Tenth Anniversary of the Youngstown SSJC

The Society of Saint John Chrysostom in the US started at the first Orientale Lumen Conference in 1997.  Our volunteer co-patrons were Archbishop Vsevolod of Scopelos, of blessed memory, and Bishop John Michael Botean, who continues in that capacity.  The society was one of many outcomes from that first OL Conference in Washington, and has spread to several local chapters in various cities around the country.

The Youngstown chapter has been meeting regularly for the last ten years at both Catholic and Orthodox parishes, with many lay persons and clergy supporting their programs.  I have been invited to speak on a few occasions over the years, but this past weekend they celebrated their Tenth Anniversary with a wonderful dinner and invited me to give an overview of the history of the society and OL Conferences.

Their usual 25-30 persons showed up and we had a great time.  I gave the highlights of the past conference, remembering special events and exciting “firsts” that have occurred.  Not passing up the opportunity to tell some stories, I told of several other memorable ecumenical events that I have witnessed over the years, especially those with Archbishop Vsevolod who was an inspiration to us all. I recounted Vladyka’s historic Divine Liturgies at the tomb of St. Peter in Rome in 1999 and 2006, the audiences with Pope John Paul II and Pope Benedict, and the many trips and private discussions with Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew, almost annually for the last 14 years.

I congratulate the Youngstown Chapter on their continual efforts to bring people together to learn about the Eastern Churches and to foster dialogue among Orthodox and Catholics.  I also commend the other chapters who meet regularly – in southern California and Baltimore – and hope that others may spring up in different places in the future.