ORTHODOX PARISH SERVES AUTISTIC COMMUNITY by Adelle M. Banks
Orthodoxy in Dialogue has published previously on the emerging focus of Orthodox theology on disability, especially with attention to people with autism. (See Monica Spoor and Charlotte Riggle in the alphabetical section of our Archives.) We applaud the clergy and laity of the Dormition of the Virgin Mary Greek Orthodox Church in Southampton NY for this wonderful and inspiring initiative. We have also published on St. Mary Antiochian Orthodox Church‘s homeless ministry in Wichita KS. Both of these projects reflect a Gospel theme so central to the writings of the Fathers and Orthodox spirituality, that of serving Christ by meeting the needs of our brothers, sisters, and siblings who bear His image. May these two parishes serve as a model for other Orthodox parishes, monasteries, and institutions around the world.
The present article appeared yesterday at Religion News Service with a different title.
Dimitri Donus, second from left, processes as an altar server during a service at
Dormition of the Virgin Mary Greek Orthodox Church of the Hamptons in Southampton, New York,
on Sept. 11, 2022. (RNS photo by Adelle M. Banks)
US Autism Homes provides an extended circle of friends through a private-public partnership involving the Dormition of the Virgin Mary Greek Orthodox Church of the Hamptons.
Dressed in the yellow robes of an altar server, Dimitri Donus dutifully held the tall, golden sacramental fan as he processed with other acolytes during the Divine Liturgy on a recent Sunday at his Greek Orthodox church in this resort town on Long Island’s east end.
Later, he joined other church members for a meal, munching on fried chicken, corn on the cob and cornbread. Then, along with his housemates and their caregivers, he traveled a half-hour by van and set out on a small boat for an afternoon sail.
Donus is one of a handful of residents of a house run by US Autism Homes for young adults with autism through a private-public partnership involving the Dormition of the Virgin Mary Greek Orthodox Church of the Hamptons. At the 5,000-square-foot house a six-minute walk from the church, he has a place to live and an extended circle of friends beyond his immediate family. Read More
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COMMUNIQUÉ NOT FOR THE EYES OF THE LAITY: METROPOLITAN JOSEPH TO BE COMMEMORATED UNTIL FURTHER NOTICE
For context see the Metropolitan Joseph: The Scandal section in the Archives 2020-22 linked above. The following email from Bishop John (Abdalah) to the hierarchs, clergy, and Board of Trustees (but not the laity) of the Antiochian Archdiocese was leaked to Orthodoxy in Dialogue this evening by an insider source at Englewood. Given Patriarch John’s own words that “the circumstances related to [Metropolitan Joseph’s request for resignation] makes the resignation effective immediately [emphasis ours],” it seems ludicrous to continue the charade of commemorating Al-Zehlaoui liturgically. We hope this omission in the Patriarch’s instructions was no more than an oversight on his part, and the he corrects it before this Sunday. It would seem most logical to commemorate Bishop John, in his role as chairman of the Temporary Operating Committee, until a Patriarchal Vicar is named. To hear the former Metropolitan commemorated this Sunday will be shocking and disturbing to the faithful of the Archdiocese.
Former Metropolitan of the Antiochian Orthodox Christian Archdiocese of North America
Brother Bishops, Reverend Clergy and Distinguished Members of the Board of Trustees,
We offer thanksgiving to God for your faithfulness to Christ and for your patience keeping our beloved Archdiocese in peace and good order. Read More
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PATRIARCH JOHN FORMALLY REMOVES METROPOLITAN JOSEPH FROM OFFICE
For context see the Metropolitan Joseph: The Scandal section in the Archives 2020-22 linked at the top of this page. With the following letter from Patriarch John, Al-Zehlaoui’s removal from office is formalized four weeks and four days after Orthodoxy in Dialogue first brought this matter to the attention of the whole body of the Church—lightning speed by Orthodox standards. We ask that Al-Zehlaoui’s embarrassingly hagiographical biography be removed from the Archdiocese’s website in all haste. We also urge the Patriarchate to bring Al-Zehlaoui promptly before an ecclesiastical court to consider his deposal from holy orders.
We have rightly encouraged Orthodoxy in Dialogue’s readers worldwide to be patient with the Patriarch.
ADDENDUM 9/23/22: It seems that the following personal letter from Patriarch John to Metropolitan Joseph was posted to the Archdiocese’s website in error. It has been replaced at the same link with the Patriarch’s letter to the Archdiocese. See “Source” below.
Metropolitan Joseph (Al-Zehlaoui)
Former Metropolitan of the Antiochian Orthodox Christian Archdiocese of North America
✠
No: 93/2022Your Eminence, the Most Reverend JOSEPH Zehlaoui,
Metropolitan of New York and of all North America,
Metropolitan of New York and of all North America,
I hope this letter finds you well. In this blessed day, I earnestly pray for the Honorable Forerunner to embrace you in his intercessions and prayers.
I would like to inform you, through this present letter, about the members of the Temporary Operating Committee for the oversight of the Archdiocesan Office, whose work shall begin today, till a Patriarchal Vicar is appointed. It is as follows:
ORTHODOXY IN DIALOGUE 