“For the Life of the World”: On The AAC in St. Louis

by Fr. Matthew Brown

Fr. Paul Kucynda, Fr. Gary and Matushka Mary Breton, and Iconographer Dmitry Shkolnik - whose work adorns many of our Diocesan parishes - at the All American Council.

Hopefulness and Joy —that’s what I came away with from the All-American Council in St. Louis. We Orthodox have a tendency (myself included) to complain about how bad things are, how horrible the world is, and we have a knack for seeing the downside in things. But not in St. Louis. The general tone was optimistic and positive. And despite the many challenges that exist for us, there was still a sense that the Church is on the right track. For many in the OCA such sentiments have not been held for quite some time. The spontaneous pledging of funds for a national youth director in response to a presentation given by the youth of our parishes was perhaps the premier example of this hopefulness manifesting itself. Nearly $90,000 was raised in less than 10 minutes. There was also a strong sense of unity, even though there are many things that could divide us. Because we make up such a small percentage in this country, it is common for Orthodox Christians, especiallyclergy, to feel isolated and such isolation – separation from one’s own people – can steal your joy. That is why coming together in unity, despite disagreements or differences, gives birth to joy.

In many ways the AAC was a celebration of friendships, and the bonds of love which unite us. And who cannot take joy in that.