12 December 2022
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Dear Fathers and Friends,

Greetings to you in this blessed season of Advent.

In about a month, approximately 400 Orthodox theologians and scholars will gather in Volos for the Quadrennial IOTA conference and the annual OTSA conference, with both conferences exploring the theme of the Mission of the Church. We want to bring to your attention these important points:

• The Opening Ceremony and Keynote Address/Florovsky Lecture given by Metropolitan Ambrosios (Zographos) of Korea, will occur on Wednesday, Jan 11, 18:00 – 20:00 (Greek time). The plan is to livestream this address. We will forward viewing information as soon as it becomes available.
  
• OTSA is sponsoring the following Sessions at IOTA – Please note the time and locations of these sessions, and come and support your fellow OTSA members:
  • Thursday, Jan 12 (11:30–13:00, Park Hotel, Jason Hall)
    Session 88: Orthodoxy and Mission in North America:  Promise, Struggles, Tensions
    Speakers: V. Rev. Dr. Peter Baktis, Rev. Marc Dunaway, Alexei Krindatch
  • Thursday, Jan 12 (15:00–17:00, Evangelical Church, Main Hall)
    Session 87: Roundtable Discussion–Orthodox Mission in North America
    Panelists:  Rev. Bohdan Hladio, Dr. Joel Houston, Fr. Luke Veronis, V. Rev. Dr. Peter Batkis
  • Thursday, Jan 12 (15:00–17:00, Forum Center, Centaurus Hall)
    Session 38: Co-laborers Session (The short OTSA introduction is scheduled for the third slot)
  • Thursday, Jan 12 (17:30–19:00, Park Hotel, Jason Hall)
    Session 86: Roundtable Discussion–OTSA: A Model for other Regional Orthodox Theological Associations
    Panelists: Dr. Teva Regule, V. Rev. Dr. Anton Vrame, Dr. Gayle Woloschak
  • Saturday, Jan 14 (18:00–19:30, Park Hotel, Jason Hall)
    Session 94: Academic and Ecclesial Freedom: When to Speak the Truth in Love
    Speakers:  Dr. Jim Skedros, Dr. Sergius Halvorsen, Menios Papadimitriou

• Logistics for IOTA:
  • Registration: If you are going to IOTA and have yet to register, do so here: https://iota-web.org/2023-conference-registration/
  • Bus Transfers from Athens:  DEADLINE to reserve your seat –> Friday, December 16.  Fill out the form linked here: https://iota-web.org/volos-2023-airport-bus-transfers/
  • Hotel: The OTSA Hotel (Kypseli) is sold out.  For other hotel accommodations, see: https://iota-web.org/volos-2023-housing/
  • OTSA Meeting: We encourage you to take advantage of this extraordinary opportunity and come to BOTH meetings. Important details to note:
    • Time and location: Tuesday, Jan 10 at the Volos Academy In person registration: via the link: https://www.otsamerica.net/2023-annual-meeting/  
      —>Deadline–Friday, December 16
    • Virtual registration: Members who cannot join us in Volos may attend virtually, registering via the link: https://www.otsamerica.net/2023-annual-meeting/—>Deadline– Friday, December 30
      Registration is free for those current in their dues.  The Zoom link will be sent to all remote registrations as soon as it is received from the Volos team.  (We anticipate that the link will be available by the first week of January).
  • OTSA Business Meeting:  The Business meeting will occur at the Volos Academy at the end of day on Jan. 10. Among other agenda items, the Officers of OTSA have proposed small changes to the OTSA Mission Statement and Bylaws.  We have sent these proposed changes to all members.  (See email of 12/10/2022.)  Please review and send comments to OTSA Secretary, Helen Theodoropoulos:  secretary@otsamerica.org, helen60067@yahoo.com by December 30, 2022.
  • New: Jan 10 Dinner: The officers of OTSA are organizing ano-hostdinner at a restaurant in Volos for the evening of January 10 (after the conclusion of the OTSA meeting) for members (and guests) who have arrived for the conference by that time.  At present, the cost is approximately 20 Euros.  Come and enjoy the company of your OTSA colleagues.  If interested, contact OTSA Secretary, Helen Theodoropoulos: secretary@otsamerica.org, helen60067@yahoo.com by December 30, 2022.
  • The OTSA meeting schedule will be posted to the website by the end of the week.

• Information about Dues:
  • Dues run from January through January. This year, your 2022 dues are effective through the OTSA/IOTA meeting, until Jan. 16. Dues for 2023 will start Jan. 17. Please be sure to become current in your 2022 dues. Dues can be paid here: https://www.otsamerica.net/pay-dues/
  • In the past, dues have been sufficient to cover our operating expenses. This is no longer the case, due to our increased costs (including new insurances, and web and meeting expenses). Therefore, the executive board has proposed to increase dues to $40 for full members and $25 for student/retiree members as of 2023.  However, you can pay your 2023 dues NOW at the 2022 rate. (button for 2023 dues is also at https://www.otsamerica.net/pay-dues/)

• Opportunity for Library resources: Over the past sixty years, John Klancko has collected a unique archive/library focused on the Eastern Christian Churches and the Bible of some 100,000 items in need of a proper home. The collection encompasses records, cassettes, CDs, DVDs, books, periodicals, pamphlets, photographs, postcards, and correspondence, along with many artifacts, begins in 1666, and contains items in over a dozen languages. There are three main areas of concentration: Biblical studies; Liturgy and the sacraments; and the various Eastern Christian churches. For further information, contact sub-deacon John Klancko at rjklancko@gmail.com.

• In Memoriam: With sadness but a sure hope in the Resurrection, we share with you the passing of our member, Richard Schneider (1938-2022), who fell asleep in the Lord on November 11, 2022. A beloved professor known for his dedication and support of his students, Professor Schneider enjoyed a long teaching career, including two decades spent at Saint Vladimir’s Orthodox Theological Seminary as Professor of Hermeneutics and Liturgical Art. In addition, he taught for many years at York University in Toronto, as well as other Universities, and established the Programme in Orthodox Theology at Trinity College, University of Toronto, where he taught until spring 2022. Devoted to the cause of Christian unity, Professor Schneider was also one of the most influential and active leaders in the ecumenical scene, advocating for the practice of consensus decision-making. He served for decades on the Canadian Council of Churches, representing the OCA, and was its first Orthodox president from 2003 to 2006. Professor Richard Schneider is survived by his wife, Lisa, and seven children.
  Dr. Peter Bouteneff has eulogized him in a thoughtful reflection: https://www.instituteofsacredarts.com/reflections/2022/11/15/in-memoriam-richard-schneider

With best wishes for a Blessed Feast of the Nativity and Peace in Christ,

Respectfully submitted,
Teva Regule, PhD, OTSA President
Helen Creticos Theodoropoulos, PhD, OTSA Secretary

28 October 2022
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Dear Fathers and Friends,

1. The Annual OTSA Meeting and Quadrennial IOTA Conference:

We look forward to seeing many members in Volos for this exceptional event, when these two meetings will occur consecutively over the course of several days in Volos Greece, Jan. 2023. We have a strong slate of paper sessions both at the OTSA-sponsored sessions in IOTA and the OTSA Meeting. We hope members will attend BOTH the OTSA Meeting on Jan. 10 and the IOTA conference on Jan. 11-15.  Please note that you must register for EACH meeting separately.

OTSA is pleased to announce that we will be collaborating with IOTA to host the Keynote address for the IOTA Conference, and this Keynote will also serve as the Florovsky Lecture annually sponsored by OTSA. We are fortunate to have His Eminence, the Metropolitan of Korea and Exarch of Japan, Ambrosios, offer this address for IOTA and OTSA.

2. Registrations for the IOTA Conference and for the OTSA Conference:  

• Registration for IOTA is rapidly filling up, and the deadline for early registration (November 30) is fast approaching.  To register for the IOTA Conference (and possible excursions):  https://iota-web.org/2023-conference-registration/

• Registration for the OTSA conference is separate, and there will be no refunds after the deadline of Dec. 15.

• NEW: Remote Participation at OTSA:  We realize that not all of our members are able to travel to Volos for our annual meeting.  To accommodate as many as possible, we have arranged for remote participation through Zoom.  All members current in their dues can register for the meeting for FREE.  (Registration via the URL below.)  You will receive the Zoom link closer to the time of the meeting.

To register for the OTSA Annual Meeting: 

https://www.otsamerica.net/2023-annual-meeting/

3. OTSA and IOTA logistics:

• Transportation from Athens to Volos and Volos to Athens:  Please note there is a change in how OTSA is handling transport to Volos. The Volos Academy is arranging for chartered buses from Athens to Volos and then the return from Volos to Athens for both OTSA and IOTA participants. In order to secure a position on these buses, you must fill out the form for bus transport, found at the IOTA website (with information about flight arrival and departure). The bus for OTSA will depart on Jan. 9, and return buses are on Jan. 15 and Jan. 16. You can find the link to this form in the general information page about the IOTA conference and below:

https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSf1L0djD9CacKGkGlf0bp7uuOPnOEvdIe6K4XbpYVS_KXr8CA/viewform

Note:  If you have already submitted your travel arrangements to Helen, you do NOT need to fill out this form.  We have already taken care of that for you.

• Accommodations:  A block of rooms has been reserved for OTSA members in Volos at the Kypseli Hotel.  Hotel rate for single is $61.50 E; rate for a double is $76.50 E. There are also a few suites available, starting at $101.50 E.  To reserve your room (from Jan 9), please contact Costis Drygianakis (olyaandcostis@gmail.com)

4. OTSA Annual Business Meeting:  If members would like to suggest any items for discussion and/or Bylaw changes, please email them to secretary Helen Theodoropoulos at secretary@otsamerica.org by Nov. 10.  Anyone interested in taking a more active role in OTSA as an officer should contact the nominating committee—Gayle Woloschak (gayle.woloschak@gmail.com), Fr. Anthony Roeber (agr2@psu.edu), and/or Will Cohen (willtcohen@yahoo.com).

5. Applications for Small Grants: OTSA is pleased to support the work of Orthodox initiatives, and provides grants of up to $3000.00 for this work. To apply, send information about the organization and a description of the project (approx. 300 words) to secretary Helen Theodoropoulos at secretary@otsamerica.org by December 15.

6. Florovsky Fund and DUES – Please be generous: The generosity of our members through the years in donating to the Florovsky Fund has enabled OTSA to be a key sponsor for a number of scholarships for deserving young and/or emerging scholars, as well as those from the Global South, to attend the IOTA Conference this year.  Your donations were invested wisely over the years and have grown to give us this opportunity, and we invite you to contribute again to the Florovsky fund to help us replenish our investment accounts so we may continue to support worthy Orthodox initiatives and young scholars. In addition, we remind you that your dues are essential for us to operate and pay our bills, which now include insurances, and web and meeting expenses, among other things.

To contribute to the Florovsky Fund:  https://www.otsamerica.net/product/florovsky-fund-contribution/

To pay your OTSA dues: https://www.otsamerica.net/pay-dues/

(There is even a button to pay in advance for 2023.)

7. Opportunity for Sabbatical study: Please note that the Institute for Orthodox Christian Studies in Cambridge, UK is pleased to offer a Sabbatical Scholarship in Cambridge for one researcher, for a period of 10 weeks in 2023. This Sabbatical Scholarship is available to postgraduate, doctoral or post-doctoral researchers tackling themes of relevance to Orthodox theology today. Contemporary topics and interdisciplinary interests are encouraged. For further information about dates, what is provided, and how to apply, see https://www.iocs.cam.ac.uk/sabbatical-scholarship-2023/?fbclid=IwAR0gOwz41e6Nw3F0qzLJtOtNHeKciHKdYkKwGJG7_67zoFQ_mwWfdAj_KeI

8. In Memoriam: It is with profound sadness yet with hope in the Resurrection that we share the news of the passing of His Excellency Metropolitan Ilia (Katre) of Philomelion. A beloved hierarch and faithful servant of the Lord with nearly 60 years of service as an ordained clergyman, Metropolitan Ilia passed on October 6, 2022. Shepherd and leader for both Albanian and Greek Orthodox communities, Metropolitan Ilia was known for his compassionate leadership. Throughout the years, he was also a dedicated and supportive member of OTSA and frequently participated in our meetings and events. May God grant him eternal repose and may his memory be eternal.

Respectfully submitted,

Teva Regule, PhD, OTSA President
Helen Creticos Theodoropoulos, PhD, OTSA Secretary

1 October 2022

Dear Fathers and Friends,

1. The Annual OTSA Meeting and Quadrennial IOTA Conference

We look forward to seeing many members in Volos for this exceptional event, when these two meetings will occur consecutively over the course of several days in Volos Greece, Jan. 2023. We have a strong slate of paper sessions both at the OTSA-sponsored sessions in IOTA and the OTSA Meeting. We hope members will attend BOTH the OTSA Meeting on Jan. 10 and the IOTA conference on Jan11-15.  Please note that you must register for EACH meeting separately.

2. Membership Update and Meeting Conference registration: (We encourage early registration as the conference is filling up fast.)

            • To become a member of IOTA: https://iota-web.org/membership-join/  and to REGISTER for the IOTA Conference (and possible excursions):  https://iota-web.org/2023-conference-registration/

            • To become a current member of OTSA (i.e. pay your dues): https://www.otsamerica.net/pay-dues/ and REGISTER for the Annual Meeting: 

https://www.otsamerica.net/2023-annual-meeting/

3. OTSA and IOTA logistics:

            • Transportation from Athens to Volos:  Please plan to arrive in Athens on or before January 9 (in the mid-afternoon).  The Volos Academy has arranged for a chartered bus to take us from Athens to Volos.  At present, the plan is to leave from the airport (although, a downtown location may also be considered).  If you would like to take the bus to Volos, email Helen Theodoropoulos (secretary@otsamerica.org) to reserve your spot, and provide your flight information (Airline, flight number, and arrival time).  Once we have all the arrival times, we will make concrete plans for when and where to meet for the pickup.  Bus transportation will also be available after the IOTA Conference back to Athens, tentatively on both 1/15 and 1/16.  

            • Accommodation:  A block of rooms has been reserved for OTSA members in Volos at the Kypseli Hotel.  Hotel rate for single is $61.50 E; rate for a double is $76.50 E. There are also a few suites available, starting at $101.50 E.  To reserve your room (from Jan 9), please contact Costis Drygianakis (olyaandcostis@gmail.com)

4. OTSA Annual Meeting

            We anticipate an outstanding meeting, and hope for and encourage participation by ALL OTSA members who are going to IOTA.  The OTSA meeting will be held at the Volos Academy with bus transportation to/from the Kypseli Hotel. Our annual business meeting will be held at end of day on Jan. 10.

            • Registration for the OTSA meeting: https://www.otsamerica.net/2023-annual-meeting/  (Registration includes lunch, breaks, bus transportation, and materials.)

            • Business Meeting:  If members would like to suggest any items for discussion and/or Bylaw changes, please email them to secretary Helen Theodoropoulos at secretary@otsamerica.org by Oct. 31.  Anyone interested in taking a more active role in OTSA as an officer should contact the nominating committee—Gayle Woloschak (gayle.woloschak@gmail.com), Fr. Anthony Roeber (agr2@psu.edu), and/or Will Cohen (willtcohen@yahoo.com).

5. Participation by OTSA members in the Assembly of Bishops “Reception of Converts” White Paper.

At the request of the Assembly of Bishops, Fr. Patrick Viscuso drafted a white paper to address the issue of the reception of converts into the Orthodox Church from a canonical perspective. With the agreement of the Assembly of Bishops, he welcomed the input and contributions of other OTSA members who graciously offered their time and assistance. 

We would like to extend particular thanks to the following OTSA members for their assistance with this project: Rev. Dr. Peter Baktis, Rev. Dr. John Erickson, Rev. Dr. Dellas Oliver Herbel, Dr. Paul Meyendorff, Rev. Dr. Stelyios Muksuris, Rev. Dr. Geoffrey Ready, Dr. Sarah Riccardi-Swartz, and Rev. Dr. Anton Vrame. OTSA has a wealth of expertise in our membership, and we were pleased to be able to use it to assist our bishops in this manner.

6. Invitation to assist in new Oversight Committees: We are forming three new committees to oversee OTSA’s responsibilities and objectives and invite OTSA members to assist in these areas:

·       Finance and Investment: which will, in conjunction with our treasurers, prepare the budget and oversee finances, financial reporting, and investment policy.

·       Programs: which will help coordinate OTSA webinars, programs and the annual meeting, and who will help look for grants.

·       Membership: which will reach out to prospective members and promote communication among OTSA members.

·       Please contact Teva (teva@mit.edu) or Helen at secretary@otsamerica.org or helen60076@yahoo.com if you are interested in joining one of these committees.

7. Notifications from members: Alexei Krindatch has released the new study report “How the Pandemic Has Reshaped American Orthodox Christian Churches? What Do Lay People Think about It?” at https://orthodoxreality.org/coronavirus-and-american-orthodox-parishes/

8. DUES: We need your help in enabling us to continue the work of OTSA and assist members and Orthodox scholars in many ways. Your dues are a simple but effective way for you to contribute to this work. Please take the time now to become current in your OTSA dues at: https://www.otsamerica.net/pay-dues/

Respectfully submitted,

Teva Regule, PhD, OTSA President
Helen Creticos Theodoropoulos, PhD, OTSA Secretary

31 August 2022
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Dear Fathers and Friends,

As we round the corner to the end of summer and celebrate the Ecclesiastical New Year, we especially look forward to our upcoming meeting in Volos, Greece, (Jan. 10, 2023), and our sponsored sessions within the IOTA meeting that follows (Jan. 11–15). We hope you will be able to join us for both meetings.

1. OTSA Sessions within IOTA: The OTSA sponsored sessions at the IOTA meeting in Volos, Jan. 11-15, 2023 are now filled. We thank those who have offered to share their ideas, have submitted their proposals, and are preparing papers for presentation. The OTSA sponsored sessions are:
   • Academic and Ecclesiastical Freedom–When to Speak the Truth in Love
   • Mission to and in North America
   • Orthodoxy in North America—Its Promise and Struggles/Tensions
   • A Panel Presenting the history and work of OTSA as a model for other Orthodox associations
     
2. OTSA Meeting: The deadline for Paper Proposals for the OTSA Meeting (Volos, Jan. 10, 2023) is September 15.  In addition, we still have a few travel grants of $500.00 for members whose proposals are accepted and who request assistance. The theme of the conference is mission, although papers on other topics are acceptable. Please submit your paper proposal of 250 words and a CV toHelen Theodoropoulos, at secretary@otsamerica.org or helen60076@yahoo.com.
   
3. Details for OTSA/IOTA Meetings are forthcoming:
   • We are working on coordinating transportation and accommodations for members and will provide details and registration as soon as possible.
   • The two meetings will have separate registrations, and details for each will be on the respective websites (and we will provide the links in our newsletter to you as soon as the information is available).
   • The OTSA meeting will be held on Jan 10; please plan to arrive in Athens by Jan. 9; we are arranging bus transportation from Athens to Volos. We are working to secure a good hotel at reasonable cost. The OTSA meeting, itself, will take place at the Volos Academy for Theological Studies, while the IOTA meeting will take place in various hotel locations within relatively close proximity to downtown.
     
4. Dues:
   •  Following through on the recommendation of our financial consultant, our Treasurer, Fr. Nicholas Ferencz, has sent invoices/ receipts to all members, and we are very appreciative of his hard work in accomplishing this.
   • Please reply, pay dues, update contact information for our database and for the proposed OTSA directory on our web page, if necessary.
   • Please let us know if you did not receive an individual receipt/invoice.
   • Paypal – we now have non-profit status and can accept international transactions (Note: our Canadian members).
   • Dues can be paid here: https://www.otsamerica.net/pay-dues/
     
5. Mixed Marriages Working Group: Fr Anthony Roeber has assembled a stellar committee to study the challenges of mixed marriages in the United States. At present, they are working on narrowing the focus of their study.
   
6. In Memoriam: With sadness but with hope in the resurrection, we share with you news of the falling asleep of our esteemed colleague and member, Dr. George S. Bebis. Born in Crete in 1926, he came to the United States and received his education at Hellenic College, Holy Cross, and later at Harvard University. He became the Professor of Patristics at Holy Cross Greek Orthodox School of Theology in 1962, introduced the study of and love for the Church Fathers to generations of students for over four decades, authored many books and articles, participated in many conferences, and served the Church in representative capacities at various theological consultations. May his memory be eternal.

Respectfully submitted,

Teva Regule, PhD, OTSA President
Helen Creticos Theodoropoulos, PhD, OTSA Secretary

17 June 2022
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Dear Fathers and Friends,

• OTSA and IOTA—January 2023:  The unusual and exciting opportunity of pairing our annual OTSA meeting with the next IOTA mega conference will provide many occasions for scholarly interchange and collaboration. The OTSA meeting is on Jan. 10, 2023 and the IOTA meeting runs Jan 11-14, both in Volos, Greece. Mission is the theme for both meetings. We recall the success of the first IOTA mega conference in Romania in 2019, and how many of our OTSA members were active participants at that event. Now is the time to submit paper proposals for the IOTA meeting, and for both the OTSA sponsored sessions within IOTA (deadline August 1, 2022), and the sessions for the OTSA meeting itself (deadline Sept. 1, 2022).
  • Call for IOTA papers: All proposals must be submitted as pdfs and limited to 1,000 words. The deadline for proposals has been extended to August 1, 2022. (This is the FINAL Deadline for IOTA paper proposals.) For more information, see: https://iota-web.org/call-for-papers2022/
  • Within the IOTA conference are three sessions sponsored by OTSA. These proposals should include an abstract of less than 250 words and an abbreviated CV of the presenter(s), sent to the OTSA secretary, Helen Theodoropoulos, at secretary@otsamerica.org or helen60076@yahoo.com. (Deadline for OTSA sessions within IOTA papers: August 1, 2022)
  • The three topics for the OTSA sponsored sessions at IOTA are:
    • Academic and Ecclesiastical Freedom–When to Speak the Truth in Love:  e.g., what is prophetic “speaking” in the Church?  How do we use our academic and ecclesiastical voices in this time of turmoil?
    • Mission to and in North America:  e.g., ecumenical outreach, youth, philanthropy, etc. How is our preaching of the Gospel and mission to N. America impacted by the war and its aftermath? How do we reach those who identify with no faith (the “nones”)? How do we reach out to those Christians—including Orthodox Christians—who have grown up in the Church but now have left (the “dones”)?
    • Orthodoxy in North America—Its Promise and Struggles/Tensions: e.g., the inner dynamics of Orthodox life in N. America—ecclesial polity, social media, cradle vs. convert, immigration, the rise of nationalism, etc.
  • OTSA Annual Meeting papers and panels: Papers and Panel proposals exclusive to the OTSA meetingcan pertain to the theme of mission more broadly. We will also consider proposals on other topics. The deadline for these proposals: Sept. 1, 2022.
  • Travel Grants: In order to help defray expenses for presenters, OTSA officers have authorized up to ten travel grants of $500.00/each for members who present at the OTSA/IOTA meetings in Volos, and submit their proposals before the deadline. Preference will be given to those without institutional support. Apply by submitting your proposal along with a request for the travel grant and a CV to the OTSA secretary, Helen Theodoropoulos, at secretary@otsamerica.org or helen60076@yahoo.com.
    
• Continuing Work of the OTSA Board and invitation for membership to assist:
  • OTSA officers successfully completed and submitted all the required reports requested by the Assembly of Bishops, due by the end of May. Included in these reports is an extensive financial audit. We are extremely grateful to our consultant Daniel Powell for his gracious and vital assistance, and for his continued help as we organize according to the best practices principles for non-profits. This includes establishing new committees.
  • We are forming three new committees to oversee OTSA’s responsibilities and objectives and invite OTSA members to assist in these areas:
    • Finance and Investment: which will, in conjunction with our treasurers, prepare the budget and oversee finances, financial reporting, and investment policy
    • Programs: which will help coordinate OTSA webinars, programs and the annual meeting, and who will help look for grants
    • Membership: which will reach out to prospective members and promote communication among OTSA members.
      Please contact Teva (teva@mit.edu) or Helen at secretary@otsamerica.org or helen60076@yahoo.com if you are interested in joining one of these committees.
      
• Dues: Please take the time to become current in your dues. We hope to assist members and Orthodox scholars in multiple ways, and this is possible only when we all contribute through our dues and participation in our various activities. Dues can be paid here.
  
• Invoicing Members:  Furthermore, we want to share that our financial consultant has informed us that in order to comply with financial best practices we need to begin invoicing our members regarding dues. We will begin implementing this new procedure shortly.
  
• In Memoriam: David M. Dutko, a former member of OTSA, fell asleep in the Lord Friday, May 20, 2022 at his home. He was an active member of the parish family of St. Michael’s Orthodox Church in Binghamton, NY, as cantor and member of its choir, and active within the American Carpatho-Russian Orthodox Diocese. May his memory be eternal.
  
• Please send us notices about publications, webinars, etc., by you and other OTSA members so we can share this information with our membership. Send to Helen at secretary@otsamerica.org or helen60076@yahoo.com.
  
• The ACLS (American Council of Learned Societies) has announced a 2023 two-week summer residency in Bulgaria (the Summer Institute for the Study of East Central and Southeastern Europe) for scholars working on East Central and Southeastern Europe, at the Center for Advanced Study, Sofia. More information is here.

Respectfully submitted,

Teva Regule, PhD, OTSA President
Helen Creticos Theodoropoulos, PhD, OTSA Secretary

20 May, 2022
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Dear Fathers and Friends,
Christ is Risen! Truly He is Risen!

We have much to share with you regarding the important meetings of OTSA and IOTA in Volos, Greece in January of 2023, and the call for papers.

• Call for IOTA papers: Many of us attended the remarkable first mega-conference of IOTA in Iasi, Romania in 2019, and we encourage participation in the second mega-conference of the International Orthodox Theological Association occurring in Volos, Greece on January 11–14, 2023. The general theme of the conference is Mission. IOTA’s twenty-seven groups invite paper proposals on the topics specified in the Call for Papers (CFP). All proposals must be submitted as pdfs and limited to 1,000 words. The deadline for proposals has been extended to June 1, 2022.  For more information, see: https://iota-web.org/call-for-papers2022/

• Call for OTSA papers: OTSA will be holding its annual meeting in Volos, Greece, on the day prior to the opening of the IOTA Conference—Jan. 10, 2023, to coordinate with the IOTA meeting, and will host sessions within the IOTA meeting that follows on Jan 11­–14. The theme for both meetings is “The Mission of the Church.” We are now receiving proposals for papers or panels, and these fall into two categories because we will have OTSA sessions both within IOTA and, of course, on the day devoted exclusively to the OTSA meeting.
  • Papers for the OTSA sessions within the IOTA meeting: We believe the devastating events of the war in Ukraine and its consequences for the life of the Church and its mission in the world will inform papers and presentations at both conferences. The particular sessions offered by OTSA should pertain to these topics:
    • Academic and Ecclesiastical Freedom: e.g., what is prophetic “speaking” in the Church?  How do we use our academic and ecclesiastical voices in this time of turmoil?
    • Mission to North America:  e.g., ecumenical outreach, youth, philanthropy, etc. How is our preaching of the Gospel and mission to N. America impacted by the war and its aftermath?  
    • Orthodoxy in North America—Its Promise and Struggles/Tensions: e.g., the inner dynamics of Orthodox life in N. America—ecclesial polity, social media, cradle vs. convert, immigration, the rise of nationalism, etc.

The deadline for these proposals has been extended to August 1, with notification regarding status by Sept. 15, 2022

• Papers and Panel proposals exclusive to the OTSA meeting can pertain to the theme of mission more broadly. The deadline for these proposals is Sept. 1, 2022

All proposals should include an abstract of less than 250 words and an abbreviated CV of the presenter(s), sent to the OTSA secretary, Helen Theodoropoulos, at secretary@otsamerica.org or helen60076@yahoo.com.

• Travel Grants: In order to help defray expenses for presenters, OTSA officers have authorized up to ten travel grants of $500.00/eachfor members who present at the OTSA/IOTA meetings in Volos, and submit their proposal before the deadline. Preference will be given to those without institutional support.

• Preliminary Plans for 2023 Business Meeting: We will hold our annual business meeting within the annual meeting held in Volos. Our current plans are to hold the meeting during one of the lunch periods in the IOTA conference.

• Travel/Transportation to OTSA/IOTA: Bus transportation from Athens to Volos will be provided for OTSA members without cost by the Volos Academy.

• Offer to assist the Assembly of Bishops: OTSA members generously responded to our request for members willing to assist in the Assembly of Bishop’s task force examining the reception of converts to the Orthodox Church. We shared with the Assembly of Bishops these responses, and want to thank these members for the offer of their time and expertise: Rev. Dr. Peter Baktis, Rev. Dr. John Erickson, Rev. Dr. Dellas Oliver Herbel, Dr. Paul Meyendorff, Rev. Dr. Stelyios Muksuris, Rev. Dr. Geoffrey Ready, Dr. Sarah Riccardi-Swartz, Rev. Dr. Anton Vrame. We look forward to working with our bishops on the study of this crucial topic.

• Future Webinars: OTSA is planning to sponsor two webinars this year, and we are looking for volunteers to help organize and present in webinars on these two themes:
  • What have we learned through COVID about the life and ministry of the Church
  • Ministering to the “Nones” and “Dones” of the Orthodox Church.
    
    We are hoping to offer these webinars toward the end of summer and in the early fall, although no dates are set. If you are interested in participating, please email Teva (teva@mit.edu) or Helen (helen60076@yahoo.com)

•  Annual Report to the Assembly of Bishops: OTSA officers have been working diligently to complete all the required reports requested by the Assembly of Bishops, due by the end of May. Included in these reports is an extensive financial audit. We are extremely grateful to Daniel Powell for his gracious and vital assistance in preparing this audit. Going forward, we are putting in place measures to tighten our fiduciary responsibilities. We also submitted to the Assembly of Bishops our yearly report listing and explaining our activities and contributions to the work of Orthodox education and theology.

• Dues: Please take the time to become current in your dues. We hope to assist members and Orthodox scholars in multiple ways, and this is possible only when we all contribute through our dues and participation in our various activities. Now more than ever Orthodox educators, theologians and scholars need to work together, and your support of OTSA can help with that. Dues can be paid here: https://www.otsamerica.net/pay-dues/
  • Lifetime Membership: Members who are in good standing and are 70 years of age or older are eligible for lifetime membership. Members who qualify should contact our treasurer, Fr. Nicholas Ferencz (nicholas.ferencz@gmail.com).

Respectfully submitted,

Teva Regule, PhD, OTSA President
Helen Creticos Theodoropoulos, PhD, OTSA Secretary

04/16/2022   
Lazarus Saturday
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Dear Fathers and Friends,

On this day when we anticipate the glorious Resurrection of our Lord and Savior in His raising of  Lazarus, we look to the week ahead and remember the words of Our Lord to His disciples on the eve of His Passion. Among His concluding remarks, He grants to them the gift of His peace: “Peace I give to you, My peace I leave with you” (John 14:27), and prays that they may be united in love. May we now hear His words, be united in love, and both pray and labor for His peace.

A Blessed and Glorious Pascha!

Respectfully submitted,
Teva Regule, PhD, OTSA President
Helen Creticos Theodoropoulos, PhD, OTSA Secretary

10 March, 2022
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Dear Fathers and Friends,

• Summary of Annual Meeting: The OTSA Annual Meeting of 2021-22 was extraordinary in several ways. The continuation of the COVID pandemic led us to shift our Annual Meeting from in-person to a virtual only format. In addition, our interest in promoting dialogue among Orthodox scholars led us to shift the dates of the meeting from our original time in November 2021, to a time enabling greater participation: January 13-15, 2022. Our theme this year was “Orthodoxy in a Pluralistic World.”
  
  We examined the theme of Orthodoxy and Pluralism from several directions. Our first several sessions circled around the ways Orthodoxy can theologically, liturgically, and in its practical service address social issues, in particular concerns about the environment, and the mental, physical and spiritual health of people in need. We then explored the fascinating interplay between theology and science—both the challenges science brings to theology, as well as the insight theology offers to science. In our evening sessions, we shifted to the ways Orthodoxy engages the “other” in ecumenical and interfaith dialogue, both generally and in the specific method of forum ecumenism pursued in Canada. Our second day saw us continue on this path with reflection on the Church and the kingdom(s), and discussions about the dialogue between the Orthodox and the Evangelicals, and between Orthodox and Pentecostals. We segued into two panels examining issues of growing concern affecting every parish: mixed marriages, and the increasing departure from the Church of young adults—the “dones.”
  
  Friday afternoon we held our Business Meeting (see below #2), and in the evening, the Florovsky Lecture (see below #3). Paper presentations on Saturday looked at the impact of symbolism and language use, and then moved to consideration of Russia’s influence in two very different times and ways: the leadership of Bishop (later Patriarch) Tikhon over the developing Orthodox Church in America, and the current influence of the Russian Orthodox Church in geopolitics. Over the course of the conference, we provided opportunities for members to network, learn about research work and projects, and explore how to publish academic work. Members and guests participated from all over the United States, Canada, and even from overseas. The summary of the conference, photos, and links to the agenda with abstracts are found at: https://www.otsamerica.net/2021-annual-meeting/
  • Business meeting highlights: We reviewed the major initiatives undertaken in 2021, including our mixed marriages webinar, our Academy and the Church blog, our incorporation, and our receiving non-profit status. In addition:
    • We welcomed these new members:
      • Chris Durante, PhD, is Associate Professor of Theology at St. Peter’s University. His areas of specialization include global ethics; ecumenical and interfaith dialogue; medical ethics; and ecological theology and ethics. (Full Membership)
      • Nina Glibetic, PhD, is Assistant Professor of Liturgical Studies in the Department of Theology at the University of Notre Dame. She has expertise in Eastern Christian, Byzantine, and Oriental Liturgies. (Full Membership)
      • Demetra (Dee) Jaquet, DMin, is a counselor, educator, and director of spiritual formation and pastoral care, a co-founder of OCAMPR and several other Orthodox organizations. (Full Membership)
      • Peter (Chungsoo) Lee is a PhD student at the Antiochian House of Studies. His academic studies and interests focus on philosophy, ethics, and patristic theology. (Associate Membership)
      • Rev. Deacon Bartholomew Mercado is a PhD candidate at the Pontifical Oriental Institute in Rome, and is an archivist at the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of America. He is a contributing member of the OTSA mixed marriages task force. (Full Membership)
      • Bradley Nassif, PhD, is Professor of Biblical and Theological Studies, North Park University, with specializations ranging from the History of Christian Thought and the theology of the early Eastern and Byzantine Church, to Orthodox and Evangelical Protestant dialogue. (Full Membership)
      • Hermina Nedelescu, PhD, is a neuroscientist at the Scripps Research Institute who utilizes viruses to study the neurobiological basis of abnormal behaviors relevant to human psychopathology with emphasis on neuro-circuit activity and control of motivation. Her interest in joining OTSA is to allay fears and promote understanding of science among our Orthodox faithful. (Associate Membership)
      • Fr. Richard Rene is a priest in the OCA and an active prison chaplain and pastor. He is pursuing his PhD in Theology at the University of Toronto, and is a regular podcaster on Ancient Faith Radio. (Full Membership)
      • Rev. Niveen Sarras, PhD, is a Lutheran pastor with extensive academic expertise in Old Testament studies. Her experience and interests also include dialogue between Orthodox and Lutheran theology, and Christianity in the Middle East. (Associate Membership)
      • Laura Wilson is a PhD student in Orthodox Studies at the Antiochian House of Studies. Her research interests include gender and ontology, symbolism and theosis. (Associate Membership)
    • Two new proposals were approved:
      • Lifetime membership for members age 70 and above: Members who are current in their dues and are age 70 or above can apply for lifetime membership for no fee. Members who are not current in their dues can become current by paying for the previous three years. New applicants for membership who are 70 or above need only pay a $15.00 application fee and will receive lifetime membership. Current members who are age 70 and older may apply for lifetime membership simply by emailing our treasurer, Fr. Nicholas Ferencz (nicholas.ferencz@gmail.com)
      • Annual Meeting 2023 in Volos, Greece: We agreed to hold our next Annual Meeting in juxtaposition with the next IOTA Mega-conference in January 2023, in Volos, Greece. The dates of the IOTA conference are set for the 11^th–14^th, with sessions set aside for OTSA, and OTSA plans to designate a day for our own meeting on Jan. 10^th.  The proposed sessions are a panel/session on academic freedom and the Church; a session on Orthodox mission to and in North America; and a panel on how OTSA works and can be a model for similar societies in other nations. Mark your calendars!

• The Florovsky Lecture was given by The Very Rev. Dr. John Jillions, entitled “‘Preserving the Fullness of Thy Church’: Fighting Fundamentalism, Defending Dialogue and Reclaiming Catholicity.” We are pleased that close to 300 people registered to attend. You can access the video of the lecture at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=a2SVk_Zhk2c. In addition, the text of the lecture is being published in the next issue of The Wheel.

• Call for IOTA papers: The second mega-conference of the International Orthodox Theological Association will take place in Volos, Greece on January 11­–14, 2023. IOTA’s twenty-seven groups invite paper proposals on the topics specified in the Call for Papers (CFP). All proposals must be submitted as pdfs and limited to 1,000 words. Proposals will be accepted within the following two-month window: February 5, 2022 — April 15, 2022. Decisions regarding the submitted proposals will be shared with applicants by June 15, 2022.  For more information, see: https://iota-web.org/call-for-papers2022/

• Call for OTSA papers: OTSA will be holding its annual meeting in Volos, Greece, on Jan. 10, 2023, and will host sessions within the IOTA meeting that follows on Jan 11­–14. The theme for both meetings will be “The Mission of the Church.” We are now receiving proposals for papers or panels, and these fall into two categories because we will have OTSA sessions both within IOTA and, of course, on the day devoted exclusively to the OTSA meeting.
  • Papers for the OTSA sessions within the IOTA meeting should pertain to these topics: 1) Academic Freedom (i.e. the importance of academic freedom, navigating the church/academy dialectic, etc.) 2) Mission to N. America  – (i.e. ecumenical outreach, youth, philanthropy, etc.) 3) Orthodoxy in N. America—Its Promise and Struggles/Tensions” (e.g., the inner dynamics of Orthodox life in N. America—i.e. ecclesial polity, social media, cradle vs. convert, immigrant vs. 2nd-3rd generation American experience, etc.) The deadline for these proposals is April 30.
  • Papers exclusive to the OTSA meeting can pertain to the theme of mission more broadly. The deadline for these proposals is May 15.
  • All proposals should include an abstract of less than 250 words and an abbreviated CV of the presenter(s), sent to the OTSA secretary, Helen Theodoropoulos, at secretary@otsamerica.org or helen60076@yahoo.com. Deadlines: submissions for OTSA sessions within IOTA are due by April 30; submissions for OTSA-only presentations are due by May 15. All submissions will be notified of their status by June 15.

• Call for papers: Hellenic College Holy Cross Greek Orthodox School of Theology will hold an academic conference from October 6–8, 2022 in observance of the 100th anniversary of the establishment of the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of America. Paper proposals on the topic of the history of the Greek Orthodox Church in America are welcome. For more information, see https://www.hchc.edu/hchc-to-host-goa-100th-anniversary-conference-call-for-papers/

• OTSA has offered to assist the Assembly of Bishops by recommending members to participate in its task force examining the reception of converts to the Orthodox Church.  Those with expertise in (for instance) ecclesiology, liturgy, canon law, history and pastoral care are especially encouraged to consider this opportunity. If you would like to be considered, please send a statement of your interest and expertise (approx. 200 words) and your CV to Helen Theodoropoulos (helen60076@yahoo.com) by March 25, 2022.

• Church and Academy blog: we encourage our members to participate in our ongoing blog. Please send submissions to Teva (teva@mit.edu) or Helen (helen60076@yahoo.com).

• OTSA dues: Now is the time to become current in your 2022 dues! We can confirm that two Orthodox Journals offer discounts to OTSA members current in their 2022 dues. The Greek Orthodox Theological Review offers a reduced rate of $20/year (discounted from the subscription rate of $30 /year (USA) or $35/year (outside USA). Please indicate that you are an OTSA member. Requests for subscriptions should be addressed to the Production Manager, GOTR, 50 Goddard Avenue, Brookline, Massachusetts 02445 or email: GOTR@hchc.edu. In addition, the Journal of Orthodox Christian Studies offers 30% off with a promo code. The code is: SFOTSA0911 and the Promo page URL is: https://www.press.jhu.edu/journals/new-noteworthy/special-offers/otsa-offer
  The link for membership dues is: https://www.otsamerica.net/pay-dues/ Members who reside outside of the United States and have trouble with PayPal can pay either via wire transfer, or with a check sent to our treasurer, Fr. Nicholas Ferencz (Nicholas.ferencz@gmail.com) at Fr. Nicholas Ferencz, St. Michael the Archangel Church 146 Third Ave., Rankin, PA 15104).
  
• Future Webinars: OTSA is planning to offer two webinars this year focusing on the broad theme of ecclesiology—Understanding the Church in a post-Covid World and The Church and Ministering to the “Dones” in Our Parishes.  More information to follow.
  
• In Memoriam:  We are saddened to report that our colleague and OTSA member Sister Nonna Verna Harrison reposed in the Lord on February 8, 2022, at the age of 68, after suffering a stroke on December 28.  A distinguished patristics scholar and translator, Sr. Nonna was active in theological education at several schools, notably as Assistant Professor of Church History, Saint Paul School of Theology, and lecturer at the Pappas Patristics Institute, The Orthodox Christian Studies Institute in Cambridge, and at the Sheptytsky Institute of Eastern Christian Studies at the University of Toronto. She authored several books, and numerous articles and translations. She was buried at St Barbara Orthodox Monastery in Ojala, CA. May her memory be eternal.

Respectfully submitted,
Teva Regule, PhD, OTSA President
Helen Creticos Theodoropoulos, PhD, OTSA Secretary

16 March, 2022
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Dear Fathers and Friends,

We know that the heart of every Orthodox Christian is grieved by the continuing devastation of the war in Ukraine. In response, there are avenues to provide aid, and declarations of support, that we would like to make known to you.

• The IOCC (International Orthodox Christian Charities) has organized a major relief effort for those devastated by this war, and you can donate at: https://support.iocc.org/site/Donation2;jsessionid=00000000.app30040b?df_id=7543&mfc_pref=T&7543.donation=form1&NONCE_TOKEN=D8133C6BEA3803ACE4222670F119BD62

• The Board of Directors of IOTA (International Orthodox Theological Association) has issued a statement on the War in Ukraine: https://mailchi.mp/c697ee3f4991/2020-07-13448920

• A Letter of Solidarity with the People of Ukraine has been posted at the Wheel: https://the-wheel-journal.squarespace.com/blog/2022/3/3/letter-of-solidarity-with-the-people-of-ukraine?fbclid=IwAR3s0__4TDcHIZG5ifo5_RrH43Ww0iNrsIH1BHqi6qHfnl4Its8nCll0g6k
  Those wishing to add their signatures can sign here: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1J-gFfUK9zDQILGgoaDamrg2xujj-TQoQLg30aNo7u9U/edit

• Orthodox theologians, scholars, and faithful have posted a declaration condemning support for the war and entreating all Orthodox to work for peace. The declaration is found at: https://publicorthodoxy.org/2022/03/13/a-declaration-on-the-russian-world-russkii-mir-teaching/
  You can add your signature here: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLScvb_T58aLFSSmGAvFPbDRi5m-lUIQnbDesRk77cNnFWu0hag/viewform

With peace in Christ,
Teva Regule, OTSA President

January 7, 2022
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Dear Fathers and Friends,

Greetings, and best wishes for a blessed 2022

• In less than a week, we will gather for our 2021 Annual Meeting, on January 13-15, 2022: “Orthodoxy in a Pluralistic World.” This promises to be an enriching meeting, with an outstanding slate of presentations and panels, with distinguished presenters. If you have already registered, you will receive your zoom link a few days in advance of the meeting. Those of you who have not registered can easily register now: https://www.otsamerica.net/2021-annual-meeting/ All attendees must register. Registration is free to members current in their 2021 dues (which can also be paid when you register, if necessary).

• The Program for the Annual Meeting is attached to this newsletter. A quick look through the panels and presentations reveals a wide range of ways in which participants are addressing this year’s topic. There are panels dealing with ecumenical issues, others taking on modern science and our Orthodox faith, and still others that look to the ways people struggle with having faith in the modern world or how to practice that faith today. Papers show a similar diversity.

• The Florovsky Lecture, “‘Preserving the Fullness of Thy Church’: Fighting Fundamentalism, Defending Dialogue and Reclaiming Catholicity” is offered this year by the Very Rev. Dr. John J. Jillions. The lecture, held in conjunction with the OTSA annual meeting, will be on Friday evening, January 14, 2022, from 7:30-9:00 pm (EST). Attached to this email is the flyer for the lecture. Please post this and share widely.

• Registration for the Florovsky Lecture: The Florovsky lecture is free and open to the public, but all who attend must register in order to receive the zoom link for the lecture. Registration for the Florovsky lecture is separate from that of the general meeting.  You can register now at https://www.otsamerica.net/rsvpmaker/2021-22-florovsky-lecture/

• OTSA Business Meeting: The agenda for the business meeting, the roster of provisional new members, and additional information will be sent next week to members registered for the meeting.We would like to bring your attention to two new matters that we will address at the annual business meeting (held on the afternoon of January 14, 2022, from 3:30-5:00 pm). These are:
  • The proposal that we offer lifetime membership for members who have retired aged 70 years and over; this would be available for a modest one-time fee.
  • A proposal that our next annual meeting be held in conjunction with the quadrennial IOTA conference planned for January 2023 in Volos, Greece.
    
• We are very pleased to share with you the honorary doctorate bestowed upon our distinguished member, Dr. Lewis Patsavos, Professor of Canon Law emeritus at Holy Cross Greek Orthodox School of Theology, by the Pontifical Oriental Institute in Rome. For more information on the conference of this “high and rare honor” on Dr. Patsavos, see https://www.hchc.edu/dr-lewis-patsavos-receives-honorary-doctorate/

Respectfully submitted,
Teva Regule, PhD, OTSA President
Helen Creticos Theodoropoulos, PhD, OTSA Secretary