Our Firm Foundation, Our Refuge, and Our Deliverer

by Fr. John Shimchick

Last summer during a gathering of Doctor of Ministry students at St. Vladimir’s Seminary I met Nathan Hoppe, an OCMC missionary to Albania. In reviewing his experiences, we discussed what he was considering for his program’s final project. He wanted to explore: How is it possible to revitalize or build a Church community whose foundation had been destroyed? It would seem, I proposed, that many of us, even in more traditional settings, are trying to do something similar — it’s just that we are working on renewing or even creating a foundation under an existing building. Online conversations often consider this as one of the most difficult building projects, but as was suggested: “If the house is worth anything, then it makes sense to do a proper foundation” (The Journal of Light Construction).

Taking the line from Psalm 18:2 — offered by the clergy before the singing of the Creed at the Liturgy — we want to affirm in this issue that: Our house is worth the effort and that Jesus Christ is the only foundation (1 Cor 3:11), our refuge, and our deliverer. We appreciate the thematic contributions of Fr. Lawrence Farley, the staff of the International Orthodox Christian Charities (IOCC), and Nathan Hoppe. We are also grateful for the beautiful images of the monasteries located on the rock formations of Meteora in central Greece (shared by a friend).

We feature numerous events that have taken place in our Diocese over the past several years (including this past summer’s All-American Council in St. Louis), the celebration of Carol Wetmore’s 50 years as choir director at Holy Trinity Church, Randolph, and consider the efforts taking place in various missions. We highlight Archbishop Michael’s trips to the Holy Land and Slovakia (where he was able to participate in the consecration of a church built with Diocesan financial support). Our Special Features include: a review of the documentary — Becoming Truly Human — which focuses on ministry to the “nones” (those unaffiliated with any organized religion); a conversation between Benedict Sheehan and Robin Freeman on the question of whether there is a “musical crisis in the Orthodox Church”; and an Advent talk given by Dr. Mary Farag.

and priesthood); Fr. Paul and Barbara Kucynda (50 th anniversary of marriage and priesthood) and note with sadness the falling asleep of Barbara Kucynda, and of Frs. Steven Mack and John Nehrebecki. We also mark with admiration the ministry and note the retirement of Fr. Steven Belonick, who with his wife, Deborah, served as the original editors of Jacob’s Well. Their efforts were continued by Deacon Peter Danilchick and Mary Ann Bulko, and I assumed the position in the Fall of 1990.

We acknowledge the faithful ministries of Fr. Paul and Mary Shafran (70th anniversary of marriage

Jacob’s Well, as intended by Fr. Steven and Deborah, was meant to serve — like the site mentioned in the Gospel story of the Samaritan woman (John 4) – as a place for the public gathering and distribution of news and, in particular, as a means for reflection on the living encounter with Jesus Christ.

In appreciation for their vision and with much love for their long friendship, encouragement, and spiritual insights — this last issue I will edit, is dedicated to them.

I am grateful as well to all those who have shared their voices and contributions over the years, especially to Fr. Stephen Siniari who has written for every issue (beginning with his “Mission Diary.”) Lee Ann Vozdovic has been wonderful to work with as our graphic designer. Finally, Fr. Matthew Brown, will become the new editor and I am encouraged by his energy and creativity.

This issue began with an encounter and the realization of the need to build on a firm foundation. It will end as well, for me, with this same realization. In that sense, over the past 28 years, each issue — no matter what it was entitled — has had the same theme.