SAINT ANDREW CHAPEL: A SITE FOR ECUMENICAL OUTREACH

    Ever since the completion of the repair and renovation of Saint Andrew Chapel for its 75th anniversary this spring, parishioners have been asking, “Now what are we using the chapel for?”  The standard answer has been for private prayer during the day, for devotional groups, for small weddings and funerals, and perhaps for events like the youth Exalt program, which involves spiritual conferences and adoration.  A whole new dimension has now opened up, in keeping with the movement of the larger Church and recent popes to bring to life Christ’s wish (express in the Gospel of John) “That all may be one.”

    On Saturday, June 30, His Eminence, Archbishop Alexios, the leader of the Greek Orthodox Church in this Southeastern region, traveled from Atlanta to visit with Msgr. Martin Laughlin, our pastor, and Sister Pamela Smith, representing our parish staff.  Since last fall, the members of Holy Resurrection Greek Orthodox Church in Hilton Head have been in search of a new site for their congregation to worship.  The pastoral council and various members of the parish who know members of that congregation have been working step by step to bring this shared effort into being.

     With the permission and blessing of both then Bishop Robert Baker and Archbishop Alexios, members of Holy Resurrection held an introductory meeting for their parish at Saint Andrew Hall on Sunday, July 29, and then moved toward establishing Saint Andrew as their regular location for Sunday worship. Regular worship began in April, 2008.  As a result of its relocation, Holy Resurrection parish has seen an increase of membership and attendance.

     Holy Resurrection Church is led by Father Peter Telencio, a retired military chaplain who travels weekly from Columbia, SC, to celebrate the Divine Liturgy with the parish.  Philip White of Hilton Head is the newly elected president of the parish council and, as such, has taken the lead in bringing this dream to fruition.  Attorney Ehrick Haight, son of our active parishioner Rhoda Haight, has also been very instrumental in advancing this effort for our two churches to share sacred space.  Venus and James Zambonis, Sun City residents, have been involved with the project every step of the way and have kept enthusiasm for finding a good site for their parish to worship very much alive.

             As is well known, Pope John Paul II made many gestures toward closer union between the Catholic and Orthodox Churches.  Of all other Christian denominations, the Orthodox is closest to the Catholic.  The Church is understood to have retained valid sacraments, priesthood and episcopacy in apostolic succession (an unbroken line from the time of the apostles, as we believe the Catholic Church has), and a theology which Catholics can share on most points.  Inter-communion among our Churches is permitted in a great variety of situations, unlike the situation with other denominations.