Haitian Mission Update, July 2020

June 24, 2020

Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ,

Greetings! I want to give you all a brief update on the situation of our Haitian Orthodox Mission. Haiti, by the mercy of God, has been spared thus far from the brunt of the coronavirus pandemic. Haiti, as you can imagine, has all the makings for marked spread and cataclysmic death tolls due to overcrowding and poor access to medical care. Thus far this has not been the case as Haiti is generally not a tourist destination and closed its borders quite early during the pandemic season. Their schools have been closed on and off throughout the spring. As a result of economic difficulties around the world, Haiti suffers more acutely as they depend upon us for much of their schooling and church needs. Travel to the country has become quite difficult as there is an enforced fourteen-day quarantine required for all visitors and then a quarantine on your way back to the United States, specifically if you are going to New York.

I hope to be able to visit our Haitian brothers and sisters in the latter half of this year or early 2021 depending upon the situation both in the United States and in Haiti. Thankfully by the diligence of their priests and dedicated church-folk, the churches are functioning and the schools are forging ahead - merging the beauty of the Orthodox faith with quality education.

Please remember us in your generosity this summer and fall.

In Christ,

Lazarus Gehring, M.D.
Liaison, Haitian Orthodox Mission

Haiti Pascha

Orthodox Awareness

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Why do we follow the Old Orthodox Calendar?

a Because based on it, the First Ecumenical Council established the Paschal Canon and appointed that the feast of Holy Pascha may fall anywhere from March 22nd until April 25th, while with the New (Papal) Calendar it can fall as late at May 8th.

b The Gregorian (Papal) Calendar has been condemned by three Pan-Orthodox Councils under Patriarch Jeremiah Tranos (1583, 1587, 1589) Read more...

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Jonesboro is a town located near the Eastern border of Arkansas, with a population of approximately 60,000. From a human standpoint, it’s not the most likely candidate for a traditional Orthodox mission, but for an Orthodox Christian who orders his priorities around Christ and His Church, it makes perfect sense. Read more...

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Q. I noticed that we call the angels Michael and Gabriel "Saint." I thought the title "Saint" was only given to humans who have proven themselves Godly. Do you mind clarifying this for me? Is there a deeper meaning to "Saint" that I am not aware of?

-S.L. Read more...