Trumpet Newsletter Fall Special Edition 2009

“Expanding African Orthodoxy Throughout the World One Community At a Time”

Volume 2, Issue 1 “Expanding African Orthodoxy Throughout the World One Community At a Time” Fall Special 2009

Welcome to the Trumpet!

INSIDE THIS ISSUE

1

Welcome Our Statement of Faith Our Mission

2

Primates Corner Officers of the General Holy Synod

3

Care Africa A Mission of Mercy

4

A Mission of Mercy Continued Saint James Yard Sale

5 6 7-9

Saint James Acolyte Named on Boston School Board Meet Our PR Director Meet Our PR Director Continued

The Official Newsletter of the Historic African Orthodox Church Inc., where +Archbishop George Walter Sands is Primate Metropolitan. The “Historic” African Orthodox Church Inc. has churches located in the United States and abroad: New York City, Illinois, Florida, Maryland; Abroad: West Indies, Africa, Cuba, and the Canadian Territory. You may also visit us on the web @www.theaocinc.com. to learn more about the history of great church and our founder Saint George Alexander McGuire. `

Our Statement of Faith “We are a true part of the one Holy Catholic and Apostolic Church. We accept the Seven Ecumenical Councils held between 325 A.D. and 787 A.D. We believe in the Father in the Son and of the Holy Spirit. We believe in the justification of faith necessary for eternal salvation. Our Call to service is that we oppose discrimination, in reference to the worth of the individual, in that all individuals should be given full opportunity to develop their freedom of Religion, the freedom of speech, the freedom from fear, and the freedom from want. Our mission is for the welfare of all people both socially and religiously.”

Photo Gallery of Holy Synods of USA & Cuba

International Chancery Holy Cross Pro Cathedral 122 W 129th Street New York, NY 10023 212-882-0894 African Orthodox Church Inc. Headquarters Saint Peter’s African Orthodox Cathedral 4841 N. W. 2nd Avenue Miami, Florida 33101

Our Mission “To advance the work of Christ in the community of Christians that comes together under the guidance of the Holy Spirit. To continue in the teachings of Christ as modern disciples seeking to meet the physical, emotional, and spiritual needs of our community growing in faith and unity through African Orthodoxy”

305-759-0314

The “Historic” African Orthodox Church Inc. All Rights Reserved 2009

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“Expanding African Orthodoxy Throughout the World One Community At a Time”

HOUSE OF BISHOPS METROPOLITAN GEORGE WALTER SANDS, OSB, M.DIV Primate of the African Orthodox Church Incorporated THE MOST REVEREND JAMEN BERNHARDT BUTLER, OSB, D.D.,

PRIMATES CORNER

THE MOST REVEREND SETH SKEETE, OSB. D.D.

+Metropolitan George Walter Sands, OSB., MDIV My Brothers & Sisters in Christ: Through the grace of God, we have completed our 88th Annual General Synod on July 19th 2009. What a successful and holy experience it was. As we gathered at the Antiochian Village to pray, to worship, to fellowship, to celebrate, and to work, God’s blessed Holy Spirit abode with us from beginning to end. The fruit of our Holy Synod will be seen by the good works of our church and friends of the church during the upcoming year. Therefore, over the next year leading to our 89th Holy Synod, each of us is asked to fast, to pray, and to work daily for the continued unity, growth, and prosperity of God’s Church. Please continue to examine your own personal commitment and willingness do dedicate prospering God’s Church in African Orthodoxy. Remember this years theme: Answering The Call “Here I Am Lord, Send Me” A New Attitude of Christ Service and Commitment for the Building of Christ Church. It is my continued pray that those who love and support the African Orthodox Church Incorporated will pray without ceasing, that God will lead and guide us in the way in which HE would have us to go. For those of you who were physically unable to attend this synod, but were with us in spirit, we thank you for your prayers and support. May the blessings of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you all In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit, Amen

OFFICERS OF THE GENERAL HOLY SYNOD PRESIDENT Primate Metropolitan George Walter Sands, OSB, M.DIV VICE PRESIDENT Reverend Father JohnLuke Ealey II, OSB GENERAL SECRETARY Debra Whiteside ASSISTANT SECRETARY Reverend Sister Dr. Irene King, OSB TREASURER Frederika Stewart FINANCIAL SECRETARY Dr. Wilma Sena CHANCELLOR By Special Appointment

God’s Humble Shepherd, Archbishop George Walter Sands, OSB Primate Metropolitan , African Orthodox Church Inc.

“I spiritually enjoyed my Synod, the excitement of the meetings to the delicious meals, to the few exercising trails taken with the members. The Antiochian Village experience will be one that I will remember. See you on the Moving A.O.C. Train.” Sister Dianne Roll The “Historic” African Orthodox Church Inc. All Rights Reserved 2009

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Care Africa By Rev. Sister Domnika Ealey, OSB

A Mission of Mercy

By Reverend Father JohnLuke Ealey II, OSB, Vice President of the Holy General Synod

Care Africa is a prayer group for Christian men and women interceding in prayer, for Darfur and all of Africa. I started this ministry early this year through the Darfur Program located here in the Washington D.C. and Maryland area. I was born in Tripoli Libya (Northern Africa), so my heart is not just here in the U.S., but in Africa as well I have had the wonderful yet humbling privilege to meet many men and women from the country of Darfur, and the stories that I hear are truly heartbreaking, and inspiring. If you are interested in joining the Care Africa prayer group, please feel free to send me an email at: [email protected]

God indeed blew His breath of fresh air throughout our Church in the form of the Holy Spirit during our mountain top experience at Holy Synod 88. This year’s Holy Synod was held at the Antiochian Village in Bolivar, Pa from July 15-19 2009. It was in this Holy atmosphere of unity, love, and commitment that Primate Metropolitan George Walter Sands presented the developed future direction, leadership and vision of the African Orthodox Church Incorporated for the next five years and beyond.

Touloum Refugee Camp, Eastern Chad “A young Sudanese girl walks through the Medicines Sans Frontiers Clinic in the Touloum Camp of eastern Chad. Touloum is now home to more than 15,000 refugees. The medical relief organizations are working around the clock on both sides of the border. Due to the massive scale of the displacement - both in numbers and geography - few displaced persons have access to health care. Malnutrition and advanced life-threatening diseases will continue to take their toll.” Photo and quote by my friend R.S. Reed. 

“Answering the call: Here I am Lord Send me. A new attitude of Christ service and commitment to building Christ Church.” Out of our many goals and expectations of service, commitment, and work to the building of Christ’s Church detailed at Holy Synod 88, Primate Metropolitan George Walter Sands commissioned and the August body approved a new mission for the Historic African Orthodox Church on July 18th, 2009: “Saint McGuire Orthodox Mission of Mercy and Outreach, of the Historic AOC Inc.” It is named after our church Founder Saint George Alexander McGuire. Saint McGuire’s Mission’s sphere of ministry initially encompasses the District of Washington D.C., and the

The “Historic” African Orthodox Church Inc. All Rights Reserved 2009

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A Mission of Mercy (continued) states of Maryland and Virginia of the Mid-Atlantic geographical region. Reverend Father JohnLuke Ealey II OSB is the Rector and Reverend Sister Domnika Ealey is the Deaconess and Chairperson of the Woman’s Outreach Ministry. The purpose and heartbeat of Saint McGuire’s Mission is to provide God’s Mercy to the poor in spirit; to the broken and battered women and children of the world; to the hungry; to the sick; and to those living in community jails. It is God’s hospital , kitchen, and peaceful refuge for God’s downtrodden children.

Saint James Yard Sale Whether it was the price of the gently worn shoes, or the new ladies pocket book that got the community in at St. James AOC on Saturday, August 19th, 2009 it was well worth the shoes and the bag. In an effort to continue the process of self efficiency, the members of St. James AOC in Roxbury, Massachusetts, came out to support this venture.

Saint McGuire’s with Saint Peter’s African Orthodox Church Missions will work hand in hand with the Office of International Missions to spread the good news abroad.

The four hour yard sale began with strong prayers of faith at 10:00am on a ninety degree summer day. The weather did not deter passersby from stopping in and take a look and to inquire about the church. Although the reason of this sale was fiscal, it did grant us the opportunity to educate the community about the ‘white church on the hill’ and to learn more about our faith and jurisdiction. The primary reason was clear that we were fostering a new relationship with our community, one that it had not seen in some time.

As a retired Marine Corps Officer, I traveled the world three times and witnessed firsthand the casualties of war and conflict imposed upon the citizens of the world. Imagine seeing mother’s trying to feed their children with no resources, the sound of children crying and crying and crying. Then one day the crying stops. You don’t know what’s worse.

Fiscally the yard sale was a success; spiritually it strengthened the hope and faith of our local parishioners. The faces of the older members showed great pride as the edifice and our faith were on display. This is something that was not seen outside of the Sunday Masses for quite some time. The joy and prayers gave us the ability to barter our goods in exchange for the recognition of our Father.

Looking into the eyes of human beings and seeing no hope resonant from their eyes. Where is this you say? You might think that I am talking about abroad. And you would be right. But I am also talking about right here in the United States of America.

Special thanks go out to the organizer of the day, Sister Marcia Davis (St. James AOC vestry board member and church secretary) whose vision was successful and committed. She recruited the help of parishioners and community members alike.

Let us venture together in a spirit of unison to raise the Cross of Jesus Christ. It will draw all men, women, and children as we feed and care for God’s sheep. Nothing else matters. God is waiting to do a great work the World over. God does not prefer any one place or country over another. We are all HIS children and HE desires for us all to be baptized and living with HIM for all eternity.

Although it may have been the shoes, and bags that brought them in, in was with the blessings of our Father that we succeeded and will again. The yard sale will be an ongoing effort to complement funds from our collection and tithing monies. Keep us in your prayers and please contact us if you have any recommendations and/or question. To God Be The Glory.

In closing, our children, Reverend Sister Domnika and I thank everyone for your love, kindness, friendship and financial support. To my Bishop-Primate George Walter, the House of Bishops, clergy, laity, friends and August Body, I am eternally grateful for granting me the privilege of starting this Mission of Mercy and Outreach.  Your servant, the unworthy,

Ministries and Committees within the African Orthodox Church Inc. International Ministries Public Relations Music & Arts Department Finance Committee Youth Ministry Steering Committee Cannons & Constitutions Seminary Research & Historian Guild of Saint Monica

And Much More!

Reverend Father JohnLuke Ealey II, OSB

The “Historic” African Orthodox Church Inc. All Rights Reserved 2009 Youth & Education Media Ministry

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Saint James Acolyte Named on the Boston Public School Board Acolyte Brother Michael Davis will be sworn in by Boston Mayor, Thomas Menino on September 1st 2009 as member of the Boston School Board. The board consist of seven members and one seat reserved for a state student representative. The charge of this board is to define the vision, mission, and goals of the Boston Public School Systems. Among the many charges, the board sets and review policy and practices to support student achievement. Brother Michael, who is in his senior year at East Boston High School, is a lifelong member of St. James AOC. The young acolyte attributes his faith in God and this community to the positive experiences he has and what will come. “Perceptions of inner city children are usually negative at best, but it’s my job to change this perception to a positive one.” Brother Michael stated. He has political aspirations and will use this experience coupled with his AOC culture as a motivation for his venture again. Congratulations Brother Michael and his family for a job well deserved. 

Meet Our PR Director By Brother Ambrose Davis Synod 2009 outside of Pittsburgh, PA in the town of Bolivar brought me to place of my faith that I did not know exist. A faith that was reinforced by the synod’s theme: “Here I am Lord, Send me.” Fellowship, prayer and vision have brought me to my current challenge as Director of Public Relations. With prayer as my primary guide I will seek the training and guidance necessary to maintain this venture as a successful one. I pray daily to Our Father that the future of the African Orthodox Church, Inc will be a great success to both clergy and laity. I was born in Barbados, West Indies and attending church as early as I can recollect. And I enjoyed it. This pathway of ministry has been instilled in me from a very young age. Ironically, members of our extended family were members of the AOC circa 1940, along with my great grandmother’s affiliation to the Marcus Garvey movement in New York circa 1920 to 1930. My destiny was a divine hand of God, and has led me to be a steadfast trainee of the deaconate this is a destiny I fully accept. For many years my family attended St. James African Orthodox Church in Roxbury, Massachusetts. Although my career had relocated me to the New Jersey area, I attended Mass when I returned home or on special occasions. The culture of the orthodoxy inspired me and impressed me. There was a certain level of divine maturity that I always felt after attending Sunday Mass. Then I had the opportunity to attend Synod 2007 in Cambridge, Massachusetts separated by the Charles River and the city of Boston. The power of the catholic and apostolic church really revealed itself to me, a stranger to religion I am not, but the attachment to the commitment I felt inspired me to be a part of the African Orthodox Church. Under the leadership of +Archbishop Primate Metropolitan George Sands, +Archbishop Jamen Butler of New York, and +Bishop Seth Skeete of the West Indies. I find their guidance immeasurable in maintaining the orthodoxy of the vision of our founder the Bishop George Alexander McGuire. Over the next year, my capacity as the Public Relations Director will include chairing the marketing committee; develop historical church paraphernalia, media outreach, recruitment and retention of members, etc. As I begin these tasks it will include the entire village. If I have not reached out to you, please reach out to me. It is that shoulder and arm that I know will give us that vantage point.

Brother Michael Davis Acolyte

I am humbled to be part of the new history together with the past sacrifices and commitment to move The “Historic” African Orthodox Church Inc. forward

The “Historic” African Orthodox Church Inc. All Rights Reserved 2009

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Meet Our PR Director (Con’t) Along with my commitment to the church, I have a wonderful family, a brave son who is a member of the United States Marine Core, a wonderful granddaughter, and a gracious daughter in law, a devoted mother who is a member of the St. James AOC diocese and an equally devoted sister who serves as a vestry member and secretary of the church. My vision of my challenge as the director of Public Relations extends to each diocesan, clergy and visionary that has the best interest of the advancement of the Canons & constitution of the AOC. I am humbled to be part of the new history together with the past sacrifices and commitment to move The “Historic” African Orthodox Church Inc. forward. As we look ahead to the Synod in 2010 in Delray Beach, Florida let the theme be your guide, and the Father will show us the pathway ahead I will remain your humble Servant. Brother Ambrose Davis Graduated from Roxbury College, and matriculated to the University of Massachusetts, Boston Campus He received his degree in Political Science. Post academia, he returned to the corporate world and joined the management team of Qualink, Inc. and OSI Company: An outsourced company providing clients with contract receivables and claim resolution. His seasoned career began in insurance support management. He began his career at John Hancock Life Insurance Company before returning to academia. 

African Orthodox History Collage Created By Rev. Sister Domnika OSB © 2009

Our Faithful Departed Mr. George Barr Sr. 1928-2009 Eternal Rest grant unto him, and let perpetual light shine upon him. May his soul rest in peace "

Br. Ambrose Davis, Deacon in Training

The “Historic” African Orthodox Church Inc. All Rights Reserved 2009

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Photo Gallery Holy Synod 2009

LtoR: Rev. Sister Clovine Alleyne, OSB Illinois Rev. Sister Dr. Irene King, OSB New York Rev..Sister Angelica Stewart, OSB Florida Rev. Sister Domnika Ealey, OSB Maryland

LtoR: Rev. Father JohnLuke Ealey, OSB Maryland Rev. Father James McPhee, OSB Florida Rev. Father Peter Fowler, OSB Illinois

LtoR: Rev. Deacon Donnie Brown, OSB Florida Rev. Deacon Derrell Cuthbertson, OSB Florida

LtoR: His Grace Seth Skeete, OSB Caribbean His Eminence, Metropolitan George, OSB Florida His Eminence, Jamen Butler, OSB New York

(Priests Not Shown) Rev. Father James Barr, OSB Rev. Father Nickolas Acers, OSB Rev. Father Albone Hughes, OSB Very Rev. Canon Alfred Drake, OSB Very Rev. Canon William Semple, OSB

The Episcopacy and Clergy of The “HISTORIC” African Orthodox Church Inc. The “Historic” African Orthodox Church Inc. All Rights Reserved 2009

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Holy Synod 2009 (continued)

The “Historic” African Orthodox Church Inc. All Rights Reserved 2009

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Holy Synod 2009 AOC Cuba These pictures are of the Holy Mass of closing of the VI diocesan Synod of our church in Cuba and the ordination to sub deacon of brother Yenier Carmenate. The Diocesan Council of the Church in Cuba was conformed in the following way: PRESIDENT Bishop Elías (Jorge R. Brito) SECRETARY Sub deacon Yenier Carmenate. TREASURER Rev. Father Jorge L. Alfonso. MEMBER Subdeacon Andrés Díaz. MEMBER María of The Ángel.Contributes MEMBER Dayamís Guach. God bless you and greetings to all the clergy and faithful of the AOC, Inc. Your humble servant, + Elías

The “Historic” African Orthodox Church Inc. All Rights Reserved 2009

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Special Fall 2009 Volume 2 Issue 1 Senior Executives

+Archbishop Primate Metropolitan George Walter Sands, OSB, M. DIV D.D. Saint Peters African Orthodox Cathedral Miami, Florida House of Bishops of the “Historic” African Orthodox Church Inc.

The Trumpet Sounds! The Trumpet is the Official Newsletter of the African Orthodox Church Inc. and is published quarterly. To Place an article, story, or pictures in the Trumpet Newsletter, you may mailto:

[email protected] Visit us on the web @ www.theaocinc.com www.twitter.com/africanorthodox www.facebook.com/africanorthodox Trumpet Newsletter Banner © 2009 All Rights Reserved African Orthodox Church Inc. Created by Rev. Sister Domnika Ealey, OSB

+Archbishop Jamen Bernardt Butler, OSB D.D. Holy Cross Pro Cathedral New York, NY +Bishop Seth Skeete, OSB, D.D. St. Teresa/Saint Enid African Orthodox Church Barbados, West Indies

Editor & Graphic Designer

Rev. Sister Domnika Ealey, OSB

Newsletter Staff

Dianne Rolle Edith Barr Elaine Marshburn

Webmaster

Image of Saint George Alexander McGuire Founder of the African Orthodox Church Inc.

Fr. JohnLuke Ealey II, OSB

Banner Icons Brother Bob Lentz OFB (All Rights Reserved Used With permission)

Internet Communications Coordinator Shenita Brown

The “Historic” African Orthodox Church Inc. All Rights Reserved 2009

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Newsletter 11