Please pray for Franciscan University, that it will be more open and welcoming towards Eastern Christianity.

It is seen by many as a center of "Catholic" renewal, but anything about Eastern Christianity is virtually unknown on this campus. It is "breathing entirely with only one lung."

A group of students are trying to start up a club to teach about the Eastern Churches. I have doubts as to how successful this club will be.

Please keep Franciscan University in your prayers. It is a tragedy that someone can graduate with a degree in theology and not even know that there are Eastern Catholics in the Catholic Church.

Anthony

The best way to educate Roman Catholics about our Church is to pray with them and among them. Try finding a Byzantine priest who will celebrate vespers or the Divine Liturgy on a regular basis. Take one of their time slots - don't add another that is unfamiliar to them. If there is a daily noon Mass, take that time slot for the celebation of the Divine Liturgy every Wednesday. Or replace the Thursday 5 PM Mass with vespers. You get the idea....

Anthony,

Don't lose heart. You're underestimating the potential of the "walking Akathist"! Many of the students already love it!

Now, I'll have to check on that discount on the NCCB book...

Anthony,
When I was reading about Franciscan University of Stubenville, I noticed that they have communities. I do not know the basis for the different communities. Are they like dormatories? Maybe you could approach the Head of the University with the idea to start an Eastern Rite Community at the school, with maybe a floor or a part of a hallway? I will be praying for you

[This message has been edited by theodore perkoski (edited 10-21-1999).]

Thank you for your prayers. Big things are happening at Franciscan University. Most notably, the university is having a Byzantine Divine Liturgy celebrated for the student body on Tuesday, November 9!

As Moose suggested, the Divine Liturgy will take the place of the usual Tuesday evening Roman Mass, which is always packed full.

The celebrants will be Father Andrew Chura and Father Elias Rafaj.

Please keep this effort in your prayers, especially that the Divine Liturgy touches the heart of the student body.

Anthony

With prayers for this important event. To all the organizers and supporters of this event... Many Years!

Elias, monk

I will be praying and fasting on Nov 9th for the success of your Byzantine Liturgy. Let us know how everyting turns out!!!

Anthony, How was the Divine Liturgy that was celebrated at Steubenville (on 11/9) received by those who attended? Also, was there a large turn out? Just wondering. John.

To John and all who prayed for this endeavor,

I will answer this since I do not know if Anthony will be able. (He is giving up web access for awhile)

The Liturgy was an outstanding success. It was moved to Nov 16th becuase of logistics. Fr. Andrew from Toronto, Ohio offered the litugry and brought the cantor from his parish who was assisted by a Byzantine student. A Byzantine student from the parish in New Mexico, Anthony, and I served.

The Chapel of Christ the King was filled to capacity; about 350 students, faculty, and religous. What amazed and touched me was their excellent participation, given for many it was their first Byzantine litugry. The atmosphere was very reminiscent of that at the Pilgrimage on Mt. St. Macrina. Everyone sang, crossed themselves, bowed at the appropriate moments, venerated the icons on the tetrapod and makeshift icon screen (icons of the Theotokos and Christ on easels), I was very impressed with their sincerity.

Anthony reported that: many students commented on the beauty of the Liturgy and the prescence of the Holy Spirit felt there. The entire campus was buzzing about it! Because of the overwhelming positive response, the head of Chapel ministry wants to have the Byzantine Liturgy once a semester. It was definetly an evening of "the fervor of the faith, full of the Holy Spirit."

On behalf of Anthony and myself, I thank all of you for your prayers.

Lance Weakland, deacon-candidate


[This message has been edited by Lance (edited 11-18-1999).]

I failed to mention in the above post Sharon Mech also attended and cantored from the back of the chapel to assist the students in their singing. Thanks Sharon.

Lance Weakland, deacon-candidate