Maronite Voice - Eparchy of Saint Maron of Brooklyn

The
Maronite Voice
A Publication of the Maronite Eparchies in the USA
Volume IX Issue No. V May 2013
Statement Issued by the Patriarchate of Antioch and All the East for the
Greek Orthodox Church and the Patriarchate of Antioch and All the
East of the Syriac Orthodox Church
Bishop John Ibrahim
On Monday, April 22, 2013, we were taken by surprise
at the news that our brothers Bishop Paul (Yazigi) of
Aleppo and Alexandretta and Bishop John (Ibrahim),
Syriac Orthodox Bishop of Aleppo, had been kidnapped on
their way back to Aleppo after accomplishing a humanitarian
mission. We deeply regret what happened as we regret all
similar acts targeting civilians, regardless of their belonging,
and therefore we address to the local and international
communities the following declaration:
• The Christians living here are an essential part of the land.
They suffer the pain every person suffers; they work as
messengers of peace to stop the perpetration of injustice
against the oppressed. They follow the teaching of the
Gospel that says love is at the basis of human relations.
The official positions expressed by the spiritual leaders of
Bishop Paul Yazigi
the various churches highlight these beliefs, and the
mission fulfilled by the two kidnapped bishops is further
proof of this orientation.
• The Christians in this part of the East are deeply saddened
by what their country is going through, namely the
violence that is dividing the sons of the same country and
endangering civilians who conduct their lives in peace.
Kidnapping is a terrible expression of this violence, and it
is to be condemned without hesitation as it threatens the
lives of unarmed individuals. We appeal to the kidnappers
to respect the life of the two kidnapped brothers, and we
call on everyone to put an end to all the acts that allow or
create confessional and sectarian schisms among the sons
of the same country. (Continues on page 20)

Schedule of Bishop Robert Shaheen
May 2, 2013
Bishop Shaheen’s Forty-ninth Anniversary, Saint Louis, Mo.
May 11, 2013
Pastoral Visit to Holy Family Church, Saint Paul, Minn.
May 11, 2013
Joint Banquet, Holy Family Church and Saint Maron Church, Minneapolis,
Minn.
May 12, 2013
Pastoral Visit to Saint Maron Church, Minneapolis, Minn.
May 18, 2013
th
50 Wedding Anniversary of Rocco and Giovannina Mediati, North
Jackson, Ohio
May 18, 2013
Ground Breaking Ceremony. Antonine Maronite Sisters, North Jackson,
Ohio
May 24 - 27, 2013
Ninety Years Anniversary of Our Lady of Mt. Lebanon Cathedral, Los
Angeles, Calif.
June 5 - 17, 2013
Annual Maronite Bishops’ Meeting, Bkerke, Lebanon
June 17 -20, 2013
Rome, Italy.
Eparchial Assignments
His Excellency Bishop Gregory Mansour, Bishop of the Eparchy of Saint
Maron of Brooklyn, has made the following Eparchial appointments
effective on June 1, 2013:
• Rev. Kamil Al-Chouefati as Administrator of Our Lady Star of the East
Mission, Pleasantville [Atlantic City], New Jersey. Fr. Kamil leaves Saint
Sharbel Mission, Raleigh, N.C.
• Rev. Elie Mikhael as Administrator of Saint Sharbel Mission, Raleigh, N.C.,
and Visitator to the Maronite Community of Charlotte, N.C. Fr. Elie leaves Our
Lady of Lebanon Church, Miami, Fla.,
• Rev. Elie Saade, O.L.M. as Pastor of Our Lady of Lebanon Church, Miami, Fla.
Fr. Elie leaves Our Lady Star of the East Mission, Pleasantville, N.J.
• Rev. Alaa Issa, as Pastoral Administrator of Mary, Mother of the Light Mission,
West Palm Beach, Fla.
The following appointments have been extended for three years:
• Rev. Msgr. James Root, Rector of Our Lady of Lebanon Cathedral, Brooklyn,
N.Y.
• Rev. Rodolphe Wakim, Pastor of Our Lady of Victory Church, Carnegie, Penn.
The following Administrators have been appointed as Pastors:
• Rev. Dany Abi-Akar, Pastor of Our Lady of Lebanon Church, Waterbury,
Conn.
• Rev. Vincent Farhat, Pastor of Saint Maron Church, Philadelphia, Penn.
• Rev. Tanios Mouanes, Pastor of Saint Theresa Church, Brockton, Mass.
Our Lady of Lebanon Seminary
Bishop Gregory Mansour also accepted the Retirement of Chorbishop Seely
Beggiani, Rector of Our Lady of Lebanon Seminary, Washington, D.C., for having
reached the canonical age limit and appointed Rev. Geoffrey Abdallah, as Rector
effective on August 1, 2013.
The Maronite Voice
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The Maronite Voice, (ISSN 1080-
9880) the official newsletter of the
Maronite Eparchies in the U.S.A.
(Eparchy of Our Lady of Lebanon of
Los Angeles and Eparchy of Saint
Maron of Brooklyn), is published
monthly.
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Publishers
• Most Reverend Bishop Robert
Joseph Shaheen
• Most Reverend Bishop Gregory
John Mansour
Editor Msgr. George M. Sebaali
Consultor Fr. Abdallah Zaidan,
M.L.M.
Editing and proofreading
Mary Shaia
Anne-Marie Condlin
Printed in Richmond, Virginia.
Maronite Convention 2013
Sts. Peter and Paul Maronite
Church
Tampa, Florida
July 3 - 7, 2013
For more information
contact the NAM office
at (914) 964-3070
or visit www.Namnews.org
The Maronite Voice Volume IX Issue No. V Page 2 May 2013

y Salma Vahdat
Brooklyn, New York
Prayers For Syria
Asomber but ever hopeful gathering of clergy and laity
convened at the Cathedral of Our Lady of Lebanon,
Brooklyn, N.Y., on Tuesday evening, April 2, 2013, to
pray for peace in Syria. As violence and intolerance escalates
and broadens in Syria, the three Abrahamic faiths of
Christian, Muslim and Jew united to make a plea to the One
God to end the suffering of the Syrian people.
At the invitation of Bishop Gregory Mansour, Bishop of
the Eparchy of Saint Maron, and sponsored by the Christian
Arab and Middle Eastern Churches Together (CAMECT), the
Cathedral hosted approximately 250 guests. Clergy and
representatives of Syriac Catholic and Orthodox, Antiochean
Orthodox, Protestant, Evangelical, Diocese of Brooklyn and
other Roman Catholic clergy, Sheik of the Druze, a Rabbi,
several Catholic Sisters and laity participated by offering
prayer and reflection. In attendance were members of the
Diplomatic Corps of the U.N.: the Ambassador of Syria to
the U.N.; members of the Office of the Ambassador of
Lebanon to the U.N.; the Consul General of Lebanon to N.Y.;
the Vatican Ambassador to the U.N., and other dignitaries.
Bishop Gregory said he hosted the event because he truly
believes in the power of sincere prayer.
"We invited Muslims, Christians and Jews and anyone
who was willing to come, as well as any civil official," he
said. "We invited them for one reason, no matter what their
political opinion of Syria is, just to pray for the people of
Syria." The Bishop continued, "Peace has not yet come to
Syria. Many have tried, many have failed. Nonetheless, we
must never forget that nothing is impossible with God; and so
we turn to Him all our hearts, we ask for pardon, for civility,
for justice and for peace among his children."
Rabbi Serge Lippe of the Brooklyn Heights Synagogue,
said he accepted the invitation in part out of his respect for
Bishop Mansour's call for unity. "I'm honored to represent
the Jewish community with our prayers for peace and
well-being for all the peoples of faith of that region of the
world," he said.
The Chairman of the Druze Council of North America,
Sheik Sami Merhi, said he too believes Syria's hope is for
God's children to intercede on her behalf. "Our mother
country, Syria, is in turmoil, and there is a lot of suffering,"
he said. "So I thank Bishop Mansour for gathering us in the
name of the one God that unites us, to pray for peace, and
hopefully our prayers will be heard."
Bishop Nicholas Ozone, Auxiliary Bishop of the
Antiochean Orthodox Archdiocese of North America, said
it should not be shocking that leaders of different religions
come together for a common good. "As everybody knows, in
Syria, there are all kinds of denominations, all types of
religions, and historically they have lived peacefully as
brethren together," he said. "So it should not be difficult for
brethren to come together to pray."
The prayers and reflections were based on the Ramsho or
evening prayer of the Maronite Church, adapted to include
Jewish and Muslim prayer. The Cathedral Choir, led by
Rev. Geoffrey Abdallah, Director of Music for the Eparchy,
provided appropriate accompaniment for the service. The
Cathedral’s Knights of Saint Maron ably conducted the
ushering and the Ladies of the Confraternity of the
Immaculate Conception hosted the reception following the
service in the Social Hall.
From Our Bishops
Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ:
We have received a sincere call for help from our
brothers and sisters in Syria. They are in dire need of
assistance to continue to maintain our Christian
presence in Syria.
His Excellency Elias Sleiman, the Bishop of the Maronite
Eparchy of Latakia, is specifically asking for our help. On
January 4, 2013, he wrote a letter describing the situation that
Christians in Syria are facing. Children are suffering because
of the extreme situations they are living in. People are unable
to obtain the basic needs for daily survival and they are
constantly exposed to dangerous risks and threats. They are
terribly affected by the violence that is happening around
them and many will be forced to leave Syria because of the
hardships.
The priests of Syria are also facing the same hardships.
Their resources are depleted and they and their people depend
solely on the Eparchy for help. Bishop Sleiman's Eparchy
currently has twenty-nine priests; half are married and have
children. There are also eight seminarians; two are attending
college in Lebanon and the rest are waiting for their
ordination. Parishioners are facing adversity as there are few
sources of income. There are no schools or industries to help
provide any form of support for themselves and their
families. The two other dioceses, the Eparchy of Damascus
and the Eparchy of Aleppo, are facing similar hardships.
Bishop Sleiman has established a special non-profit
organization called "Our Lady of Tartous." Donations made
to this organization are tax deductible. Donations may also
be sent and earmarked to the Eparchy of Saint Maron of
Brooklyn in New York or the Eparchy of Our Lady of
Lebanon in St. Louis. (Continues on page 20)
The Maronite Voice Volume IX Issue No. V Page 3 May 2013

Houston, Texas
Silver Massabki Award
From left: Mike Naber, NAM Executive Director, Fr. Vincent
Farhat, Terri and Peter Coway, and Bishop Gregory Mansour.
Fr. Milad Yaghi (left), Pastor of Our Lady of the Cedars;
Joseph Rouhana; Bishop Robert Shaheen; Noelle Rouhana;
Fr. Abdullah Zaidan, Rector Our Lady of Mount Lebanon
Cathedral; and Fr. Pierre El Khoury, Associate Pastor of Our
Lady of the Cedars.
Every year Our Lady of the Cedars in Houston, Texas,
presents the Massabki Medal to an individual or couple
who has made significant contributions to the Parish,
who are members of NAM and who have helped to foster the
growth of the Maronite Church in Houston.
This year the Massabki Medal was presented to Joseph
and Noelle Rouhana by His Excellency Bishop Robert
Shaheen on April 14, 2013.
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
Massabki Award
by Amal Kouyoumdji
On April 13, 2013, His Excellency Bishop Gregory
Mansour and Father Vincent Farhat, Administrator of
St. Maron Church in Philadelphia, Penn., presented the
Silver Massabki award to Terri and Peter Coway, in
recognition of their deep love for the Church and their
unbridled commitment to serve Her, at all times, in any way
they can.
While Peter was baptized at St. Maron Church, and has
been a parishioner for his entire life, Terri has been a
parishioner since the day she and Peter were married there
some forty-six years ago. Both Terri and Peter served, at
one time or another, on the Parish Council, the Finance
Council, and several other committees within the Church. In
fact, Peter had been part of the very first Parish Council at St.
Maron. They also have been involved in the planning and
execution of most parish events. In addition, for more than
ten years now, Terri and Peter have been active members of
NAM.
When asked about how they felt upon receiving the welldeserved
award, "surprised and honored," said Terri.
"Others are more deserving," said Peter, humbly, before he
went on to express his gratitude for parishioners who are able
to spark enthusiasm within the community. They both
marveled over the renewal that St. Maron Church has been
living over the past few years, noting that her continuity and
strength depend largely on the ability of her children to pass
on the passion and the desire to be part of something greater
than themselves.
All of us here at St. Maron Church extend our warm
congratulations to Terri and Peter and our deepest
appreciation for everything they have done, and will continue
to do, to contribute to the growth of the parish.
Warren, Michigan
MYA Regional Retreat
We are pleased to announce that the upcoming MYA
Regional Retreat will be hosted by the Parish of St.
Sharbel Maronite Church in Warren, Michigan. The
retreat will be held the weekend of June 7 - 9, 2013. The
theme will be: "Our Journeys Intertwined" - discovering
together how to receive the incredible love God has for us, so
that you may love one another as He has first loved us! The
weekend will include many wonderful activities, both
spiritual and social, including a Detroit Tigers baseball game
at Comerica Park!
Registration is live on the St. Sharbel Church Website:
stsharbelwarren.com. Cost is $70 for the weekend per
attendee. Hotel accommodations are an additional $62 for
the two night stay.
For more information please contact the office of St.
Sharbel Maronite Church at [586] 826-9688 or
stsharbelwarren@aol.com.
The Maronite Voice Volume IX Issue No. V Page 4 May 2013

Orlando, Florida
Diaconate Ordination
Denver, Colorado
Charity Walk
Father Bassam Saade (left), Deacon Manhire, Bishop
Gregory Mansour and Father Jack Morrison.
by Ann Geagea
On Saturday, April 6, 2013, at St. Jude Maronite Church
in Orlando, Fla., His Excellency Bishop Gregory J.
Mansour, Bishop of the Eparchy of Saint Maron of
Brooklyn, ordained John (Jack) T. Manhire to the Order of
Deacon. Fr. Bassam M. Saade, Pastor of St. Jude, was
Deacon Manhire's sponsor. In attendance were Fr. Jack
Morrison, Director of Faith Formation for the Eparchy of
Saint Maron, Subdeacon Daniel Daniel of St. Jude Parish,
and Subdeacon Norbert Yogl from Our Lady of Lebanon
Cathedral, Brooklyn, N.Y., along with Deacon David Gray,
Director of the Permanent Diaconate Program, and Deacon
John Rumplash, Assistant Director of Formation, both for the
Diocese of Orlando, fellow deacons from the Diocese of
Orlando and Deacons in formation.
Jack's wife, Diane, their three children, their spouses, and
their fifteen grandchildren were in attendance along with
other family members and friends. Following the liturgy, the
St. Jude Women's League congratulated their newly ordained
deacon with a beautiful reception in the Parish Hall.
On Sunday, April 7, Deacon Manhire proclaimed the
Gospel and assisted at his first Liturgy as deacon and gave his
first homily the following weekend.
The Parish of St. Jude Maronite Catholic Church would
like to thank Bishop Mansour, Fr. Saade, and Fr. Morrison
for making this day possible for Deacon Manhire.
Food For Thought
"Faith is first of all a gift that we have received. But to bear
fruit, God's grace always requires our openness, our free and
concrete response. Christ comes to bring us the mercy of God
Who saves. We are asked to trust Him, to match the gift of
His love with a good life, with actions animated by faith and
love."
Pope Francis
From left: Phillip Kyburz, Abouna (Father Andre Mahanna),
Ramzi Maalouf, Marsha Moussallem, Paul Conkling, Elissa
Maalouf and Anna Conkling.
by Elissa Maalouf
Saint Rafka Maronite Catholic Church member
On Sunday, March 4, 2013, eight people from the Saint
Rafka Maronite Catholic Church, Lakewood [Denver],
Colo., walked two miles to raise money for the
American Heart Association. This was for Anna Conkling's
birthday! Instead of getting presents she wanted to raise
money for those kids who have certain kinds of heart
diseases. As a group of people, we wanted Fr. Andre
Mhanna, Pastor, to join us and so he had said, "Yes." He got
stuck in a conversation and had to catch up with the rest of
the group, but instead of walking to catch up he ran! Anna
Conkling, Ramzi Maalouf, and Elissa Maalouf were the only
kids who did the walk.
We, as the kids, had races with Fr. Andre. He even gave
us drinks! Then all the other adults, Paul Conkling, Marsha
Moussallem, Jan, and one other person found us in the
Edgewater Coffee Company Café and decided to join us.
Once we were all rested we walked to the lake. It was
beautiful! The water stretched for about 2 ½ miles. We took
a couple pictures and started walking back.
Fr. Andre asked us to pray the Rosary with him for those
kids who have heart disease. Anna raised over $600! That
was amazing! As you can see, we had a lot of fun. If you
know someone who has heart disease or who has a friend
who has heart disease, please donate money for them so that
the doctors can find a cure! Help make a difference! Thank
you!
The Maronite Voice Volume IX Issue No. V Page 5 May 2013

Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
Dedication of Church Hall
by Amal Kouyoumdji
"Y
ou know well enough that
our Lord does not look so
much at the greatness of our
actions, nor even their difficulty, but at
the love with which we do them."
These are the words of St. Thérèse of
Lisieux that Father Vincent Farhat,
Administrator of St. Maron Church in
Philadelphia, Penn., chose to sum up
the community's journey through
several weeks of renovation of the
Church Hall, that ultimately led to the
Inauguration and Dedication of The
Msgr. Sharbel Lischaa Community
Center on April 13, 2013. The
celebration began with Divine Liturgy
at 5:30 p.m., and was followed by a
ribbon-cutting ceremony and a dinner
in the newly renovated Hall.
Joyful and with a renewed sense of
unity and accomplishment, the
congregation stood to receive the
blessing of Bishop Gregory Mansour,
who entered the Church accompanied
by beloved friends of St. Maron Church
who came to help us celebrate: Msgr.
James Root, Rev. Michael Marrone,
Rev. Paul Mouawad, Rev. Elie Saade,
Rev. Gaby Hoyak, Rev. Richard
Cannuli, Rev. Michael Oliveri, Rev.
Kail Ellis, Rev. John Solomon, Deacon
George Hajj, and Seminarian Alex
Harb. Also in attendance were Sister
Virginia Rozich, Sister Nahida
Al-Sawa, Mr. Michael Naber, and
many dear friends and supporters of St.
Maron.
The Children of St. Maron gathered in
the front pews. In his homily, Bishop
Mansour talked about the two disciples
walking towards Emmaus, deeply
saddened by the death of Jesus on the
Cross. It is only when He broke the
bread that they recognized Him and
rejoiced. Just as the disciples learned
on their journey, we must understand,
explained Bishop Mansour, "that the
worst thing in life is not death, because
Jesus defied death. It is our refusal to
love, to forgive, and to overcome
difficulties." And what is a journey
without love? One can only pray that
the journey we took together, as a
community, to beautify our Church
Hall will forever be renewed each time
we receive the Body of Christ Our
Lord. No matter the road, and no matter
the obstacles, Jesus accompanies us,
waits for us, and keeps us "in
communion with His Church, and with
one another."
With this knowledge the congregation
made its way next door. Parishioners
wanted a glimpse of the just unveiled
sign that read: "Msgr. Sharbel Lischaa
Community Center – St. Maron Hall."
It was a very touching moment for a
community that reveres its past and has
faith in its future! Eyes were tearing
up from the confidence felt by everyone
that Msgr. Sharbel was looking down
on his ever growing flock, beaming
with pride. The seeds that he had
planted years ago blossomed into the
most beautiful flowers. With the
Children by his side, Bishop Mansour
proceeded to cut the ribbon. Right
after, the attendees enjoyed a song
performed by the Children of St.
Maron, under the direction of Mrs.
Maria Nacouzi, entitled He's Got the
Whole World in His Hands.
fitting!
How
Father Vincent's heart was strong and
happy as he graciously thanked every
individual and every organization that
took part in our project, in one way or
another. Mr. Michael Naber took to the
podium to share an informative
presentation about NAM, the 50th
Annual Maronite Convention, and the
scholarship program.
Bishop Mansour explained that love
carried us on our journey. He went on
to praise the parishioners on their
accomplishment, comparing them to
"little Davids who conquered big
Goliaths." How true! We are indeed a
community of little Davids, blessed
with many gifts. Our slingshot is our
history, mainly in the person of Msgr.
Sharbel who also understood the "real
meaning of life," and who, according to
his own words, "felt good in his heart,
had peace in his mind, and lived a
miracle life." Our slingshot is also the
vision of Father Vincent who works
diligently on building up our parish,
while bringing Msgr. Sharbel's legacy
forward. Our slingshot is our ability to
embrace and rejoice in our diversity, for
our community is a rare and rich
mosaic of flavors, nationalities, talents
and much love.
The Maronite Voice Volume IX Issue No. V Page 6 May 2013

THE ORDER OF
SAINT SHARBEL
Tulsa, Oklahoma
NAM Spring Board Meeting
Perpetual Members
,Mr. Boutros Merhi
Our Lady of the Cedars Church,
Houston, Texas
Dr. James Thomas
Our Lady of Purgatory Church,
New Bedford, Mass.
Sara Hanna
St. Louis Gonzaga Church,
Utica, N.Y.
Annual Members
Mrs. Goldie Faris
Mary Mazloom
Honorable Anthony Shaheen
St. Louis Gonzaga Church,
Utica, N.Y.
The Order of Saint Sharbel is an
organization of lay people and
clergy who have pledged their
spiritual strength and financial
support for Our Lady of Lebanon
Seminary and the retired Maronite
clergy of the Maronite Eparchies
in the USA.
For more information about the
Order write to:
Eparchy of Saint Maron
Order of Saint Sharbel
109 Remsen Street
Brooklyn, NY 11201
Or
Eparchy of Our Lady of Lebanon
Order of Saint Sharbel
th
1021 South 10 Street
St. Louis, MO 63104
At the dinner are NAM Board Members Rose Sayhoun (Youngstown, Ohio)
Chairperson of Education Committee; Patty Bolous (Easton, Penn.), National
Coordinator; and Deacon Albert Constantine (Northridge, Calif.), Regional
Vice-President-Southwest Region.
The National Apostolate of Maronites held its spring Board Meeting at Tulsa,
Oklahoma, April 19 - 21, 2013, hosted by St. Thérèse Parish. Friday evening
Benediction with the Icon of Mary was celebrated with Bishop Edward
Slattery of Tulsa giving the blessing. At the dinner following, it was noted that this
th
is the 50 anniversary of NAM, which will be celebrated at its annual convention
July 3 - 7, 2013, in Tampa, Florida, hosted by Saints Peter and Paul Maronite
Mission.
President Amine T. Harb of Orlando, Fla., noted that at the first Maronite
Convention the first graduate of the Maronite Seminary in Washington, D.C., was
ordained a priest; he is Bishop Robert J. Shaheen of the Eparchy of Our Lady of
Lebanon. NAM has worked for vocations since its founding. This year’s Vocations
Awareness Contest has a May 15 deadline.
NAM currently has 5,000 members and is trying to grow in order to be more
effective in its mission of making people more aware of the rich heritage of the
Maronite faith and of fostering pride in the Maronite Church. NAM serves as a
unifier among the laity and a link between the clergy and the laity in preserving the
Syriac-Maronite traditions. NAM works for the canonization and raises awareness
of the Three Blessed Massabki Brothers, martyred for their faith in Damascus on
July 9, 1860.
Executive Director Mike Naber of Yonkers, N.Y., stated that he is a Maronite
by choice. He was born a Melkite Catholic, baptized a Latin, and finally became
a Maronite. Regional Vice-Presidents and Committee Chairpersons spoke briefly
of their areas of responsibility. NAM supports seven college students on a semester
scholarship for study in Lebanon.
Saturday’s full schedule of meetings concluded with a dinner at the home of
parishioners Mr. and Mrs. Wissam Mouchantaf. After Sunday’s Divine Liturgy
celebrated by Father Elias Abi Sarkis, a brunch was held at St. Thérèse’s Jorishie
st
Hall, the 21 Annual Spring Raffle winners were drawn, and the Board meeting
concluded.
The Maronite Voice Volume IX Issue No. V Page 7 May 2013

Chicago, Illinois
Youth Lenten Retreat
Youth participating in the retreat with Fr. Charles Khachan,
M.L.M., and Fr. Fawaz Kako.
by Nicholas Hanna
The MYO Lenten Retreat at Our Lady of Lebanon
Church, Lombard [Chicago], Ill., has always been a
time for the younger parishioners to express their
religious opinions and discuss how God relates to their
everyday lives. This year's retreat included over thirty youth
and advisors from the Parish as well as youth from the nearby
Mart Mariam Chaldean Church and Saint John Melkite
Church.
The event opened with ice breaker games followed by
prayer. Father Charles Khachan led the retreat, discussing
many situations relating to God in social networking.
Participants were split into three groups with an advisor
leading each activity. One group watched a documentary on
religious social networking while the others analyzed tweets
that God might post. After summarizing the tweets' key
points, all groups were then questioned on what their
responses would be based on their thoughts and reasoning.
The diverse discussions allowed youth and the three
participating pastors to share their perspectives of what
would happen if figures of Christianity, like God, had social
networking today.
The retreat concluded with a reconciliation service.
Although it is somewhat difficult for many people, penance
is a healing of a Christian being, rather than an awkward
period of judgment and punishment. The youth applaud all
their pastors for being supportive and giving them advice to
help learn from their mistakes. We encourage as many people
as possible to join the next event.
Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
Appreciation Award
On Friday, February 8, 2013, Our Lady of Victory
Parish in Pittsburgh, Penn., celebrated the Feast of St.
Maron at Le Mont, a prestigious restaurant in town.
Clergy from neighboring parishes attended the celebration.
Lebanese Singer Tony Mikhael provided the music and
entertainment. At the dinner, Sister Tulia was honored with
the NAM Appreciation Award, signed by His Excellency
Bishop Gregory Mansour. Sister Tulia has been a blessing to
the Parish and has been serving Our Lady of Victory as
Director of Religious Education and Organist for over
twenty-two years. Her talents and dedication to the Church
are endless and immeasurable. She is tireless in spreading
the faith and love of God.
Fort Lauderdale, Florida
Spring Hafli
On April 13, 2013, a beautiful Saturday evening in Fort
Lauderdale, Fla., the Heart of Jesus Maronite Church
held its Spring Hafli. The night of Lebanese food,
music, and dancing was a wonderful party, and it was also a
family affair. Babysitters were provided and children shared
in the food while enjoying games and videos. It was a night
all who attended will remember.
The Maronite Voice Volume IX Issue No. V Page 8 May 2013

Sacramento, California
Basketball Tournament
by Carrolyn Aboubechara
The Young Adults of Our Lady of the Rosary Church in
Sacramento, Calif., organized a California Maronite
Basketball tournament. One team came from San
Francisco and another from San Diego to compete on the
occasion of the celebration of Divine Mercy Sunday. Every
player received a picture of Jesus Christ where it is written,
"Jesus I trust in you." The tournament started at noon with a
blessing for the teams and supporters, and it finished around
three in the afternoon after three games. The team of Our
Lady of the Rosary in Sacramento won the tournament. “The
Young Adults showed great talent and sportsmanship, and
team spirit was highlighted there during the competition,”
commented Fr. Nabil Mouannes. The tournament was held
at Our Lady of the Assumption Roman Catholic Church gym,
and a dinner was held at Our Lady of the Rosary Church after
the tournament.
Deadline for next month’s issue of
The Maronite Voice is May 25, 2013.
The Maronite Voice is the official
Newsletter of the Eparchy of Our Lady
of Lebanon and of the Eparchy of Saint
Maron of Brooklyn.
Send all changes of address, news,
pictures and personal correspondence to: The Maronite
Voice,
4611 Sadler Road,
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Schedule of Bishop Gregory Mansour
May 5, 2013
Our Lady of Lebanon Cathedral, Brooklyn, N.Y.
May 12, 2013
Our Lady of Lebanon Cathedral, Brooklyn, N.Y.
May 16, 2013
Visit with Syro-Malankar Major Archbishop in
Rockville Center, N.Y.
May 18 - 19, 2013
Dedication of the new St. Ann Church and Pentecost
Sunday, Watervliet [Troy], N.Y.
May 22, 2013
Talk to College Students at the Holy See Mission to
the United Nations, Manhattan, N.Y.
May 23, 2013
Ordination to the Diaconate of Elias Khalil, Antoine
Kairouz and Brother Youssef Mariam, Our Lady of
Lebanon Cathedral, Brooklyn, N.Y.
May 25, 2013
Ordination to the Priesthood of Alexander Joseph,
Our Lady of Lebanon Church, Easton, Penn.
May 26, 2013
Liturgy of Thanksgiving of the New Priest, Fr.
Alexander Joseph, Our Lady of Lebanon Church,
Easton, Penn.
May 31, 2013
One Week Official Visit to Syrian Refugee Camps in
Lebanon and Jordan with Members of Catholic Relief
Services
June 8, 2013
Ordination to Priesthood of Raymond Khallouf, St.
Rafka Church, Sehiele, Lebanon
June 9, 2013
Liturgy of Thanksgiving of the New Priest, Fr.
Raymond Khallouf, St. Rafka Church, Sehiele,
Lebanon
June 9 - 21, 2013
Annual Maronite Bishops’ Synod and Post Synodal
Meetings, Bkerke, Lebanon.
Food For Thought
God has created me to do Him some definite service; He has
committed some work to me which He has not committed to
another. I have my mission - I may never know it in this life,
but I shall be told it in the next. I have a part in a great work;
I am a link in a chain, a bond of connection between persons.
Blessed John Henry Newman
The Maronite Voice Volume IX Issue No. V Page 9 May 2013

The Virgin Mary in Eastern Christian Tradition
by Brother John M. Samaha, S.M.
The Christian traditions of
the East and the West
evolved in manifold and
diverse ways. Theology and
worship developed in different
modes according to the varying
human cultures. Where do we
find the place of the Blessed
Virgin Mary, Mother of Jesus
Christ, in the Eastern Christian
tradition?
On the one hand we find a
tremendous richness of Marian
thought in the liturgies of the
Eastern Church, but on the other
hand a virtual absence of
specifically Mariological studies
in theology. In the Christian East
t he understan d i n g and
appreciation of the Theotokos,
the Virgin Mother of God,
developed differently and is not
the product of scientific
theological reasoning and
reflection. The Mariological
experience and piety of the
Eastern churches -- in union with
Rome and separated - seem to be embodied almost entirely in
their liturgical and paraliturgical worship. We find no
prominent theological reflection on the subject, nothing that
would parallel the specialized treatises of Western theological
studies. Eastern theology manuals contain no chapters
dealing with the place of Mary in the economy of salvation.
The veneration of Mary, which is so central in Eastern prayer
life, has not been extensively expressed, analyzed, or
evaluated systematically. Instead, Mary is highlighted in the
liturgy and in prayer.
The scarcity of formal theological study about Mary may
seem to some a deficiency in Eastern theology. How can the
Eastern Church, which never prays to God or Jesus Christ
without at the same time addressing Mary, neglect
theologizing about her? Why has the Eastern theological
mind neglected focus on this enormously important aspect of
its life and worship?
In the Eastern theological mind the seeming absence of
formal study on this subject is seen as an integral part of the
"mystery of Mary" in the experience of the Church. Eastern
scholars question whether theology as the rational
investigation of the truths of faith is adequate to transpose
into precise terms the real content of that mystery. For them
the proper locus of Mariology is in liturgy and in prayer.
This is reminiscent of Prosper of Aquitaine's maxim: Lex
orandi, lex credendi. We pray what we believe.
In the Eastern Christian traditions Mariology developed
through liturgical veneration within the framework of the
concomitant feasts; that is, it followed the development of
Christology and the Church's
contemplation of the Incarnation.
All Marian devotion -- liturgical
and popular - remained organically
connected to the mystery of Christ.
This has always been their norm
and criterion.
For the Eastern spiritual heritage the
liturgy is the principal locus of
Mariology. The liturgical
expression of piety is often adorned
with allegory and symbolism. This
gives rise to questions about the
biblical character and justification
of these expressions or forms.
Where in the Bible do we find
information about Mary's birth,
presentation in the temple,
dormition? Yet these are celebrated
as Marian festivals. Whatever their
poetic, liturgical, and hymnographic
expressions, all these events are real
because they are self-evident. Mary
was born, like every Jewish girl she
was taken to the temple, she
eventually died. Simply because
such information comes from the Apocrypha does not alter
their reality. The Church contemplates the ultimate reality of
these events, not the poetic elaborations in the prayers and
hymns.
For the Eastern Churches worship and liturgy are
paramount. Liturgy is not seen as an action of the
community. Liturgy is the procession or entrance into the
eschatological reality of the Kingdom of God. It is the
meeting-place between the world and the Kingdom of God
fully realized. Worship is not the commemoration of a past
event, but a participation in the events of salvation
themselves, because, although these occurred historically,
they also occur outside the category of time.
While this tradition of the East differs from the
theological elaboration of the West, it nonetheless belongs to
the full catholicity and apostolicity of the Church.
Some in the West have speculated that the Nestorian
controversy, which occurred in the Eastern world, may have
contributed to the fuller liturgical celebration of the
Theotokos in the East. This development gave the East a
more satisfying and habitual expression of devotion to Mary,
and would support the notion that the proper locus of
Mariology is primarily in liturgy.
The West, lacking such regular liturgical expression,
sought other means of elaborating Marian devotion, such as
defining privileges and giving impetus to various movements.
Both East and West exalt Mary's role in Christianity, but
from different intellectual and formative approaches.
The Maronite Voice Volume IX Issue No. V Page 10 May 2013

If the Lord is Calling You, The Church Needs You!
Ten Pieces of Wisdom For Discernment
On January 25, 2008, I made solemn vows as a
Benedictine monk of Saint Meinrad Archabbey.
Eighteen months later, on June 7, 2009, I was ordained
a priest by Archbishop Daniel Buechlein, O.S.B., of the
Archdiocese of Indianapolis [Indiana]. These two events
were, for me, not only the celebrated beginning of a new
level of committed service to God and Church; they marked
the end of a long and sometimes difficult path of
discernment.
Joyfully and gratefully I reflect upon the fact that the many
hard years of going back and forth over whether I should give
priesthood and religious life a try, or make a commitment to
them, are over. Nonetheless, my heart goes out to those who
are still in the throes of vocation discernment. I know that it
can be one of the hardest tasks someone undertakes in life.
The following are ten pieces of wisdom I picked up during
my own discernment journey. Most of these were
communicated to me, in some way, by mentors, teachers,
friends, and family members. They do not constitute a
formula for discernment. Nonetheless, they did help me get
from point A to point B.
1. God Calls
At the heart of the "American Dream" is the idea that one
can be anything one wants to be. The glory of living in a
free nation is that we have the opportunity to make of
ourselves what we will. Alas, we are taught from a young
age that it is important to be true to our dreams and,
accordingly, plot a course for our lives. All that isn't
unimportant. The problem though, for a person of faith,
is that it can potentially leave God out of the
decision-making process.
Vocation comes from the Latin word, vocare, "to call." It
is a calling, a calling from God, who made us, loves us,
and has a plan for us. Discernment, then, is different
from simply making a decision about a career path or
lifestyle. Discernment starts in faith, where we
acknowledge God as the source of vocation, involve God
in the decision-making process through prayer, and
actively listens for God's will.
2. Vocation Is a Two-Way Gift
God really does want us to be happy. When it comes to
a vocation we sometimes struggle to believe that.
Perhaps we fear that God will ask us to do something we
will hate. Maybe we think God's will is a sentence to a
dreadful life. On the contrary, in John's Gospel Christ
says: "I came that they may have life, and have it
abundantly" (John 10:10).
But what will make us really happy? The Second Vatican
Council teaches that it is through self-giving that we are
fulfilled as human beings. So vocation is not only
something given to us, something we receive, it is also
something we freely give to God and others.
3. God Preserves Our Freedom
Because vocation is something we give to God, it is
important that we have the freedom to make this offering.
God gives us real choices. We have the freedom to marry
or enter religious life or remain single. We have the
freedom to pursue this or that line of work. If we are not
in a place in life where we are free to commit to a
vocation (perhaps due to an immaturity, an undue fear, or
an addiction), then we must increase in our freedom
before we can make a vocational choice. God, rest
assured, helps us in this process.
Furthermore, as long as we are not choosing something
evil, God respects the choices we make. We must not
believe, as so many in discernment do, that God will
reject us if we make the "wrong" choice. On the one hand
God really does call us to vocations. On the other God
respects our freedom and does not abandon us.
4. Know Thyself
A key insight shared by many saints is that spiritual
growth begins in self-knowledge.
God, who will sanctify us through our vocation, has
already endowed us with a certain nature. Ordinarily the
grace of our vocation will build upon this nature. An
awareness of our personal gifts and weaknesses can help
us considerably in gaining a sense of which vocations are
possible for us and which are probably not wise paths for
us to take.
Along these lines it is also important to listen to our
hearts, to be attentive to those relationships and activities
that give us the most peace and joy. In addition, our
dreams and desires are significant. These may even be
the promptings of the Holy Spirit showing us ways to
creatively respond to God's call.
5. Christ is the Way, the Truth, and the Life
An authentic Christian vocation is always rooted first of
all in being a disciple of Jesus Christ. To better know
God's will for our lives and follow it, it is imperative that
we first come to know Jesus Christ and begin to model
our lives after His. By encountering the Word of God in
Scripture, we receive the light that "enlightens everyone"
(John 1:9). His life inspires, motivates, and directs ours.
By receiving Christ in the sacraments we receive the
grace that will empower us to pursue our vocation. By
living according to His precepts, we develop the strength
to follow Him in bigger things later. By surrounding
ourselves with God's people, the Body of Christ, we
The Maronite Voice Volume IX Issue No. V Page 11 May 2013

discover the necessary support to initially try out a
vocation and later to commit to it and live it out.
Before we can be an apostle, "one who is sent," we
must first be a disciple, "one who follows."
6. Find Your Place in the Symphony
The Church is like a symphony. It is one group playing
one score but it's also full of uniqueness. There are lots of
different instruments and parts. Personally I think of that
score as love, and I think of the different instruments and
parts as being the different vocations in the church.
Finding our vocation, then, is like finding our instrument
in the symphony, our unique way of "playing" God's love
in the world.
It helps in discernment, then, to get as involved with the
faith community as you can. It is by taking part in the life
of the Church and trying out different instruments - at the
parish, on mission trips, in Bible studies, in lay apostolate
groups - that you will most naturally find your place in
the symphony.
7. Ask For Help
No one can discern a vocation alone. One's friends,
ministers, family members, and fellow parishioners can
be helpful sources of support and insight. These folks can
often see things in us that we don't readily perceive. As
one progresses a little bit along the path of discernment,
a spiritual director is often necessary, especially if one is
discerning priesthood or religious life.
Whatever we have done or whoever we have been in the
past, God can still use us. We have only to recall Saints
Peter, Paul, and Mary Magdalene to be reminded what
God can do with weak human beings!
10. Discernment Is Not Your Vocation
Perhaps the most helpful bit of wisdom I received in
discernment was the nudging of my spiritual director
when he said, "Discernment is not your vocation." There
comes a time in the process of exploring who we are and
what we want to do with our lives that we must take a
risk and try something. God rewards our efforts, and God
can do much more with a mistake than with inertia.
About the Author
Father Christian Raab, O.S.B., is a monk and priest of St.
Meinrad Archabbey in St. Meinrad, Indiana. He is currently
a doctoral student in Sacred Theology at the Catholic
University of America in Washington, D.C.
Reprinted with permission from http://VocationNetwork.org.
Fall River, Massachusetts
Nurturing Faith
Another source of help is the saints. They are also our
brothers and sisters in the church and they are wonderful
intercessors on our behalf. A number of saints are
designated patrons of particular vocations, so if one is
considering that vocation it is a good idea to ask that
saint for help. For example, the famous 20th-century
monk Thomas Merton explains that he had reached an
impasse in his discernment and felt unable to move
forward. He turned to the help of Saint Thérèse of
Lisieux, who had promised to help young priests, and
very quickly after that he obtained the grace to know
which religious community he should enter.
8. Expect Some "Blindness"
I have yet to meet anyone whom God has struck with a
lightning bolt and told exactly what to do with his or her
life, nor can I say that ever happened to me. But I have
learned to appreciate that "blindness" must in some sense
be there. That is true because our vocation must be a gift
made in faith. If we knew exactly what God wanted or
what would make us most happy, there would be no risk,
no cost, and, in effect, no love.
9. God Writes Straight With Crooked Lines
One man I know told me that as he approached his
wedding he was overcome by a sense of unworthiness to
marry his wife, much less to be entrusted with the
children they hoped to have one day. As I approached my
own ordination I felt a similar sense of dread as I became
acutely aware of my own sinfulness. Scripture reminds
us, though, that God writes straight with crooked lines.
by Sister Therese Maria Touma
On Sunday April 21, 2013, The Sisters of the Maronite
Servants of Christ the Light presented a catechesis on
the gift of faith to children in grades four to eight at
the Maronite Faith Formation group of St. Anthony of the
Desert, Fall River, Mass. In their time together, the Sisters
focused on the gift of faith given at Baptism, the Creed
(summary of our Catholic beliefs and profession in God, the
Father, Son and Holy Spirit) and practical ways in growing
the faith.
They encouraged the children to develop their faith and
relationship with Jesus through spending more time in prayer
(talking and listening to God), praying a decade of the Rosary
with the family, watching or reading the lives of the saints,
and doing good deeds, especially to those who are in need.
The Maronite Voice Volume IX Issue No. V Page 12 May 2013

Portland, Oregon
New Novice for Monks of Jesus,
Mary and Joseph
Jesus, Mary and Joseph with all my will, and with all
eagerness, with the help of God and your prayers."
The monks are most grateful to the Almighty Father for
the gift of a new brother, to His Excellency Robert Shaheen
for his blessings and support, and for the many blessings that
have followed upon this most recent addition to the
community, the first Maronite community of monks
established west of the Mississippi River.
For inquiries about the monastic vocation and life in the
Pacific Northwest, please visit the Monks' website at
www.mmjmj.com.
Sacramento/Stockton, California
Easter Celebration
From Left: Brother John Michael Morgan, Prior Jonathan
Decker, M.M.J.M.J., Bishop Robert J. Shaheen, and
Subdeacon Monk Anthony Joseph Alles, M.M.J.M.J.
On March 2, 2013, His Excellency Bishop Robert J.
Shaheen, Bishop of the Eparchy of Our Lady of
Lebanon, invested Novice John Michael Morgan in
cassock and medal to enter the novitiate of the Maronite
Monks of Jesus, Mary, and Joseph in Portland, Ore.
The vesting ceremony was held at St. Raymond Maronite
Cathedral in St. Louis, Missouri. Prior Jonathan Decker,
M.M.J.M.J., and Monk Anthony Joseph Alles, M.M.J.M.J.,
eagerly welcomed the newest monk into their community.
Msgr. Moussa Joseph, Rector of St. Raymond Cathedral,
Deacon Louis Peters, Sr. Mariam Sharbel Vianney of the
Archdiocese of Portland and Rev. Deacon Wadih Kaldawi
with his family witnessed the joyous event.
Only a few years ago, Brother John Michael entered the
Catholic Church. Prior to his conversion, he spent his
summers doing missionary work in the Dominican Republic,
Mexico and the Philippines. Through his time in Latin
American countries he developed fluency in Spanish and
from the Filipino people acquired a love for praying the
Rosary. Nevertheless, he says of his three years as a Catholic,
that "everything about me has been made new." Brother John
graduated with a Liberal Arts degree in 2010 from Saint
Mary's College of California, where he first encountered the
intellectual traditions of the Catholic Church. However, he
said that it was due to the care and prayers of Mary, the
Mother of God, that he finally entered the Catholic Church,
and ultimately the Maronite Monks of Jesus, Mary, and
Joseph, who look to Our Lady and the entire Holy Family of
Nazareth for their inspiration and example in faithfully living
life as a monastic family.
Prior Jonathan Decker, M.M.J.M.J., accepted Brother
John Michael for a year-long novitiate, who petitioned Prior
and Bishop for entry: "I ask to enter the Maronite Monks of
For the first year the Maronite community in Carmichael
[Sacramento], Calif., held the Stations of the Cross as
living icons, and they finished with the living icon of
the Resurrection. It was the first Good Friday together with
Fr. Nabil Mouannes as Pastor. The living icons were prepared
by the Language School and were led by Religion teacher
Nadine Choufani; and the costumes were prepared by Jocelyn
Fares. The participants were: Jack Fares as Jesus, Melania
Tohme as Mary, the Mother of Jesus, Taleen Abusada as St.
Veronica, Michael Sabanikh as Simon, Jason Fares as the
helper who took Jesus down from the Cross, Jeries Abusada
as a soldier, and Taleen and Mira Shomar, Vanessa Bshara,
Natalie Sabanikh, and Marella Massamiri as the Weeping
women. The Stations of the Cross took place at the Garden of
the Mother of God, and the icon of the Resurrection was
presented at the arch of triumph at the Garden of the Mother
of God at Our Lady of Sacramento.
During Holy Week, the Washing of the Feet was held for
the first time also. The two communities of Sacramento and
Stockton gathered at Our Lady of the Rosary for the Washing
of the Feet, and people from the whole Middle East (Syria,
Jordan, Iran, Palestine, Lebanon, Sudan, and Iraq)were
represented in the Washing of the Feet, imploring heaven to
shower the whole Middle Eastern region with peace and
freedom.
The Maronite Voice Volume IX Issue No. V Page 13 May 2013

Episcopal Election
On April 17, 2013, His Holiness Pope Francis appointed:
Fr. Antoine Tarabay, O.L.M., as
Bishop of the Eparchy of Saint
Maron of Sydney of the Maronites
(Catholics 150,000, priests 45,
permanent deacons 1, religious 47),
Australia. The Bishop-elect was born
in Tannourine, Lebanon, in 1967, and
was ordained to the priesthood in
1993. Bishop-elect Tarabay was
previously Superior of the Saint
Charbel Convent in Sydney,
Australia. He succeeds Bishop Ad
Abi Karam, whose resignation from
the pastoral care of the same eparchy
was accepted by the Holy Father in conformity with canon
210, para. 1, of the Code of Canons of the Eastern Churches.
Fr. Habib Chamieh, O.M.M.,
as Apostolic Administrator of
the Eparchy of San Charbel en
Buenos Aires of the Maronites
(Catholics 700,000, priests 21,
permanent deacons 2, religious
26), Argentina. at the same time
elevating him to the dignity of
Bishop and assigning him the
Titular See of Nomentum. The
Bishop-elect was born in Beirut, Lebanon, in 1966, and was
ordained to the priesthood in 1992. Bishop-elect Chamieh
was previously Novice Master of the Mariamite Maronite
Order of the Blessed Virgin Mary in Lebanon. He succeeds
Bishop Charbel Georges Merhi, C.M.L., whose resignation
from the pastoral care of the same eparchy was accepted by
the Holy Father in conformity with canon 210, para. 1, of the
Code of Canons of the Eastern Churches.
Project Roots
The Eparchy of Saint Maron of Brooklyn and the
Eparchy of Our Lady of Lebanon join together to help
people reconnect with their Christian spiritual roots in
Lebanon and the Middle East. An office in Los Angeles,
Calif., under the responsibility of Fr. Abdallah Zaidan,
M.L.M., will assist those interested to:
• Obtain their sacramental records from their country of
origin
• Connect with family members living in their place of
origin and throughout the world where they emigrated
• Obtain Lebanese citizenship, if desired
• Obtain immigration records, if desired
• Remain connected with the Maronite Church here and
throughout the world.
No eparchial funds will be used, but the office will accept
financial help from those willing to help. For more
information contact:
Father Abdallah Zaidan, M.L.M.
333 South San Vicente Boulevard
Los Angeles, CA 90048
310-275-6634
Effective Ways You Can Help Your Eparchy!
Please consider the following ways in which you can
help the Maronite Church!
Planned Giving: Consider Your Legacy
This is a creative way to support the Church. Planned
giving can involve contributing through your will,
insurance policy, or retirement assets. Also, it can be a
way to make a donation and to provide yourself with a
steady source of income; a charitable remainder trust is
one example of this.
Suggested wording for a bequest to the Eparchy of
Saint Maron of Brooklyn
“I give and bequeath to the Eparchy of Saint Maron of
Brooklyn, located in Brooklyn, New York, _______% of
the residue of my estate [or: the sum of $________].”
Suggested wording for a bequest to the Eparchy of
Our Lady of Lebanon
“I give and bequeath to the Eparchy of Our Lady of
Lebanon, located in St. Louis, Missouri, _______% of
the residue of my estate [or: the sum of $________].”
Tax-Smart Giving of Appreciated Stock
or other Assets
The gift of an asset such as common stock or mutual
fund shares is a smart way to make a contribution and
receive maximum tax benefits based on the value of the
asset. Gifts of other appreciated assets, such as land,
antiques, and homes, can also be utilized as potential
gifts with valuable tax benefits. Gifts of these assets
should be considered on a case-by-case basis.
For more information on any or all of these options,
please contact Stewardship Director John F. Kurey,
Esq., MBA, at 718-237-9913 or 314-231-1021; or by e-
mail at johnkurey@yahoo.com or at
maroniteswest@yahoo.com.
The Maronite Voice Volume IX Issue No. V Page 14 May 2013

Bishops of the Eastern Catholic Churches Meet to Discuss Challenges
Facing Their Churches
by Deacon Michael Lee
In the atmosphere of prayer,
fraternity and excellent hospitality
from Bishop Robert Shaheen, the
bishops of the Eastern Catholic
Churches in the United States held their
annual meeting April 10 - 11, 2013, as
the Eastern Catholic Associates (ECA)
at the Pastoral Center of the Maronite
Eparchy of Our Lady of Lebanon, Saint
Louis, Mo.
Led by its President Bishop John
Kudrick (Eparchy of Parma, Ohio), the
bishops of the ECA confronted a
diverse agenda over the course of the
day and one half meeting. A topic that
came up in several contexts was the
plight of Christians in the middle East.
Bishop Yousif Habash (Syriac Eparchy
of Our Lady of Deliverance) and
Bishop Mikael Mouradian (Armenian
Eparchy of Our Lady of Nareg) in
particular told heartbreaking stories of
recent atrocities suffered by members
of their own Churches, particularly in
Iraq and Syria.
The bishops received reports from
Dr. Barbara Lutz, Father Gregory Noga
and Bishop Nicholas Samra describing
the great success enjoyed by the
Encounters of the Eastern Catholic
Churches in 2012. This was a series of
conferences held in Cleveland;
Hillsborough, N.J.; and El Segundo,
Calif. The title of the Encounters was
"Together In Christ." The theme was
"Spirituality of Discipleship: A Call to
Holiness," reflecting the discussions
and presentations on the role of the
laity in the Eastern Catholic churches.
Bishop Samra announced that, at the
initiative of the Eastern Catholic laity
of the southern part of the United
States, a fourth session of the Encounter
will be planned for Orlando, Fla., in
connection with the Byzantine liturgical
feast of the Encounter (Presentation of
the Lord) January 31- February 2, 2014.
Dr. Lutz and Father Noga reported on
the recent successes enjoyed by the
ECED (Eastern Catholic Eparchial
Directors of Religious Education) and
especially its publication arm, God
With Us Publications. Dr. Lutz
indicated that one of her goals was to
make its website
(www.godwithusbooks.org) not only a
Eastern Catholic bishops attend their annual meeting in St. Louis. Pictured from
left are: Bishop Yousif Habash (Syriac Eparchy of Our Lady of Deliverance),
Bishop Basil Losten (Ukrainian Eparchy Stamford), Bishop Richard Seminack
(Ukrainian Eparchy of St. Nicholas), Bishop Stefan Soroka (Ukrainian
Archeparchy of Philadelphia), Bishop Gerald Dino (Byzantine Eparchy of the
Holy Protection of Mary), Bishop John Michael Botean (Romanian Eparchy of St.
George), Bishop John Kudrick (Byzantine Eparchy of Parma), Bishop Mikaël
Mouradian (Armenian Eparchy of Our Lady of Nareg), Bishop Robert Shaheen
(Maronite Eparchy of Our Lady of Lebanon), Bishop Nicholas Samra (Melkite
Eparchy of Newton), Bishop William Skurla (Byzantine Archeparchy of
Pittsburgh), Bishop Gregory Mansour (Maronite Eparchy of Saint Maron), Bishop
Jacob Angadiath (Syro-Malabar Eparchy of St. Thomas), Bishop Thomas Mar
Eusebius (Syro-Malankara Exarchate), Father Edward Cimbala (Byzantine
Eparchy of Passiac). (Photo by Mary Denny)
place for the purchasing and
downloading of publications, including
a number of free titles, but also a
clearinghouse for information
concerning Eastern Catholic Churches
in America. Eventually, this website is
intended to become a "one stop shop"
with links to everything Eastern
Catholic. The successes of both the
Encounters and educational
organizations present positive signs
regarding the strong interest and
enthusiasm of the laity of the churches
in this Year of Faith.
Presentations by Michael Brough of
the National Leadership Roundtable on
Church Management (NLRCM) and
Mary Mencarini Campbell of the
United States Conference of Catholic
Bishops (USCCB) Committee on the
Home Missions educated the bishops
about, and encouraged them to make
full use of, the resources of these
organizations for their ministries.
In further discussion, the bishops
agreed to support Bishop Mikael
Mouradian in his approach to the
USCCB on the matter of the
commemoration of the 100 t h
Anniversary of the Armenian Genocide
by the Catholic Church in the United
States on April 24, 2015.
Reflection on their experience of
their joint visit to the Holy See in May
2012, developed to a view to offering
these reflections to the U.S. Hierarchy
in the form of a document on the
experience of communion in the
Catholic Church. The next meeting
was set for April 29 - May 1, 2014,
tentatively in St. Louis, Mo.
The Eastern Catholic Associates
(ECA) is an organization of
archbishops and bishops of the Eastern
Catholic archdioceses and dioceses in
the United States to promote the
interests of the Eastern Catholic
churches and their institutions. The
same bishops form Region XV of the
USCCB.
The Maronite Voice Volume IX Issue No. V Page 15 May 2013

The Final Communique of The Third Conference of the Bishops of the
Expansion and The Superiors General
Tucumán - Argentina
His Beatitude and Eminence Patriarch Bechara Peter
Cardinal Rai presided at the third meeting of the
Maronite Bishops of the Expansion and the Maronite
Religious Superiors General, in San Miguel, Tucumán,
Argentina, April 17 - 20, 2013. Hosted by His Excellency
Bishop Sharbel Merhi of eminent esteem, the meeting was
attended by Bishops:
• Sharbel Merhi, Bishop of the Eparchy of Saint Sharbel,
Argentina;
• Robert Shaheen, Bishop of the Eparchy of Our Lady of
Lebanon;
• Gregory Mansour, Bishop of the Eparchy of Saint Maron
of Brooklyn;
• Edgar Madi, Bishop of the Eparchy of Our Lady of
Lebanon, Sao Paolo, Brazil;
• George Abi Younes, Bishop of the Eparchy of Our Lady
of the Martyrs of Lebanon, Mexico, and Apostolic
Visitator to Central America and Venezuela;
• Paul Marwan Tabet, Bishop of the Eparchy of Saint
Maron, Montreal, Canada;
• Maroun Nasser Gemayel, Bishop of the Eparchy of Our
Lady of Lebanon, Paris, France;
• Paul Sayah, Patriarchal Vicar General;
• Abbot Dawood Raidi, Superior General of the Maronite
Antonine Order;
• Abbott Boutros Tarabay, Superior General of the Maronite
Mariamite Order (OMM);
• Father Elie Madi, Superior General of the Maronite
Lebanese Missionaries (M.L.M.); and,
• Fr. Nehmetallah Hachem, representing the Superior
General of the Maronite Lebanese Order.
The following priests also attended the Conference:
• Fr. Tony Fahkry, General Administrator and
Superintendent of Missions at the Maronite Lebanese
Order;
• Fr. Abdallah Zaidan, M.L.M., Visitator of the Maronite
Lebanese Missionaries in the United States;
• Fr. Hannoun Andraous, M.L.M., at the Paraguay Mission;
• Fr. Manuel Younes, OMM, Superior of Our Lady of
Lebanon Mission, Buenos Aires;
• Fr. Sharbel Makhlouf, Eparchy of Argentina; and,
• Fr. Rogelio Peralta, Rector of the Maronite Cathedral in
Mexico.
Mr. Youssef Shahid Doueihi, representing the Maronite
Foundation in the World, attended some of the meetings.
His Beatitude and Eminence Patriarch Bechara Peter Cardinal
Rai opened the Conference at 9:00 a.m., on Thursday, April
18, 2013, with a prayer. He asked the Lord to bless the work
of the Conference and invoked the inspiration and guidance
of the Holy Spirit, especially since the Conference is taking
place in the country of His Holiness Pope Francis, to whom
the Patriarch sends greetings, raising prayers that God may
support him in governing the Church. He thanked Bishop
Merhi for hosting the Conference in his Eparchy and for
welcoming the participants. His Beatitude welcomed the new
bishops in the eparchies of the expansion, Their Excellencies
Bishop Maroun Nasser Gemayel and Bishop Paul Marwan
Tabet, as participants in the Conference for the first time. He
congratulated the Church on the election of Bishops Antoine
Tarabay for the Eparchy in Australia and Habib Shamieh for
the Eparchy in Argentina.
His Excellency Bishop Sharbel Merhi welcomed the
participants, praising His Beatitude and Eminence for his
leadership, emphasizing the unity of the Maronite Church in
Lebanon and in the expansion, hoping that the Conference
will bear its expected fruits. Bishop Merhi thanked the
Patriarch for his pastoral visit to Argentina and some of the
other Latin American countries.
Superior General Elie Madi, Coordinator of the Conference,
presented the schedule and the ecclesial and civic topics on
the agenda for discussion, that are of interest to the members
of the Maronite Church in the countries of expansion,
especially the recommendations of the two preceding
conferences held in Sao Paolo, Brazil, in March, 2009, and in
Saint Louis, Missouri, in October, 2011. Both conferences
emphasized the need to strengthen and fortify the bonds of
cooperation between the Mother Church and the eparchies of
the expansion and the importance of coordinating between
them at the level of the pastoral care.
The Fathers continued their meetings for three days,
discussing the spiritual and liturgical topics on the agenda,
vocations to the priesthood and relations between the
eparchies and the religious orders, as well as topics pertaining
to the Motherland, Lebanon.
After much deliberations and discussions, the participants
issued the following communiqué:
On the Ecclesial Level
• The Fathers assessed the role His Beatitude, the Patriarch,
undertakes, as the head of the Maronite Church, to
reestablish connection with emigrants through pastoral
visits and through the ongoing modernization of the
Patriarchal Curia in Bkerke and the utilization of modern
means of communication;
• The Fathers commended His Beatitude and Eminence and
the conferees for the official visits they made to the
President of the Republic of Argentina, the Conference of
Catholic Bishops at its annual meeting, some State
Governors and local heads of municipal councils, and to
the Lebanese Ambassador, His Excellency Antonio
Andary. These visits served to intensify the bonds of
cooperation between the State and the Maronite Church
and to strengthen the ties of friendship and support
between Argentina and the Lebanese and Arab
communities;
The Maronite Voice Volume IX Issue No. V Page 16 May 2013

• The Fathers finalized the implementing of the
recommendations of the second Conference of the Bishops
of the Expansion and the Superiors General held in St.
Louis, Missouri, October 5 - 7, 2011;
• The Fathers called for the activation of apostolic endeavors
in Latin American countries where reconnecting between
the Maronite and Lebanese communities seems more
pressing and necessary. The Fathers also committed to
adopting new pastoral means for a service more
encompassing of the people of the expansion. They
recommended a deeper formation for those priests
embarking on service in the countries of expansion;
• The Fathers were in accord that Maronite eparchies in the
countries of expansion are to establish seminaries specific
to each or in common, and to form committees to foster
vocations, provided they adopt a common formation
program as decreed by the Synod of Bishops of the
Maronite Church. They also agreed that seminarians
should continue with one year of formation in Lebanon
aimed at delving deeper into studying and living the
history, spirituality and the Liturgy of the Maronite
Church.
• The Fathers gave special interest to the accomplishments
on the liturgical level, such as the completion of the
official translation of the liturgical texts to the languages
of the countries of expansion. They also apportioned
special attention to the translation of the Maronite
catechism book prepared in North America, into the
languages of the countries of expansion;
• The Fathers, following up on the implementation of the
decisions of the Maronite Synod of Bishops, suggested the
convocation of a special assembly to ratify the Maronite
Particular Law, once its drafting is complete;
• The Fathers commended the successful experiences
regarding the organization of pilgrimages to Lebanon, and
they recommended that they be continued for the purpose
of reviving the feeling of familial, ecclesial and national
affiliation;
• The Fathers stressed the importance of convening a
Maronite world conference and called for preparing for it
between the Mother Church, the eparchies of expansion
and Maronite institutions; and,
• The Fathers praised the role Maronite parishes have
undertaken to embrace the faithful from the various
Eastern Churches now present in the countries of
expansion who have no parishes, as a response to the call
of the Eastern Patriarchs.
On the National Level
• The attending Fathers spoke highly of the role of the
Maronite Foundation in the World and praised its work in
the countries of expansion to urge emigrants and
descendants of Lebanese origin to register their personal
and familial events and to connect with the Motherland.
They lauded the efforts that its members are expending to
connect with the people of the expansion, along with the
cooperation they are receiving from the eparchies and the
monastic orders operating in the countries of expansion, in
order to keep the connection of the Lebanese to their
country strong;
• The participants called upon the Lebanese Parliament to
ratify the law of regaining citizenship, which is a natural
right for the Lebanese abroad;
• The Fathers appreciate the efforts that Maronites are
expending toward the Eastern Christians for the purpose of
safeguarding their faith, identity and heritage. They
fructify the resilience and flexibility they enjoy in times of
adversity and distress; and they declare the renewal of the
choice of mutual coexistence with the Moslems and the
witnessing to the Gospel values and human rights in the
countries of the Arab East and the countries in which they
had settled.
A Call
The Lebanese scattered in all countries look to their
Motherland and are proud of what it has given them in
education, culture and traditions, thus enriching the new
homelands which have received them and given them vast
opportunities in which to establish themselves and to
contribute in its development in the various fields, thanks to
these countries' open democratic regimes, built on the base of
unity through diversity and the participation of all in their
public life.
The Fathers are also pained, these days, as they behold
Lebanon fumbling in applying the democratic process and in
the functioning of its constitutional institutions, because of
political and sectarian divisions and connections to regional
and international axes at the expense of the good of the
people and the future of its youth and its role in the region as
a factor of advancement, modernization, stability and peace.
Therefore, the Fathers, on behalf of the Lebanese in the
countries of expansion, appeal to the politicians in Lebanon
who are in positions of responsibility to bear their national
duty and enact a new election law, one that would be just and
fair to all the constituents of the Lebanese society,
guaranteeing national unity and mutual coexistence, and to
form a new government able to face present day challenges.
Day after day, dangers threaten the nation from within,
because of the choking economic and existential crisis, the
rampant corruption in governmental departments, the
mounting national debt, the intensification of poverty within
Lebanese families, the increasing limitations on job
opportunities, the runaway internal security situation, an
increase in the theft and kidnapping phenomena and the
widespread presence of weapons. Dangers also threaten
Lebanon from without, the ramshackle situation as a result of
the violence and the war in Syria and the repercussions of the
influx of Syrians into its lands in numbers exceeding its
capabilities, area and residential and economic capacities and
the abilities of its social institutions; and the shakiness due to
this influx that has exceeded in numbers, a quarter of the
population of Lebanon on the political, security, economic,
social and health levels. The authorities in Lebanon have no
The Maronite Voice Volume IX Issue No. V Page 17 May 2013

ight to procrastinate in facing these challenges, favoring
their personal, sectarian and factional interests over the
common good, and at the expense of Lebanon, its people and
its mission.
Whereas, the Fathers praise all those who lend a helping hand
to the Syrian migrants, they ask of the parties of the conflict
and the international community to solve the present crisis by
peaceful means and to stop the cycle of violence and war, and
establish peace in compassion with the innocent citizens, and
through guaranteeing return of the displaced to their homes
and lands as soon as possible.
Epilogue
Finally, the Fathers reiterated their thanks to His Excellency
Sharbel Merhi, Bishop of the Eparchy of Saint Sharbel in
Argentina, for hosting the Conference and thanked the
members of the Buenos Aires Parish, San Martin, Tucumán
and Mendoza, as well as the political, ecclesial and local
authorities in Argentina for the hearty welcome that they
have extended to His Beatitude and Eminence and the
participants in the Conference.
The Fathers agreed to hold their next conference on the third
week (19 - 24) of October, 2015, in the Maronite Eparchy of
Our Lady of the Martyrs of Lebanon in Mexico, at the
invitation of His Excellency George Abi Younes, Bishop of
the Eparchy.
As we are living in the Glorious Season of the Resurrection,
and as we approach the Marian Month, we ask the Lord Who
is victorious over death, with the intercession of Our Mother,
the Virgin Mary, to accompany our Church in her journey.
that it left everyone with a great fulfillment. It was as if
Lourdes, France, had come to St. Raymond Maronite
Cathedral. Thank you to Fran Salaun, Virtual Pilgrimage
Director of the Our Lady of Lourdes Hospitality North
American Volunteers for a beautiful experience and thank
you to Joan Rask and Msgr. Moussa Joseph for organizing
this special event.
Springfield, Massachusetts
Holy Week Celebration
Saint Louis, Missouri
Lourdes Virtual Pilgrimage
by Shelly Vitale
nFriday, April 12, 2013, The St. Raymond Maronite
Cathedral family in Saint Louis, Mo., experienced an
inspiring virtual pilgrimage of Our Lady of Lourdes. It
was a magnificent opportunity for many parishioners to see
and hear the story of St. Bernadette and the miraculous
apparitions of Our Lady. The presentation was breathtaking
and informative. During the 90-minute interactive
pilgrimage, pilgrims participated in prayerful reflection and
a Eucharistic blessing along with exposition and adoration of
the Blessed Sacrament. Each person was offered the
opportunity to touch the rock from the Grotto on which our
Blessed Mother stood when she appeared to St. Bernadette.
They also were able to bless themselves with the Lourdes
Water. Each participant received his own bottle of Lourdes
Water which came from the spring in the Grotto of
Massabielle in Lourdes. The lights were dimmed and
everyone held a lit candle. A decade of the Rosary was
prayed and The Ava Maria was sung as the pilgrims lifted
their candles in reverence. The Catholic faithful in attendance
were given the opportunity to obtain a plenary indulgence
under the usual conditions. The experience was so realistic
by Kathy LaBella
Holy Week was observed at St. Anthony Maronite
Church in Springfield, Mass., with services on Holy
Thursday and Good Friday. Twelve individuals from
the Parish sat in the Sanctuary representing the twelve
apostles as Fr. George Zina, Pastor, washed their feet.
Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament took place in the Chapel.
On Good Friday, for the burial of Our Lord, members of the
parish purchased roses to adorn the crucified Lord as He was
carried in procession around the Church to the tomb.
The Maronite Voice Volume IX Issue No. V Page 18 May 2013

The Maronite Voice Volume IX Issue No. V Page 19 May 2013

The Maronite Voice
St. Anthony’s Maronite Catholic Church
4611 Sadler Road
Glen Allen, Virginia 23060-6108
NON-PROFIT ORG.
U.S. POSTAGE PAID
PERMIT NO. 1370
GLEN ALLEN, VIRGINIA
Statement by Both Patriarchs
Continued from page 1
• We understand the preoccupation of the Christians
following this event. We call on them to be patient, to
adhere to the teachings of their faith, and to rely on God
whose strength lies also in our weakness. We believe that
to remain in our land, and to do all that is possible to
make it a land of love and coexistence, is a powerful tool
in its defense. We are also aware that all citizens from all
confessions are suffering the same pain due to the
violence, and we pray that the Lord may strengthen them
and console them in their difficulties. Together with them
we raise our voices and reject all sorts of violence that
tears our country and makes our hearts bleed.
• In this painful situation, we call on the world to work to
end the Syrian crisis, so that it may go back to being a
garden of love, security and peaceful coexistence.
Political strife should not be resolved at the expense of
the men and women of this region.
• We also call all the churches in the world to stand fast in
the face of what is happening and provide a witness to
the power of love in this world. It is necessary to take
steps that attest to the fact that they reject the violence to
which the populations of these lands are being subjected
today.
• We take the opportunity to call on our brothers of all
Islamic confessions to work together, ones with another,
to demonstrate that we refuse to consider man as a
product that can be bought or sold, a shield to be used in
war, a political or financial good of exchange.
peacefully, as violence is useful only to the enemies of
our nation.
• Finally, we pray the Lord in these blessed feasts that this
tragedy may end, that peace may prevail in the hearts of
all, and so that the country may enjoy the peace and
prosperity it deserves.
Old Roman Catholic News Portal, April 24, 2013
Letter of Support For Bishop
Sleiman
Continued from page 3
We ask to open your hearts to the plight of our brothers and
sisters. It is not the amount of money, but the spirit of
belonging. The Church asks for equal sacrifice not equal
gifts. Any amount you donate will go to help those less
fortunate who are suffering during these hard times. Please
help as you can.
May the prayers of the Massabki Brothers be with us.
Sincerely yours in Christ,
+ Robert J. Shaheen, Ph.D.
Bishop of the Eparchy of Our Lady of Lebanon
+ Gregory J. Mansour, S.T.L.
Bishop of the Eparchy of Saint Maron of Brooklyn
• We address the kidnappers and tell them that those whom
they kidnapped are messengers of peace in this world, as
witnessed by their religious and social missions. We
appeal to them to deal with this painful episode
The Maronite Voice Volume IX Issue No. V Page 20 May 2013