An Appeal for Aid
Hierodeacon Tikhon Suspended
January 17, 2012Consecration of Bishop CHRISTODOULOS of Miami and Cuba
February 15, 2012The past year (2011) has seen many marked improvements and changes. Many of these we can see in our own interior struggles as well as in our exterior conditions. For us at the Abbey of the Holy Name, which is the administrative and spiritual center of our Church, we have witnessed the rapid construction of our new church. For several years the old stone superstructure sat on the property with no work; but, thanks to the God blessed windfalls of a few generous people, as well as the steady support, we were able to begin construction anew.
A few of our clergy, especially those who had contractor and construction skills, have provided them completely free of charge, which meant only the cost of building materials was needed, as well as gasoline to drive back and forth to get the materials. However, in the process, we have also experienced several set backs, that have led to unexpected expenses; such as the kitchen sink completely failing and needing to be replaced, water pipes freezing, the need for insulation to prevent further freezing, unexpected medical expenses, charitable giving on the part of the Monastery to help others, and other unexpected events.
I know many already give generously to us, and I know that the many who can’t, are just as valuable Christian souls to us as those who can. And if nothing monetarily can be bestowed, then the offering of prayers, moliebens, and other services are greatly appreciated. We remember all the benefactors at our monastery when we sing the 15 Gradual Psalms prior to the Midnight Office.
However, for those who can do anything, or pass this problem along, we would greatly appreciate it. As a result of all the above enumerated problems, we have sunk deeper into the red as concerns our upcoming tax bill in April. As we are unable financially to pay the bill quarterly, we are forced to pay so yearly, which, unfortunately, means that the government ads additional ‘fees’ to our late payment. We are currently about 3,000 dollars past the red line. Now, if we could abstain from eating almost entirely, as well as using little to no electricity, and other extreme austerities (including forsaking heating oil, for which we pray for a continual light winter to help), we could make the bill, with room to spare. Sadly, our conditions do not enable us (especially with the people we care for here), to take such extreme measures at the present time (or, at least, we would be very loath to enforce such measures for fear of any further medical complications).
If it is at all possible, to remember us during this time, it would be greatly appreciated. Even if nothing can be given, we ask to pray that somehow the Lord would bestow something on us, even at the last moment.
Yesterday, when our kitchen sink broke, we had to remove it. In the process, we had to buy a new one from the Home Depot. During this trip, the three of us who went, were constantly thinking about how we could manage to do this. During the trip, our Metropolitan, Vladyka JOHN, was hit in the head with a board from car on the outside of the building (as Fr. Augutine, myself, and Fr. John, were loading up the materials just purchased). Vladyka had already been worried greatly about this matter of finances, additionally, he had forgotten to take his medicines earlier that morning, so, he was in not too good shape. Fr. Deacon John had to insist that he drive (since Vladyka, much to our chagrin likes to drive himself), and Vladyka was having many difficulties. He has tingling in his arms and fingers, his blood pressure was highly elevated, and he could barely operate as he should. Several of our clergy insisted he go to the hospital, but, he refused, saying that he was alright. He will be going to the physician this Thursday, so, I pray that we all pray he will be fine.
Forgive me for writing anything here that may put too much upon us as individuals, but, I believe that all Christian souls under the omophor of Vladyka John have a responsibility to help or remember him. This is not to imply that you have not helped in the past, are helping, or doing whatever you can, in whatever means you can, to help. But, it is, I believe, a simple reminder, of the fact that our situation at the monastery here, hangs on by a thread. If God should so will or allow, that we lose the monastery, we will continue, because the Gospel cannot be stopped by loss of buildings; but, it would be a blow to our work, as we would have no stable base to carry on the various works we conduct from here.
All this above, is in addition to the upcoming consecration of Archimandrite Michael, who is currently a Bishop-Elect, to the Holy Episcopate. As we currently have many missionary opportunities in South America, a future Bishop Michael will be a great help. Fr. Michael suffered greatly when he, the Abbot, left his small monastery and residence in Florida, after one of our previous priests (who owned the land the monastery was on) was coaxed to go to the Sergianist-Ecumenist Moscow Patriarchate. He finally, after some time (and much prayers from us, and what we could do), able to get a small apartment, and then, convert and baptise a few people. As there are many Spanish-speaking groups of people in South America who are interested in joining our Holy Metropolitan Church, and these groups wish to be traditional and true Orthodox Christians, the consecration of Fr. Michael is important in this work. Vladyka JOHN, does not speak Spanish, and he is getting older, and thus, his ability to travel, in conjunction with his other functions is now much limited in these southern regions of the globe.
So, in conclusion, and without meaning to sound too presumptuous, I ask for all your prayers, and good works, and any contributions to the specific issues I have addressed.
With many fond memories, and hopefully more in the future, and praying that God will help us in this time of need,
In Christ our Lord,
Hierodeacon Augustine
Abbey of the Holy Name
Contact Information
- Telephone
- 973-838-8795
- FAX
- 973-838-2228
- Postal address
- 100 Abbey Lane, W. Milford, NJ 07480-3909 USA
