iconographer and cantor on "The Art of God Incarnate." November 16, 2006 at St. Mark's Antiochian Orthodox Church in Youngstown. Special Meeting on Focus Group concerning Viewer Reaction for WYTV Reports from Palestine and Israel Conflict aired in July of 2006. This special meeting was moderated by chapter secretary Ray Nakley. SUMMARY HISTORY OF MEETINGS OF THE YOUNGSTOWN-WARREN OHIO CHAPTER OF THE SOCIETY OF SAINT JOHN CHRYSOSTOM, YEAR 2007 Regular Chapter Meeting of the Youngstown-Warren Chapter of the Society of Saint John Chrysostom Saturday January, 27, 2007, 11:00 A.M. at St. Mary's Byzantine Catholic Church in Boardman. Speaker, Jack Figel, president of the national Society of St. John Chrysostom and publisher of "Eastern Churches Journal," who presented video that he took in Istanbul upon the Pope's visit this past November. Regular Chapter Meeting Tuesday, March 13, 2007, 6:30 P.M. at Queen of Heaven Byzantine-Benedictine Monastery, Warren, Ohio. Speaker, Monsignor George Appleyard, pastor of Holy Trinity Ukrainian Byzantine Catholic Church in Carnegie, Pennsylvania. Monsignor spoke on "Can the Eastern Catholic Churches Survive?" Regular Chapter Meeting Tuesday, May 29, 2007, 7P.M. at St. Mary Byzantine Catholic Church in Boardman. Speaker, Bishop John Michael (Botean), recently returned from the Orientale Lumen East Conference in Istanbul and from Romania where he attended a synod of the Romanian Greek Catholic Church. His was entitled: "What is Needed for Orthodox/Catholic Union?" SS. Cyril & Methodius Lecture Address-Pittsburgh 5-1-07 Dr. Paul McPartlan, the Carl J. Peter Professor of Systematic Theology and Ecumenism at Catholic University of America. Topic: "The Promise and Challenge of Catholic-Orthodox Dialogue."
Orientale Lumen Conferences Regular Chapter Meeting Wednesday, August 1, 2007, 7P.M., St. Mary Byzantine Catholic Church in Boardman. Speaker, the Very Rev. Father Bryan Eyman, whose topic was: "Wild Women of the Dersert: Mothers of the Eastern Church." Regular Chapter Meeting Thursday, September 13, 2007, 7P.M. at St. Columba Cathedral, Youngstown. Speaker, David Mills, senior editor of "Touchstone—A Journal of Mere Christianity." David spoke on the topic: "C.S. Lewis on Catholicism and Orthodoxy." SPECIAL EVENT: SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 29, 6:00 P.M. AT HOLY TRINITY ROMANIAN ORTHODOX CHURCH, YOUNGSTON, SAINT JOHN CHRYSOSTOM 1600TH ANNIVERSARY CELEBRATION (REPOSED 407 AD) SPONSORED BY THE CHAPTER AND THE EASTERN ORTHODOX CLERGY ASSOCIATION OF THE MAHONING VALLEY. SPEAKERS: REV. HIERMONK DR. CALINIC (BERGER, THEOLOGIAN AND MICHAEL AQUILINA, AUTHOR AND EDITOR. THEY SPOKE ON THE LIFE AND WRITING OF ST. JOHN CHRYSOSTOM.
NOTRE DAME SEMINAR: God: Glorious in Your Saints Regular Chapter Meeting Tuesday, November 13, (Feast of St. John Chrysostom in the Eastern Church) 7:.M. at St. Mary Byzantine Catholic Church in Boardman. Speaker, Father Gregory Jensen, Orthodox priest and doctor of psychology of religion. Topic: "What's Wrong with Us? Thoughts on Why East/West Christian Relationships are Difficult." SUMMARY HISTORY OF MEETINGS OF THE YOUNGSTOWN-WARREN OHIO CHAPTER OF THE SOCIETY OF SAINT JOHN CHRYSOSTOM YEAR OF OUR LORD 2008 Regular Chapter Meeting Tuesday January 15, 2008, 7 pm at St. Dominic Catholic Church in Youngstown. Speaker, Father Giles Dimock, O.P. on the recent motu proprio "Summorum Pontificum" of Pope Benedict XVI dealing with the liturgy. Many consider that the effects of the implementation of the motu proprio can influence East/West ecumenical dialogue. (Our chapter mourns the loss of Society patron Archbishop Vsevelod who died December 16, 2007) Regular Chapter Meeting Tuesday April 1, 2008, 7 pm at the National Shrine of Our Lady of Lebanon in North Jackson, Ohio. Speaker, the shrine's Rector, Monsignor Anthony Spinosa on the topic, "The Maronite Divine Liturgy." ‘Remembering Sacred Silence' is topic of 8th Annual Lecture The Rev. Dr. John Chryssavgis delivered the 8th Annual SS. Cyril and Methodius Lecture on Friday, May 2, 2008 at St. Paul's Seminary in Pittsburgh, Pa. Regular Chapter Meeting Tuesday May 13, 6:30 pm at Holy Trinity Romanian Orthodox Church in Youngstown. Speaker, Hiermonk Calinic (Berger), theologian and pastor of Holy Cross Orthodox Church in Hermitage, Pennsylvania on "Priesthood: Foundations and Reflections." Regular Chapter Meeting Tuesday June 10, 7 pm at St. Joseph Catholic Church in Austintown. Speaker, Father Pat Manning, Institutional Vice-Rector/Vice-President, College of Liberal Arts at the Pontifical College Josephinum in Columbus. Topic; John Henry Cardinal Newman and the Development of Christian Doctrine. Orientale Lumen XII Conference "Feast Days of the Eastern Churches" Washington, DC June 16-19, 2008 San Diego, CA June 23-26, 2008 and Detroit, MI July 7-10, 2008. Regular Chapter Meeting Tuesday July 8, 2008, 7 pm at St. Nicholas Roman Catholic Church in Struthers, Ohio. Speakers, twin brothers David and Jonathan Bennett, writers, teachers, bloggers, and converts from Anglicanism. Their topic, "Current Possibilities (and Drawbacks) of Online Ecumenism: Relations Between East and West." Regular Chapter Meeting Tuesday September 9, 2008, 7 pm at Society of St. Paul Monastery in Canfield Ohio. Speaker, Father Mark Gruber, O.S.B. a Benedictine monk of St. Vincent's Archabbey in Latrobe, Pennsylvania. Father is an Associate Professor in the Department of Sociology/Anthropology at St. Vincent College. Father Mark gives retreats and provides spiritual direction to both Religious and laity. He spoke on "The Monastic Desert and the Ecumenical Impulse—How Desert Spirituality May Provide a Basis for Deeper Communal Discourse Among Apparently Divided Christians." The Eleanor Malburg Eastern Churches Seminar October 10-11, 2008 at Notre Dame College South Euclid, Ohio. Topic: Marriage in Society: East and West or Nowhere. Regular Chapter Meeting Tuesday October 14, 2008, 7 pm at Holy Trinity Romanian Orthodox Church in Youngstown. Speaker—D. Hunter Haynes, founder and president of the Orthodox Christian Advocacy Institute. The Institute researches, investigates, and reports incidents involving the persecution of the Orthodox Church. Topic: Kosovo and the Desecration of Churches and Monasteries. Special Event: Third seminar in our chapter's series "Who Are Eastern Christians?" Saturday October, 18, 2008, 9 am to 3 pm at St. Mary's Byzantine Catholic Church in Boardman, Ohio. The presenter, Rev. John S. Custer, S.T.D., Academic Dean of SS. Cyril and Methodius Byzantine Catholic Seminary in Pittsburgh. Father's topic "How the Byzantine Tradition Reads the Bible." November 1, 2008 Byzantine Spirituality Conference in Pittsburgh on topic "Face to Face with God in His Word." One of the presenters Dr. Anthony Dragani. November 13, 2008 Feast Day of our Chapter Patron St. John Chrysostom. (Eastern new calendar)
SUMMARY HISTORY OF MEETINGS AND SPECIAL EVENTS OF THE YOUNGSTOWN-WARREN OHIO CHAPTER OF THE SOCIETY OF SAINT JOHN CHRYSOSTOM FOR THE YEAR OF OUR LORD 2009 Regular Chapter Meeting: Tuesday, January 13, 7 P.M., St. Mary's Byzantine Catholic Church in Boardman, Speaker Father Gregory Jensen, psychologist and Orthodox priest. Topic: "What Psychologists Can Teach Us About the Spiritual Life." Regular Chapter Meeting: Thursday, March 26, 7 P.M., Our Lady of the Holy Rosary Catholic Church in Lowellville. Speaker: well-known Catholic author Mike Aquilina. Topic: "St. Paul and the Eucharist." This event was part of our celebration of the Pauline Year. The 9th Annual SS Cyril and Methodius Lecture took place on Monday, May 4, 2009 at St. Paul's Seminary in Pittsburgh at 7:00pm. The featured speaker was Rev. Ronald G. Roberson. Topic: "Catholic-Orthodox Relations: Hopes for the Future" --a talk which draws on Fr. Roberson's extensive expertise in ecumenical studies. Regular Chapter Meeting: Tuesday, May 12, 7 P.M., St. Maron Parish in Youngstown. Speaker: Rev. Lee Martin, pastor of Christ the King Anglican Church in Columbiana. Topic: "Who are Anglicans or Those Christians Who are Heirs to That Tradition?" Both the Catholic and Orthodox Churches have had significant dialogue with Anglicans in the past. Orientale Lumen XIII, June 15-18. Washington D.C. Theme: "Monastic Spirituality for Everyday Life." Special Event: The chapter decided to have a public manifestation of our desire for the unity of the Apostolic Churches. On Saturday, June 27 at 11:30 A.M. our members and friends gathered in St. Columba Cathedral in Youngstown to pray for unity. Then the group marched to nearby St. Nicholas Greek Orthodox Church to pray again. Members were asked to fast for unity on Friday the 26th in preparation for the prayer and for the Apostles Feast of Saints Peter and Paul on the 29th. In recent years the Ecumenical Patriarch has come to Rome or sent his delegate for this feast just as the Pope of Rome is represented in Istanbul for the Feast of St. Andrew. Regular Chapter Meeting: Tuesday, July 14, 7 P.M., St. Mark Antiochian Orthodox Church in Liberty. Speaker: H. Paul Finley, Executive Director of Antiochian Village in Pennsylvania. Topic: "Journey of Faith: Baptist to Eastern Orthodoxy." Regular Chapter Meeting: Tuesday, September 8, 7 P.M., St. Edward Catholic Church in Youngstown. Speaker: David Mills, a former editor of "Touchstone." Topic: "Sharing Mary: How to talk to Protestant and secular friends about the Mother of God." The program also included a three member panel of former Protestants who are now Catholic and Orthodox. Each of the panel members, Nick Nolfi, Rob Grano, and Rob Corzine shared personal experiences and along with David participated in a lively discussion with the audience. Eastern Churches Seminar at Notre Dame College in Cleveland October 9-10. The theme is "Holy Communion: You and I in Christ." Special Event: Tenth Anniversary Celebration of the Youngstown-Warren Chapter, Saturday, October 24, at 6:30 P.M. Social Hour and Dinner at Gianna's Catering in Lowellville. National Chapter President Jack Figel presented a look back at what the Society of Saint John Chrysostom has accomplished at the national and international level since its establishment in the U.S. Regular Chapter Meeting: Tuesday, November 10, 7 P.M., St. John the Forerunner Greek Orthodox Church in Boardman. Speaker: Father Thomas J. Hopko, Dean Emeritus of St. Vladimir Orthodox Theological Seminary. Topic: "Putting Christmas Back into Christ." Special Event: On Saturday, December 5th, an extraordinary meeting was held at St. Mary Byzantine Catholic Church, 11:00 A.M., in Boardman, with Dr. Peter Gilbert, Orthodox Theologian from New Jersey. He taught an amazing variety of subjects at St. John's College in New Mexico and has taught Theology, Patristics, and Old Testament at an Orthodox seminary in Albania. Professor Gilbert's topic: "An Introduction to the Filioque Controversy." CHRONOLOGY OF THE YOUNGSTOWN-WARREN CHAPTER--2010 The first regular meeting of the New Year will be Tuesday the 12th of January 7 P.M. at St. Nicholas Roman Catholic Church in Struthers. Our speakers will be Father Bob Bonnot, pastor of St. Nicholas, and Father George Gage, pastor of St. Mary Byzantine Catholic Church in Boardman. Pope Benedict XVI has dedicated to the Priesthood the year-long celebration that spans from June 19, 2009 until June 19, 2010. It is the desire of our chapter to recognize and honor our priests serving people in the apostolic churches. Consequently, we have asked a priest of the Western Tradition and one of the Eastern Tradition to describe for us "A Typical Week (If There is Such a Thing) in the Life of a Parish Priest." We are extremely pleased to have as our speaker for our regular Tuesday March 9, 7 P.M. meeting the Most Reverend George V. Murry, S.J., Ph.D., Bishop of the Diocese of Youngstown. The meeting will be at Our Lady of Mount Carmel Church, 343 Via Mt. Carmel Ave. Youngstown, 44505. Bishop Murry will have as his topic: CONTEMPORARY ECUMENISM. The next regular chapter meeting will be Wednesday, May 12, at St. Mark's Antiochian Orthodox Church located at 3506 Logan Way, Liberty. Our speaker will be the Very Rev. Protopresbyter Kenneth Bachofsky Father is the pastor of St. Nicholas Carpatho-Russian Orthodox Church in Warren. Father teaches Scripture at Christ the Saviour Seminary in Johnstown. As part of our evening, for those wishing to attend, Fr. Dan Rohan will celebrate a Vesperal Divine Liturgy for Thursday's Feast of the Ascension at 6:00 P.M. Following liturgy there will be refreshments and a brief business meeting, after which our speaker will present a talk on "Holy Scripture and He Descended into Hell." ORIENTALE LUMEN Eastern Churches Journal, Eastern Christian Publications, and the Orientale Lumen Foundation announce a popular and scholarly conference for lay men, lay women, religious and clergy entitled Orientale Lumen XIV North and East. The theme for this year's conference will be "The Councils of the Church." They will be held:
Our next regular meeting of the Youngstown-Warren Chapter of the Society of St. John Chrysostom will be Tuesday the 20th of July, 7 P.M. at St. Mary Byzantine Catholic Church, 7782 Glenwood Ave Boardman, OH 44512-5823. Our speaker, Eric Sammons will have as his topic: Witnessing Orientale Lumen XIV, "The Councils of the Church," June 21-24. Eric Sammons is the author of the upcoming book Who is Jesus Christ? Unlocking the Mystery in the Gospel of Matthew to be published by Our Sunday Visitor in September 2010. The next regular chapter meeting will be Tuesday the 28th of September, 7 P.M. at St. Nicholas Roman Catholic Church, 764 Fifth St. Struthers, OH 44471, tele: 330-755-9819, web: www.stnickstruthers.org. Our speaker will be The Most Rev Robert W. Edmondson CSP, OSA, MDiv, STM, DMin, ThD, DD, LLD, who heads the Archdiocese of Pittsburgh-Ohio Valley. He will speak on "Who We Are." The Archdiocese of Pittsburgh-Ohio Valley (more commonly called the Archdiocese of the Ohio Valley) is part of the Anglo-Lutheran Catholic Church which belongs to the Augustana Catholic Communion. The ALCC is a small conservative Church with valid holy orders recognized by the Vatican. Presently it is in union negotiation with Roman Catholic authorities in the United States. The Archdiocese covers Western Pennsylvania, Northern West Virginia, Ohio, and Indiana. We are governed by ALCC canon law and that of the Augustana Catholic Communion. We follow Roman Catholic canon law to the greatest extend possible. Our liturgy is always Roman Catholic. THE 26TH ANNUAL ELEANOR MALBURG EASTERN CHURCHES SEMINAR ON THE 8TH AND 9TH. TOPIC IS: ORTHODOX AND CATHOLICS: TOGETHER AND YET APART. FEATURED SPEAKERS: FR. RON ROBERSON & ARCHPRIEST DAVID PETRAS. The next regular chapter meeting of the Youngstown-Warren Chapter of the Society of St. John Chrysostom will be Tuesday November 16, 7 P.M. at the Shrine of Our Lady Comforter of the Afflicted Catholic Church 517, S. Belle Vista Ave. Youngstown, OH 44509-2246. (330-799-1888) Our speaker will be Richard Mattiussi, Ph.D, one of the founders of our chapter. Dr. Mattiussi, will speak on "Joseph Ratzinger's (Pope Benedict XVI) Approach to Catholic-Orthodox Reconciliation—A Beginning." His subject matter is taken from his book The Ratzinger Formula. CHRONOLOGICAL SUMMARY OF THE MEETINGS OF THE YOUNGSTOW-WARREN CHAPTER OF THE SOCIETY OF SAINT JOHN CHRYSOSTOM - 2011
!. "A Review of Who the Maronites Are and of Current Maronite Liturgical Praxis"
2. "A Latin Priest's Experience of the Eastern Church"
3. "The Amazing Life and Death for both America and Russia of Patriarch Tikhon (Belavin)"
4. "THE CHALLENGES OF ETHNICITY FOR CHURCHES BOTH EAST AND WEST IN THE TWENTY-FIRST CENTURY-- AND THE CHALLENGE OF OUR YOUNG PEOPLE"
5. "Orthodoxy and the Roman Papacy: Ut Unum Sint and the Prospects of East-West Unity"
6. "From Convert to Deacon, My journey in the Ruthenian Byzantine Catholic Church" Compiled by Vito R. Carchedi, Chapter President. CHAPTER SUMMARY HISTORY FOR 2012 Our first regular meeting of 2012 will be at St. Mary's Byzantine Catholic Church, 7782 Glenwood Ave., Boardman, Oh 44512-582 http://www.stmarysbyzantine.org Phone/Fax: (330) 726-8573. St. Mary's is our chapter's home base. The meeting will be Tuesday January 10 at 7 p.m. Father George Gage, pastor of St. Mary's will speak on "The Miracle of Damascus, Church Unity: Priority or Apathy?." Second meeting: Tuesday, March 13, 7 p.m., Bishop John of the Ukrainian Greek Catholic Eparchy of Parma will speak on a topic of interest related to The Ukrainian Greek Catholic Church. The meeting will be held at Holy Trinity Ukrainian Greek Catholic Church, 526 West Rayen Avenue in Youngstown. This will be the first time our chapter has met at Holy Trinity. The parish celebrated its 100th anniversary this past year. Third meeting: Tuesday the 8th of May, 7 pm at St. Mark's Antiochian Orthodox Church in Liberty Township. Our speaker will be Dr. Edith Humphrey, William F. Orr Professor of New Testament at Pittsburgh Theological Seminary. She will speak on the topic: "It is Not Good...to be Alone: Gender, Sexuality and Communion in the Bible and the Christian Tradition". As an Orthodox Christian, she will lead us in an investigation of the God-given gift of communion in marriage, as seen in the Bible and Tradition, an analysis of how some contemporary theologians are misinterpreting the Bible and Tradition so as to make a space for same-sex "unions," and a discussion of distorted eroticism, how it is being approved by many today, and the challenges that this brings to those engaging in it, to society at large, and to the twenty-first century Church. Dr. Humphrey will have for sale copies of her new book, Grand Entrance: Worship on Earth As in Heave. Fourth meeting: Tuesday, July 10, 7 pm at St. Mary and St. John the Beloved Coptic Orthodox Convent, 8640 Squires Lane, Warren, Ohio, 44484. The Coptic Orthodox Church purchased St. Mary and St. John the Beloved Convent on February 1, 2011. Before the Coptic Orthodox Church, the convent was home to Benedictine sisters of the Byzantine Catholic Church. As the first Coptic convent serving ladies outside of Egypt, this center follows the coenobitic, or communal, monastic life. Consecrated for service, the sisters of St. Mary and St. John the Beloved Convent aid members of the community in addition to offering the prayers and meditations of daily monastic life. Our speaker for the evening will be Doctor Joseph Ragheb, MD, teaching Egyptian Culture and Coptic Orthodox Church History at the U. of Pittsburgh. He'll address these topics in his talk to our chapter. Fifth meeting: Tuesday, September 4, at 7 pm. The meeting will be at St. Mary Byzantine Catholic Church, 7782 Glenwood Ave., Boardman, OH 44512, (330)726-8573. Parish priest, Fr. George D. Gage. Our speaker will be Fr. Deacon Andrew Rubis of the Albanian Orthodox Church, Diocese of America (Patriarchate of Constantinople). The topic will be: The Albanians of the East in the West: A look at the Greek Rite Albanians in Italy and the Orthodox Albanians in North America. Sixth Meeting: Monday, November 12 at 7 pm. It will be held at St. Mark Antiochian Orthodox Church, located at 3560 Logan Way -(Youngstown) Liberty Township, OH. Mailing address: P.O. BOX 148, Youngstown, Ohio, 44501. Priest: V. Rev. Fr. Daniel Rohan, Church Phone: 330-759-8383, email: fr.danielr@yahoo.com. The speaker will be Fr. Radu Bordeianu, Ph.D. Assistant Professor of Theology at Duquesne University, "Overlapping Jurisdictions: Promises and Pitfalls for Orthodox-Catholic Unity." "The speaker will first explore the current jurisdictional situation within Orthodox and Catholic families (the latter including Roman and Byzantine Catholic Churches), focusing on the existence of various jurisdictions in the same territory of each Church. Then he will speak of the disadvantages of the present situation, as well as the way in which it could provide a model for further unity between Orthodox and Catholics. A brief discussion of the Papacy in a united Church will conclude the presentation." +++ On this evening our chapter prayed Great Vespers in commemoration of our patronal feast day of St. John Chrysostom and venerated a relic of the saint.+++ SUMMARY CHRONOLOGY OF YOUNGSTOWN-WARREN OHIO CHAPTER MEETINGS OF THE SOCIETY OF ST. JOHN CHRYSOSTOM FOR 2013.
JANUARY Father will speak on "Recognizing Ourselves in the Other: Does Liturgy Impact Ecumenical Relations?" The meeting is Wednesday, January 9 at 7 pm at St. Michael Carpatho-Rus Orthodox Church, 125 Steel Street, Youngstown, OH 44509.
MARCH
MAY
MAY (SPECIAL MEETING) Dr. Bunta holds a B.A. degree in theology from the University of Sibiu (Romania), a M.A. degree in biblical studies from the University of Oradea (Romania), and a Ph.D. in Hebrew Bible from Marquette University. Dr. Bunta specializes in the study of Second Temple Judaism and Christian origins, focusing particularly on mystical trends in pseudepigraphic and apocalyptic literature. Dr. Bunta coordinates within the department a seminar dedicated to "Trends of Ancient Jewish and Christian Mysticism." He is also an active member of the Catholic Biblical Association of America and the Society of Biblical Literature. THE PRESENTATION WILL BE HELD ON TUESDAY MAY 21, 7PM AT Temple El Emeth 3970 Logan Way Youngstown 44505, (330) 759-1429
JULY The St. Paul Center for Biblical Theology is a non-profit research and educational institute that promotes life-transforming Scripture study in the Catholic tradition. The Center serves clergy and laity, students and scholars, with research and study tools - from books and publications to multimedia and on-line programming. Dr. Scott Hahn is president of The St. Paul Center which is located in Steubenville.. THE PRESENTATION WILL BE HELD AT SAINT BRENDAN PARISH 2800 OAKWOOD AVE. YOUNGSTOWN, OHIO 44509 ON TUESDAY JULY 9 AT 7PM.
SEPTEMBER THE PRESENTATION WILL BE HELD TUESDAY SEPTEMBER 10, 7PM AT ARCHANGEL MICHAEL GREEK ORTHODOX CHURCH, 401 TWELFTH STREET, CAMPBELL, OHIO 44405.
NOVEMBER Our speaker will be Fr. Mauritius El-Anba Bishoy, Monk Priest who serves the monastery among his other duties. He is originally from Sydney, Australia and one of the initiators of the CYC (St. Moses the Black Coptic Youth Centre). He now authors the show, "Know Your Church" on Coptic Youth Channel. Tuesday, November 12 at 7 pm at Saint Mary and Saint John the Beloved Convent 8640 Squires Lane Warren Ohio 44484 Tel: (330) 856-2007 Fax: (330) 856-2006 stmary.stjohn.convent@gmail.com CHRONOLOGICAL SUMMARY OF MEETINGS OF THE YOUNGSTOWN-WARREN CHAPTER FOR 2014 Regular chapter meeting of 2014 will be Tuesday, January 14, 7 pm at St. Edward Catholic Church, 240 Tod Lane Youngstown, OH 44504. Our speaker will be Father Kenneth W. Rick. His topic: Jurisdictional Unity: Can Anglican/Episcopal Restructuring Serve as Model for Orthodox Churches? He then served as pastor of several small, rural churches and as Rector of St. Barnabas Episcopal Church in Springdale, Arkansas. In 2004, he worked for his Ph.D. at Liberty University in the Integration of Theology and Psychological Studies. Since retiring from pastoral ministry in 2007, he has taught Church History online at Liberty University. He also teaches World Religions at Grand Canyon University. Regular chapter meeting will be Tuesday, March 11, 7 pm at St. Nicholas Roman Catholic Church, 764 Fifth Street Struthers, OH 44471. Our speaker will be Father Bogdan G. Bucur, Ph.D. At present he is particularly interested in the pneumatological traditions of the New Testament and later Christian writings, and the New Testament roots of pre-Nicene exegesis of the Biblical theophanies. Father serves as pastor of St. Anthony's Orthodox Church (Antiochian Archdiocese) of Butler. PA. The title of his talk is "The Feet that Eve Heard in Paradise and Was Afraid": Learning Theology From the Hymns of Holy Week. Regular meeting of our chapter will be Tuesday, May 13, 7 pm at St. Mary Byzantine Catholic Church, 7782 Glenwood Avenue, Boardman, OH 44512.. Our speaker will be Rev. Joseph T. Hilinski, Delegate for Ecumenical and Interreligious Affairs, Pastor of St. Barbara Church, Director, Office of Continuing Education and Formation of Ministers for the Catholic Diocese of Cleveland. "The Dialogue of Charity" What has that meant for the churches of the East and West? What has that meant for our Christian lives in northeast Ohio for Christianity? Fr. Hilinski comes with a narrative of his local engagement as Roman Catholic ecumenical director since 1979 and what that dialogue has meant for the local churches of greater Cleveland. Orientale Lumen XVIII Ecumenical Dimensions of Marriage, Washington D.C. June 23-26, 2014. Regular Chapter meeting will be Tuesday, July 1, 7pm at St. Mark Antiochian Orthodox Church, Logan Way, Liberty Twp 44505, Ohio. Our speaker will be "The Very Rev. Canon Ignatius Kury is currently serving as Pastor of St. Anne Ukrainian Catholic Church in Austintown, Ohio, as well as works part-time in his Eparchial Chancery in Parma, Ohio. Father will speak on "Lex orandi, lex credendi: The Divine Liturgy as an Expression of Our Faith." Regular meeting of our chapter will be Tuesday, September 9, 7pm at St. Anne Ukrainian Byzantine Catholic Church, 3055 South Raccoon Road, Austintown, OH 44515. Our speaker will be Father Deacon Alexander C.Wroblicky, S.T.B., M.Th. Director, Office for Campus Ministry Diocese of Pittsburgh. He serves as deacon at St. John the Baptist Ukrainian Catholic Church on Pittsburgh's South Side. He and his wife Jessica, have three children. Father Deacon will speak on "The New Evangelization and the Eastern Catholic Churches." Youngstown-Warren Chapter 15th Anniversary Celebration, Friday, September 12, 2014. Honored Guest and Speaker, Jack Figel, National Chairman of the Society. Icons: Witnesses to Christian Faith and Life, The Eleanor Malburg Eastern Churches Seminar, October 10-11, 2014, Notre Dame College, South Euclid, Ohio. Light of the East Ecumenical Pilgrimage October 21-30, 2014 Rome and Constantinople. Regular meeting will be Wednesday, November 12, 7pm at St. Maron Church 1555 S. Meridian Road Youngstown, Ohio 44511. Our speaker will be the pastor of St. Maron's, Chorbishop Michael Kail. Our chapter will be celebrating the feastday of our patron, St. John Chrysostom (Nov. 13 in the Eastern Church). Consequently, Chorbishop Michael's talk will be "St. John Chrysostom and the Maronites." CHAPTER SUMMARY HISTORY 2015
First regular chapter meeting for 2015 Tuesday, January 13, 7pm at Holy Trinity Ukrainian Byzantine
Catholic Church, 526 West Rayen Avenue, Youngstown, 44502. Our speaker will be Rev. Father
Lubomir Zhybak, Administrator of Holy Trinity. His topic will be "The Ukrainian Catholic Church and
the Current Conflict in Ukraine." CHRONOLOGY SECTION 2016
January 14: The first regular chapter meeting of the year was held at Christ our Savior Parish, St Nicholas Church, 764 Fifth St. in Struthers, Ohio 44471. The speaker was Father Bob Bonnot (Pastor). His talk was titled: "Does the Roman Catholic Church in the U.S. Need Married Priests? Pros & Cons". There were several questions and a lively discussion ensued in the church and even down in the social hall afterward.
CHRONOLOGY SECTION 2017
February 2, Thursday (7 pm) (GROUNDHOG DAY!) - The first SSJC (Y-W) Chapter meeting in 2017 took place at St. Mary's Byzantine Catholic Church in Boardman. Fr. George Gage was the host pastor. Everyone was asked to bring a dessert item. Coffee and Tea were provided. Historic Accomplishments: 1. Ratified the new Constitution, 2. Nominated members to be elected as Officers and Trustees (based on the newly ratified Constitution), 3. Set a future date for the election of the 4 Officers and 3 Trustees. Newly Elected President will need to choose a Chaplain. CHRONOLOGY SECTION 2018
Tuesday, January 30 SSJC (Y-W) meeting at the Franciscan Shrine of Our Lady Comforter of the Afflicted in Youngstown. The topic was “The Franciscans and the East” and speakers were Fr. Vit Fiala, OFM and Lori Demiduk, OFS. They both gave great talks! Fr. Vit led us in Evening Prayer and served us some very delicious homemade soup on a very cold evening. Maybe he will share the recipe?! Franciscan hospitality is always a gift from God. Thank you! Prayer Chronology Links Quiz |