Archdiocesan

From July 24th to 30th, His Beatitude Patriarch JOHN X, His Eminence Metropolitan SABA,

While parishioners help cover the cost of ingredients, IOCC’s assistance revived the kitchen.

As St. Mary’s priest, Fr. Younes, said, without help from IOCC, “it would have been impossible to cook and operate.” Today, with its new solar-powered system, the kitchen is again giving food –and hope – to the people of Mansourieh and nearby neighborhoods in Mount Lebanon.

Patriarch John X Visits

ST. ANTHONY’S GREEK ORTHODOX MONASTERY

Story and photos by Deacon Peter Samore

“We are all one in Orthodoxy, in faith and belief. The Athonite monks taught us how to live in love and peace.”

On Monday, July 24, His Beatitude Patriarch JOHN X of Antioch and All the East made a historic visit to St. Anthony’s Greek Orthodox Monastery in Florence, Arizona. It was established by Elder Ephraim of Athos and Arizona of blessed memory, whom His Beatitude had known at Philoutheou Monastery.

Joining His Beatitude were His Eminence Metropolitan SABA Esper, and Their Graces Bishop THOMAS, Bishop JOHN and Bishop ANTHONY.

Welcoming them were His Eminence Metropolitan GERASIMOS and His Grace Bishop IOANNIS of the Greek Orthodox Metropolis of San Francisco, and Abbot Paisios of the monastery.

After the service of thanksgiving, Metropolitan GERASIMOS conveyed the fraternal love of His All Holiness Ecumenical Patriarch BARTHOLOMEW and His Eminence Archbishop ELPIDOPHOROS of the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of America.

“Feel at home here among your brothers,” Metropolitan GERASIMOS said. “Feel the blessings of the holy elder Ephraim who founded this many other monasteries.”

Metropolitan GERASIMOS presented His Beatitude with an icon of St. John Maximovitch. Abbot Paisios gave him an icon of St. Joseph the Hesychast. His Beatitude presented them with gifts in return. His Beatitude then prayed a trisagion service at the tomb of Elder Ephraim. Later, a group of children sang four hymns for His Beatitude.