November 3, 2011
Brooklyn, NY: Bishop George visited the Administrative Center of the Orthodox Business Association

On Tuesday, November 1, during his first archpastoral visit to Brooklyn, NY, His Grace, Eastern American Diocesan vicar Bishop George of Mayfield, visited the home office of the Orthodox Business Association, where he met with Association President Igor K. Popov.

Bishop George was accompanied by diocesan secretary Archpriest Serge Lukianov, Hieromonk Alexander (Frizzell; dean of Holy Cross Monastery), Priest Vadim Arefiev (rector of the Church of Our Lady "The Inexhaustible Chalice"), and diocesan Media Office correspondent Reader Peter Lukianov.

During the meeting, His Grace presented Popov and the members of the Association administration commemorative journals in honor of the 25th anniversary of the founding of Holy Cross Monastery, audio-recordings of the monastery choir, and various items made at the monastery – incense, honey, soap, and more. His Grace expressed his sincere gratitude to the Association for its involvement in "Project Kellia." The project’s goal is to raise funds to construct ten cells for monks at Holy Cross Monastery. Bishop George noted the importance of monastic labors and their influence on those who live in the world. "Monasteries are the basis of our common spiritual life," His Grace said. "By God’s grace, our Diocese has many monasteries, but they are in serious need of support from the faithful. By supporting our monasteries, you help monastics continue their prayer for your salvation and the salvation of the world. May this project be the first of many that will help all of the monasteries in our Diocese."

In turn, Hieromonk Alexander spoke on the life of Holy Cross Monastery and about plans to erect a new monastic residence. Approximately ten men are ready to enter the monastery, but are unable to because the monastery lacks housing facilities for any new novices. The Association is preparing to offer an opportunity to parishes and individuals to contribute to the construction of monastic cells, each of which will bear a commemorative plaque in honor of the donor or donors.

Issues involving furthering relations between the Diocese and the Association were discussed, as well. Fr. Serge spoke about the diocesan Pastoral Resources Program (PRP) and offered to investigate opportunities for collaboration between the Association and the Diocese for the PRP’s successful operation. With the Association’s help, the Media Office is preparing to hold live coverage of various discussions and events organized by the PRP.

Mr. Popov thanked His Grace and the diocesan representatives for maintaining a strong and fruitful relationship with the Association. He noted that the Association was created to form a network of Orthodox businesses and professionals to work on behalf of the Church, clergy, and parishes. In order to participate in the Association, one must be an active member of his parish.

Further information on the goals of and opportunities within the Association, as well as on "Project Kellia," will be posted in a separate section on the diocesan website in the near future.

Republication of materials must include a reference to: 
"Eastern American Diocese www.eadiocese.org."

Media Office of the Eastern American Diocese