The Order of St. Ignatius of Antioch has donated over $16 million since its inception, Click Here to see a listing of current Projects! Currently we have 3675 members and 284 Life Members!
The Order of St. Ignatius
Who We Are
Who We Are
“The Order of St. Ignatius, from the start, have been people of vision…”
Consider the Antiochian Village where so many young lives touched by God and turned around through the love of dedicated camp counselors. Years ago, that summer camp was just a plot of land in the Pennsylvanian hills. Because of the generosity of the Order, it is now heaven on earth for young people from Mexico to Canada.
What about the Heritage and Learning Center? It preserves the history of Orthodoxy's journey to North America and serves as a retreat for the faithful throughout the year.
The Order is people of purpose, like St. Ignatius himself who wrote …toil together, suffer together, rejoice together as servants of God…
The Order is people who put feet to their faith, whether by funding missionary efforts, disaster relief, campus ministries, local outreaches to unwed mothers and kids on the street or by subsidizing our Clergy Benefits Fund or the Holy Trinity Nursing and Rehabilitation Center.
Come, be a part of our vision for the future and find a new and deeper expression of your faith. - Metropolitan PHILIP
The Order: Our challenge in the next century
You've heard that membership has its privileges. Well, the Order of St. Ignatius prefers to think that serving Christ is our privilege. As members of the Order, we're simply doing what the Scriptures refer to as “a reasonable service.” Giving doesn't make us special, it makes us Christ-like.
But that's just half of it. Giving also changes lives. It builds homes for the homeless, clothes and feeds the poor, keeps kids off of troubled streets and gives unwed women an alternative to terminate pregnancy. Sounds like there's more than just a few benefits to membership…don't you think? In the coming years, the goal of the Order is simply to increase its giving and to expand the possibilities.
Won't you come along?
The Order of St. Ignatius welcomes all those who are faithful to the Orthodox Church and her teachings that are at least 18 years old.
Membership in The Order is available for life at three different ranks:
Knight or Dame is granted with a minimum annual gift of $500.
Knight Commander or Dame Commander is granted with a minimum annual gift of $1,000.
There is also a one-time induction fee of $60 to cover the costs of the handbook, pin, certificate and other related materials. New members are inducted at their local parish, Parish Life Conferences, and the Archdiocesan Convention by a bishop.
Donations are made directly to The Order of St. Ignatius which does not include, nor should it take the place of, contributions to the local church or to the Archdiocese.
A Life Member is one who wishes to make a gift of at least $15,000. This gift can be donated in full or in three equal and consecutive annual donations of $5,000 each. This is a one time gift to The Order and the principal is invested and the interest is used for our philanthropy.
An Associate Membership can be conferred on an Orthodox Christian who meets the financial and spiritual criteria but who is not a member of the Antiochian Archdiocese.
In all the above categories, donations of stock are also accepted in lieu of the monetary donation. Please contact the Administrator at the Archdiocese for more information, 201-871-1355, Monday through Thursday, 8 - 3 PM, EST or e-mail: TheOrder@antiochian.org
If a member requires an Acknowledgement of Contribution letter for the IRS please include a note with the annual donation to the Administrator at the Archdiocese.
Honorary Membership can be conferred on individuals outside the Archdiocese for distinguished service to the Archdiocese or to society in general.
If you're ready to join, or would like more information talk to your priest, another parishioner who is a member or call the Administrator at the Archdiocese. The Order is a not-for-profit organization of the Antiochian Orthodox Christian Archdiocese of North America with tax-exempt status.
For more information or a membership application, e-mail us at TheOrder@antiochian.org, or write: The Order of St. Ignatius, Antiochian Orthodox Christian Archdiocese, PO Box 5238, Englewood, NJ 07631-5238.
The Order of St. Ignatius Today
I came not to be served but to serve.
Comments from Members…
The Order today is about people like you and me… who care… who want to make a difference in our world for our Lord.
When they sent back pictures of the little children and pregnant mothers who had received desperately needed medical assistance from a clinic we funded in Mexico, My heart just melted. In those faces I saw Christ and remembered His words, …when I was sick, you comforted me…
- A member from Houston
One of the teenagers in our parish attended camp last summer through a scholarship offered by the Order. Not only has his life turned around, but he has become a tremendous encouragement to teenagers and adults alike in our parish. - A member from Pittsburgh
I live in Los Angeles. Nobody needs to tell me about the importance of Fr. Duane's ministry to people on the street and in prison. What could be a more appropriate than funding an effort to keep young people out of prison? - A member from Los Angeles
How the Order of St. Ignatius of Antioch Helps the Local Parishes
Many times, members of the Order are asked, “Why should I join The Order? What does The Order do for my local parish? Here are some of the many reasons how the Order makes an impact on the local parish and why everyone should consider membership in this wonderful ministry.
The Annual Assessment per baptized person is kept at a reasonable amount ($30.00) as The Order donates 26% of the Archdiocese budget. If this donation did not occur, the assessment would be at least $50 per person to meet the annual budget.
The Retired Clergy Fund receives an annual donation from The Order. The parishes do not have to contribute to their pastors' retirement as the Archdiocese, funded by the Order, handles this.
The Antiochian Village Camp Scholarships are provided by The Order; two one week sessions for each parish for children to attend. This is an expense the parish does not have to incur for two of its Church School children.
Improvements to the Antiochian Village Camp and Heritage & Learning Center are partially funded by The Order for the upkeep of both of these facilities. These facilities are available for use by all members of the Archdiocese. The parishes, on their own, simply would be able to do this.
The annual College Conference is subsidized by The Order so that our college students can meet in a spiritual and social atmosphere at Antiochian Village.
The Department of Christian Education is partially funded by the Order. This department works with our parishes and missions to insure that the proper Orthodox curriculum and teaching methods and tools are used for our children.
The Youth Workers Ministry is subsidized by the Order so that regional youth workers can attend an annual conference to dialogue with other Orthodox youth workers. They bring this information back to the parish youth workers who work with our Teen SOYO groups.
The Deparment of Missions & Evangelism is a recipient of the Order's philanthropy. This department oversees the formation of new missions and small parishes; in essence, it helps to grow the Archdiocese.
The Clergy Counseling Center is funded by the Order. This center helps our clergy when certain dilemmas arise that require professional attention. Before this center was established, clergy would have to seek outside help on their own.
For more information or a membership application, e-mail us at TheOrder@antiochian.org, or write: The Order of St. Ignatius, Antiochian Orthodox Christian Archdiocese, PO Box 5238, Englewood, NJ 07631-5238.
History
History of the Order of St. Ignatius of Antioch
Metropolitan Philip saw the need to study the possibilities of a new organization that would challenge the laity of our Archdiocese to be true disciples of Christ and enter a new dimension of service.
A small committee was organized under the chairmanship of Albert Joseph. The committee was composed of Ernest Saykaly, Robert Andrews, Robert Laham, Theodore Mackoul, Archpriest Paul Schneirla and Archpriest Antony Gabriel. During the Archdiocese Convention held in Louisville in July 1975, a preliminary report was filed at the General Assembly.
The Metropolitan Primate accepted the findings of the report and, by the Archdiocese Convention held in 1976 in San Francisco, the provisional chairman was installed and the first induction to the Order took place. It was during the Patriarch's historic trip that the newest Archdiocesan organization was called into being and given his apostolic blessings. The first officers and chaplain were formally installed and many new members were inducted at the Washington Archdiocesan conclave in 1977.
Ever since His Beatitude, Patriarch ELIAS IV, of Thrice Blessed Memory, and our beloved Primate, Metropolitan PHILIP, formally blessed and inaugurated the Order of St. Ignatius of Antioch, an unprecedented number of lay persons were awakened to their local Archdiocesan responsibilities and scores of earnest men and women have come forward to join the Order.
An event that marked a turning point for the Order was its First Grand Assembly held in October 1978 in Florida. The business of the Order that was conducted, the religious and educational experience and the fellowship shared firmly knitted together the members of the Order.
Today, members of the Order come from all walks of life. Some are secretaries, some are executives, some work in the shop, some in the hospital, some in the factories, some in the home. Some are young, some are seniors, some have young children, some have old grandchildren!
All share a common love for Christ and His Church. All share a common belief that through the Order, we collectively assist our Archdiocese in performing Christ's work. In doing this work and being guided by our beloved Primate Metropolitan PHILIP, we follow the words of St. Ignatius when we “do nothing apart from the Bishop.”
By the Grace of God the growth of the Order has enabled the Order to contribute over sixteen million dollars, since its inception, to projects of our Archdiocese and the annual budget now exceeds $1,500,000. The Order has contributed to Archdiocesan departments and projects such as Missions and Evangelism, Youth Ministry, Campus Ministry, Camp Scholarships, Antiochian Village, Heritage Museum and Learning Center, Prison Ministry, Education, and the Clergy Benefits Fund.
Equally important, the Order, guided by our Metropolitan, has responded to special needs outside our Archdiocese such as Special Olympics, Project Mexico, Lebanon Relief, Mexico Earthquake Relief, Montreal Ladies Aid Society, Holy Trinity Orthodox Nursing Home, the Task Force on Jerusalem and International Orthodox Christian Charities to name a few.
Thanks be to God for His continued blessings upon this Order. May we always serve His holy Church in a way well pleasing to Him.
Order Ambassadors
The Order of St. Ignatius of Antioch
Order Ambassador Program
Growing the Order through Action!
St. Ignatius tells us, “As the tree is known by its fruits, so they who claim to belong to Christ are known by their actions for this work of ours does not consist in just making professions but in a faith that is both practical and lasting.”
One-to-one communication is the most effective way for the Order to grow. We cannot continue to expand without local advocates, members who will promote the good works of the Order, to encourage new members. That is why we have gone to the membership to help us increase our numbers and “feed the multitudes.” The Order Ambassador program was designed to serve as the “link” between the Governing Council, Membership and the Diocesan leadership. It is our hope that through you we can enhance communication, and identify and educate those who may wish to increase their involvement to the faith.
Together we can build up the church, put our faith into action, and change peoples' lives!
HELP…I’M AN ORDER AMBASSADOR
The Purpose…
An Ambassador of the Order plays a vital role in spreading our good works within each parish. Each parish has a rich potential of faithful who, given the facts, will answer the call towards “spiritual giving.” Identifying these individuals is the key towards the continued success of the Order.
Getting Involved…
Throughout the year there will be opportunities to focus on the projects of the Order and the Order ambassadors with their personal relationship to the members of the parish community, have a unique perspective in identifying those people who are spiritually moved towards giving. It is essential to keep the projects of the Order in the forefront of parish life.
Each Ambassador will be given the information needed to be successful in this ministry. The Archdiocesan Order Administrator will provide the Order brochures. These brochures should be displayed in a prominent location within the parish. Monthly bulletin inserts will be e-mailed to the Ambassador for publication in the parish newsletter or bulletin. Sample homilies and information can be found on this website to assist in the education of future members.
Education is the Key…
Through understanding the many good works of the Order, the faithful of this Archdiocese will embrace the “miracle” of giving without hesitation. The Archdiocese continues to grow and thrive. To those who have been richly blessed, much is required.
There are four simple steps in this education process:
· Four weeks prior to a hierarchical visit, with the assistance of the parish priest, identify potential members.
· Two weeks prior, schedule a visitation by the membership committee of the Order.oa@antiochian.org us for more information.
· Host or arrange for an informational coffee hour in conjunction with this visit.
· Send an informational letter along with a membership packet to all prospective parishioners. The membership packets are sent to the parish priest prior to any hierarchical visit.
St. Ignatius Sunday
What is St. Ignatius Sunday…?
His Eminence Metropolitan PHILIP has designated the third Sunday of December as St. Ignatius Sunday. On this day, a special homily should be given by the Ambassador, and Order member of the parish priest, followed by an “informative” coffee-hour to educate the laity on the value of spiritual giving and the projects of the Order.
Homilies
December 2007
“MAKE A DIFFERENCE IN YOUR LIFE AND THE LIVES OF OTHERS”
This is the time of year when our hearts are opened and we make a token gift to those less fortunate amidst the celebrations, shopping, caroling, decorating the tree and simply having fun. We teach the children in church school that the Nativity wreath is a circle representing God’s endless Love for us not just during the season but also during our whole lifetime. But after the New Year we find it hard to continue to live a spiritual life. We are surrounded with war, disease, crime and death. We have become immune to all the bracelets and ribbons. We close our hearts. The Order of St. Ignatius is not just another cause with a ribbon. At the end of our ribbon is the symbol of what we believe—the cross. Our children often ask parents, usually before they are asking for something, how much do you love me? The parent usually responds with a big outstretched arm “I love you this much” Christ loved us enough to be born and ultimately die so that we could live.
So what are we really asked to sacrifice for the church? The equivalent of a cup of Starbuck’s a day. The Order of St. Ignatius of Antioch celebrates 35 years of “touching people’s lives” by distributing over $17 million dollars since its inception. The Order’s goal is to provide a financial foundation for our Church’s future in America and throughout the world. Members of The Order are men and women from all walks of life: secretaries, factory workers, business entrepreneurs, executives, young adults, and grandparents who commit to a lifetime of annual giving.
Members are people like you and me who believe that when we combine our gifts miracles can happen because we can do more collectively than any one individual can do alone. This is what The Order of St. Ignatius of Antioch is all about.
Imagine the endless possibilities that can be accomplished when we, as ordinary people, combine our resources and
change our gifts into something that is both meaningful and helpful to others who have need. Money is not necessarily the “root of all evil” for money in the right hands can be a tremendous source of good.
• At least 70% (this means $350.00 of a $500.00 annual contribution) is returned to the parishes via contributions
to the various departments serving our Archdiocese such as Youth and Campus Ministry, Parish Development,
Christian Education, and Summer Camp Scholarships. The Order helps to fund these important aspects of
Archdiocese life. Our Archdiocese is self-ruling and growing. The Order will be there to assist with the finances of three new bishops so that the churches are not as heavily burdened.
• Our clergy should retire in dignity. The Order donates $200,000 annually to support our retired clergy and their
wives. And as more and more of our clergy retire the need will become greater to provide a decent retirement to those
who have served the Church so faithfully.
• The Order funds annual distributions to major projects outside our Archdiocese such as Project Mexico, Prison
Ministry, Teen Special Olympics, and Tree House Ministries (program in Wichita sponsored by St. George Cathedral to support unwed mothers who choose life rather than abortion)
• Support of the annual College Conference where our young adults gather for a week of prayer, learning, fellowship,
and witness to Christ as Orthodox Christians. It began with 27 students. This year over 300 will participate.
St. Ignatius instructs us to put our faith into action. I want to tell you about a project that exemplifies what the Order is all about. This feast is all about the birth of a child who changes a whole nation and the woman who gave him birth despite what people would think. Can you imagine what would happen today? The Tree House, which gets its name from the live giving tree (cross), got its start from a grant from the Order. So consider giving yourself and others a Christmas gift and make The Order of St. Ignatius of Antioch your choice. You will be glad you did. Be an example to our children that the church is a good investment.
Steppin' Out of Your Comfort Zone
Presented by Kathy Abraham
This summer during one of the Parish Life Conferences, one of the orations began with a quote from Jeremiah "The temple of the Lord…. the temple of the Lord!" The topic for the contest was "Prophesying". How you may ask does this quote relate to the topic? In reality, it is all about getting people out of their personal comfort zones in order to prophesy. We in America have found ourselves in a comfort zone. Our churches are built thanks to our parents and grandparents. We have become complacent to give a little each week, go to church on Sunday and accept the status quo. Well, Jeremiah was warning us that this is not enough. The building is not all there is to the faith.
Sometimes we must do something uncomfortable in order to be saved—we must sacrifice. Prophesying is using the gifts we receive from the Holy Spirit in order to change a life. Spiritual giving through The Order of St. Ignatius is one step on the road to living a life that follows Christ.
Today, we face many challenges trying to live a Christian life. Each day we have the choice to say "yes" to Christ and accept the gifts of the Holy Spirit and allow it to direct our actions. It is hard to rationalize that we give enough to the church. The cross of The Order represents the ultimate sacrifice that Christ made for our salvation. The ribbon is red because of the martyrdom of St. Ignatius who was touched by Christ as a child. Members wear the cross as a symbol of what we believe in.
What really are we asked to sacrifice? We pay $5.00 for a cup of designer coffee without batting an eye. Many think it is enough to just be a member of The Order of St. Ignatius; but have you settled into yet another comfort zone? Can you really feel the sacrifice? Can you give more? I ask that you prayerfully consider participating in the ministry of The Order. If you currently participate consider increasing your gift level so that The Order can continue to provide the tools for our children to grow, aid our clergy and seminarians and for our ministry to reach out into our neighborhoods to help those in need. We aren’t just another charity. The Order makes every life count!
On Pentecost we are reminded that this is when Christ’s church began. His disciples came from all walks of life; they were simple fishermen, not shipping magnates. Christ called them by name and they followed him. At induction time, The Order calls each member by name not because we need to hear the name but because Christ is calling your name to action.
Many of us have our own reasons for participating in the ministry that is The Order of St. Ignatius. One reason may be the discovery that WE are now the adults of the parish! A generation ago, our churches were struggling just to be built. Many of us who grew up in the faith had wonderful orthodox icons to follow; people in the parish that sacrificed to make sure that their children were educated and married in the faith. They were our parents, grandparents, and the adults that were always called aunt or uncle even if they weren’t related. We have memories of them laboring on hands and knees as they painstakingly laid the flooring or painted the walls of the church by hand, cooking and baking endlessly for the annual dinners, picnics or bazaars.
Now it is up to this generation. Step outside of your comfort zone, ask the question, am I truly sacrificing enough, can I change a life? What memories am I leaving behind? For as little as a cup of coffee a day, through The Order of St. Ignatius of Antioch you can change a life.
Don’t be surprised if the life you change is your own!
Answers To Tough Questions
Responses To Those Seeking Answers About The Order
1. They say: “The Order is 'too showy'." We reply:
a. We are witnesses to our faith and examples to others
b. We wear secular insignia without feeling “showy”
2. They say: "The Order is just about money.” We reply:
a. The Order is first a spiritual movement manifested through financial giving
b. Jesus sanctioned financial giving when he honored the poor widow who gave her last two coins. She gave from her need. The Order only asks that we give from our surplus
c. When we give to The Order we participate in the “Miracle of Giving”: it is only through God that our combined gifts add up to a greater sum than each person individually.
3. They say: “I give to many worthy organizations and want to spread my giving.” We reply:
a. Do the secular charities open and close with prayer?
b. Do they ask God for guidance?
c. Will other charities remember and help the Orthodox if we don’t? Thus, if we don’t put our faith as our top priority, who will?
4. They say: “I want to give anonymously.” We reply:
a. Giving anonymously is acceptable.
b. Standing before God and pledging our commitment to Him is an honor.
5. They say: “I can’t afford it; it is only for the rich.” We reply:
a. We can’t afford not to
b. $1.35 / day = 1 cup of coffee
c. Members currently are from all walks of life.
6. They say, “I’m too young or too old.” We reply:
a. Everyone of age can join
b. Young people are clamoring to be members when they understand they can join. They want to give back for the next generation what they were able to enjoy and take advantage.
c. A “young” woman of 80 years joined two years ago and recruited 7 new members this spring at her PLC.
7. They say, “ I support my church. I don’t have any connection with the Archdiocese.” We reply:
a. Every Parish and every Antiochian Orthodox is impacted. 33% of the Archdiocese budget is from The Order for our Christian books, music, evangelism, and ministry.
b. The Order contributes 100% of the funds annually to the Priest’s retirement / housing allowance. Every priest in our Archdiocese benefits.
c. Young people enjoy a camping experience and annual College Conference both of which are sponsored by The Order.
America needs Orthodoxy now more than ever before, especially since September 11, 2001. Americans seek security for themselves and their families. The Orthodox Faith is the candle that Christ lit 2,000 years ago. It is a beacon of stability, steadfastness, and strength. The winds of adversity blow strong but we must not let this light extinguish. I ask that you pray and make the commitment to serve our Church, our country, and our Faith.
A challenge to the current members of The Order: Take a chance if you haven’t already and approach someone about The Order. Feel something good happen inside you. Christ approached 12 ordinary people and asked them to “follow me”. They trusted him and did extraordinary things. He called on them individually by name and not in large groups. We therefore must reach out to every individual as Christ did. We too can do extraordinary things if we trust in the Lord.
Giving to someone we know is our responsibility.
Giving to someone we don’t know is our choice.
Make The Order of St. Ignatius of Antioch your choice.
The only way to God is through helping other people and denying “I”.
Upgrade Form
Download the Upgrade Form for you to use to upgrade your membership in The Order.
Solicitation Letter
Date
Name
Address
City, State, Zip
Dear:
Christ asks us to deny ourselves, take up the Cross and follow Him. The cross reminds me that we are asked to choose either the way of Christ through our faith and works, or the way of the world. Money by itself is considered the source of evil; however, money invested takes on new life through its works. The Order celebrates over 30 years of “touching people’s lives.” Since its inception, The Order has distributed over $16 million and now distributes $1.4 million annually. We have been blessed with good health and good fortune the Order offers an opportunity to thank God for His these bountiful blessings. Imagine the endless possibilities that can be accomplished when we as ordinary people combine our resources and change our gifts into something that is both meaningful and extraordinary to our ministry here on earth.
Bishop (Name) will be making his first Arch-pastoral visit to St. (Name) the weekend of (Date). I present this letter and accompanying materials with hope that one or both of you will consider membership in The Order of St. Ignatius of Antioch. There are many challenges facing our new self-ruled Archdiocese and we need the commitment and support of everyone in order to insure a strong faith for our future. If you are currently a member, won’t you please consider increasing your current gift level?
Levels of giving include:
$ 500.00 Knight/Dame (Annually for Life)
$ 1,000.00 Knight/Dame Commander (Annually for Life)
$15,000.00 Life Member Endowment payable in 3 installments
Life Membership has its “rewards”. Life Membership is $15,000 in either one payment or $5,000 over three years. The most important aspect of this level of giving is that the corpus will remain in tact forever; only the interest will be distributed on an annual basis. Your gift will continue forever. There are additional tax benefits by contributing marketable securities.
The primary goal of The Order is to provide a financial foundation for our future. We are men and women from all walks of life: secretaries, factory workers, business entrepreneurs, executives, young adults, and grandparents. Members of The Order commit to a lifetime of annual giving. Members are people like you and me who believe that when we combine our gifts miracles happen because we can do more collectively than any one individual alone.
Please pray and make the decision to join the 3,500 other Antiochian faithful with your commitment to become a member of The Order. Your gift is important. God takes your gift in combination with the other members and creates miracles. God and only God can add 1+1 and make it 3.
There are many good reasons for you to join. The following are just a few:
- If we don’t, who will? If Antiochian Orthodox do not put first their faith, who will? Will the various secular charities we all support share with our Orthodox community as we share with them? I suggest not. If we do not accept the call to action can we be certain our Orthodox youth will maintain the course or will they fall prey to the many outside influences drawing our children away from the Church?
- America needs Orthodoxy now more than ever before. The Orthodox Faith is the candle that Christ lit 2,000 years ago. It is a beacon of stability, steadfastness, and strength. The winds of adversity blow strong but we must not let this light extinguish.
- 70% of annual distributions are returned to the parishes via contributions to the various departments serving our Archdiocese such as Youth and Campus Ministry, Christian Education, Missions and Evangelism, and our Antiochian Village Camp.
- $250,000 annually to support our retired clergy and their wives
- Annual distributions to major projects outside our Archdiocese such as Hurricane Katrina Relief, Project Mexico, Prison Ministry, IOCC, and Teen Special Olympics.
- Support of the annual College Conference where our young adults gather for a week of prayer, learning, fellowship, and witness to Christ as Orthodox Christians.
The Order of St. Ignatius is first and foremost a SPIRITUAL movement of action by doing good works in the name of the Lord as we embrace a lifetime commitment to God. The Lord Himself challenges us to give not from our surplus but from our need. Jesus honored the poor widow who gave her last two pennies because she gave from her poverty. She gave what she could not afford. We in America can afford much and have much to be thankful for. All we ask is for you to give from your surplus.
What’s in it for you? An opportunity to give the “GIFT OF LIFE.” We change as human beings because of our commitment to Christ. It is without question a change for the better.
Yours in Christ,
Recent Events
Click Here to View Pictures for the 2007 Convention
July 1, 2007: Lexington, KY: Diocese of Toledo Parish Life Conference
Diocese of Toledo welcomes 9 new members and 1 Life Member The Order
By His Grace Bishop MARK
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(L-R) Nuha Mashni, Dr. Lisa Cassis, Brandon Skaff, Dr. David Skaff (Life Upgrade), Very Reverend Thomas Galloway, Robert Fulton, Fred Deeb and Connie Schenkenberger (Not Present David Mashni and Mary Jean Ciresci) |
July 1, 2007: Plymouth, MA: Diocese of Worcester Parish Life Conference
Diocese of Worcester welcomes 3 new members to The Order
By His Grace Bishop ANTOUN
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Michael Marge, Leanne Plouffe and Marlene Lupaczyk, being inducted by Bishop ANTOUN to The Order |
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(L-R) Mary Winstanley O'Connor (North American Secretary of The Order), Kh. Erin Kimmett, Marlene Lupacyzk, Bishop Antoun, Leeann Plouffe, Michael Marge, Christine Bezreh (Diocese of Worcester Chair of The Order) and Jamil Samara |
June 29 - July 1, 2007: Portland, OR: Diocese of Los Angeles Parish Life Conference
Diocese of Los Angeles honors its out-going Chair and welcomes 2 new members to The Order
By His Grace Bishop JOSEPH
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Bishop JOSEPH, delivers his message to the members of The Order at its annual dinner. |
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(L-R) Bill Tsoukalas (Vice Chair), Very Reverend Alban West (Spiritual Advisor), Bishop JOSEPH, Fred Milkie, Jr. (Out-going Chair) and Michael Srour (Vice Chair) |
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Brian and Nancy Korb being inducted to The Order by Bishop JOSEPH |
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Nancy Korb receives her cross from Bishop JOSEPH
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February 17, 2008
Bishop JOSEPH inducted 1 new member
Goleta, Ca.
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Dana Alexander being inducted with his Sponsor/Archdiocese Board of Trustee, Dan Braun |
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Dana Alexander taking the Oath from Bishop JOSEPH |
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Bishop JOSEPH presenting the Cross of the Order |
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Clergy with Bishop JOSEPH |
Induction of Dana Alexander into the Order of St. Ignatius, February 17, 2008, Goleta, Ca.
The Governing Council Meeting, February 23.
The Order Chair, Dan Abraham presenting Bishop ANTOUN a Check for $100,000 toward the Miami Chancery. Click here for more photos.
Inductions in Everson
Three Inducted into the Order of St. Ignatius at St. John Chrysostom in York, Pa.
Bishop THOMAS inducts Bill "Paul" Bennett (left), Darrel Bender (center) and Heather Dorian Bender (right) into the Order of St. Ignatius following the Sunday of Orthodoxy vespers on March 16, 2008.
Articles
THE ORDER “ON THE ROAD”
The Order of St Ignatius held its first meeting "On the Road" on January 27, 2007 at St. George Church in Jacksonville, FL, in conjunction with the Southeast Diocese mid-winter meetings. The Southeast Diocese Order chair, Hikmat Saoud worked diligently and enthusiastically along with The Order members of her parish to host this first informational meeting. Bishop ANTOUN, an ardent Order supporter and the presiding hierarch, and over 100 people participated in this event.
Historically, the Governing Council meets twice a year, coinciding with the Archdiocese Board of Trustee meetings. The spring meeting alternates between the Archdiocese headquarters in Englewood N.J. and the Antiochian Village in Bolivar, Pennsylvania. The fall meeting is held at the invitation of a parish, generally in conjunction with an event pertinent to that community. As a result very few members and non-members actually get to see the Governing Council at work. Consequently, the concept of additional informational meetings held in communities that have not seen the work of the Order was developed.
Presentations by Rebecca Rogers, SE President of Teen SOYO and The Fellowship of St. John discussed how The Order “touches peoples lives” through their organizations by sponsoring scholarships, the special Olympics, leadership training conference, parish council symposia among the many grants that The Order bestows. Fr. Joseph Purpura, Director of Youth Ministries, outlined the immeasurable help The Order gives his department. Ed Assile, NA Chair, Dan Abraham, NA VC and Kathy Abraham, NA Membership Chair discussed the many and varied projects The Order supports with a budget of almost $1.5 million. Kathy also discussed membership and the importance of the Order Ambassador program to “get the word out” about The Order’s good works. Mary Winstanley O’Connor, NA Secretary, explained the structure of the Governing Council and how the council works. Nassim Elias, an Order Knight from Jacksonville, spoke on planned giving and how Order members and non-members can consider leaving a lasting legacy to their church and archdiocese.
After testimonials about “why I became an Order member” from Fr. David Randolph, Pastor of Christ the Savior Church, Anderson, SC, Archdn. David Nimer, of St. George Cathedral, Miami, FL, and Terry Smith, an Order Knight from St. Ignatius Church, Franklin, TN among others, the meeting was adjourned and all were invited to partake of a delicious dinner provided by the host parish.
This event proved to be so successful, as a much needed tool not only for dialogue among members but also for information to non-members, that a second “On the Road” meeting will be planned. If your parish is interested in hosting this informational meeting please contact the North American Chair, Ed Assile.
