Spring 2016 - Fellowship of Orthodox Christians in America
Transcription
Spring 2016 - Fellowship of Orthodox Christians in America
SPRING 2016 volume 91 number 1 Also Inside: • Convention #90 in Chicago • Our Story: FROC/FOCA History • IOCC Basketball Clinic in Alaska The Fellowship and Sports: 2016 National Basketball (South River) and Bowling (Cleveland) Tourneys C O N T E N T S OCJ Orthodox Christian JOURNAL© SPRING 2016 VOLUME 91 NUMBER 1 FEATURE STORIES 5 Sweet Home Chicago: 90th National Convention in 2016 8 Calling All Youth/Juniors to Chicagoland COVER STORIES 9 FOCA Summer Sports Tournament 2016 Annual Golf Outing 10 IOCC Basketball Clinic Provides At-Risk Youth with Skills On and Off The Court 11 South River Hosts 2016 National Basketball Tourney 12 2016 National Basketball Champs and All Stars 13 2016 National Basketball Photo Gallery 14 Our Story: As We Celebrate Our 90th Annual National Convention, Let’s Remember How It All Began And Progressed Over The Decades: A Brief History: FOCA/FROC SPORTS CORNER 18 Cleveland “R” Club Hosts 77th Annual National Bowling Tourney 19 2016 National Bowling Tournament Scores 20 2016 National Bowling Tournament Photo Gallery 21 Transitions: Spring 2016 22 2016 Photo Contest, This year’s Theme is: God’s Creations: Nature 22 FOCA Calendar 2016 Kidz Corner 23 Saint Anna, the Mother of the Virgin Mary DEPARTMENTS 3 President’s Commentary 4 Editor’s Notes 4 F.O.C.A. Highlights and News-In-Brief The Holy and Great Council of the Orthodox Church: Pentecost 2016 Back Cover: 1st FROC Convention, Pittsburgh, PA 1927 Visit Our Website: www.orthodoxfellowship.org Scan these codes thoughout the pages by downloading a QR Code reader app to your smartphone to view more picures and info on the web! 2 Orthodox Christian JOURNAL • Spring 2016 NATIONAL EXECUTIVE BOARD SPIRITUAL ADVISOR V. Rev. Theodore Boback 2028 East Lombard Street, Baltimore, MD 21231 Office: (410) 276-3422, Fax: (410) 276-3422 email: [email protected] PRESIDENT Marge Kovach 8 Ginesi Drive, Clark, NJ 07066 Tele: (732) 815-9765, Cell: (917) 887-5023 email: [email protected] VICE PRESIDENT Allison Steffaro 38 Beryl Street, South River, NJ 08882 (732) 698-1952, Cell: (732) 395-1651 email: [email protected] RECORDING SECRETARY Tammy Schultz 4877 Founders Drive, Groveport, OH 43125 (614) 830-0492, Cell: (732) 395-1651 email: [email protected] TREASURER Michael Bowan 2100 Lincoln Park West, #9ES, Chicago, IL 60614-4713 (773) 975-0160, e-mail: [email protected] IMM. PAST PRESIDENT Becky Tesar 8205 Ivandale Drive, Parma, OH 44129 Res - (440) 884-6662, Cell - (216) 403-4070 email: [email protected] NATIONAL ADMINISTRATIVE SECRETARY Sandy Kapelan Fellowship of Orthodox Christians in America FOCA C/O Sandra Kapelan, 892 Scott Street, Wilkes-Barre, PA 18705 Phone: (570) 824-0562 Office E-Mail: [email protected] website: www.orthodoxfellowship.org To receive membership information contact the administrative office of the Fellowship of Orthodox Christians in America. CALL: (570) 824-0562 OCJOrthodox Christian JOURNAL © is the official publication of the Fellowship of Orthodox Christians in America Send all articles, photos and information to: Nicholas D. Ressetar, Editor 1510 Green Street Harrisburg, PA 17102-2511 E-Mail: [email protected] Phone: (717) 761-2121 MANAGING EDITOR Michael Schultz LAYOUT EDITOR Michael Schultz SPORTS EDITOR Sports Department PHOTOGRAPHER Leon Sheean Please do not send one-of-a-kind photos to the OCJ, send a copy. Returned photos are not guaranteed! The mission of the Orthodox Christian JOURNAL is to educate the membership of the Fellowship of Orthodox Christians in America, to showcase the talents of its membership and, in so doing, to propagate the Holy Orthodox Christian Faith. Mission Statement of the Fellowship of Orthodox Christians in America PRESIDENT’S COMMENTARY Marge Kovach 43rd National FOCA President TO WITNESS OUR FAITH BY CHARITABLE WORKS THROUGH FELLOWSHIP Twitter: @FellowshipOCA Facebook: FellowshipOCA Instagram: FellowshipOCA Orthodox Christian JOURNAL (ISSN 15247562), is published four times a year [Spring, Summer, Winter, Fall] by the Fellowship of Orthodox Christians in America, c/o 892 Scott Street, Wilkes-Barre, PA 18705. District & Chapter News: All copy must be typed and sent to the Editorial Office. “On The Road Again” In my younger days, I often joked that the FOCA should adopt the song that Willie Nelson made famous as our second anthem. “On The Road Again” accurately describes the sentiments around this busy time of the FOCA year. As is routine around the Fellowship, the joyous celebration of Pascha is followed closely with our thoughts turning toward our upcoming tournaments and national convention. On May 20th, FOCA faithful were “On The Road Again” to South River, New Jersey for a National Basketball tournament. Although a change of date may have created a conflict for some, we still managed to host a fantastic weekend filled with competition, fellowship and worship. Several groups, who traveled a distance, arrived a day or two early and played tourist in “The Big Apple”. Many came just to enjoy the weekend even though they weren’t playing. Two weeks later, many FOCA faithful were “On The Road Again” to Cleveland, Ohio for the National Bowling tournament. Bowlers of all ages and skill levels had a wonderful time coming together for singles, doubles, team bowling, fellowship and worship. And now we look forward to July 22nd and the 90th National Convention. You guessed it, many FOCA faithful will be “On The Road Again” to Chicago. I hope you are one of those faithful who will make it a priority to be there! Lastly, I want to thank each and every one of you for the genuine expression of sympathy and support offered to my family following the recent passing of my father. The number of cards and messages we received from FOCA friends was truly awesome. National Basketball Tourney Photo Gallery Subscription Prices: Single Copy, $3.00 in North and South America; $30.00 per year, $20.00 for two years, in US and Possessions, $14.00 per year in all other countries & Canada. Orthodox Christian JOURNAL © copyrighted 2016 by the Fellowship of Orthodox Christians in America. Reproduction in whole or part prohibited except by permission. All rights reserved. Title and ® trademark registered US Patent Office. PERIODICAL POSTAGE paid at Wilkes-Barre, PA and additional mailing office. POSTMASTER: If undeliverable please send form 3579 to the Orthodox Christian JOURNAL at c/o 892 Scott Street, Wilkes-Barre, PA 18705. Printed in the United States by Sir Speedy Printing 4573 Campbells Run Road, Pittsburgh, PA 15205 Orthodox Christian JOURNAL • Spring 2016 3 EDITOR’S NOTES Nicholas D. Ressetar Editor, Orthodox Christian JOURNAL As we ease into the summer months, the latest issue of the Journal is available for your reading pleasure. This is our annual sports edition, featuring both the national basketball and bowling tournaments. Basketball this year was sponsored by the South River “R” Club and held at the outstanding facilities on the Rutgers campus in New Jersey. Allison & Michael Steffaro chaired the event and, though teams were down mostly because of a lastminute scheduling snafu, the enthusiasm and sportsmanship were as great as ever. Congrats to new sports director Melanie Clark for her efforts and we’re pleased to bring out of semi-retirement the venerable Ken Baron (who assisted in running the games) for the write-up (and thanks to Allison for the photos). Btw, the buffet at the Portuguese club was incredible! Speaking of basketball, IOCC sponsored a clinic for at-risk youth in Alaska recently and we have the story. Cleveland hosted this year’s bowling tourney (the 77th) and #4/6 did an admirable job as always. Bowlers mostly from Ohio and some from nearby East Coast states participated in a weekend filled with fellowship. Thanks to Melissa & Becky Tesar for chairing the event --- the spread at St. Michael’s Shandy was most delectable. Our own Leon Sheean took the photos and does whatever it takes, whether crouching in the gutter at the lanes to get National Prez Marge Kovach’s first ball or standing on chairs during the awards banquet for the group pics! And this year’s summer sports golf outing is sponsored by Ambridge in the Meadville, PA area in August – this issue has the promo details. In honor of our 90th national convention (thanks to God for this milestone!), we’re including a brief, select history of the Fellowship/Federation since 1927 together with some historic photos, mostly from old Journals. The back cover features two iconic photos from the very 1st convention at St. Alexander Nevsky on Pittsburgh’s North Side along with the roster of original delegates. Let’s celebrate and remember our glorious past as we plan for the future! Chicago-land and its chapters will proudly host this year’s historic convention on July 22-25 in suburban Rosemont, IL. Shirley Bryar and Jackie Justice return in this edition with even more details on the scheduled events and many things to see and do. A “shout out” to all Juniors/Youth to participate in the special program co-sponsored by the national OCA youth department (under Andrew Boyd), Bishop Paul and the OCA Midwest Diocese and the FOCA. These kids are the Fellowship’s future! In Kidz Corner, Matushka Theodora brings us an activity on Saint Anna, the mother of the Virgin Mary and what grandmothers are called in different languages; be sure to enter this year’s photo contest (details inside); and we include a short piece on the Holy & Great Council of the Orthodox Church taking place in Crete. Finally, in transitions, we congratulate Deacon Joe Shaluha and family on his ordination (Axios!) and remember the life of Stephen Cimbolic, a longtime active member, husband of Marge and father of Marge, our national president (Memory eternal!) – our condolences to them and their family. Looking forward to celebrating our 90th in Chicago with everyone next month, and we’ll return with all the convention coverage in late summer .... till then, enjoy the Fellowship you find on these pages! 2016 Articles Deadline for the OCJ: Summer due August 15th Send all material to our Editor: Nicholas D. Ressetar 1510 Green Street Harrisburg, PA 17102-2511 Phone: 717-761-2121 WORD attachment articles work best within an E-mail: [email protected] Please do not send one-of-a-kind photos to the OCJ, send a copy. \Returned photos are not guaranteed! 4 Orthodox Christian JOURNAL • Spring 2016 F.O.C.A. HIGHLIGHTS AND NEWS-IN-BRIEF The Holy and Great Council of the Orthodox Church: Pentecost 2016 After over 50 years of planning and preparation, the PanOrthodox Holy and Great Council convened at the Orthodox Academy of Crete, Chania, Crete, Greece after the celebration of Divine Liturgy on the feast of Holy Pentecost (Sunday, June 19th) by Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew and Primates of most other Orthodox Churches; it closed on the Sunday of All Saints (June 26th). Fourteen Orthodox Church delegations were to participate; however, for various reasons, the Churches of Antioch, Bulgaria, Georgia and Russia have decided not to attend. (Editor’s note: the Orthodox Church in America (OCA) was not invited even as an observer although several clergy/laity went as consultants to other churches). Presiding is the Ecumenical Patriarch with the Primates seated to his right and left. Each Church delegation consists of its Primate and 24 bishops. At the Synaxis of the Primates at Chambesy in January 2016, two agenda topics were removed from the Council: the question of autocephaly and the manner of its proclamation and the question of the diptychs. These topics were deferred to another, subsequent Council. Also, it was decided to remove the calendar issue from the agenda because some local Orthodox Churches stated that they did not desire and were not ready for calendar reform. The Synaxis then considerably reworked the text on the impediments to marriage that is now entitled “the sacrament of marriage and its impediments.” This text was not signed by the Churches of Antioch and Georgia. The Church of Antioch also did not sign the decisions of the Synaxis of 2016. The following are the 6 items remaining on the Council’s agenda: 1) the mission of the Orthodox Church in the contemporary world; 2) the Orthodox diaspora; 3) autonomy and the manner of its proclamation; 4) the sacrament of marriage and its impediments; 5) the importance of fasting and its observance today; and 6) the relationship of the Orthodox Church with the rest of the Christian world. “The merit of [the Council’s] methodology – the consensus method (that is, decisions taken unanimously), which has also been the main difficulty, assures that the Council will be the manifestation of the unity of the Orthodox Church, and not the occasion of schisms or divisions.” – from www.holycouncil.org (the Council’s official website) FEATUREstories CHICAGOLAND TO HOST THE FOCA’S 90TH NATIONAL CONVENTION by Shirley Bryar The big weekend is almost here! The Chicago-area chapters of the Fellowship are both honored and pleased to host the FOCA’s historic 90th annual national convention in Rosemont, an idyllic suburb of Chicago itself. If you haven’t already done so, we hope that you will soon do the following: • Check your mail – the second mailing has gone out to all FOCA members (note: if you can’t find yours or didn’t get it, the mailing’s contents are at www.orthodoxfellowship.org for downloading) • Complete and mail the ticket order form to Judy Krajewski, 10562 B Palos Place, Palos Hills, IL 60465-1963 Convention Events Schedule FRIDAY: Following breakfast, book our 9:30 a.m. Trolley Tour. It leaves from our hotel right into the city to see the sites that Chicago is famous for, including Millennium Park, Navy Pier (the new Ferris Wheel opened Memorial Day weekend), Riverwalk, Hancock Center and the “Tilt”, Willis Tower and the “Ledge”, and so much more. The tour is 4 hours long, door-to-door and a restroom stop at Museum Campus. Cost is $35 per person. President’s Golf Open – for the golfers, the annual convention golf outing will be played at White Pines Golf Club in nearby Bensenville • Complete and submit your Sponsorship contributions to Toni Dorosh, 4917 N. Ravenswood, Unit 14, Chicago, IL 60640 • Our convention hotel is Loews Chicago O’Hare, 5300 N. River Road, Rosemont, IL – be sure to make your hotel reservations by calling 877-868-9134 and mention “FOCA 2016 Convention Group” or online at h t t p : / / a w s . p a s s k e y. c o m / e v e n t / 1 4 5 9 9 5 7 8 / owner/62658/home (or use code FOC906) - if flying into nearby O’Hare Airport, use the complimentary hotel shuttle • All convention info – events, ticket sales order form, sponsorship form, including memorials – is available at www.orthodoxfellowship.org; • Be sure to check out “FellowshipOCA” on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram & share your convention posts and pics using #FOCACH116 • Any general questions may be directed to Dennis Garlick, our convention chair, at [email protected]. (www.whitepinesgolf.com) – cost is $55 per person. The afternoon can be spent checking out the many things to see and do in Rosemont using the free Circular shuttle to get around: great shopping at the Outlet Mall, Kings Bowl, the Casino and many places for lunch and other sites to visit. In the evening, after dinner at the hotel or in one of Rosemont’s many spots, please attend the free “Open House” starting at 8 p.m. in the hotel with trivia, raffle ticket sales and a cash bar handled by our Friday Nite co-chairs, Larissa and Deb. At 8:30 p.m. a professional trivia game Orthodox Christian JOURNAL • Spring 2016 5 buffet. Cost is $90 – this event is certain to sell out so order your tickets ASAP. Chicago’s scenery is incredible – you’ll want to take many photos and probably a lot of “selfies” too to get a shot of yourself or family in front of one of Chicago’s sites! company will take over. It’s free to play and there’s a prize for the team which wins the most points. If you’d like to sponsor a raffle or trivia game prizes, please contact larissa. [email protected]. This evening is important because it’s the night for renewing old friendships and starting new ones, which was the reason for establishing the organization 90 conventions ago. We come together in friendship in our shared Orthodox Christian faith and our new desire to establish an OCA youth program; and, of course, we do good deeds. SATURDAY: The morning will feature the Fellowship’s opening convention session with the procession, molieben and meeting. The JUNIORS and youth have their own schedule, and will head out to Navy Pier for a full day of activities including the Ferris Wheel, a service project, lunch, Knockerball, vespers and dinner. After lunch, the ADULTS may travel by bus at 2 p.m. for vespers at the historic HOLY TRINITY CATHEDRAL and then embark on a dinner cruise of both the Chicago River and Lake Michigan – it features an Italian 6 Orthodox Christian JOURNAL • Spring 2016 SUNDAY: The Divine Liturgy will be celebrated at the hotel in the morning. Brunch is on your own and the afternoon is free for sightseeing, district gatherings or just relaxing. In the evening the Grand Banquet and Dance (with DJ) will be held. Adult banquet & dance is $90; adults banquet only ($80); adults dance only ($20) – adults save $10 by booking banquet & dance together; banquet (12 and under) ($45); dance is free for children 12 and under. Even if you don’t dance, some of our people have been known to put on a great show of their talents. You will have to attend to see who it is we speak of! A special thanks to Lori Garlick for planning the Saturday and Sunday evening events. MONDAY: The convention’s final day has the concluding sessions in the morning followed by a farewell. Suggestions for Those Arriving Early or Staying Around Conventioneers are invited to come early or stay a few days afterwards. On Thursdays at 7 p.m. in Rosemont are free concerts and fireworks at MB Financial Park – July 21st – Generation and July 28th – The Rush Tribute Project. It’s the 20th anniversary of the Tall Ships coming to Chicago at Navy Pier starting with the Parade of Sails on July 27th – 15 ships are expected this year. For those who like heights, there is the “Tilt” on the Hancock’s 94th floor and the “Ledge” on Willis Tower’s 99th floor. Millennium Park is a must with almost 25 acres devoted to artistic marvels. See the Frank Gehry pavilion, the serpentine bridge, the “Bean,” the twin water- suburb of Chicago – when we travel and people ask us where we’re from, we say CHICAGO! We hope to see all of you at this milestone, our 90th national convention. Dennis Garlick volunteered to be our chairman and he had a fine group of people to gather information and assist in many ways – they all worked hard, with much dedication. Actually, we were all privileged and humbled to be a part of this special gathering. Thank you, Dennis, for letting us be a part of this committee. So, we have planned the Fellowship’s 90th convention, and now we are waiting for all of you to arrive! spouting Crown towers. Across the street is the Chicago Cultural Center, famous for its free cultural events and the world’s largest Tiffany Glass Dome. A daily listing of free programs is on the center’s website. The St. Peter & St. Paul Church Choir of Burr Ridge has twice given concerts there. The Riverwalk is our newest major waterfront attraction, running along Wacker from State Street to Lake Street. In this park space are restaurants and tourist attractions, including Trump Tower, The Wrigley Building, the Tribune Tower, the Vietnam Veteran’s Memorial Plaza (largest outside Washington, DC) and the Chicago Bridgehouse Museum. All of our museums are worthy of your time, and we hope that you get to see as much as possible of “Sweet Home Chicago.” You know, it doesn’t matter if we live in a Orthodox Christian JOURNAL • Spring 2016 7 Calling All Youth/Juniors to Chicagoland! by Jackie Justice We have a fun-filled long weekend awaiting you! Starting on Friday with registration, you will get a t-shirt, water bottle and backpack. An “open house” and trivia night will start at 8 p.m. at the hotel. This will give everyone a chance to get to know each other along with testing your trivia knowledge. There will be a “crash room” each day during the convention as a place for kids to congregate, play games, meet new and old friends, dance or just relax. All activities will have adult chaperones. Saturday will be a fun-packed day. Starting in the morning at 9 a.m., the Juniors/Youth will convene for a special session of their own to go over the agenda, including discussions. Around 10:30 a.m. we’ll be off to Navy Pier, which is on Lake Michigan, in a coach bus. Included is a ride ticket for the new Ferris Wheel (Centennial Wheel), carousel, swings, fun house maze or other rides. Kid will eat lunch at one of the 4 restaurants. New at the Pier: for its 100th anniversary, the Polk fountain and plaza were constructed over a 3-year period, combining choreographed water displays, LED lights and a fog generator. Visitors are encouraged to walk through the fountain, which should be exciting for both kids and adults. Planned next is a surprise activity called Knockerball – you won’t want to miss this! In the late afternoon, they will attend vespers and eat dinner. The children will participate in “Feed My Starving Children” by packing food for the local needy. Sunday morning includes Divine Liturgy at the hotel. Change into swim wear and off to the water park for lunch and an afternoon filled with water fun. After a couple 8 Orthodox Christian JOURNAL • Spring 2016 of hours, it’s back to the hotel to rest and freshen up for the banquet and dance. On Monday morning they will give a presentation to the convention gathering Something new is happening this year at the 90th FOCA convention. To promote bringing all youth together, the Junior/Youth activities are being co-sponsored by the national Orthodox Church in America, the OCA Diocese of the Midwest along with the Fellowship. All kids are welcome between 5th grade through high school! The combined total cost for all the activities discussed above is just $120 (hotel room and spending money is additional). There will also be a chance to speak with Metropolitan Tikhon and Bishop Paul during the convention. And each day there will be a scavenger hunt with clues of “things” needed to be collected – at Monday’s conclusion prizes will be awarded. Last year at the joint FOCA Convention and OCA AllAmerican Council in Atlanta, Metropolitan Tikhon included these words in his closing remarks to the youth gathered there: “Bring your parents to church!” But it was also his wish and those of the children participating to build a strong OCA youth group. As this Chicago convention will be the first meeting since last year’s historic gathering in Atlanta, let’s make all of last year’s wishes come true. Let’s have the children tell their parents: “Bring us to the 90th, Home Sweet Chicago convention.” We hope to see all Juniors and Youth in Chicagoland this July! FOCA Summer Sports Tournament 2016 Annual Golf Outing Hosted by Ambridge “O” Club Entry Forms and Ad Forms are available at www.orthodoxfellowship.org Orthodox Christian JOURNAL • Spring 2016 9 IOCC Basketball Clinic Provides At-Risk Youth With Skills On and Off The Court Following basketball drills with former pros, IOCC US Country Representative Dan Christopulos led a discussion that allowed the Alaska Native youth to interact with the player mentors and learn about tools needed to deal with every day challenges. photo: Courtesy of the Diocese of Sitka and Alaska. Patrick Johnson, a former Duke University basketball player, runs drills with teen boys and girls at an IOCC basketball and mentoring clinic in Anchorage. The one-day clinics in Anchorage and the village of Napaskiak were aimed at providing a fun, sports-focused environment to reinforce healthy lifestyles and substance abuse prevention among Alaska Native youth. photo: Michael Dinneen/IOCC Baltimore, MD (IOCC) — A Saturday basketball clinic taught dozens of Alaska youth more than just the basic ball handling skills of the game. International Orthodox Christian Charities (IOCC) hosted one-day youth basketball and mentoring clinics in Anchorage and the village of Napaskiak to provide a fun, sports-focused environment and to reinforce healthy lifestyles and substance abuse prevention. The clinic introduced the atrisk youth to positive role models through the game of basketball and taught them how to build positive practices into their lives to lessen risk-taking behavior. Retired professional and college players Andrew Cladis, Andrew Snelgrove and Patrick Johnson volunteered as mentors. “The reason I got into coaching was to impact young people, and the opportunity to connect with at-risk kids and hopefully give them some positive messages to take forward in their lives was a no-brainer for me,” said Johnson, who played for Duke University and is now head coach of Men’s Basketball at Citrus College in Glendora, California. Andrew Cladis, a former professional player in Europe, added, “Basketball teaches qualities of character like working hard and handling adversity, and seeing the young people in Anchorage and Napaskiak demonstrate these traits, even in small ways during the clinics made this a success.” Substance abuse among Alaska Native youth is double the national average. At the same time, the majority of Orthodox priests in Alaska are Alaska Natives. IOCC has been working with the OCA Diocese of Sitka and Alaska and St. Herman Orthodox Seminary in Kodiak, Alaska, to implement a substance abuse prevention training program for seminarians and clergy that will 10 Orthodox Christian JOURNAL • Spring 2016 reach some of the most remote villages and communicate these messages to people within the Alaska Native community. “We are grateful for IOCC’s continuing support of our seminarians and clergy to learn the most effective methods in preventing substance abuse,” stated His Grace Bishop David of Alaska, “and are particularly pleased that these basketball and healthy lifestyles clinics allowed our youth in Alaska to concentrate on building positive habits in their lives that will protect them from so many contemporary negative influences. Battling the effects left from years of negative influences is an ongoing struggle for us, and thanks to the efforts of IOCC, we are now making important steps in the right direction for our clergy and youth.” While substance abuse ravages Alaska Native families, Alaska Native youth are passionate about basketball and eagerly participate – even in the smallest villages where it is difficult to find enough children to form teams in the schools. The clinic provided an ideal outlet to engage the youth in a positive way about topics that are critical to leading healthy lives. The clinic wasn’t just centered around the game. IOCC US Country Representative Dan Christopulos also led a discussion that allowed the youth to interact with the players and learn about the tools needed to deal with every day challenges. “Playing basketball is so much more than sports.” said Christopulos. “This program aims to provide youth with healthier lifestyle choices and the rewards that come with making those choices.” His Grace Bishop David of Alaska (back row, center) hosted IOCC staff and volunteers in the village of Napaskiak, Alaska for a day-long basketball clinic. The clinic is part of a larger effort between IOCC and the OCA Diocese of Sitka and Alaska and St. Herman Orthodox Seminary in Kodiak, Alaska, to implement a substance abuse prevention training program for seminarians and clergy that will reach some of the most remote villages. photo: Courtesy of the Diocese of Sitka and Alaska. COVERstories South River Hosts 2016 National Basketball Tourney By Ken Baron, Sports Director Emeritus The weekend of May 20-22 saw the South River “R” Club Chapter host the National Basketball Tournament. This was the third time that the games were held at the outstanding facilities of the Sonny Werblin Center on the grounds of Rutgers University in New Brunswick, NJ. With a smaller turnout, all of the games, including the championships, were able to be fit into Saturday’s schedule. Committee co-chairs Michael and Allison Steffaro did a great job of coordinating the weekend’s activities. The games began early on Saturday with a group prayer, led by Father David Garretson, pastor of SS. Peter and Paul Orthodox Church in South River along with His Eminence, Archbishop Michael, who later in the day addressed all of the participants on the court with his usual passionate and inspiring words. After the conclusion of the games in the afternoon, vespers were held at Saints Peter and Paul Church in South River, followed by a sumptuous buffet and dance held locally at a Portuguese catering hall. First year sports director Melanie Clark did an outstanding job during the weekend and also presented the all-star and MVP awards at the banquet, which were selected by the referees. Divine Liturgy on Sunday had a packed house at the Church which was followed by a brunch at the Church hall next door. The elimination of games on Sunday allowed the travelers to get a start on the road earlier than normal. Junior Boys – New Jersey were the champions, defeating Campbell as Alex Simenczuk was named MVP, and Joey and Luke Clark from Campbell and Greg Simenczuk (New Jersey) were selected all stars. Junior Girls – The finals saw Nevsky defeat a combination of Canonsburg, Cleveland and Campbell with Audrey Lane(Nevsky) named the MVP, while Sydney Harvischak and Amaris Rodriguez from “CCC”; Maryann Johnson and Savannah Strickland were named all stars. Senior Men – Campbell defeated South River with Nathaniel Nelko from Campbell being named MVP, with Andrew Jackson and Andrew Zelinsky from Campbell , Nick Lane from New Jersey and Andrew Nelko from St Tikhon’s making the all stars. Notes and Quotes: Excellent facilities again on the campus of Rutgers University… Great to see St. Tikhon’s field a team – their first appearance was in the mid 70’s when they faced Garden State who had a six foot seven center and two six foot five forwards, and Father Emil Hutnyan (height not disclosed) jumped center for St. Tikhon’s… Great to see Father John Steffaro and Matushka during the weekend and serving liturgy on Sunday.. Despite the sumptuous Saturday buffet and expansive Sunday Brunch, he said the killer was the couple of White Castle burgers during the The results of the play, by brackets, were: afternoon on Saturday.. Dance floor packed with Juniors Bantam Boys – The Canonsburg team defeated all Saturday night and the Hopak lasted 13 minutes and Nevsky in opening play followed by Cleveland/New 45 seconds… Referees commented throughout the day Jersey defeating both Canonsburg and Nevsky to end regarding the sportsmanship of the players, coaches up in a finals rematch between Cleveland/NJ and and fans… Melanie Clark did an outstanding job as Canonsburg. Cleveland/ NJ prevailed in the finals with Sports Director in her first year in that capacity…. Matt Bahorjak being named as MVP along with all-stars Allison Steffaro: Is it Route 18 North or South to get to Andrew Gresko (Canonsburg), Nicholas Kovalenko the church from the hotel via the printed directions?... (Nevsky), and Luke Phillis(Canonsburg) and Josh Great to see Archbishop Michael in attendance for all Bahorjak (Cleveland). of the games on Saturday…As always, the referees selected the all star candidates after every game.. . Host Bantam Girls - Nevsky defeated New Jersey as pastor Father David Garretson also served Saturday Carolyn Gribek was named MVP and Domineka vespers, attended the banquet (sitting with St. Tikhon’s Delaney, also of Nevsky, and Katy Illenye from New team) and served Sunday liturgy, warmly welcoming Jersey were all stars the players and guests. Orthodox Christian JOURNAL • Spring 2016 11 National FOCA Basketball Tournament 2016 Champs Junior Boys: New Jersey Junior Girls: Alexander Nevsky Bantam Girls: Alexander Nevsky Bantam Boys: Cleveland-New Jersey Senior Men: Campbell 2016 All Stars 12 Orthodox Christian JOURNAL • Spring 2016 Orthodox Christian JOURNAL • Spring 2016 13 Our Story: As We Celebrate Our 90th Annual National Convention, Let’s Remember How It All Began And Progressed Over The Decades: A Brief History: FOCA/FROC The beginning was modest. In May of 1927, St. Alexander Nevsky Church, on Ketchum Street in the North Side section of Pittsburgh, issued 200 copies of a 14-page parish magazine named “The Russian Orthodox Journal.” The masthead of vol. 1, no. 1 read: “Published monthly by the North Side Orthodox Church to promote the religious work of the church. V. Rev. Michael Fekula, Pastor; Vladimir Prislopski, Editor.” Russian school students “were given the privilege and honor to fold, wrap, address and assist in the mailing of the Journal[,]” they would later recall. It had an Easter theme, with the parish schedule, religious and general feature articles, and this invitation: “Let us hear from the other “R” Clubs throughout the country. Organize an “R” Club in your parish.” The next month’s copy noted: “Strange as it may seem, yet for the many thousands of young Russians of American birth, there is no national organization of any kind.” From the outset, Church leaders endorsed the aspirations expressed in the new Journal. Bishop Theophilus (later Metropolitan) of Chicago wrote to Fr. Fekula: “I have received the second number of “The Russian Orthodox Journal” and am greatly pleased with its contents and purpose. This is such an unusual event in our parish life that it gives me pleasure in congratulating you and Mr. Prislopski upon the contemplated work of uniting our youth into one friendly Church Choral Organization.” The September 1927 edition carried a special full page letter by Bishop Theophilus addressed “To the Russian Youth of America”: “We are very happy in the knowledge that the “R” Clubs are accomplishing this mission among our younger generation and are gratified with the splendid results of their work, which in a comparatively short time has created a great interest and desire to help the common cause. Every Russian Church in the United States and Canada should encourage and assist in the organization of “R” clubs, uniting them all in one great national organization, guided by the spirit of Orthodoxy.” The response was overwhelming. Subscription after subscription was received from parishes, existing parish organizations (choir clubs, etc.) and individuals. Among 14 Orthodox Christian JOURNAL • Spring 2016 the more remarkable subscribers was Grand Duchess Olga of Russia, sister of Tsar Nicholas II, who wrote a letter in English enclosing one dollar from her palace-in-exile in Copenhagen. Within months it was decided to hold a general meeting of various representatives and, on November 26 and 27, 1927 at the North Side parish hall, with those from Pittsburgh, west to Detroit and east to Connecticut participating, the Federated Russian Orthodox Clubs was born. Mr. Prislopsky, the church choir director, was elected president. And the first Junior “R” Club, for students, was established on December 5, 1927. The new organization continued to grow rapidly as word spread. The early Journals featured a mix of chapter and church news, summaries of conventions, recipes, practical advice, Bible readings, sports for the day as well as articles on theology, history, Russian culture, literature and poetry. Peter Fekula, working for the Ford Motor Co. in Europe, contributed foreign stories and photos from Russia, Latvia, Poland and other countries. A woman’s column was written by Olga Thier. Tatyana Boldireff was a frequent writer on things Russian, Michael Graban wrote on sports. Repeated features appeared on Monk Herman of Alaska, Father Alexis Toth, Father Innocent Veniaminov and other church figures. Original art work by Andrew Messick, later Nick Konon (for many years)and Samuel Ressetar adorned the covers. Recognizing the importance the new organization could play in keeping young adults in the faith, the Church actively promoted the FROC from its inception. In August 1928 Metropolitan Platon spoke “very highly of the young peoples in the Federated Russian clubs and [said] that he was in favor of the movement[.]” Fr. Joseph Pishtey, later Metropolia/OCA chancellor, wrote a lead editorial in March of that year calling for “the realization of the great role the Federation is destined to play in the future of the Russian Orthodox Church, and in the consolidation of all the choral circles and clubs throughout the country into one large organization.” At the second convention in Cleveland in September 1928, Bishop Theophilus addressed the assembly and compared the FROC to the Knights of Columbus or YMCA. By mid-1929, over 44 chapters had been established in cities (Pittsburgh, Detroit, Cleveland, etc.) and towns: Ansonia, Akron, Braddock, Mingo Junction, St. Clair, Scranton and others. Basketball, duckpin and baseball leagues were also organized. The FROC was incorporated in Allegheny County, Pennsylvania by Paul Barna. Nicholas Salowich drafted a constitution and by-laws which were adopted. An educational fund with “school stamps” was instituted for the training of choir directors and assisting seminarians to attend St. Sergius Academy in Paris, for America no longer had any seminaries or pastoral schools, a concern expressed by the FROC. This same fund was later used to start the first church school programs and conferences; a special meeting on the FROC School Program was held at the end of the 4th convention in Wilkes-Barre in 1930, where 51 chapters were represented by 150 delegates representing over 1,500 members. Andrew Goidich, Journal editor, became the second national president in 1931, succeeding Father Prislopky who had been ordained to the priesthood. And the Federation extended into Canada in 1932, with Chapter No. 65 founded in Montreal. The 1930s were a time of economic hardship with the Great Depression and church jurisdictional turmoil in North America caused by the unsettled situation of the Russian Orthodox Church in the new USSR. The FROC, however, was a source of stability, continued to prosper and grow, and took positions on current events. For example, the Detroit convention in 1933 sent a petition to President Roosevelt and Congress asking that the United States not recognize the Soviet Union unless it ended the attempt to infiltrate the Russian Orthodox Church in America and takeover church property. The 8th convention in 1934 protested the treatment of the Carpatho-Russian peoples in Czechoslovakia to the League of Nations. Two months later, the famous Cleveland Sobor was held at which the Metropolia proclaimed its autonomy. Many FROC leaders participated and President Paul Barna was named to the church charter commission. The Journal, which was the only available source of information in English, reported extensively on the Sobor. Events in Europe continued to preoccupy the FROC and the Church. Readers followed stories on St. Sergius Institute and the SS. Alban and Sergius Fellowship in England between the Orthodox and Anglicans. Calls continued for a seminary in America and in 1939, a theological fund was established to support St. Tikhon’s and St. Vladimir’s seminaries. A song book, a Russian textbook for parish schools, and a catechism were all published and distributed. The orphanage at St. Tikhon’s monastery was supported. The 1935 convention led to two more resolutions: concern for the upheaval of the Church in America and urging the Patriarch of Serbia not to create a separate church, and another protest against the treatment of Carpatho-Russian minorities in Czechoslovakia. Metropolitan Theophilus, who presided over the convention liturgy, permitted the use of English in the liturgy, apparently for the first time, and this created somewhat of a controversy for some. Journal Editor Fred Lewis replied: “FROC members have every right to demand a wider application of the English language in our church services.” In an address to the Synod of Bishops in May 1936, Metropolitan Theophilus, speaking of the divisions in the church, pointed to the Federation as a model of unity: “The Russian Orthodox Clubs and Unions of our youth knew no divisions and during the most difficult period of our church life. They have preserved themselves in unity, keeping aloof from quarrels about jurisdiction. Devotion to the one Russian Orthodox Church was and is their device, and great thanks of gratitude are due Father Vladimir Prislopsky, the founder and continued leader of the Russian Orthodox Clubs, in our church. By his work, [he] has brought great benefit to Orthodoxy in America.” At the 10th anniversary convention in Philadelphia later that year, the Metropolitan “termed the FROC an organization that is vital to the Church.” The 1937 Metropolia Sobor in New York City passed a resolution “blessing” the Federation, urging “all clergy and laity to lend every effort toward” it, and asking “[t]hat all clubs of our youth existing at our parishes associate themselves with the Federation and in such manner become one mighty organization with a common plan and purpose.” By the end of the decade, over 120 chapters had been formed. Also serving as presidents were Walter Bouquet, Jacob Russin and Andrew Salowich. The 1940s, needless to say, were dominated by the Second World War. Chapter news sadly reported the deaths of FROC servicemen each month. Women took over many leadership posts, such as district governorships. A serviceman’s fund was set up and a prayer book was published and sent to every American and Canadian Orthodox serviceman, whether a member or not. A chaplain’s fund completely outfitted the first chaplains -- Fathers Vladimir Borichevsky, Michael Kovach and John Kivko -- with vestments, vessels, etc. The sale of $256,000 worth of war bonds led to two fighter “aeroplanes” being named the “Spirit of FROC.” The War Memorial Shrine became an FROC project and resulted in the construction of St. Nicholas Cathedral in Washington, DC. The Pro-Cathedral Fund raised monies for the Metropolia’s headquarters, which moved from Houston Street to Second Street in New York City. In the Journal, a major series of articles by Bishop (later Metropolitan) Leonty appeared on the history of the Orthodox Church in North America. Sophie Koulomzine contributed many pieces on religious education, and the Sunday School committee continued to be a high priority. The William Fekula Scholarship Fund was set up as was a board of judges. Stories on and by seminarians at St. Vladimir’s and St. Tikhon’s ran together with their photos. All students at St. Tikhon’s became members of Chapter No. 121. Father Georges Florovsky, dean of St. Vladimir’s, gave the keynote address at the 1949 convention on “The Responsibility of the Orthodox in America.” The Junior division was formally established in 1946 with charters granted to 15 existing chapters of youth. And in 1945, the FROC mounted a special fund drive to send an American delegation of clergy to the Russian Orthodox Church sobor in Moscow, which elected Alexei as Patriarch; the Journal covered the story. The close cooperation between the Church and the Federation continued, with the FROC providing crucial support in an uncertain time. According to Metropolitan Theophilus’ report to the Sobor in Cleveland in 1946, the FROC, by resolution, “recognized the All-American Sobor as the supreme and only authority of our Russian Orthodox Church in America[,]” causing him to express his gratitude: “The FROC’s record, I am very happy to state, is one of helpfulness to the Church.” Statistics showed that, by the end of the decade of the 40’s, there were some 124 chapters with a total of 5,250 members. Serving as national presidents were Michael Perhach, Michael Orthodox Christian JOURNAL • Spring 2016 15 Pilat, Nicholas Coba and Walter Chanas. In the 1940s, the Federation formally adopted the motto: Pray (Molis), Study (Uchis), Toil (Trudis), Be Temperate (Trezvis). In his address to the 25th anniversary convention, Fr. Prislopsky said: “The motto, and this is probably the first time I have mentioned this, the motto [was] written by a great patriot of the Russian people in Galicia – Rev. John Naumovich, the motto that he wrote of the poem beginning with the first words of each stanza were taken by the FROC as our motto.” It was suggested to us by Fr. Ignatius Lachno of Scranton, PA when “we said that we were looking for a motto that would express the ideals of the Russian people, especially the youth.” The 1950s started with the selection of “Faith of Our Fathers” as the official FOCA anthem, after a spirited song contest, with words and music in English and Russian by Anastasia Karnow. 2,000 copies of the New Testament, in Japanese, were purchased for use by the Orthodox Church in Japan. The first oratorical and folk dance contests were held. In 1953, the FROC petitioned the Synod of Bishops to have Father Herman of Alaska canonized a saint. The next year, St. Andrew the First Called, was chosen as the Federation’s patron saint. The central administrative office was set up in 1955. Sports were a popular FROC activity, with basketball, bowling and summer sports tournaments held nationally and in many districts. Andy Seminick, a baseball star for the Philadelphia Phillies and FROC member, often was written about in the Journal and was a popular speaker, even offering to send juniors to baseball camp at his expense. And the 25th anniversary convention was held in Detroit in 1951 with Metropolitan Leonty officiating at liturgy. A wide variety of writers penned articles for the Journal: Ivan Czap on “The Aleut Peter: An Orthodox Martyr”; Paul Fekula and Julia Malinchok on St. Vladimir’s Seminary; Peter Melnik on “A Junior today is a Senior tomorrow,” a slogan adopted by the FROC; Princess Ileana (later Mother Alexandra) of Romania on “Orthodoxy in the US”; Fr. (later Bishop) Dimitri Royster on “Are You Afraid to be a Zealot”; Annette Milkovich’s series on “The Inquiring Photographer,” with topics like “What is the greatest need in Orthodoxy today?”; and Arlene Pilat on the national essay contest winners. Among those addressing national conventions were Dr. Paul Anderson of the YMCA International Committee on the Church in Russia, Fr. Alexander Schmemann, new dean of students at St. Vladimir’s Seminary, on theological education in America, and Fr. Stephen Upson on missions. With the scholarship program in place, recipients and their photos, such as Frank Lazor (now Metropolitan Theodosius), David Drillock and Michael Roshak, were regularly featured. A chapter was formed in Kodiak, AK. Junior advisors meetings were held and, although the number of chapters and junior membership continued 16 Orthodox Christian JOURNAL • Spring 2016 to increase, senior membership stabilized for the first time. John Daniluck, Walter Grivna, Michael Bezbatchenko, Ross Chepeleff, Peter Melnik and William Mayrich were national presidents during the 1950s. The decade of the ‘60s started with the first national church teacher’s conference, sponsored by the FROC, held at St. Tikhon’s Seminary in 1961. Some 282 participants heard the keynote address by Mrs. Koulomzine and attended workshops by Constance Tarasar and others. Metropolitan Leonty, speaking to the 1961 convention, paid the Federation this compliment in recognition of its efforts at unity: “If your organization of young people of the Orthodox Faith continues to keep its faith in the future as tenaciously as it has in the past, then it can unite not only its own social life but also our parishes, which our bishops are laboring to organize throughout the country[.]” The FOCA joined both SYNDESMOS and CEOYLA, with Mr. Chepeleff chairing the first CEOYLA Festival in Pittsburgh, bringing together thousands of Orthodox of many jurisdictions. Open concern was expressed, however, over the fact that fewer juniors were “graduating” into the senior division and more attention was devoted to membership growth. Resolutions were passed condemning the persecution of religion in the USSR and asking Congress to pass the pending resolution declaring Eastern Orthodoxy a major faith. A convention took place for the first time in California in 1966. National presidents were William Livosky, Peter Homik, Apollo Manchuk, John Bezbatchenko and Joseph Baldowski. The 1970s were highlighted by two events. First, the silver anniversary national convention occurred at the Waldorf-Astoria in New York City in 1976. Sponsored by the New Jersey District, it was perhaps the best attended and most profitable ever. Second, the FROC constructed an administrative headquarters building, with funds donated by its membership, in Wilkes-Barre. Dedicated in 1974 to the memory of Father Prislopsky, who had died in 1970, it served as the national office until its sale in the early 2000’s. Discussion on changing the organization’s name surfaced as did an official affiliation with the Orthodox Church in America, which had received autocephaly in 1970. Journal editors, like Mr. Chepeleff and Mr. Melnik, were openly calling for both. Metropolitan Ireney served at several convention liturgies and even addressed the attendees in English for the first time at the banquets; his final convention, in conjunction with the second CEOYLA Festival in 1977, was just before his retirement. History was made in 1978 when Alice Woog of Minneapolis was elected the group’s first female president. Also serving as presidents were Edward (later Father) Onisko, Andrew Cvercko and Michael Herzak. The Federation’s work continued in the 1980s. The United Fund, chaired for many years by Florence Boyko, supported numerous charities. St. Tikhon’s, St. Vladimir’s and the new St. Herman’s seminaries were all recipients of aid, with the latter receiving a new van. A sales department operated by the FROC enabled members and friends to purchase religious and ethnic items. The 20th consecutive FROC choir conference was held in July 1982, with over 150 attending. Although the 222nd senior chapter was created, a number of chapters had gone inactive with the resultant loss of about one-third of the membership from a peak of some 6,000 in the mid1950s. This phenomenon, experienced by other fraternal, ethnic and religious organizations, caused renewed interest in changing the FROC’s name. National presidents included Maurice Garman, Peter Junda, Michael Dorosh, Dr. Robert Weger and Peter Kohudic. In the last decade of the second millennium, members boldly responded to the changing complexion of contemporary American Orthodoxy. With decreased interest in Russian or Slavic ethnicity, the increased number of mixed marriages and converts, and the spread of mission parishes in traditionally “non-Orthodox” parts of North America, it was no longer viable to maintain an ethnic-oriented church lay organization. Yet the Church still had a need for a national network of dedicated Orthodox Christians -- laity, clergy, youth -- united across parish, diocesan, ethnic and jurisdictional lines, perhaps even more so than in the days of the Federation’s establishment when life (work, church, school) all revolved around the local parish and the local town. After a certain degree of soul-searching, the Federated Russian Orthodox Clubs became the Fellowship of Orthodox Christians in America, the FOCA entered into a formal affiliation with the Orthodox Church in America (while staying open to those outside the OCA), and the Russian Orthodox Journal was renamed the Orthodox Christian Journal. It was, in retrospect, a natural evolution. Metropolitan Theodosius, who was named a life member, faithfully participated in the national conventions. Nicholas Vansuch, John Kruchok, Dr. Michael Wusylko, Carol Deerson, John Petronko and Sandra Fedorko were national presidents during the period of transition. In 2001 the Fellowship celebrated its 75th annual, diamond anniversary national convention in Pittsburgh, where it all started in 1927, and sponsored by the Pittsburgh District. Hundreds made the effort to participate in this celebration, traveling from all parts of the country. The entire OCA Chancery, led by Chancellor Fr. Robert Kondratick was present; Archbishop Herman substituted for Metropolitan Theodosius who was on medical leave. Former Philadelphia Phillies star Andy Seminick was there as was John Daniluck, a life member. Shown at the banquet was a documentary film produced by Gregory “Grisha” Ressetar, grandson of Fr. Prislopsky. Gregg Nescott provided an informative historical overview at the banquet; Fr. Igor Soroka directed the talented diocesan choir in a number of pieces. It truly was a weekend to remember. The FOCA continued to be a major church organization into the 2000s, funding a vehicle for St. Herman’s Seminary in Alaska and continuing to sponsor a variety of programs and tournaments. Fr. Michael Anderson served as both OCA youth director and Junior Department chair during these productive years. Metropolitan Theodosius, a life member, was specially honored at the 2002 national convention upon his retirement as OCA primate after 25 years. John “Lefty” Sutyak of Cleveland left a major endowment to fund national sporting events; at the national basketball tournament in Cleveland in the late 2000s, nearly 500 attended the awards banquet. The Junior Olympics or “national junior summer sports tournament” is held each and every year at St. Vladimir Camp and Retreat Center in northeast Ohio; a 50th anniversary celebration was held at St. Michael’s Woodside in 2014 and specially honored were the camp directors through the years. And the Orthodox Christian Journal, under Michael Schultz, publisher, and Nicholas D. Ressetar, editor (since 2002) and grandson of Fr. Prislopsky, has continued to publish in hard print and electronically, making it the oldest, continuous English-language Orthodox Christian publication. At the national convention in Nashville in 2007, the Fellowship resolved to undertake its greatest challenge: the initial funding of married student housing at St. Tikhon’s Seminary. Encouraged by then Seminary Dean and now Rector, Archbishop Michael (Dahulich), a $300,000 goal was established. The Orthodox Church in America underwent a “time of troubles” beginning in 2008 and the FOCA remained a steadying force. Participating faithfully in its national conventions during these years were Metropolitans Herman, Jonah and now Tikhon as well as OCA Chancellor Fr. John Jillions and Secretary Fr. Eric Tosi. And serving as national presidents were John R. Kruchok (a 2nd term), Dr. John Schultz (2 separate terms), Michael Steffaro, Polly Walker, Rebecca Tesar and now Marge Kovach. In July 2015, the Fellowship held its national convention in conjunction with the OCA’s All-American Council in Atlanta, a first-ever. The highlight was the presentation of a symbolic check for $300,000 to St. Tikhon’s Seminary – the goal had finally been met after years of hard work and effort! Metropolitan Tikhon praised the FOCA for this significant achievement, and he and the Holy Synod of Bishops participated in the convention banquet. From the council came a call for a national OCA youth program, which the Fellowship has been promoting from the start in 1927. Now, in July 2016, the FOCA is poised to celebrate its 90th national convention in Rosemont, IL, suburban Chicago, hosted by the Chicago-area chapters. It is a time of new challenges and hurdles, but new opportunities and goals await us as well. The history of the Fellowship and its members is the Church’s own history. And despite all that has happened since that humble first meeting in Northside Pittsburgh in 1927, the Fellowship’s central mission remains what was on the first page of that very first little Journal: “to promote the religious work of the church.” Editor’s Note: a version of this select history appeared in the former The Orthodox Church newspaper, together with photos, in the summer of 2001 as edited by Fr. John Matusiak in conjunction with the Fellowship’s 75th anniversary. Orthodox Christian JOURNAL • Spring 2016 17 SPORTScorner Cleveland “R” Club Hosts 77th Annual National Bowling Tourney This year’s national bowling tournament, sponsored by the Cleveland “R” Club, #4/6, was held in the Cleveland, Ohio-area over the weekend of June 3-5. Melissa and Becky Tesar served as co-chairs. Team bowling was held Friday evening at the Freeway Lanes in nearby Parma with an open house held afterwards at the Crowne Plaza Hotel in Independence. Mary Jane Lucak and Helen Gaborick handled registration. Bowlers gathered early on Saturday morning for doubles and singles. Father John Zdinak of St. Theodosius Cathedral led the opening prayer with the singing of “Christ is Risen!” and the national and FOCA anthems were sung. Then the big moment: National President Marge Kovach rolled out the ceremonial first ball as Journal photojournalist Leon Sheean captured it while poised precariously in the right gutter – she somehow missed him! Bowling continued well into the afternoon and several Juniors joined in the bowling fun. Vespers was served by Father Nicholas Wyslutsky (of St. Nicholas Church in Mogadore, OH) at St. Michael’s Church in Broadview Heights and then the awards banquet followed at the Shandy behind the parish’s Woodside Center as a light rain began to fall. A variety of meats was featured on the menu, including ribs and pulled pork. John Mindala served as bartender. After dinner, 18 Orthodox Christian JOURNAL • Spring 2016 Melissa Tesar welcomed all the bowlers and thanked them for participating. National Sports Director Melanie Clark and son George presented the awards to the winning teams and bowlers (all the scores are in this issue). Congrats to all the winners! Sunday Divine Liturgy was celebrated by Father Basil Stoyka (with Serbian Bishop Sava present in the altar), who greeted the bowlers after the service. Thanks to Cleveland for a great weekend of bowling and fellowship! Odds and ends: many bowlers donned Cavaliers sports stuff as their NBA team was in the playoffs (and just won!) . . . the TV screens on each lane during Friday’s games showed the AHL finals with Cleveland playing your Editor’s Hershey Bears . . . Father Peter Pawlack stopped by the alleys to watch son Greg ... the Markvan family (Bob the dad, Aaron the son & Miriam the daughter) should consider joining the PBA tour – awesome bowlers! ... John Lord & Mark Marton enjoyed good-natured ribbing at Anthony Schultz’ expense ... some went to the Indians game Sunday afternoon as they swept the 4-game series against the Royals to move into first place... the lanes actually charged $2.25 for shoe rental, a tourney first .. Mom Lissa & daughter Kyra Molchan bowled doubles together and won the handicap, too! BOWLING SCORES Women Singles HDCP 1. Becky Tesar 2. Melissa Tesar 3. Kyra Molchan 4. Barbara Sheean 5. Lissa Molchan 6. Elexis Schultz 594 536 528 510 490 489 Women Singles Actual 1. Miriam Markvan 2. Leonora Felon 3. Judy Schwind 4. Jennifer Pishko 5. Marge Wallick 6. Mat. Cindy Zdinak 581 440 384 377 364 334 Men Singles HDCP 1. Mike Petrisin 2. Phil Tesar 3. Toot Kormos 4. Nick Ressetar 5. George Manzuk 6. Leon Sheean 7. John Ihnat 8. Joachim Wyslutsky 9. Anthony Schultz 10. George Freimann 693 663 622 621 603 592 587 577 555 549 Men Singles Actual 1. Bob Markvan 2. Aaron Markvan 3. John Miklos 4. John Lord 5. Mark Marton 6. John Kostecka 7. Andy Petty 8. Darrell Felon 9. Gene Daniels 10. Sam Noah 663 660 577 548 547 514 512 494 489 464 Women Doubles HDCP 1. Molchan/Molchan 1044 2. Schultz/Pawlack 1035 3. Felon/Sheean 1030 Women Doubles Actual 1. Markvan/Wallick 865 2. Tesar/Tesar 819 3. Tesar/Pishko 805 Men Doubles HDCP 1. Kormos/Petrisin 2. Cundik/Manzuk – 3. Ressetar/Tesar 4. Wallick/Noah 5. Sheean/Wasilewski 1191 1179 1165 1140 1136 Men Doubles Actual 1. Markvan/Markvan 2. Schultz/Pawlack 3. Petty/Miklos 4. Daniels/Kostecka 5. Lord/Marton 1248 1077 1014 997 977 Women Team HDCP 1. Cleveland Gals 2. St. Theodosius Ladies 2027 1919 Women Team Actual 1. 3 T’s & a P 2. St. Mark’s 1739 1599 Men Team HDCP 1. Markvan (make up 1) 2. St. Andrew’s 3. St. Mark’s 2289 2221 2101 Men’s Team Actual 1. Garden State 2275 2. Cleveland 2005 3. Cathedral (non-clergy) 1717 All Events Women HDCP 1. Becky Tesar 1640 2. Melissa Tesar 1567 3. Kyra Molchan 1561 All Events Women Actual 1. Miriam Markvan 1531 2. Leonora Felon 1343 3. Jennifer Pishko 1264 All Events Men HDCP 1. Phil Tesar 2. Mike Petrisin 3. Anthony Schultz 4. George Manzuk 5. John Miklos 1901 1871 1778 1769 1749 All Events Men Actual 1. Aaron Markvan 2. Bob Markvan 3. John Lord 4. Mark Marton 5. John Kostecka 1988 1877 1688 1627 1575 Women High Game Miriam Markvan 194 Men High Game Aaron Markvan 276 Orthodox Christian JOURNAL • Spring 2016 19 Bowling Tournament Photo Gallery 20 Orthodox Christian JOURNAL • Spring 2016 Transitions: Spring 2016 ORDINATION: On Saturday, January 30, 2016, the feast of the Three Hierarchs, Bishop Paul of Chicago and the Midwest (OCA) ordained Subdeacon Joseph J. Shaluha (charter member of chapter #254) to the diaconate during the Divine Liturgy at St. Gregory of Nyssa Orthodox Church, Columbus, OH. Concelebrating with Bishop Paul were Fathers Matthew Moriak (#254), rector of St. Gregory’s, David Garretson (#167), John Reeves and Stephen Frase; Deacons Theodore Gregory (Joe’s cousin), David Gemmel and Paul Mitchell assisted. Serving as subdeacons were John Mustric and Basil Kozak (#167); and also assisting in the altar were his godson, David Cooper (#167-J), and Andrew Paduchick (#254-J). Several other local priests also attended the festal ordination liturgy. Deacon Joseph with his wife, Matushka Kyra (Chapter #254 president), reside in Gahanna, OH with their children, Joey and Genevieve. Photos of the whole weekend’s events may be viewed on the St. Gregory of Nyssa Orthodox Church Facebook page. Deacon Joe served during the recent St. Tikhon’s Monastery pilgrimage over the Memorial Day weekend. Axios to Deacon Joe and many years to him, Matushka Kyra and their family! DEPARTED: Nancy Filak, 79, of North Arlington, NJ passed away on April 21, 2016. She was born in Jersey City, NJ and lived in North Arlington for 40 years. A lifelong member of the FROC/FOCA, Nancy was a past New Jersey District governor (twice) and secretary as well as past vice-president of her parish’s “R” club. She taught in the Jersey City public school system for 35 years and was a parishioner of St. John the Baptist Russian Orthodox Church in Passaic, NJ where she had been vice-president of the church board and member of the choir and women’s club. From the parish Facebook page: “If you had known Nancy, you would know the loss all her family and friends feel at the news that Nancy feel asleep in the Lord last night. A wonderful parishioner of St. John’s, there wasn’t a job or position that she would not help at. In the recent few years, Nancy unfortunately was not well and was confined to living out the rest of her life in nursing facilities; and last night, the Lord called her home and she peacefully passed. A treasured parishioner, a wonderful friend of so many FOCA members throughout the entire organization and a beautiful friend of mine.” Nancy is survived by her brother Jacob and his wife Maureen Filak of Waretown, NJ; a niece Kristin Gleeson; a nephew Bryan and two great-nephews. Funeral services were celebrated at her parish with interment at St. Vladimir’s Russian Orthodox Christian Cemetery in Jackson, NJ. May her memory be eternal! NOTED CHOIR DIRECTOR RETIRES: After over 60 years of directing the St. Peter and St. Paul Orthodox Church Choir in Burr Ridge, Illinois, Mr. John Sutko is retiring. His retirement dinner took place on Sunday, February 14, 2016 at St. Peter and St. Paul. Mr. Sutko began directing the church choir during his first year in college in 1953. Upon graduation from Chicago Teachers College and the Chicago Conservatory of Music, he began teaching music in Western Springs, IL. After 12 years of teaching he became assistant principal of McClure Junior High School and held this position for 35 years. Mr. Sutko has been a member of the FOCA ever since he began as a Junior club member till the present. He has directed the choir for many FOCA services, including 4 national conventions, 3 national bowling tournaments and over a dozen district conventions and sports tournaments. He was also a teaching staff member of the FOCA choir conferences from 1968 to 1982. When asked about the future of the music program at his parish, Mr. Sutko stated that the sacred music tradition and trust of the church are enormous responsibilities and these responsibilities must continue to be borne in our church. Our work and dedication must also continue for the greater glorification of God and for our Orthodox Church, our choir and our children, he added. Congratulations and many years to Maestro Sutko on his well-deserved retirement! – submitted by Cynthia Koranda, Choir President Orthodox Christian JOURNAL • Spring 2016 21 DEPARTED: Stephen W. Cimbolic, 86, passed away on June 15th at Bayonne Medical Center in New Jersey. A lifelong resident of Bayonne and member of SS. Peter & Paul Orthodox Church and its Alpha “R” Club, he served his country as a sergeant in the U.S. Army during the Korean War. Stephen attended Cooper Union and worked for The Port Authority of NY/NJ for 47 years. He was the loving husband of Margaret (Petronko) for nearly 60 years; loving father of Stephen and wife Nancy, Marge Kovach and husband Jerry, Greg, Melanie Prybylski and husband Jay; proud grandfather of Danielle, Stephen, Michael and Samantha. He is also survived by many loving nieces and nephews. Stephen was very active in the FOCA/FROC, and participated in numerous national conventions as well as district and chapter activities together with wife Marge. And he was most proud to see his daughter, Marge, become the Fellowship’s current national president. Funeral services were held at his parish with interment at Graceland Memorial Park, Kenilworth, NJ. May Stephen’s memory be eternal! FOCA CALENDAR 2016 July 3-9: National Junior Summer Sports Tournament, St. Vladimir Camp, Farmdale, OH July 22-25: 90th National FOCA Convention, sponsored by the Chicago chapters, Rosemont/Chicago, IL August 5-6: Annual Pilgrimage, Transfiguration Monastery, Ellwood City, PA August 19-20: 2016 National Summer Sports Tourney (golf) sponsored by the Ambridge “O” Club, Meadville, PA Sat. Oct. 1: Orthodox Education Day, “Celebrating Mary,” St. Vladimir’s Seminary, Yonkers, NY For updates and detailed info, visit www.orthodoxfellowship.org 2016 PHOTO CONTEST This year’s theme is: “God’s Creations: Nature” Show us your favorite nature photo, what you like best about the outdoors, or the beauty you see outside everyday! Start taking pictures now or go through pictures you’ve already taken. Participants (must be an F.O.C.A. member) can send in up to five (5) photos, preferably 3x5 or 4x6. Judging will take place at the 2016 National Convention. Participants need not be present at the National Convention to win. Awards will depend on the number of entries in the following age categories: 18-45 and 46+. Entry Form Important! Photos must be received by Saturday July 2, 2016. You can also bring them to convention. Entry fee is $2.00/photo. Make check payable to F.O.C.A. Please print Name____________________________________________________________ District___________________ Chapter_________ Address________________________________________________________________________________________________ City____________________________________ State_____________ Zip_______________Phone ( 18 22 Age category _______18-45 or _______46+ Orthodox Christian JOURNAL • Spring 2015 ) ______________________ Number of photos__________x$2.00 each = $_____________entry fee Mail photo(s) with entry fee check to: Samantha Exler *316 McIntosh Drive, Moon Twp. PA, 15108 Orthodox Christian JOURNAL • Spring 2016 KIDZ corner Saint Anna, the Mother of the Virgin Mary This wonder-working, myrhh-streaming (myrhh is a fragrant gum resin) icon of Saint Anna may be venerated at Saint Tikhon’s Monastery in South Canaan, PA The icon on this page is of Saint Anna, the mother of the Virgin Mary who is the Mother of God or Theotokos; the saint is holding her as a baby. Being the mother of the Theotokos made Saint Anna the grandmother of Jesus Christ. The Orthodox Church commemorates her falling asleep in the Lord (or death) on July 25th. Another day of remembering Saint Anna is September 9th, the day after we celebrate the Nativity or Birth of the Virgin Mary. Below you will find a list of languages. See if you can match the language with the name of Grandmother in that language. The answers are below. 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8. Russian Spanish German Greek Arabic French Chinese Romanian a. b. c. d. e. f. g. h. Situ Ya-ya Grand-mère Abuela Zu mu Baba Grossmütter Bunica What do you call your grandmothers? Orthodox Christian JOURNAL • Spring 2016 23 Key: 1 - f, 2 - d, 3 - g, 4 - b, 5 - a, 6 - c, 7 - e and 8 - h RECYCLE! Use This Issue To Encourage New Membership POSTMASTER - If Undeliverable Please Send Form 3579 To: Orthodox Christian JOURNAL • c/o 892 Scott Street • Wilkes-Barre, PA 18705 1ST FROC CONVENTION, PITTSBURGH 1927 Delegates to the First National Convention of the Federated Russian Orthodox Clubs, N.S. Pittsburgh, Penna., November 26, 27, 1927 (seated in the middle of the 2nd row, Vladimir Prislopsky and Fr. Michael Fekula) Delegates and Guests at the First National Convention Delegates to the First Convention Bridgeport, Conn. – Peter Jankura • Auburn, N. Y. – Peter Panko • Detroit, Mich. – George Mako, Andrew Goidich Cleveland, Ohio (West Side) – Julia Maharidge, Mary Slota, N. Kappanadze • Cleveland, Ohio (East Side) – Lilian Ratica, Lillian Chandick Akron, Ohio – Frank Vroniak, Julius Sterner • Marblehead, Ohio – V. Rev. J. Dzvonchik, V. Rev. M. Dziama Woodlawn, Pa. – Mary Stenko, George Ratica, Paul Ratica. • Canonsburg, Pa. – Julia Blyshak, William Moskal Ambridge, Pa. – John Mashanitz, Andrew Fetchitsa • Carnegie, Pa. – Katherine Chichillo, Stephen Mezik Duquesne, Pa. – Mary Yun, Peter Seman • McKees Rocks, Pa. – John Pravlochak, Stephen Kozemka • Charleroi, Pa. – Alexander Kash East Pittsburgh, Pa. – Rev. John Yanchishin • Pittsburgh, Pa. – Anna Butula, Andrew Evans, John Bilak From The Russian Orthodox Journal, August 1942, p. 32