Order of the Most Holy Mary Theotokos

Keeping members and friends of the Order of the Most Holy Mary Theotokos      up-to-date on church news and current events!

 Congratulations!

 Very Rev. Msgr. Harold (Hal) Ellis West, O.SS.T. 

Very Reverend Monsignor Harold (Hal) Ellis West, O.SS.T. Appointed as Chancellor and Vicar General of the State of Florida. Very Reverend Harold Ellis West, O.SS.T. appointed as the Chancellor and Vicar General of the State of Florida for the Archdiocese of the Southeastern States and Missionary Dependencies of the Evangelical Orthodox Catholic Church in America with an effective date of February 29, 2020. The Office of Chancellor and Vicar General is charged with assisting the Metropolitan Archbishop and Auxiliary Bishop of the Archdiocese of the Southeastern States in fulfilling their canonical responsibilities in Florida, as well as serving as their principle deputy for the exercise of their administrative authority. As Vicar General, Monsignor Hal+ is authorized to hold the title of Very Reverend and may be addressed as Monsignor. Our thoughts and prayers are with you as you begin this new chapter in service to the Lord!

Note: Upon his geographical relocation from the State of Indiana to the State of Florida, Monsignor Hal's term as Chancellor of the Missionary Dependency of Indiana for the Archdiocese of the Southeastern States and Missionary Dependencies of the Evangelical Orthodox Catholic Church in America is hereby expired.

 Congratulations!



 Rev. Robert (Rob) Lyons and Rev. Harold (Hal) Ellis West, O.SS.T.

Reverend Harold (Hal) Ellis West, O.SS.T. Installed as Associate Pastor of Saint Mary’s Church. Reverend Hal West, O.SS.T. was installed as Associate Pastor of Saint Mary’s Church on Sunday December 1st, 2019, 1st Sunday of Advent, by Reverend Robert (Rob) Lyons, Pastor and longtime friend of O.SS.T. from the “American Catholic Communities”.  Father Rob+ and our own Father Hal+ have entered into a collaborative partnership in their efforts to build up the Saint Mary’s Catholic Community as well as reaching out to the outside community in hopes of developing a parish location elsewhere while continuing to serve the assisted living facility. Saint Mary’s currently meets at Apen Trace Family-First Senior Living Facility in Greenwood, Indiana. We are pleased that Fathers Hal+ and Rob+ have met and are seeking to work together in furthering God’s kingdom in the Great State of Indiana. May God’s richest blessings be with them both!



Congratulations!

- From Left to Right -

Most Rev. ++Allen W. Zaugg, Metropolitan Archbishop Primate

Most Rev. +Seraphim Thomas, Auxiliary Bishop, Archdiocese of Milwaukie

Rev. John W. McLaughlin, Acolyte, Our Lady of Grace Pro-Cathedral



Reverend John W. McLaughlin Ordained to the Minor Order of Acolyte (Candle-Bearer). Our congratulations to Rev. John W. McLaughlin upon his ordination to the Minor Order of Acolyte on the 17th day of November in the year of our Lord 2019 at Our Lady of Grace Pro-Cathedral in Milwaukie, Oregon, with the Most Reverend ++Allen W. Zaugg, Primate of the Evangelical Orthodox Catholic Church (EOCCA), as Consecrator. In keeping with traditional Catholic-faith seminary formation, the EOCCA continues to distinguish between the major holy orders of bishop, priest, deacon, and subdeacon; and the four minor orders of acolyte, exorcist, lector and porter in descending sequence. An Acolyte has the duty to attend and serve the ministers who are in Major Orders in the Sacrifice of the Holy Mass. They are called candle-bearers and take care of the lights and empty cruets during the Holy Mass. “Receive this candle-stick and candle, and remember that hence forth you are given the charge of lighting the candles of the church in the name of the Lord. Receive these cruets to supply wine and water for the Eucharist of Christ’s blood, in the name of the Lord.” With these words and the Laying on of Hands, Archbishop ++Allen elevated Rev. John to the Minor Order of Acolyte. Congratulations John! John is currently enrolled in Agnus Dei Theological Seminary, the official seminary of the EOCCA.

- From Left to Right -

Most Rev. +Seraphim Thomas, Auxiliary Bishop, Archdiocese of Milwaukie

Most Rev. Dr. Russell D. Lee, O.SS.T., Bishop Ordinary, Diocese of California

Most Rev. ++Allen W. Zaugg, Metropolitan Archbishop Primate, Primus Inter Pares

Most Rev. Dr. Robert F. Jangro, O.SS.T., Metropolitan Acrchbishop, Archdiocese of the Southeastern States and Missionary Dependencies

Synod of Bishops Met at Our Lady of Grace Pro-Cathedral in Milwaukie, Oregon 11 – 13 October 2019. Synod is another word for a council. It is an old Greek word sunodos that means "assembly or meeting". In ancient times, Synods were convened by Bishops to dicuss matters of doctrine, administration, and ministry. In our Church today, the EOCCA Synod is a gathering of Bishops, clergy, and lay representatives from each parish to discuss matters of significance in the future of the Church and those Dioceses and parishes that reside within the jurisdiction of The Evangelical Orthodox Catholic Church in America. We had a great day in session on Saturday discussing Archdiocesan and Diocesan policies, procedures, and status updates. On Sunday we had a glorious celebration of the Mass with sub conditional consecrations and installation of the EOCCA’s two newest bishops. A beautiful and fitting close to our 2019 Synod of Bishops. Our thanks and gratitude to Metropolitan Archbishop ++Allen W. Zaugg for being such a gracious host and the entire EOCCA family for their warm welcome. For more information on the Synod and to view more pictures, visit, 2019 EOCCA Synod of Bishops on our "Community Gatherings" page.

Mark Your Calendars!

Synod of Bishops to Meet at Our Lady of Grace Pro-Cathedral in Milwaukie, Oregon 11 – 13 October 2019. The Synod of Bishops, in The Evangelical Orthodox Catholic Church in America (EOCCA), is the institution of periodic meetings of bishops established by the Metropolitan Archbishop Primate. The synod is convoked with the intention of assisting him in church government, promoting collegiality among the bishops, as well as demonstrating the responsibility of bishops as a body for the universal church in addition to their individual responsibility in their respective dioceses and archdioceses. Collegiality, in various Christian jurisdictions, especially Catholicism, Anglicanism, and Eastern Orthodoxy, is the view that bishops, in addition to their role as individuals presiding over local churches (in most cases, dioceses), are members of a body that has the same teaching and ruling functions in the universal church that the Apostles had in the early church. The 2019 Synod of Bishops is scheduled to meet at Our Lady of Grace Pro-Cathedral in Milwaukie, Oregon 11 – 13 October 2019 with all bishops, priests, deacons, religious, and faithful of the EOCCA invited to attend. If you are interested in attending, or merely have any questions or concerns, please feel free to contact Dom ++Robert, O.SS.T. 

Congratulation!

Rev. Harold (Hal) Ellis West, O.SS.T.

Rev. Harold (Hal) Ellis West, O.SS.T. Becomes Salvation Army Emergency Disaster Services Response Chaplain. On August 9, 2019, Rev. Harold (Hal) Ellis West, O.SS.T. became a Salvation Army Emergency Disaster Services Response Chaplain for the Central Territory. The Salvation Army has a long history with chaplaincy. The first officer designated as a chaplain appears to have been appointed to the Men's Social Services in the United Kingdom in the late 1890s. Chaplains were also appointed during the First World War to Canadian and Australian forces. The Salvation Army’s mission to help hurting people in times of crisis follows the actions as portrayed in the parable of the Good Samaritan in whatever location they are found by utilizing whatever resources available and connecting within a larger community of care. A chaplain is essentially an individual who provides emotional and spiritual care to individuals outside of their faith community. The word chaplain comes from the Latin word for “cloak” and derived from a story of Saint Martin meeting a man begging in the rain with no cloak. If Saint Martin had met the man's need by giving him his own cloak, he would have shifted the problem to himself, so instead, he tore his own cloak in two and shared it, half for the beggar and half for himself. From this the understanding of a chaplain is someone who shares support with those in the storms of life and offers some spiritual help and direction in those difficult times. Congratulation Father Hal!



Congratulations!

Rev. Amparo Lisette Zaugg

Rev. Amparo Lisette Zaugg Becomes First Graduate of Agnus Dei Theological Seminary. As President of Agnus Dei Theological Seminary, and on behalf of the faculty and staff, the Most Rev. Dr. Robert F. Jangro, O.SS.T., O.C.R. is pleased to announce our first graduate since the merger of Christ the Teacher Seminary of Milwaukie, Oregon; Ave Maria Theological Seminary of Fayetteville, Georgia; and Saint Anthony House School of Biblical Theology of Nashua, Montana back in April of this year. Rev. Amparo Lisette Zaugg was presented with her Licentiate of Scared Theology (S.T.L.) Degree and subsequently ordained to the Permanent Diaconate in the Evangelical Orthodox Catholic Church in America on this eleventh day of August in the year of our Lord two thousand nineteen at Our Lady of Grace Pro-Cathedral in Milwaukie, Oregon. Deacon Lisette’s husband, the Most Rev. ++Allen W. Zaugg, presented her diploma on the President's behalf and then presided over the Rite of the Ordination of a Deacon. Our heartfelt congratulations Deacon Lisette! 

Congratulations!

Rev. Harold (Hal) Ellis West, O.SS.T. 

Rev. Harold "Hal" Ellis West, O.SS.T. Appointed as Chancellor of the Missionary Dependency of Indiana. Indiana is not yet a diocese within The Evangelical Orthodox Catholic Church in America (EOCCA), and until it is designated as such, will temporarily fall under the jurisdiction of the Metropolitan Archbishop of the Archdiocese of the Southeastern States and Missionary Dependencies. Father Hal's official title will be Chancellor of the Missionary Dependency of Indiana, but in essence he will be the Archbishop's Missionary Dependency Administrator. The Office of the Chancellor is charged with assisting the Archbishop (Dom ++Robert) and Auxiliary Bishop (+Floyd), in fulfilling their canonical responsibilities in Indiana and to serve as their canonical advisor. Fr. Hal's office is also charged with providing general assistance to pastors, priests, deacons, and also help disseminate information to clergy, parishes, and the Catholic faithful that may be beneficial to the people of Indiana as they make their journey of Faith toward God’s eternal kingdom. It is our hope and prayer that Fr. Hal will serve as a catalyst for growth throughout the state. Congratulations in your new assignment, Fr. Hal, and may God bless you in all that you do!  

Welcome!

 The Evangelical Orthodox Old Catholic Church in America

O.SS.T. Affiliates with The Evangelical Orthodox Old Catholic Church in America. Since January 13, 2018, The Baptism of the Lord, the Order of the Most Holy Mary Theotokos and The Evangelical Orthodox Old Catholic Church in America has shared in a Concordat / Agreement of Full Communion. This initial act of partnership in ministry has since grown into a friendship and mutual respect that has now led to O.SS.T entering into the next chapter of our story. We have come to believe that it is time to seek affiliation with a larger, more well-established jurisdiction, rather than to continue “standing on the outside”, and that greater work can be accomplished through unity. It is with this bold vision, and through the guidance of the Holy Spirit, that on the third day of April in the year of our Lord, Savior, and God, two thousand and nineteen, that The Order of the Most Holy Mary Theotokos affiliated with The Evangelical Orthodox Old Catholic Church in America. 

The Evangelical Orthodox Old Catholic Church in America, under the spiritual, synodical, and corporate episcopal oversight of His Eminence, the 4th Archbishop Metropolitan ++Allen W. (Francis Benedict) Zaugg; is an "Apostolic Mandated" Orthodox Catholic jurisdiction that encourages both men and women to reach their full calling to serve our Lord Jesus Christ within His One Holy Catholic and Apostolic Church.

This new affiliation has also led to several of our O.SS.T. members being incardinated and appointed to key positions within the EOCCA. Archbishop ++Robert F. Jangro, O.SS.T. has been appointed to the position of Metropolitan Archbishop of the newly established Archdiocese of the Southeastern States and Missionary Dependencies, with Bishop +Floyd L. Covey, Sr., O.SS.T. serving as the Auxiliary Bishop. Bishop Russell D. Lee, O.SS.T. has been assigned as Bishop Ordinary of the Diocese of California and Missionary Dependencies. Congratulations to all.

The Order of the Most Holy Mary Theotokos ~ "Benedictines of Mary, Old Catholic Marianists" is thankful to Archbishop Metropolitan ++Allen W. Zaugg for his gracious oversite, and proud to be affiliated with The Evangelical Orthodox Old Catholic Church in America. We look forward to many years of partnership in ministry and service to our Lord.

A New Resurrection Day for All!

To view Archbishop ++Allen's welcome letter to the O.SS.T. community, click here: Welcome Letter.

For more information on the EOCCA: The Evangelical Orthodox Old Catholic Church in America.

NOTE: The Evangelical Orthodox Old Catholic Church in America is often referred to as simply The Evangelical Orthodox Catholic Church in America, or EOCCA.

Congratulation!

Bishop Floyd and Mrs. Ellen Covey

Bishop Floyd and Mrs. Ellen Covey Celebrate 50 Years of Ministerial Service. "On November 10, 2018, the Lord allowed Ellen and me to celebrate fifty (50) years of service in various forms of ministry. We had a reception at St. Andrew's Episcopal Church here in Collierville, Tennessee. Many friends and family members came to join us for this glorious event. Our Lord has been so gracious to allow us to serve in many different settings over the years. All Praise and Honor and Glory be to the Father and to the Son and to the Holy Spirit!!!" These inspiring words shared by the Most Rev. Dr. Floyd Lee Covey, O.SS.T. upon celebrating 50 years of ministerial service. Bishop Floyd went on to say, "Our Lord was so gracious during 2018 in allowing me to celebrate three incredibly significant events - my Life Profession of Vows as Monk in O.SS.T.;  my Consecration as a Bishop;  and the 50 year Ministry Celebration.  All Praise and Honor and Glory be to the Father and to the Son and to the Holy Spirit!!!" Congratulations +Floyd and Ellen, may God continue to bless you both with many more years of ministry!



Rest in Peace

Abba Anthony Curley and Sister Joan Swails

O.SS.T. Mourns the Loss of Two Dear Friends on November 23, 2018. We were extremely saddened to learn of the tragic death of Abba Anthony Curley and Sister Joan Swails on November 23, 2018 as the result of a horrific automobile accident. Abba Anthony was killed instantly and Sister Joan died a short while later at the hospital. Both were members of the Benedictine Community of Saint Anthony to which the Order of the Most Holy Mary Theotokos has enjoyed sharing an intercommunion agreement with for the past several years. Please keep the surviving members of the community in your thoughts and prayers during this very difficult time.



THE MASS - The Source and Summit of Our Catholic Faith - Heaven on Earth

                                            

 The 2018 Annual O.SS.T. Synod/Retreat was held 18 thru 21 October 2018. An O.SS.T. Chapter Meeting was held in conjunction with this year's annual retreat/synod held October 18th thru the 21st at the Hampton Inn by Hilton in Fayetteville, Georgia. This year's theme was "The Mass, the Source and Summit of Our Catholic Faith". Participants walked through the Liturgy with Bishop Barron and were transformed through insights on the most priviledged and intimate encounter with our Lord Jesus Christ. We learned how the Mass brings us out of the fallen world and into the heavenly realm, how it resonates with a call from God and a response from his people, the Church, and, most importantly, how we are intimately joined with the Body, Blood, Soul, and Divinity of Jesus through the Holy Eucharist. The Mass helped us understand how to fully, consciously, and actively participate in the source and summit of the Christian Life. There was also a presentation with practicum on the Eucharist, offering inspiring insights into the mystery of Christ's presence in our lives and the centrality of the Eucharist as the fullness of that presence. We also discussed the Heroic Priesthood...the demands and joys of the priestly vocation. A community meal was shared at Our Lady of Peace Archabbey on the evening of Friday the 19th with a special highlight of the gathering being the community Mass with the elevation of Bishop Dr. Floyd Lee Covey, Sr., O.SS.T., to the Episcopate on Saturday the 20th at the Church of the Holy Cross. To view Bishop Barron's "The Mass" - Trailer, click here.

Our special thanks to the Reverend Father Bob Roethel and the entire congregation of The Church of the Holy Cross (Charismatic Episcopal Church) in Fayetteville, Georgia for allowing us the use of their beautiful church facilities. Our thanks, as well, to Patty Roethel for taking such beautiful pictures. We would also like to thank Mi Ok Jangro for preparing and serving such a wonderful community meal at Our Lady of Peace Archabbey. The peace of the Lord be always with you!

Congratulation!

Most Rev. Dr. Floyd Lee Covey, Sr., O.SS.T.

Most Rev. Dr. Floyd Lee Covey, Sr., O.SS.T. Consecrated a Bishop in the One Holy Catholic and Apostolic Church with Appointments as Director of Vocations and Formantion, and Member of the Archbishop-Abbot's Advisory Council (ABAAC). The Most Rev. Dr. Robert F. Jangro, O.SS.T., Presiding Archbishop-Abbot of the Order of the Most Holy Mary Theotokos has appointed the Most Rev. Dr. Floyd Lee Covey, Sr., O.SS.T. as Director of Vocations and Formation, and member of the ABAAC. Bishop Floyd was elevated to the Episcopate at the gathering of the Order which took place during the 2018 Annual O.SS.T. Synod/Retreat held 18 thru 21 October, 2018 in Fayetteville, Georgia. The Rite of Ordination of a Bishop was celebrated on Saturday, the 20th. As Director of Vocations and Formation, Bishop Floyd is commissioned to help aspirants discern their vocation, as well as administer personality testing and evaluate their psychological well-being and emotional stability as deemed necessary to determine suitability for membership in this Order. The ABAAC assists the Archbishop-Abbot in overall planning and decision-making for the community, advising the Archbishop-Abbot on important matters of pastoral activity. As a consultative body to the Archbishop-Abbot, members make recommendations that would lead to the accomplishment of community goals consistent with the vision, mission, and value statements of the Order. Congratulations Bishop Floyd!    

Rev. (Sdn.) Wayne Henri Silk, ER.O.SS.T.

Subdeacon Wayne Henri Silk, ER.O.SS.T. Moves From the Life in Community to the Eremitic Life. In our times the anchoritic life as a distinct form of vocation is almost unheard of. However, an increasing number of Christian faithful feel again a vocation to live the eremitic life, whether in the remote country side or in a city in stricter separation from the world, without having passed through the coenobium first.

Bearing in mind that the meaning of the eremitic vocation is the Desert Theology of the Old Testament (i.e. the 40 years wandering in the desert that was meant to bring about a change of heart), it may be said that the desert of the urban hermit is that of the heart, purged through kenosis to be the dwelling place of God alone.

The Order of the Most Holy Mary Theotokos has made provisions concerning those Solemn Life Professed First Order Monks who feel called by God to move from the life in Community to the eremitic life, and have the permission of the Presiding Archbishop-Abbot.

The Presiding Archbishop-Abbot has granted Subdeacon Wayne Henri Silk, ER.O.SS.T. permission to do so on the eighth day of September in the year of our Lord two thousand eighteen, The Feast of the Nativity of the Blessed Virgin Mary.

An anchorite, "one who has retired from the world" (signifying "to withdraw", "to retire") is someone who, for religious reasons, withdraws from secular society so as to be able to lead an intensely prayer-oriented, ascetic, or Eucharist-focused life. Whilst anchorites are frequently considered to be a type of religious hermit, unlike hermits they are required to take a vow of stability of place, opting instead for permanent enclosure in cells often attached to churches. In Sbn. “Hank's” case, Our Lady Mother of the Church Abbey, Enola, Florida.

As a Consecrated Eremitic Monk, Subdeacon "Hank" technically remains a member of the Order and thus under obedience to the Presiding Archbishop-Abbot.

May almighty God bless you, + the Father, + and the Son, + and the Holy Spirit.



Father Anthony Christopher Zacchino, ER.O.SS.T. Moves From the Life in Community to the Eremitic Life. In our times the anchoritic life as a distinct form of vocation is almost unheard of. However, an increasing number of Christian faithful feel again a vocation to live the eremitic life, whether in the remote country side or in a city in stricter separation from the world, without having passed through the coenobium first.

Bearing in mind that the meaning of the eremitic vocation is the Desert Theology of the Old Testament (i.e. the 40 years wandering in the desert that was meant to bring about a change of heart), it may be said that the desert of the urban hermit is that of the heart, purged through kenosis to be the dwelling place of God alone.

The Order of the Most Holy Mary Theotokos has made provisions concerning those Solemn Life Professed First Order Monks who feel called by God to move from the life in Community to the eremitic life, and have the permission of the Presiding Archbishop-Abbot.

The Presiding Archbishop-Abbot has granted Father Anthony Christopher Zacchino, ER.O.SS.T. permission to do so on the fifteenth day of August in the year of our Lord two thousand eighteen, The Solemnity of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary.

An anchorite, "one who has retired from the world" (signifying "to withdraw", "to retire") is someone who, for religious reasons, withdraws from secular society so as to be able to lead an intensely prayer-oriented, ascetic, or Eucharist-focused life. Whilst anchorites are frequently considered to be a type of religious hermit, unlike hermits they are required to take a vow of stability of place, opting instead for permanent enclosure in cells often attached to churches. In Father “Zack’s” case, the Abbey of Our Lady of Grace, New Port Richey, Florida.

As a Consecrated Eremitic Monk, Father Anthony technically remains a member of the Order and thus under obedience to the Presiding Archbishop-Abbot.

May almighty God bless you, + the Father, + and the Son, + and the Holy Spirit.

Bishop-Elect Dr. Floyd Lee Covey, Sr., O.SS.T. Makes Final (Perpetual) Solemn Life Profession. By the grace of God, Bishop-Elect Dr. Floyd Lee Covey, Sr., O.SS.T. celebrated the Rite of Final (Perpetual) Solemn Life Profession on June 23, 2018, Saturday of the Eleventh Week in Ordinary Time, Blessed Virgin Mary. The Ceremony of the Solemn Profession of Vows reveals a profound, transcendent moment in the life of a Benedictine Monk in which he consecrates his whole life to God, making the vows of Obedience, Stability, and Conversion until death.  In so doing, the Monk becomes a visible reflection of Christ, who was obedient to the Father until death, death on a cross. The beautiful liturgy also opens a window to the end of time, when each faithful Christian will appear before the throne of God and the Lamb, and be counted among the flock of those Jesus has chosen to live forever in eternal happiness. Congratulations! 

Chosen and recognized by the Church as being called by God to the Sacred Office of Bishop!

   Most Rev. Dr. Russell Dean Lee, O.SS.T.

"Receive the Holy Spirit"



O.SS.T. Consecrates New Bishop. The Most Rev. Dr. Robert F. Jangro, O.SS.T., Presiding Archbishop-Abbot of the Order of the Most Holy Mary Theotokos, with the assistance of the Most Rev. Dr. David D. Pascusa, O.SS.T., ordained the Most Rev. Dr. Russell Dean Lee, O.SS.T., to the Sacred Order of the Episcopate, in the One, Holy, Catholic, and Apostolic Church Sunday, May 6, 2018 in Twentynine Palms, California. Additionally, on May 20th, the Presiding Archbishop-Abbot appointed Bishop Russ Dean of Ave Maria Theological Seminary and Claustral Prior of O.SS.T. As Dean of Ave Maria Theological Seminary, Bishop Russ is commissioned to develop academic policies and programs, coordinate student activities, and advise students and faculty on personal matters. As the Claustral Prior of the Order of the Most Holy Mary Theotokos, Bishop Russ is commissioned to hold the first place after the Abbot and assist in the government of the Order, functioning effectively as the Superior's second-in-charge (or Auxiliary Bishop). We rejoice in the continued growth of our faith-filled family. Congratulation Bishop +Russ!

The 2018 O.SS.T. Bishop's Retreat was held on Sunday, May 6^th in Twentynine Palm’s California. The gathering focused on finalizing the development of an action plan and way ahead for the O.SS.T. Community. The bishops met in a small group setting, discussing adaptive challenges, and proposed changes and reforms to our monastic order as an Institute of Consecrated Life. They spent time together in worship and in prayer, as well as having time for both individual and peer reflection. The highlight of the retreat was the consecration of +Russell Dean Lee as our Order’s newest bishop and the opportunity to concelebrate a community Mass. All active bishops of O.SS.T. were in attendance. A report of the gathering will be published in the near future. 

 The "Benedictines of Mary, Old Catholic Marianists" have been dedicated to Our Lady from the very beginning of our Order. She is our life, our sweetness, and our hope.

 She is bride, she is Mother, she is Queen, and none of these has passed from the present into mere memory.