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The Philippine
Last Quarter 2012 - January 2013
Episcopalian
In this Issue
• From Prime Bishop
• News Briefs
• Anglican Communion Updates
• Oikomenews
• News in Pix
• Opinions/Reflections
• Others

FROM THE PRIME BISHOP
Colon cancer and me:
a reflection
By Bishop Edward P. Malecdan, D.D.
In June 2011, I visited Dr. Isidoro Passion at Saint
Luke’s Medical Center (SLMC) for check-up.
Passion is the doctor of the Episcopal Church in
the Philippines since the 1950s. Hence, he was
the doctor of Saint Andrew’s Theological Seminary
when I came as a first year seminarian in 1971.
I was prompted to see the doctor because of
recurring pains on my upper back, my shoulders and
neck and on the left side of the head just above the
ear. Sometimes I could hardly move my left hand due
to numbness and a tingling joint pain in the joints of
both hands.
My blood pressure and weight were taken by the
doctor’s medical secretary. When Passion arrived that
evening he immediately commented on my having lost
so much weight such that he could not even recognize
me at the hallway where I was seated. I weighed
130 pounds, way below my normal weight of 165.
Something was wrong.
After hearing what’s bothering me the doctor
explained that these were caused by nerves pinched
by vertebral bones which created bothersome pains.
It is called cervical “radicolopathy”, if I got him right.
The medication he prescribed was effective. I was
totally relieved of the discomforts after a few days of
religiously taking the doctor’s prescriptions.
After a week, I visited Passion for a follow-up check
up. Routine exams were conducted where I found out
that my blood pressure was higher than normal. At the
same time the doctor noted from my medical files that
I haven’t been examined during the past two and a
half years and my previous records showed that my
blood pressure and blood sugar level were high more
than a couple of years ago – “radically inconsistent and
unstable”, he said.
He suggested that I undergo “Dime 8”, a blood
laboratory exam which I did. It was discovered that I
had 390 blood sugar level in contrast to a normal range
of 106. It was staggeringly high. Passion recommended
that I be admitted for at least three days to monitor the
problem and at the same time determine if I could be
insulin dependent or not. I did not like the idea. I hated
hospitalization all my life but I had no choice especially
now that I know I am a “borderline diabetic” as he
termed it.
In my first day as an in-patient, I went through a
Pet C.T. Scan to determine the conditions of my liver,
lungs, pancreas, heart and kidney. The findings were
all negative. I was relieved. Meanwhile, my borderline
diabetes was monitored which showed that my blood
sugar level went down but was shooting up and down
despite the fact that I was subjected to insulin injections
once a day at the hospital for three days.
Because Passion was not satisfied with the results
of my C.T. scan and the other exams, he recommended
that I undergo ultra-sound laboratory exam. Nothing
about illness was discovered by this examination. The
doctor suggested that to complete my executive check
up I should undergo colonoscopy. I argued that I was
already healthy as testified by the negative results of
the examinations I already went through. He stated
that the colonoscopy is a different thing and that what it
can find may not be seen by the previous exams.
On June 24, my third day at Saint Luke’s, I underwent
colonoscopy as insisted by Passion. I was placed on
deep sleep and did not know what happened after that.
When I woke up, I was back in my hospital room with
my wife seated across the bed. I was a bit dizzy but I
cannot normally survive in a hospital room for too long.
I insisted to be discharged that afternoon. The doctor
relented but I had to continue with my insulin injections
at home. It was Dr. Jonalyn Mendez who taught me
how to inject myself with insulin every morning.
On June 30, a Thursday, I returned to Passion
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Colon cancer......from previous page
for another check-up especially on the result of the
colonoscopy. The good doctor did not break it to me
gently. I was informed frankly that the polyps extracted
from my big intestines near the rectum were biopsied
and found to be malignant or cancerous. The news
was a shocker – terribly distressing.
I
was left dumb founded, unable to speak. My
physical and spiritual strength was drained from
out of me, it seemed. The sight of death staring me
in the eyes while I was still breathing was a terrible
experience and was too much for me to bear. My panic
was expressed in utter silence but my mind was asking
questions. Is this true? Is this really happening to me?
If it’s true, why me? I just can’t believe it!
Whatever Passion continued to say was falling
on deaf ears. I can hardly hear him probably because
of my disbelief. There was no sense in everything the
doctor was saying. I wanted to cry but couldn’t. I was
supposed to be a man.
After a few minutes I heard the doctor say I have to
undergo radiation and if necessary chemo-therapy at
the same time, and that I will have to be back on July 5
for the planning and scheduling of the treatments. And
I will have to be operated on after the radiation and
chemotherapy. He added that the bills will be known
that day of scheduled planning. He was going too fast.
That is what I like with Passion. He is brutally frank
and fast. But when I left his clinic, my walk back to the
house at the seminary campus seemed to have been a
stroll of a hundred miles. I was empty minded. I did not
know what to think and I did not know what to do. I just
walked absent mindedly, confused, bewildered and still
unbelieving.
I had the most difficult time informing my wife
Myrnam and Mae (my eldest child) about my condition
that evening. Not much was said. It just can’t sink
as truth in our minds such that words seem unable
to express our feelings. It could be the first human
reaction to something that can potentially snatch life
away from anybody in any unknown time. The rest of
the family members were informed later.
The nights of Friday, Saturday, Sunday and
Monday were sleepless for me. I have never been so
heartbroken in my life.
On July 6, 2011 I requested for a caucus of all
National Office staff. Since my case is life threatening,
they have every right to know – so should the church. By
this time I have realized and accepted that I was really
sick. I have embraced my situation as fact although I
was still struggling to be transparent and be myself.
I explained to them the diagnosis on me as clearly
as I can. They were all caring, comforting and very
understanding. They thanked me for being so candid
and letting them know about it. The word “kasiyana”,
a very positive Kankanaey word was expressed and
an example of a man with colon cancer who recovered
after undergoing radiation was shared. They were very
inspiring.
On the afternoon of the same day, I went to visit Dr.
Tuano for eye check-up. He did not prescribe a higher
grade of glasses for me when I informed him I was a
borderline diabetic.
In relation to my work and responsibilities I thought
of slamming on the breaks and go slow in all that I
was doing. I entertained early retirement, in contrast to
simply going ahead as normal as possible as if nothing
was wrong with me. I opted for the latter. Whatever
needed to be done, I had to do them without thought
of my situation unless these become impossible to do
so physically. I was also testing how far I could really
endure the same stress or even more before the
diagnosis.
On July 7, Myrnam and I went to the Radiation
department of SLMC located at the basement. I
thought it will be my first day of radiation. Instead, I had
another C.T. scan and my abdomen was tattooed so as
to guide the technicians where to direct the radiation
when the therapy starts. I was made to lie down on a
bed naked as I was born except my underwear and
T-shirt rolled up to the chest. I was strapped on the bed
with a rubbery thing covering my stomach just above
the navel down to the pelvis. The bed was automatically
maneuvered right at a gaping tube and I was placed
below a movable machine. The process took just a few
minutes. No radiation was done. Fred, the technician
told me that Dr. Ramos will call me for the first therapy.
In the afternoon I bought my own gadget for
determining my blood sugar level at P3, 500.00. It
was tested on me with my blood sugar that day at
149. It was much lower than the 390 after my dime
8 examinations some days ago. I knew this can be
controlled with little medication. It’s a matter of what
I eat with regular exercise as prescribed by Passion. I
have to avoid fatty foods and sweets and too much salt
and I have to exercise regularly.
The total amount I paid before the radiation
therapy started was Two Hundred Fifty Five Thousand,
One Hundred Sixty Pesos (P255, 160.00). For the
Intensity Modulated Radiation Therapy (IMRT), the
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The Philippine EPISCOPALIAN 3

4
Colon cancer from previous page
amount of One Hundred Eighty Five Thousand, Nine
Hundred Twenty Pesos (P185, 920.00) was paid, with
a discount of 20% offered by St. Luke for Episcopal
Church employees. Part of the financial arrangement
included the professional fee of the pathology doctor
which was Fifty Five Thousand Pesos (P55, 000.00)
which was not covered by the discount plus cost of
other medicines not included here. Dr. Passion, as
usual did not ask for a professional fee. May God bless
him with more vigor and longer life.
On July 8, I went home to Sagada to alleviate
the exaggerated fear of my relatives over
my condition. They were relieved although
we still have to know the results of the IMRT.
The following day (July 9) I planted 4 seedlings at our
backyard in Dhugo, Sagada: lanzones, rambutan, a
mango seedling (for experimentation because these
are trees not suited for cold weather) and two kinds of
guava. Keeping busy made me forget that I was sick.
Albeit temporarily. And come to think of it, I was saying
to myself that the trees I was planting will be things
people will remember me by when I’m gone. And, if
they do not bear fruits at least they will contribute some
oxygen in the vicinity. I was practically looking at the
possibility that death is just around the corner although
I did not know how and when it will catch up with me. It
could be that I was still afraid of death because of the
various plans I intended to do, not only about personal
concerns but also in my ministry. It was part of those
times when I would try “to carry the world upon my
shoulders” as a Beatle song puts it which is stressful,
especially if you discover at the end of the day that you
really can’t do all things by your lonesome.
July 10 was a Sunday. I attended the 6:30 mass
at St. Mary the Virgin Parish. Fr. Princel Balitog invited
me to preside while Graduate Intern Stephen Ofoob
preached. Stephen has a good voice and knows what
he was saying. He will definitely be a good priest and
preacher in his ministry. Before the Episcopal blessing
and commissioning, I announced that I had cancer and
was undergoing radiation. Many of the parishioners
expressed their concern and prayers after the service.
My family and I were not alone.
The following day, I left Sagada to Baguio and
down to Manila with Fray Degay. I was home in time
for the celebration of the birthday of my son Marvich. At
dinner, Myrnam informed me that a friend, through an
emissary, advised me not to undergo radiation but to
visit instead a doctor in Ongpin, Manila for alternative
medical treatment. I was surprised. I did not expect
The Philippine EPISCOPALIAN
my friend to give such an advice, he being an ardent
advocate of the state of the art equipments of scientific
healing. But I took it as a genuine gesture of concern
coming from a friend.
As a result of the above advice I did not call
Fred, the representative of Dr. Ramos of the
pathology department who arranged my schedule
for radiation which should have started on July 12 or
13. Some relatives and friends backed up the advice
saying cancer can be cured without radiation and or
chemotherapy or surgery. Some volunteered that
radiation and chemotherapy kills bad as well as good
cells and that it can cause other illnesses including a
different kind of cancer. I was bewildered, not knowing
which way to go. I was treading on a crossroad
without any signage indicating the best path to take.
Should I take Chinese herbal medicine or radiation
and chemotherapy with surgery a possibility? Shall
I proceed with my first radiation? What about the
dreaded after-effect of radiation or chemotherapy?
Will modern medical technology really save me?
If not what if my condition worsens when I turn to
herbal? And what if this option for healing works?
Who knows? I had mixed feelings which added to my
confusion and depression.
Meanwhile, as earlier agreed, Fred would call me
or I call him, but I did not as I was still mulling over the
suggestion of taking another possible cure. So I just
waited for Fred’s call while reflecting and meditating
on an enlightened decision. I prayed hard over it.
I expected Fred’s call on July 13. Nothing came.
But I received a scanned message from the Presiding
Bishop and Primate Katherine Jefferts Schori of The
Episcopal Church of America (TEC) wishing me well
with the assurance of TEC’s continuing prayers.
A lot of similar messages were received from other
friends and partners. I am being prayed for, uplifted
and loved, the extent I never knew before. The prayer
of the people is making me stronger than at the first
days when my case was diagnosed. I was humbled
by the experience and deeply touched. In our room
that day, I cried for quite a time, shedding tears of joy
and thanksgiving to God.
It was also in the morning of July 13 that my wife
went to visit the doctor in Ongpin earlier referred to
me by my friend. I was tending towards trying herbal
medicine over that of radiation. So in the afternoon,
Fray and I also visited the doctor in Ongpin.
Colon cancer....continued next page

Colon cancer....from previous page
The doctor’s clinic is a room without much
furniture. It only has a table and some plastic
chairs for the patients. He is probably in his
mid 50s or about 60 years old. I was number
17 in the queue according to a piece of paper handed
to each patient as they arrived. When my turn came
for examination, I had the difficulty of understanding
him speak because he has more Chinese words than
Pilipino or English. But he has an interpreter. He held
on to my two hands taking my pulse and said I was
diabetic. I was surprised although I knew I was tending
towards becoming a diabetic if I was not careful. How
did he know? “I have colon cancer too”, I told him.
He looked into my mouth and throat with the use of a
flashlight then examined my eyes. He asked me what
medicine I preferred between herbal leaves which I still
have to cook, or herbal tablets. I suggested the former.
Then he wrote a prescription. I was done. Unbelievable!
We bought the prescribed medicines in a Chinese
pharmacy in the basement of the same building. They
were quite expensive. So even before my IMRT started
I was already taking herbal medication. By this time
also, and after a month of continuous insulin injections,
my blood sugar level normalized. I bid farewell to
insulin and the dreaded syringe. But I continued to take
Metformin once a day for maintenance. I also had to
cut my rice intake into half and avoided mangoes and
oranges, my favorite fruits which are heavy laden with
sweets. I am not enjoying life in all its fullness but it is
part of the healing process. There is no better option.
Fred called on July 15 telling me that my IMRT
will start the following day. I told him it will have to be
postponed because I have gone to another doctor for
a second opinion. Fred said it was okay. Apparently,
he relayed this to Passion because on July 18 Passion
called me up at the office. He urged almost pleadingly
for me to start my IMRT before the cancer cells start
to spread. I told him I dread the subsequent operation
that would follow my radiation which was why I was
hesitant to undergo the whole process. But he said
going through the treatment early might preclude
surgery. I said I will think about it but he was persistent
and relentless. I sensed he was becoming angry at me
through the phone. I relented and promised to report
the following day to begin the therapy with Fred.
I knew that I have to make a very important decision
on the evening of that day. Will I continue to take my
herbal medicine or give it all up because before dusk
tomorrow, I will be under radiation? Was it okay if I take
both at the same time? At any rate the treatments have
the same goal. I finally decided in favor of radiation.
However, I continued to drink boiled Guyabano leaves
which I have started a few days after I was diagnosed.
Guyabano according to some herbal medical literature
say that it has anti-cancer ingredients. I have nothing
to loss and it is good substitute for tea. In fact, I mix it
with Sagada mountain tea.
On July 21, I had my first IMRT. I was strapped on
a bed with limited movements. Being an outdoor man,
I felt very uncomfortable. But it was a painless process
which took about 10 to 15 minutes only. All I felt was a
tingling warmth at the part of my body under treatment.
It confirms what Dr. Ramos said about IMRT being
painless and accurate in treating the exact location of
cancer cells. It should not be feared.
I went through 28 radiation treatments scheduled
every day except Saturday and Sunday. The last
treatment was on August 26, 2011, a Friday. It was a
“graduation” as Dr. Ramos said. But I did not celebrate.
I was still smarting over my personal assessment of
myself as a strong and healthy person and yet got sick
of a dangerous disease. But I thanked him and his
assistant before leaving the lab. They were so amiable
and kind.
In the afternoon of that day I went home to
Sagada. In Baguio, typhoon Mina was gaining strength
so I travelled the whole stretch of the Halsema highway
to Sagada under heavy rains. I barely made it home.
The following day I received information that Halsema
was closed due to washouts and slides. The typhoon
was so strong such that my plan to visit some relatives
who were asking many questions about my health was
derailed. With the strong winds and heavy rains I had
to spend two days of reflection and meditation in front
of the fireplace with the book Psychological Stress by
Irving L. Janis.
On September 1, 2011, I went to Dr. Ramos for my
last check-up. He found no negative after-effect of my
radiation although it is too early to tell. He gave me the
official records of my treatment for Passion to see and a
separate copy for me. I proceeded to see Passion who
was waiting in his clinic. I had a weigh in which indicated
I lost 8 pounds. My blood pressure was 120 over 70
which was normal. Passion examined my rectum, the
site of the radiation treatment. I was very relieved when
he said that the cancer shrunk. However, he told me I
have to undergo basic chemotherapy if only to assure
Colon cancer..... continued next page
The Philippine EPISCOPALIAN 5

that it will not re-occur. I did not like it so we argued.
He explained that it is “basic chemotherapy” which,
if you are physically fit, has no side effects such as
nausea, pain, loss of hair and vomiting, among others.
As a clincher he said that he was doing it because “if”
the radiation insured five years more for me to live the
chemotherapy will make me live another ten years or
more so that I will not die of cancer but of old age. He
stated it in the subjunctive mode “if” and so I had my
doubts. He added that if I was a smoker and a drunkard,
I would have died years ago of cancer or diabetic
complications and that right now what is keeping me
strong and well was partly because I am physically fit
and have a strong will to survive. It follows, he said,
that I can withstand the rigors of chemotherapy.
I
placed my whole trust on the good doctor. I worried
about extra expenses but agreed to undergo
chemotherapy. It will cost more money but money
cannot buy life and I do not intend to just fade away.
Not yet anyway.
In retrospect, and at that point in time, I firmly
believed that what was making me more alive while I
was under medication was the prayer of all the people
of God, my belief in a God who heals together with
God’s will for me to survive. It could be that He has
other plans for me. It was very consoling and uplifting
when I hear my name mentioned in the prayers for
the sick at the Cathedral of Saint Mary and Saint John
every Sunday and in the community Eucharist of Saint
Andrew’s Chapel on Thursdays and every day. It was
even more consoling and strengthening for me knowing
that throughout many Episcopal churches around the
world, I was part of their intercessions in every service.
And God answers prayers.
Meanwhile, my abnormal blood sugar continued
to be treated. Passion suggested I take Dime 8 and
urinalysis again even before my chemo. The results
were normal. I just have to maintain my exercise
regularly and religiously follow the diet prescribed by
the hospital nutritionist.
But I had to be prepared for my chemotherapy. I had
a sick leave of one week to do just that and went home
again to Sagada. I came back on the 18th September.
Two days later I reported to the hospital for my first
chemotherapy. Two days later, on 20 September 2011 I
played tennis which is my regular exercise. My partner
was Marion Bondad against Atty. Floyd Lalwet and
Raymond Maddela. I was off form with a terrible timing.
Marion and I lost miserably. I had more double faults in
my service than usual. I was rusty. Was there any after
6
Colon cancer....from previous page
The Philippine EPISCOPALIAN
effect of the chemo? I felt none and I was hoping it will
be the same every after treatment. I believe too that I
can physically hurdle the medication for the long haul.
For my regular exercise Passion suggested golf
which he said he plays, but I don’t. I suggested lawn
tennis and he said it’s a good exercise because it is
not so strenuous. “But don’t overdo it because if your
body is over fatigued and weak any remaining cancer
cells, if there are, will become strong.” In fact his
second suggestion was having a 30 minutes leisurely
walk every day around the compound. This is what I
do when I miss my regular tennis games. In addition, I
sometimes exercise at our living room with my tennis
racket and basketball with Wowee my grandson
curiously watching.
When I started my chemotherapy I was gradually
gaining weight too. Every month just before the
administration of the chemo my blood pressure and
weight were taken. My weight stabilized, ranging from
155 to 160 lbs. since January 2012. The doctor said
that at my height (5’6”), 155 lbs. is just the right weight.
On November 30, 2011, Saint Andrew’s feast
day, I played basketball with the Seminary Alumni
team versus the seminary varsity. I contributed 6 points
which is much lower than my average points per game
30 years ago. I thought I was still strong but the truth is
we cannot be forever young. The alumni lost by a wide
margin to the much younger seminarians.
My last chemotherapy was on August 23, 2012.
This day Passion seemed very delighted. He was
happy for me that it was all over and that I was able to
go through the medication according to the prescribed
schedule and until the very end. He congratulated me.
I profusely thanked him.
Passion advised me to take care of my sugar level
and not to allow myself to become a diabetic. “All you
need to do”, he said, “is to be very careful with what you
eat. If possible, be a vegetarian. If not, get rid of fat and
sugar in your diet and exercise regularly”, he repeated.
I informed him that since June last year (2011) I haven’t
been eating beef. “I did not tell you not to eat beef or
any other meat”, the doctor said. “What you really have
to do is eat meat moderately and as prescribed by the
nutritionist. Your body needs protein but preferably
poultry except dove. And chicken fat is concentrated
on the skin. Don’t eat the skin. And don’t drink your
fruits. Eat them because your body accommodates
liquid sugar faster.” The doctor was emphatic. It could
Colon cancer...continued next page

Colon cancer....from previous page
be that I did not hear him right the first time he advised
me on my diet. It could also be that I listened too much
to other concerned people since last year telling me
not to eat meat which I cannot avoid anyway because
of my lack of discipline in matters of food.
On November 30, 2012, the Alumni team
again tangled with the Seminary varsity.
But there were only 4 alumni players so we
were backed up by some young kids in the
campus. This time the alumni with some mercenary
players won with a slim margin of two points. I played the
whole of the first half but I paced myself. It substituted
for my week’s exercise.
At last God has given me a new lease of life now
that I am declared one of the many cancer survivors all
over the world. Half of the year 2011 and most of 2012
were tension filled for me and my family. It is now over.
I thank God because I fulfilled all commitments given
me by the church during the crucial period of June 2011
to September 2012. These included my trip to London
to attend a meeting of the Board of Trustees of the
United Society for the Propagation of the Gospel (now
simply Us, or United society), and the July General
Convention of TEC in Indianapolis even while I was
under medication. Perhaps, I wanted to show to my
cancer that God and I were still in control of my life and
that the dreaded affliction can be licked without having
a break in the doing of given responsibilities. Positive
thinking in times of difficulty can really be helpful.
The least that this experience with cancer has given
me is the strengthening and deepening of my faith in
God. As a result it also has enhanced my preparation
for the inevitable and continuing life after death. And I
am now more ready to go when God calls me to the next
life as compared with the past. In fact my last will and
testament is already drafted and I will be preparing my
own printed thanksgiving burial service rite. Sometimes
we think and in fact are confident we are prepared to
die but are we really? I believe I am now.
To those under medication for any cancer and any
ailment for that matter, be assured you can be cured.
For those who are forty years old and above, go for
medical check-up. Colon cancer, I learned, is genetic
and sometimes the symptoms do not show until it is too
late. My cancer was not advanced when discovered
accidentally and by the insistence of Dr. Passion. If
you are undergoing scientific medication as I did (with
a strong nudge and pressure from Passion), take it
religiously and without complain. Listen intently to what
your doctor tells you to do and “do it” the Nike way. And
always offer your illness to God who in His Son Jesus
Christ heals all people who look up to Him in faith.
I will be 64 years old on February 7, 2013. I look
forward to retiring in mid 2014, after my successor
shall have been elected by Synod in May that year. It
is a little over a year from this writing. I will definitely
change to low gear in my last year with the National
Office while thinking about other things I will be doing
after retirement which I should have planned a few
years ago.
To the whole Episcopal Church in the Philippines
whose congregations relentlessly prayed for me and
my family in our time of trial, distress and anxiety, thank
you so very much. To friends and relatives here and
abroad who did the same, thank you so very much.
You were prayer warriors for me. To Dr. Passion who
attended to me free of charge, a million thanks to you.
My family is greatly indebted to all of you and cannot
repay in return. God will surely reciprocate.
Responses are welcome. Please send it to:
edmalecdan@yahoo.com
Prime Bishop Malecdan. Photo taken last year
The Philippine EPISCOPALIAN 7

8
News Brief
BROTHERHOOD HOLDS NATIONAL ASSEMBLY
Upi, Maguindanao. The Brotherhood of Saint Andrew gathered for its National Assembly at the
St. Francis Parish in Nuro, Upi, Maguindanao last December 6-9, 2013. The people of this
rustic community gladly welcomed the delegates from as far as Bontoc and Tabuk in Northern
Luzon.
The three-day confab focused on Evangelism, Asset Based Congregation Development, and the
BSA Disciplines for the attainment of Vision 2018 as main topics. As its tradition, the conference was
full of fun, learning, and prayers. Delegates were able to witness to the community through a parade of
witnesses accompanied by the Brass band of St Francis High School – the Episcopal Church-owned
and managed educational institution.
In addition to church-related inputs, the delegates were also given the opportunity to visit some
of the town’s community projects such as: Tree growing, Vermi Project, and Organic Fertilizer. The
conference concluded with the Sunday Eucharist. The participants especially those from Luzon despite
the several thousand peso airfare and long travel expressed their enjoyment and promise to again
attend the next conference no matter where it will be held./dbt
Participants of the Brotherhood of Saint Andrew National Conference held in Upi, Maguindanao
on December 6-9, 2012 pose for posterity.
The Philippine EPISCOPALIAN

News Brief
MISSION CENTER OBSERVES NBW
For the second year in a row, the ECP Mission Center family observed the National Bible Week
(NBW) trough iProclaim on January 26, 2013 at the frontage of the National Cathedral of St
Mary and St John along E. Rodriguez Avenue, near St Luke’s Medical Center in Quezon City.
The iProclaim is one activity of observing the National Bible Week through continuous
reading of the Holy Bible. This time the readings are from the Lectionary- a deviation from the traditional
continuous reading from Genesis to Revelation.
According to the brochure produced and distributed by Philippine Bible Society, the lead
institution of the celebration, NBW was initiated by the Philippine Bible Society with the support of
the ecumenical community that are members of the National Council of Churches with the support of
the Roman Catholic Church for the main reason of institutionalizing transformation in the Philippine
society.
According to the PBS brochure on NBW “Throughout Philippine history, God’s Word has always
been regarded as a powerful book that has had a transforming impact in our life as a nation. Containing
timeless principles, the Bible’s message, when read, meditated on and obeyed can transform a country
and its people for the better. Further, it informs that “PBS has endeavored to introduce people to the
transforming power of God’s Word through all means possible. One such means is the celebration
of the National Bible Week (NBW). The Philippines has been celebrating NBW and National Bible
Sunday annually since former President Ferdinand E. Marcos signed Presidential Proclamation No.
2242 on October 27,1979, recognizing the Bible “as an excellent source of principles for development
of moral and personal discipline.” The celebration every last week of January became official when
President Corazon C. Aquino issued Proclamation No. 44 in 1986. Her proclamation was later affirmed
by President Fidel V. Ramos in PP 1067 which espoused that “national attention befocused on the
importance of reading and studying the Bible in molding the spiritual, moral, and social fiber of
our citizenry.
With its continuing theme “May they be one” based on the prayer of our Lord, this year’s sub
theme is “Proclaim the Word! Profess the Faith!” culled from 2 Timothy 4:2 (NAB), “Proclaim the word;
be persistent whether it is convenient of inconvenient; convince, reprimand, encourage through all
patience and teaching.” It is supported by Psalm 119:105 (ESV) “Your word is a lamp to my feet and a
light to my path.”
This year’s iProclaim has again drawn reader-representatives from Trinity University of Asia, St
Luke’s Medical Center-QC, Saint Andrew’s Theological Seminary, National Office, Episcopal Church
Women, Brotherhood of St Andrew, Samahang Kabataang Episkopal sa Pilipinas (SKEP – Youth
Organization), and the National Cathedral./dbt
Seminarians led in the Opening Service during the NBW A young person participates in the Scripture reading.
The Philippine EPISCOPALIAN 9

10
Opinions/Reflections/Sermons
Ordination Passing On
Confession of St. Peter
Sermon delivered during the Ordination of Joe Medina
to the Sacred Order of Priest
January 18, 2013
“You are the Christ, the Son of the Living
God.” How often has been this uttered,...
how often have it remained an utterance?
It is difficult for us to say this at this time-
it is easier said than done, as it must have
been for Peter, the disciple. We know now
that Christ is the Savior. We know now our necessity to
depend on him. We know now Christ is the Messiah.
But, there is always the tension of what we know and
believe and the realities of the present age. At the
moment, we declare God’s Lordship but the immediate
things that we face negate it. Thus, the two questions
raised by Jesus in our Gospel reading today are also.
He asks the disciples “Who do people say that I am?
Then he asks them a more personal question, “But,
who do you say I am?”Not that Jesus was engaged
in an ego-trip. Perhaps, he himself did not mind. But
he did mind that his disciples knew about what others
said about him. This is crucial- for those with pastoral
charge to know personally - pulsohan ang bayan at
huwag makuntento sa mga survey - basahin ang mga
pahayagan na may pagsusuri o yong tinatawag na
read between the lines, makinig sa balita (bagama’t
challenge and pakikinig sa balita ngayon) with a critical
perspective, that is, through the eyes of those affected
by events and decisions.Jesus wants us to constantly
think about who he is to us? And if we like Peter will
say “you are the Christ, the Son of the living God”,
what does it mean? It is easy to make declarations.
Harder it is to live these out. It is far more difficult to
live these out without having to be motivated primarily
by social privilege, economic comfort, political and
social prestige or influence. The reason is because
living these out means standing in solidarity with those
deprived of power and opportunity.My dear Joe, this is
the first time in my 27 years as an ordained minister
that someone insists I preach at both his ordinations to
Ordination...continued on p11
The Philippine EPISCOPALIAN
“It’s all about Frances and God”
We continue to celebrate Christmas for
whatever happened last week, Christmas
was surely to come. Like in Holy Week,
whatever happened from Palm Sunday
to Good Friday, it did not end there but Easter was
surely to come. And at Easter, Jesus won over death
and proved that there is indeed life after death. In
other words, it is in dying that new life is born. We
just witnessed last Christmas day - where was Jesus
born yet one faithful Christian died. And at the end of
this year is a funeral service before the a new year
unfolds. This is telling us that life must go on even
after one’s death, that death happens even after
one’s birth, and that grieving happens even during
just before celebrating a supposed happy new year.
I chose the same biblical text appointed this
year’s Christmas day to keep that joyous spirit of
Jesus birth even as we are experiencing sadness at
this very moment as a result of the death of a loved
one. I also believe that this Gospel text is telling us
something about our loved one who died because how
in the world did she die on Christmas day. Was this a
coincidence? or God’s design? or the dead person’s
design, or both? No one knows. What we do know is
that dying of one and birthing of another can happen
at the same time. And that, death is so vicious that
it can happen to anyone expectedly or unexpectedly,
and at anytime even at Christmas day. Now, allow me
please to help us reflect further.
Particularly on the first five verses in the
Gospel appointed today, the evangelist John writes:
In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with
God, and the Word was God. He was in the beginning
with God. All things came into being through him, and
without him not one thing came into being. What has
come into being in him was life, and the life was the
light of all people. The light shines in the darkness,
and the darkness did not overcome it.
The first key word here is the word “Word”.
WORD here is referred to Jesus where even before
everything was created he was already in the mind
of God. Jesus was with God even before Genesis
Passing on....continued on p12

Ordination...from p10
the deaconate and the priesthood. I doubt and only
God’s grace perhaps will I live long enough to preach if
and when you shall be called to the office of a bishop.
But, I must say I am humbled no end and I
take a deep sense of personal edification that
you would even consider according me such
honor on two important occasions of your
life. This is one of the many simple joys of any ordained
minister.In any case, consider well that your ordination
to the priesthood takes place on a Christian feast of
grave importance- the confession of Peter of Christ as
the son of the living God and the eventual charge Jesus
gave to him. I do not know about his being the first
Pope, but I do know that the apostolic charge given to
him was also given to the other apostles a little on.By
responding to the call to be among us as priest you
have partly answered the question of our Lord “Who do
you say that I am?” You follow him - not motivated by
thoughts similar to that of James and John motivated
An ordinand to the Sacred Order of Priests signed
an Oath of Conformity during ordination rites.
by faith that sets you free from yourself to be a person for others.I am afraid that we Episcopalians often drift to be
Episcopalians for ourselves. Is there any room in your heart or your ministry to be a person for others not only to
make Episcopalians of people but more importantly to make them equally live out their confessions (in baptism)
more vibrantly and pro-actively? Can you argue that is is important to consider quality then quantity. I will agree
too, that if quality is understood as Episcopalians concerned more about the demands of Christian witness and
discipleship rather than of holding high the banner of the Episcopal Church as a social club.
We need to learn our lessons lest we become irrelevant and a major way to do that is for the clergy
to take leadership in helping our congregation understand more fully the various ramifications of
the issues that matter most in life. I will not belabor the point of the hard/real issues we face in this
diocese. What I see is that we have yet to get our act to respond to those issues as a diocese. Our
bishop is known for his strong pastoral concern. Can this personal strength of the bishop be translated into the
life and witness of the whole diocese? I have nothing against building church edifices. But, the grand buildings
that we build must be matched by an aggressive move to build loving and serving communities. I surmise you
will also join the ranks of non-stipendiary clerics, which is increasing in this diocese. Can you contribute in the
reflections on this? Perchance this diocese can lead the ECP in discerning the gift that non-stipendiary clerics
can give to the whole church province. These are some of the ways to express our confession of who Christ
is to us - the Messiah.My dear friend and brother, if it is of any comfort to you, this is not yours alone, it is ours
together. It is shared. Priesthood is not just about liturgical acts. It is also having the mind of Christ in all things
and how this mind can be made to bear in the events that greet God’s people each morning. You can begin to
appreciate this more fully by being sensitive to people. As Christ told the person who once approached him in
his quest for salvation, it is my prayer that henceforth you will ponder what Jesus meant when he said “Go and
learn what this means. I desire mercy and not sacrifice.
( By the REV. REX RB REYES, JR. General Secretary, National Council of Churches in the Philippines. Feast
of the Confession of St. Peter- Ordination of Joe Medina January 18, 2013 at the Holy Faith Episcopal Church,
Cainta, Rizal. Posted by Rev. Joe Medina in his Facebook account)
The Philippine EPISCOPALIAN 11

12
Passing on...from p10
though not yet in the form of a
flesh until the right time came.
And that right time was God’s time
alone. What John is trying to say
here is that Christmas or the Word
becoming flesh or the Incarnation
did not happen by accident, nor by
chance nor by coincidence but it
was PLANNED by God even before
time.
In brief, this is what we call in
Christian doctrine – SALVATION
HISTORY. [ To those scholars
on this regard, I hope I got this
right. ]This history is all about God’s
love by creating everything including
man and woman through Adam
and Eve. In God’s creation activity
everything he made was GOOD.
But during that creation process
something wrong happened: The
first couple, Adam and Eve abused
their God-given freedom and did
what they were not supposed to
do by disobeying God and obeying
themselves instead. That began
what was called The Fall. The Fall
of humanity otherwise known as
the Original Sin of which Christians
like us today were believed to be
inheritors of such sin. Obviously,
the root cause of that Sin and all
sins is Selfishness or Greed.
In spite of this Fall though,
God neither cursed nor abandoned
us humans for our wrong doings
but brought us back into his fold,
he sent prophets and messengers,
like Moses, Isaiah, Sarah, etc. and
John the Baptist to WARN us of
our human abuse and demanded
us to repent and change in order
for us to return to Him. Humans
were however stubborn and they
continued to disobey God by
following their own human wills
over on top of God’s. Liturgically
at least, we have heard of these
warnings and demands for our
acceptance and repentance from
The Rev James T Kollin, Jr (r) with Rev
David B Tabo-oy, Layout person and
National Evangelism Officer.
our own wretchedness this past
Advent season.
As a way to put back his
supposedly progressing
creation process which
was distorted by our
human sin, God became like us
through Jesus Christ to set us an
example on what good and perfect
life is all about and how it should
be lived. This makes Jesus the
savior of the world. This makes
him our redeemer who sacrificed
his life on the cross instead of us.
Insalda na ti biagna para kadatayo
a managbasol. Since then, Jesus
became the core foundation of
Christian faith, the judge of all
judges, the way, the truth and the
life, and the chief servant leader of
all.
The second key word is LIFE. In
verse 4 John says, “In Him was
LIFE”. Or in Jesus was life. The God
who showed himself in Jesus is
fundamentally the LIFE. In another
angle, Jesus communicates and
reflects the LIFE of God to us. In
other words, Jesus is the “show
and tell” of who God was and what
kind of life God wants to us to live.
All in all, LIFE is the purpose of
God creating everything, judging
humankind, and of saving us from
our sins. He wanted us to live but
no longer the life we were used to
but the life He wanted us to be.
The Philippine EPISCOPALIAN
The Third key word is
LIGHT. Still in verse 4 John says,
“And the life was the LIGHT of
the people”(v.4). I believe we are
all aware that the meaning and
purpose of LIGHT is basically to
brighten darkness or enlighten the
burdened. Jesus, being the Light,
brightens darkness and lightens the
heavy burdened. By his life, work,
suffering, death and resurrection
he exposed and opposed the evils
humans do and won over them. By
his life and work, he made visible
the invisibles.
Fast forward to the
Resurrection event -
Jesus died and rose again
accomplishing his victory
over death, darkness and sin as
well as bringing hope for all those
who believe. But it did not end
there, because inorder to keep that
Life and Light burning and working,
baptized Christians were obliged
to continue that role and function
of Jesus. And this is who we are,
this is how are to do and this what
we will become. By virtue of our
baptism into the Christian faith, the
Word is in us we are the life and
light of the world. Now, being the
“extension wires” of Jesus , here
are our to-do things on earth:
1] We need not repeat history
especially the Fall but rather take
part in recreating the world, by
putting back the original plan of
God’s creation. Our fundamental
goal and role in life is to perfect
the creation process that humans
like us made imperfect in the first
place. In short, enough with sin and
sinning. Be more of a repentant
sinner yet always striving to be
prefect as our heavenly Father
is perfect in our words and in our
deeds.
2] We need to know the opposite of
Passing on....continued on p13

Passing on....from previous page
LIFE which is death and all forms of denying, delaying
and demeaning life for all people. We need to know and
win over the forces of evil that corrupts and destroys
God’s people. By knowing death, ours is to take part in
fulfilling the purpose of Jesus who came so that all may
have life to the fullest. We are the tangible life-givers
after Jesus whom we no longer see.
3] We need to know the opposite of LIGHT which is
darkness and all forms of making people’s life difficult
to live. By knowing darkness, ours is to enlighten and
empower people, ours is to bear one another’s burden,
ours is to keep the light of Christ burning for people to
follow and be led by it. We are the tangible light-givers
after Jesus whom we no longer see.
Today, we honor and commend one good practicing
Christian, a highly dedicated servant of God, and a
communicant in good standing indeed, who distinctively
and faithfully offered herself as a tangible expression of
the WORD in the world. Her name is FRANCES.
Since December 25th until this morning I am
still in the state of denial, yet quick bargaining
happened and right at this very moment,
I felt like I am going into that final stage of
acceptance. When I heard all your wonderful stories
about Frances, I reflected upon them and tried to
relate them with that of THE WORD BECAME FLESH
AND DWELT AMONG US BRINGING LIFE AND
LIGHT to the world. Then I began to be convinced
that she indeed gave her life totally to God by way of
her extraordinary lifestyle, faith and service to God’s
people both inside and outside the church including
her family. Based on the small and big stories people
had been telling and retelling whether as Eulogies or
otherwise since Day 1 of her death, and based on the
testimonies of witnesses of her life and work, it appears
that she is one rare Christian who kept in heart and in
hand The WORD who dwelt among us. Indeed, she
took that Word seriously to herself. Taking that Word
with her, she lived as a physical extension of that Word
who dwelt among us thereby giving us Life and Light.
When Frances dwelt among us or stayed with the
people she was solidly grounded and founded on her
Faith in the WORD and from there she made a strong
impact on the lives of many many people of all ages,
at anytime she was available , in everywhere she did
her job, and at any condition and/or situation of life she
encountered.
Through her, The WORD whom she faithfully
loved and served brought Light and Life to the world.
Also through her the invisible God was made visible to
Frances Kollin Laoyan
July 1, 1943-December 25, 2012
A Tribute
to a
Dedicated Teacher
Devoted Christian Educator
Innovative Musician
Good Friend
Loving Mother and a
Christian in Good Standing
- from your ECP Family
all further and further. Besides her high quality work
ethic and strong passion on Christian Education and
Church Music, what stood prominent about her every
time she was around was her fabulous personality and
strong sense of humor. By just looking at her and once
she starts speaking, that itself gave life and light.
Passing on...continued on p14
The Philippine EPISCOPALIAN 13

Having said all of these, I thought and believed
that this encapsulizes who Frances was
and what she did to her faith in God and
His people. What else can we say? To the
maximum, she did all that she can. She said all what
she had to say. She lived what she believed as the
right to do being a faithful servant of God. Frances’ life
is itself her Eulogy. In short, she made her own eulogy.
A cousin of mine commented last night “Everybody
talks about Frances as if she was a Saint, I haven’t
heard yet from anyone about her negative sides?”
A colleague countered this saying, “Even if she had
her mistakes like anyone else, her positive side was
phenomenal and more than enough to cover and
outshine everything.”
Perhaps, what you and I can say to her at this
point is, as we address her in her coffin: “Frances,
THANK YOU SO MUCH for your life you shared
with us and have a good eternal rest. We were just
baffled during that shocking Christmas day when you
breathed your last breath after fighting so hard your
last battle against an unwanted illness, and suddenly
turning our world upside down, disrupting everyone’s
year-planned holiday schedules and drastically shifting
our enjoyment into bereavement, our greeting into
weeping, and our gift-giving into death-dealing. But if
that is how you and God wanted it to happen, so be it.
After all, our life is under God’s will and control. Since
our Baptism, it is no longer us who lives in ourselves
but God. Now, we are fully convinced that your passing
away has nothing to do with me and us left behind but
about you and our Maker. This is not about us but all
about you and God.”
To Manong Victor, Judith, Clem, Hans, Marj, Chad,
and your respective families, and my siblings and our
respective families, Bishop and clergy, and all people
here and everywhere, IPALUBUSTAYON ISUNA. She
did her job par excellence. And we are so proud of her.
No doubt about that.
(I’m not yet done and I beg your patience. Thank you.)
For us to remember a happy, jolly, great and wonderful
person, not a weak, sick, suffering and lonely one, I
tried to be creative and made up representations on
each letter of the name F-R-A-N-C-E-S, hoping it
would brighten and lighten our hearts and keep her
good deeds in our memories for the rest of our lives, if
you may:
- For the glory God, Fantastic, Family-Friendly.
F
At least to me, and I heard and read from many
others as well, she wrote on the end saying: “For the
Glory of God”. Also as experienced by many, Frances
14
Passing on....from previous page
The Philippine EPISCOPALIAN
had in mind and heart that sustained purpose in life
where everything that she said and did were never for
her self-glorification but For the glory of God and God
alone. This indeed was an honorable virtue of a child of
God and she took this seriously as her work motivation
and conclusion. Imagine if everyone on earth have this
attitude in life, Nagmayat kuma anya? Being fantastic,
she was phenomenal in her vocation. She gave her
best in mothering both her own family and the multitude
of extended families including the church. Kunakkuma
nga mangkuna nga dua ti asawana: Maysa ket ni
Victor, diay maysa ket ni Simbaan and she was able to
be a loving wife and mother to both. Fran was fantastic
and a Family-Friendly person indeed.
- Religious, Reliable, Resilient. Being religious
R
here means not only her unwavering commitment
in preserving, protecting, and promoting the Christian
faith at least in Episcopal or Anglican tradition, without
prejudice to the other faith traditions, but in all her
conversations and activities, she said and did them
with utmost diligence, devotion, finess, and hardwork
- like a person on serious diet who religiously and
meticulously does all things required to have a healthy
physical, mental, and spiritual system. Her being
religious also means her being a so churchy person
where her life was always anchored upon the church. I
remember living with her during my past colleges days
and I noticed that if she was not in the house for sure
she was in church or somewhere else doing something
for the church and when she was in the house she
was talking something about the church, the faith,
the spiritual, or anything along this line. Amazingly,
she maintained that kind of mindset and lifestyle all
throughout until her death. Her last activity before she
died was still a churchy event where she was seen
vibrantly conducting a church musical festival at the
St Mary the Virgin Church. Fran was also a person nga
“maasahan”. Her work and her words were reliable
because evidently, they worked. Furthermore, she may
be characterized as stubborn but a better way to say
it is that she was Resilient in giving all that she had
and all that she can for God and his people even after
retirement and until death. Remarkable indeed.
- Almost Reverend. Whether it was a joke or serious
A
joke, we have heard from many people whom she
served and work with who said that if she was ordained,
she could been a bishop, or a prime bishop or even a
pope today. What an illustrious expectation! However,
I tend to agree with our sister, The Revd Harriet who
continued next page

made a valid comment saying that “If Frances was an
ordained minister as, she might not be as effective as
she was considering the given corporate nature of the
church including its polity and politics” - that which she
might not be able to deal with at the utmost. Based
on her reality, Frances instead functioned as a perfect
fit for an effective Lay Minister who served as Christian
educator, counsellor, teacher, preacher, evangelist,
church musician, mentor and coach. Furthermore, and
based on faith, being an ordained minister is a calling
or vocation from God not something impressed or
imposed by people. Besides it is God who fits who is to
be ordained or not. Most probably, Frances felt more
fulfilled doing God’s work unordained and that itself
was her gift and calling or vocation. Hence, suffice
it to say that she was “Almost Reverend” but a highly
revered Lay Minister.
- “No Problems”. When Frances said, “No
N
continued from previous page
problems”, she did not mean there was really no
problem but what she meant was in every problem there
is always a solution. She knew that problems were
unavoidable but they do not just sit there unresolved.
So when she said, No Problems she meant, “let’s do
something about it!” The then Revd James Sr., always
told us: “IF YOU SEE SOMETHING (like a mess or
a dirt on the floor, or something placed in the wrong
place) DO SOMETHING.” As a kid in those days,
this was annoying to me but later it really helped me
appreciate the value of order, and hardwork which are
important ingredients towards success and progress,
enjoyment and fulfillment. Perhaps that parental
discipline influenced Frances as well yet in her own
style by saying: “No problems” in every given situation.
She may not have said these words literally to her
own family but non-verbally used it in being teacher, a
mother, and a wife. And it worked well. So I might as
well also say, “No Problems!”
C- Charismatic Counselor. From her facial
expressions, to her engaging, enabling,
empowering, and encouraging serious talks and
serious jokes she was well-liked. A go-to person
for counseling and advise. A not-difficult person to
learn from and teach. A person who can collaborate
objectively with the lofty and the lowly. Her humor itself
served as a powerful tool of engagement at any given
time and place. Also, she had a very strong passion
on pastoral care, counseling and healing ministries
especially from and amongst the ministers of God. She
always emphasized on me that this was an important
component of ministry that needed to be deepened,
strengthened, and sustained.
- Effective Educator. As an effective educator,
E she did not just dwell on the four-squared, built-in
educational system, she initiated new ways and means
as well as on what was felt relevant and needed. She
was creative, always available, able and ensured
that things were done right – say, from grammar, to
hymnology, to Christian Education, to anything she
knew she had and can. All of which for one goal - that
is, to educate. We have heard of the many powerful
testimonies of students and staff from Easter School
to Epiphany and elsewhere where she infused her
teaching knowledge, skills and attitude even to the
extent of constructively correcting human errors only
for the sake of the good, the right, the just, and the
moral. To her, education is inseparably the teaching of
the right and Godly things at the same time learning
and maturing from mistakes. My latest conversation
with her was centered upon her high expectations from
people to make concrete and real changes in life after
claiming and accepting one’s own mistake.
- Selfless Servant. She was always humble.
S
She did not claim credits for the works she did.
All that she knew and did as God’s Servant was for
God, for God’s people, for Others and never ever for
herself. When she served and helped people that was
because those whom she served needed her service
not because she wanted to add to her track-record.
She knew exactly the difference between a self-serving
service versus a self-giving service. She chose to do
the latter and it served very well. At least to me, she
extraordinarily lived her faith in God and she did it to
her best. Good for her.
I asked one of her children to tell me some of
their mom’s favorite God’s words and I got one that
goes: “God provides and we trust he knows our needs
and makes sure these happens”. Thank you Marjorie
for that. As seen and felt by many, Frances offered her
spirit, body and soul inorder to ensure that what God
wanted to provide will be provided and what He wanted
to happen will happen. She did this so dearly and
deeply as you and I have seen from her life and work.
Now, If there are such things as a low church or a high
church, there is one more and that is, a deep church.
Frances could be one of those deep churchdoers. At
least at can say she may not be a saint but a genuine
faithful servant.
As Fans of Fran, whether as a student, co-worker,
friend, family member or otherwise and as practicing
baptized Christians it is our task to revisit our roles as
continued next page
The Philippine EPISCOPALIAN 15

continued from previous page
persons INDWELT by the WORD thereby able to be
the Light and Life of the world. Fran did it, we can do
it. It may not be the same as hers. It may not even be
perfect, it may just be almost. Each of us were blessed
with God-given variety of talents. We just need to
squeeze and maximize them. Remember: Fran made
her own eulogy, we make our own as well. Anyanton
ngata met ti paka-is-istorya-an tayo no matay tayo?
Last but not least, Fran had one more punchline that
happened to be printed on the ECP Hymnal that goes:
WORK IS NEVER DONE! She did her part. Ituloy
tayo.
Thank you, once again Madam Frances Kollin
Loayan. May God our source, our means and
our end, keep you in eternal peace. May all
the saints and choirs of angels and archangels
and in all churches, schools, communities you have
moved and taught, and with all the company of heaven
will forever sing with you in perfect harmony, and let
your spirit so shine among us now and forever. Amen.
Funeral Homily for Frances Kollin Laoyan [Text: John 1.1-5]
31 December 2012, Epiphany Church, Betag, La Trinidad.
The Revd James T. Kollin Jr.
Requiescat in Pace
Rev. Lito ApiL BAyAo
16
MAy 20, 1950-DeceMBeR 14, 2012
Ordained Deacon - July 22, 1973; Priesthood:
September 29, 1974. He was assigned in various
capacities in the Episcopal Church and Ecumenical
programs and instiutions. He retired in 2010 after 37
years of service as an ordained minister.
This picture was taken after the consecration and
installation of Bishop Jonathan Casimina in Davao City
where he emceed in the program that followed the rites.
+++
“If I ascend to heaven, you are there;
if I make my bed in the world of the dead, you
are there.
If I say, ‘Surely the darkness shall cover me,
and the light around me become night’.
even the darkness is not dark to you,
the night is as bright as the day,
for darkness is as light to you.”
Psalm 139:8,11-12
The Philippine EPISCOPALIAN
Let us pray for all the departed during
the recent months
O God, whose mercies cannot be
numbered,
accept our prayers on behalf of the
souls
of thy servants/handmaids departed,
and grant them an entrance
into the land of light and joy,
in the fellowship of thy saints,
through Jesus Christ our Lord.
Amen

News Briefs from The Anglican Communion
Bishop Justin Welby becomes
archbishop of Canterbury-elect
| January 11, 2013
Lambeth Palace] A medieval ceremony
has begun the process of the Rt. Rev.
Justin Welby becoming the archbishop
of Canterbury. The College of Canons of
Canterbury Cathedral has unanimously elected
Bishop Justin Welby as the 105th Archbishop of
Canterbury. The 35-strong College of Canons,
made up of senior clergy and lay people from
the Diocese of Canterbury, met at Canterbury
Cathedral’s 14th-century Chapter House to take part
in the formality, which dates back more than 1000
years.The process of electing the next Archbishop
of Canterbury by the cathedral community is
enshrined within its constitution and can only take
place once a Congé d’Élire and Letter Missive from
the Crown has been received.
The ceremony was chaired by the Dean of
Canterbury, Robert Willis. As is traditional, the
candidate was not invited to attend the ceremony,
and only one name featured on the ballot sheet
for the College of Canons to select.The Dean of
Canterbury Cathedral Reverend Dr Robert Willis
said: “The decision we made this morning is taken
formally to London.
“In St Paul’s Cathedral on February 4, I shall present
this to the Queen’s commission.
“They will say that is valid, legal and right and at
that moment Justin Welby becomes in all powers
the Archbishop of Canterbury.”
Biography: Justin Welby
Friday 9th November 2012
For 20 years, Archbishop-designate Justin
Welby has blended deep devotion to his
parish communities with Church work around
the world, especially in areas of conflict.
Born in 1956 in London, the Right Reverend Justin
Welby was educated at Eton College and Trinity
College, Cambridge, where he studied history and
law. For 11 years - five in Paris and six in London – he
worked in the oil industry, becoming group treasurer
of a large British exploration and production company.
He focused mainly on West African and North Sea
projects. During this period he became a lay leader
at Holy Trinity, Brompton in London, having been a
council member at St Michael’s Church in Paris.
His father’s family were German Jewish immigrants
who moved to England to escape anti-Semitism in the
late 19th century, and integrated quickly. His British
ancestors, on his mother’s side, include several
clergymen.
A major influence both on Justin and his wife Caroline
was their experience of personal tragedy. In 1983
their seven-month old daughter died in a car crash in
France. Six years later in 1989, after sensing a call
from God, Bishop Justin stood down from industry to
train for ordination.
He took a theology degree at St John’s College,
Durham, in which he focused on ethics – particularly
in business. He has since published articles on ethics,
international finance and reconciliation. His booklet,
‘Can Companies Sin?’, drawing on his experience
in the oil industry, evolved from his dissertation at
theological college. He has frequently said that the
Roman Catholic approach to Christian social teaching,
beginning with the encyclical of Leo XIII’s Rerum
Novarum, up to Pope Benedict XVI’s Caritas Veritate,
has greatly influenced his social thinking.
For 20 years, his ministry has blended deep devotion
to his parish communities with Church work around the
world, especially in areas of conflict.
Biography....continued on p18
The Philippine EPISCOPALIAN 17

18
continued from previous page
After being ordained Deacon in 1992, he
spent 15 years serving Coventry Diocese.
His Curacy was at All Saints Chilvers Coton
with St Mary the Virgin Astley, in Nuneaton.
In 1995 he became Rector of St James, Southam, a
small market town in the same Diocese – and also
the next year of St Michael and All Angels, Ufton,
the neighbouring parish. He helped revive both
churches, growing their congregations and launching
bereavement and baptism teams, among other things.
Between 2000 and 2002 he also chaired an NHS
hospital trust in South Warwickshire.
In 2002, he was made a Canon of Coventry Cathedral,
where he ran the reconciliation work based there. With
Canons Andrew White and Stephen Davis, he worked
extensively in the field in Africa and the Middle East.
He has a particular interest in Kenya, the DRC and
Nigeria, where he was and remains involved in work
with groups involved in conflict in the north. In the Niger
Delta, he has worked on reconciliation with armed
groups. He met with religious and political leaders
in Israel and Palestine, and on one trip to Baghdad
reopened the Anglican Church with Canon Andrew
White, shortly after the allied invasion. In 2006 he also
took responsibility for Holy Trinity Coventry, the main
city centre church, as Priest-in-charge.
He left Coventry five years later, being installed Dean
of Liverpool on 8 December 2007, replacing the Right
Reverend Rupert Hoare. Liverpool Cathedral is the
largest cathedral in England. Its local area, Toxteth, is
among the most deprived in north-west Europe. During
his deanship, he brought the Cathedral into much
greater contact with its local community, working with
asylum seekers and in partnership with neighbouring
churches. The Cathedral also hosted events from a
TUC rally to royal services. Over his four years, during
which he also continued to work on reconciliation
and mediation projects overseas, the Cathedral’s
congregation increased significantly.
In 2011, he returned to the place where his journey
towards becoming Archbishop began: on 2 June 2011,
he was announced as the new Bishop of Durham,
taking over from the Right Reverend Tom Wright. He
was enthroned at Durham Cathedral on 26 November,
and drew parallels between Liverpool and Durham –
noting both the struggles and the enduring spirit of the
two places.
The Philippine EPISCOPALIAN
On 9 November 2012, the Right Reverend Justin Welby was
announced as the 105th Archbishop of the See of Canterbury.
He will succeed Dr Rowan Williams, who is retiring at the
end of December after 10 years as Archbishop. He will be
enthroned at Canterbury Cathedral on 21 March 2013.
An expert on the politics and history of Kenya and Nigeria, he
has lectured on reconciliation at the US State Department. In
the summer of 2012, he was asked to join the Parliamentary
Commission on Banking Standards.
His interests include French culture, sailing and politics.
He is married to Caroline, who studied Classics at Cambridge,
where they met. They have two sons and three daughters.
Chronology
Trinity College, Cambridge M.A. 1978
Société Nationale Elf Aquitaine, Paris 1978-1983
Elf UK plc, London 1983-1984,
Enterprise Oil plc, London, 1984-1989
St John’s College, Durham, B.A and Dip.Min. 1992
Deacon 1992, Priest 1993
Assistant Curate of All Saints, Chilvers Coton and St Mary
the Virgin, Astley 1992-1995
Rector of St James, Southam, and St Michael and All Angels,
Ufton, Diocese of Coventry 1995 – 2002
Canon Residentiary, Coventry Cathedral 2002 - 2005
Canon Residentiary and Sub Dean, Coventry Cathedral
2005 - 2007
Priest-in-Charge, Holy Trinity, Coventry 2007
Dean of Liverpool 2007 – 2011
Episcopal offices
Elected Bishop of Durham on 2 June 2011. Bishop Justin was
consecrated at York Minster on 28 October and enthroned at
Durham Cathedral on 26 November 2011
The out-going
Archbishop of
Canterbury,
Dr Rowan Williams

The Ecumenical Bishops Forum held its 22nd
National Assembly at St. Ezekiel Moreno
Spirituality and Development Center in Puerto
Princesa City, Palawan on October 16-18,
2012. Attended by 35 member-Bishops, the assembly
was graced for the first time by other countries in view
of the vision to internationalize the EBF
Archbishop Michael Kehinde Stephen of Ibadan,
Methodist Church in Nigeria, Africa and Bishop Berard
Toshio Oshikawa from Okinawa, Japan actively
participated in the discussions. They shared the
situation in their respective dioceses and countries
especially on the issue of human rights.
The Rev. Eilert Lund Rostup, Directior of Karibu
Foundation based in Oslo, Norway gave the international
human rights situation. He was accompanied by his
co-worker Tyler Dale Haugher.
Oikomenews
From the local front, Hon. Raymund Palatino of the
Kabataan Party-list and member of the House of
Representatives provided the national situation on
human rights.
The assembly passed its statement which will be
presented to the Office of the President and to the
general public through the media.
Elected officers for the next four years were:
Co-chairperson: Most Rev Deogracias S. Iniguez, Jr.
DD, from the Roman Catholic Church; Co-chairperson:
Bishop Felixberto Calang, Iglesia Filipina Independiente
based in Mindanao; Treasurer: Bishop Dixie Taclobao,
Episcopal Church in the Philippines; Bishop Dulce Pia
Rose, United Church of Christ in the Philippines based
in the Visayas Island.
(source: ebf Micah’s Call December 2012 Issue.)
Newly installed officers of the EBF from right: Bishop Felixberto Calang, IFI, Co-chairperson, Bishop Dixie Taclobao,
ECP, Treasurer; Bishop Dulce Pia Rose, UCCP, Auditor;Bishop Roman Tiples, IFI Co-founder of EBF, officiating.
The Philippine EPISCOPALIAN 19

We, the Ecumencal Bishops forum, have come together, along with our friends and partners from other parts
of the world, for the 22nd National Assembly, gathering 41 bishops,pastors, priests and church workers from
the Episcopal Church in the Philippines, Iglesia Evangelica Metodista En Las Islas Filipinas, Iglesia Filipina
Independiente (Philippine Independent Church).
Ang Iglesia Metodista Pilipinas (Methodist Church in the Philippines), United Church of Christ in the Philippines, United
Methodist Church, Roman Catholic Church- Okinawa, Japan Methodist Church Nigeria, KARIBU Foundation-Norway on
October 16 to 18, 2012, at the St Ezekiel Moreno Spirituality and Development Center, Puerto Princesa City.
Guided by the theme of our assembly “GOD, HELP US SAFEGUARD HUMAN LIFE, RIGHTS AND DIGNITY: END THE
CULTURE OF IMPUNITY”, we faithfully prayed to God, the Lord of life and history, as the Psalmist did: “O Lord, you will
hear the desire of the meek; you will strengthen their heart, you will incline your ear to do justice for the orphan and the
oppressed, so that those from earth may strike terror no more” (Ps.10:17-18)
We firmly believe that human beings are created in the image of God, and that image is reflected in human life and in the
community of all people. We strongly assert that every person is precious and entitled to live with dignity because they are
God’s children, and that each person’s life and rights need to be protected.
We affirm that God has appointed people as stewards of creation, for the benefit of the earth and humanity itself. This task
includes the responsibility to ensure the health and well-being of present and future generations. The well-being of the
environment is directly related to human well-being, therefore social, political, and economic arrangements should reflect
the dignity and worth of human beings and respect of the earth.
We continue to do our Lord’ prophetic mission of liberation as we promote justice and peace, and bravely speak out
against the many evils that violate human rights and dignity, and eventually destroy life and God’s creation: the continuing/
increasing U.S. intervention in the social, economic, political, and cultural life of our nation, resulting to widespread suffering
to our people. the desecration of natural resources due to destructive activities by large mining companies, both local and
foreign as empowered by the Philippine Mining Act of 1995; and the prevailing militarization in the countryside.
We continue to realize that human rights violations are committed by government armed forces, and these violations
are inevitable under neo-liberal globalization. We recognize that our government has become a guarantor and protector
of capitalist investments, instead of being guarantor and protector of people’s rights. the government’s Public-Private
Partnership economic scheme is a local manifestation of globalization.
Above all, we decry the fact that extra-judicial killings (EKJs) and enforced disappearances (EDs) continue to happen under
the present administration. The dreadful culture of impunity has also intensified with the killings of foreign missionaries like
Italian priest Fr. Pops Tentorio and Dutch social worker Wilhelm Geertman, and by the government’s failure to resolve a
single case of the thousands of cases of EJKs and EDs since the previous administration.
20
The Philippine EPISCOPALIAN

EDNP HEALTHY LIFESTYLE
ADVOCACY PRESENTED IN
NATIONAL CONVENTION
(EDNP News)
The EDNP was invited by the Department of
Health (DOH) to present its Healthy Lifestyle
Advocacy Program in the 6th Public Health
Convention on the Prevention and Control
of Non-Communicable Diseases on December 6,
2012 at the Philippine International Convention
Center in Manila. EDNP won the Outstanding
Healthy Lifestyle Advocacy Award (OHLAA), NGO
category, in 2011.
The healthy lifestyle advocacy program of
EDNP includes no smoking and no drinking in
church premises, Health Sunday celebration,
waste management and tree planting. Mrs. Mary
Dicdican, an active member of ECP HEAL, gave
the presentation before an audience of more than
300 delegates from local governments, national
offices, academe and the private sector. She was
accompanied by Mrs. Prima Donna Te-elan and Dr.
Penelope Domogo from the Provincial Health Office
of Mountain Province.
Mrs. Mary Dicdican sharing the HL program of
EDNP.
Mrs. Mary Dicdican answers questions during the
open forum
Dr. Penelope Domogo, Ms. Precy Cuevas of DOH,
Mrs. Mary Dicdican and Mrs. Prima Donna Te-elan
in PICC, Manila, during the 6th Public Health
Convention on the Prevention and Control of Non-
Communicable Diseases.
The Philippine EPISCOPALIAN 21

22
News in Pix
Consecration and Installation of the First Bishop of the
Episcopal Diocese of Davao
The Procession
The Message & Charge
The Right Reverend
Jonathan Labasan Casimina
Date of Consecration & Installation:
The Consecration
12 November 2012
The Philippine EPISCOPALIAN
The Congregation
The Installation
The Giving of Staff

SATS CELEBRATES 80; GRAND ALUMNI HOMECOMING
Saint Andrew’s Theological Seminary
celebrated its 80th Foundation Anniversary
with a series of activities that started
September 30 and ended November 30,
2012. This year’s celebrations were highlighted by
a 3-day SATS Alumni Association Grand Alumni
Homecoming with the theme: “Andresitos/Andresitas
Yesterday, Today and Tomorrow: Transforming
Challenges into Blessings.
The Grand Alumni Homecoming was attended
by more than a hundred alumni from both the ECP
and IFI churches. Activities of the homecoming
included reunion of batches, sharing of testimonies
and business meeting that saw the election of
SATSAA officers that will serve the next term.
The last day of festivities and main reason of
the occasion, November 30, the Feast of Andrew the
Apostle, started with the traditional procession and
Solemn Pontifical Eucharist. Activities that followed
include Dedication and Ribbon Cutting: SATS
Redevelopment Phase 2; Exhibits; Open house;
Games and Sports; Solemn Evensong and Te Deum-
it ended with an Entertainment Night.
Despite all the fun and remembering the “good
old days” at SATS, every Andresitos and Andresitas
must now take seriously the theme it set for this first
Grand Alumni Homecoming – as well as the call of
this year’s anniversary theme which is a paraphrase
of Jesus’ call to Andrew, “Follow Jesus, He will make
us fishers of men!”
The written message of Prime Bishop Edward
Malecdan himself once Dean of the Seminary (1994-
1997) set the context of these ‘challenges’ and calls
all alumni to task in order to ‘Transform them into
blessings’. Below is the full text of the Prime Bishop’s
message:
Since its establishment in 1932, Saint
Andrew’s Theological Seminary (SATS)
has been and continues to be the source
of ordained leadership in the Episcopal
Church in the Philippines and in the Iglesia Filipina
Independiente (IFI), although with its two existing
seminaries only a few IFI candidates come to SATS
for their theological education at present.
We give thanks for the 80 years of faithful service of
SATS to God and to the churches of the Concordat.
It calls for a celebration. And as we bring to mind what
the seminary has accomplished so far, it is well that we
also remember to project what its ministry should be
in the future. We note that the seminary cannot exist
without seminarians. It operates because there are
people being trained in its classrooms. But alas, the
population has declined through the years. The trend
shall have to be arrested.
The challenge to all dioceses and other SATS
stakeholders, especially its faculty and staff and
alumni, is recruitment of people with vocation to come
to seminary for training. The challenge suggests that
we be like Saint Andrew, the first called disciple of
our Lord. In the Gospel records we know that Andrew
brought his brother Peter (John 1:40-41), the lad with
two fish and five loaves (John 6:9), as well as some
Greeks to Jesus (John 12:21-22). His ministry seems
to have been introducing all sorts of people to Jesus.
Therefore, part of our celebration should be a joyful
acceptance of the role played by Andrew in the work
and ministry of Jesus and the work and ministry of the
first established church of Christ. In our efforts to bring
people closer to Jesus we make extra effort to bring
them to SATS to be molded intentionally in the image
and likeness of Him we follow, as well as to be like
Andrew our patron.”
An evening worship at the SATS Chapel
The Philippine EPISCOPALIAN 23

The Philippine
The Episcopal Church in the Philippines
joins in the celebration of the
NatioNal BiBle Week 2013
January 21-27, 2013
“Proclaim the word; be persistent whether it is convenient
or inconvenient; convince, reprimand, encourage through all
patience and teaching.”
- 2 Timothy 4:2 NAB
“Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path.”
- Psalm 119:105 ESV
iProclaim (Bible Reading)
@ the
National Cathedral of St. Mary & St. John
Episcopalian
Published quarterly by the
Episcopal Church in the Philippines
with Editorial Office at the
ECP MISSION CENTER, Cathedral Heights
275 E Rodriguez Sr., Avenue, Quezon City
Tel. Nos. (63) (02) 722-8481 / 722 8460
Telefax No. 721-1923
email: ecpnational@yahoo.com.ph
wesite: www.episcopalchurchphilippines.org
Editorial Staff
The Most Reverend
Edward P. Malecdan
Publisher
Atty Floyd P Lalwet
Laura Bernice S Ocampo
Rev David B Tabo-oy
Editorial Board
Elizabeth B Reodica
Circulation Manager
Rev David B Tabo-oy
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