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Nuevo: La Fe Ortodoxo Cristiana
English:

Mexican Exarchate elevated to Diocese

 

Submitted by Fr. Antonio Perdomo,

Rector of St. George Orthodox Church, Pharr, Texas.

 

“And Jesus came and spake unto them, saying, All power is given unto me in heaven and in earth. Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost: Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and, lo, I am with you always, even unto the end of the world.” ~ Matthew 28:18-20

 

 

[Pharr] On Sunday, January 18, 2009, it was apparent that the Holy Spirit gathered Christ’s Church together in Mexico City for a significant event. Metropolitan Jonah, most Hierarchs from the Holy Synod of Bishops, clergy, monastics and a multitude of the faithful from throughout Mexico, the United States and Canada gathered at La Catedral de la Asención de Nuestro Señor. Hundreds witnessed the blessed occasion of the Auxiliary Bishop of Mexico’s elevation to Ruling Bishop and the Exarchate of Mexico into a full Diocese of the Orthodox Church in America. The celebration of this momentous event found Bishop Alejo [Pacheco-Vera], surrounded by several of the founding Clergy of the Orthodox Church in Mexico, including Priest Ramon Merlos and  Priest José Raul Valencia, as well as long-time Exarchate of Mexico Hierarch, Archbishop Dmitri. All present rejoiced at participating in this long awaited and critical next step towards bringing the fullness of the Church into the culture of Latin America. Native Mexican Priest, Ramon Merlos, Rector of Our Lady of Kazan Russian Orthodox Church in San Diego, California said, “This was a very historical event for Mexico. For the first time ever, we had six guest Bishops plus the Metropolitan, come here to support and pray with us as the holy Orthodox Church in Mexico. The people present had a deeply spiritual experience.” 

 

In Spanish, Metropolitan Jonah shared how awesome it is to at last elevate the Church in Mexico from Exarchate to Diocese of the OCA, and to fully equip the Church there to accomplish the task Christ has set before it. At the end of the installment services, each visiting Bishop in turn offered their wishes and congratulations for Bishop Alejo and the new Diocese of Mexico. Archbishop Seraphim of Ottawa and Canada stated that the Church in North America is like a sandwich, with Canada and Mexico being the bread and the USA being the nourishing filling. The Metropolitan added that now there exists the Orthodox Church in Mexico, in America and in Canada, and that between all of these is an indivisible unity of mutual love and purpose.  

 

Among the many apparent things during this weekend was the grace of the Holy Spirit and how the gospel of Christ is being shared with the indigenous people of that land. With the foundation now laid, the fields are ready for harvest. The Diocese of Mexico currently contains nine churches and missions, including the Cathedral of the Ascension in Mexico City, and several thousand faithful. What is needed indeed is for all of us to pray the Lord of the harvest to prepare and send workers to this field.

 

Mexican seminarian from St. Tikhon’s Seminary in Pennsylvania, Sub Deacon Abraham Labrada said, “It is good to experience, participate in and help build the Orthodox Church in Mexico as it now enters into this new chapter of its story.”  Guests from the St. Tikhon’s Seminary Mission Choir sang during Saturday evening’s Vespers service. The Mission Choir joined the Cathedral Choir and guests from St. George Orthodox Church Choir in Pharr, Texas during the Hierarchical Divine Liturgy and Enthronement.  The beauty of Christ and His Church were tangibly reflected in the liturgical services of the weekend. Everyone present acclaimed that the Orthodox Church is alive and active in Mexico. “It was a wonderful and awe-inspiring weekend. We were very blessed to be here,” said guest choir director, Analucia Perdomo of St. George’s Orthodox Church in Pharr, Texas. The University of Texas Pan American student continued, “Through our many visits over the past several years, we’ve been blessed to see the Mexican Exarchate grow, become a Diocese and now come into its own. It is great to, in some small way, have been part of it all.”

 

Besides Metropolitan Jonah and Bishop Alejo of Mexico, other hierarchs in attendance at this notable event included Archbishop Dmitri of Dallas and the South, Archbishop Nathanial of the Romanian Diocese, Archbishop Seraphim of Ottawa and Canada, Bishop Benjamin of the West and Bishop Tikhon of Eastern Pennsylvania. Clergy attending included Priest Ernesto Rios, Priest Ramon Merlos, Priest Dennis Pihach, Priest José Raul Valencia-Salinas, Igumen Nazario Ipac-Uribe, Priest Jorge Barrera-Zermeno, Priest Antonio Perdomo, Priest José Luis Serna-Estrada, Hieromonk Victorin Torres-Martinez and Hieromonk Serafin Mendoza Segundo. A number of deacons, sub-deacons and monastics were also present for the weekend. 

 

The intent of the first Orthodox missionaries who came to Alaska was to share the good news of the gospel and evangelize the natives of North America. Evangelization has been a continual theme handed down to all Orthodox Christians from apostolic times to this day. This continued commission was most recently witnessed by many as we gathered in Mexico City for the installation of Bishop Alejo as the Bishop of Mexico City and Mexico. A giant step forward occurred as the Orthodox Church in Mexico was brought into a fullness which now allows it to fulfill the commission of our Lord, and therefore manifest the grace of God and the fruit of the Holy Spirit. Edinburg, Texas university student, Cristina Perdomo added, “The weekend in Mexico was deeply moving. It was filled with the grace of the holy spirit as well as the undying communion of the entire church, as Mexico was elevated to become its own Diocese.”

 

 

It is feasible that many might be surprised by the previous statement. Often, when the subject of Orthodoxy in Mexico comes up, the question most often asked is if the Orthodox Church even exists in Mexico. It does and has for nearly 45 years. In 1965, Bishop José [Cortes - Olmos], and his clergy contacted the rector of St. Seraphim's Church in Dallas, Texas, Father Dmitri [Royster], now the Archbishop of Dallas and the South. Archbishop Dmitri, instrumental in converting many Mexicans to Orthodoxy, translated many Orthodox liturgical services into Spanish. Archbishop Dmitri presented the case of the Orthodox Church in Mexico to the hierarchy of the OCA. After a number of exchanges and informal visits, the Holy Synod officially sent Archbishop Dmitri to visit Mexico and to report on his findings. That report, studied by the OCA's Department of Canonical Affairs, recommended the acceptance of the Mexican communities into the Orthodox Church in America.

 

In 1971, Bishop José petitioned for the acceptance of the Church into the Orthodox Church in America. He and other priests of his community were received in their Roman Catholic rank of priest. Prior to his consecration as Bishop of Mexico City, Father José studied at St. Vladimir's Seminary. He was consecrated at the Holy Virgin Protection Cathedral in New York City on April 22, 1972.

 

On January 28, 1983, Bishop José fell asleep in the Lord after a relatively short bout with cancer. His Beatitude, Metropolitan Ireney, presided at the funeral service in Mexico City on February 1, 1983.  It was not until 2005 that a successor to Bishop José was found. On May 28 of that year, at St. Tikhon's Orthodox Monastery in South Canaan, Pennsylvania, Archimandrite Antonio Alejo [Pacheco-Vera] was consecrated as Bishop Alejo, the Auxiliary Bishop of Mexico City within the Exarchate of Mexico. As of this past weekend, both Bishop Alejo and the Diocese of Mexico have been elevated, to the Glory of Christ and His Church.

 

It is my hope that in the future, questions will not be asked about if there is an Orthodox Church in Mexico, but rather, how we can help support its work. Now, more than ever, the entire Orthodox Church in America can become aware that throughout Mexico and Latin America, there exists an alive and active Orthodox Church made up of our brothers and sisters in Christ. The Diocese of Mexico is part of us; part of our body; the body of Christ. It is a part of us which we can all share in and support through our ongoing prayers and ministry efforts.  Truly, the historic event witnessed by hundreds gives us the hope that the gospel will take hold and bring forth much fruit in Latin America. If you or your parish would like to learn more about or assist in supporting missionary efforts in Mexico and Latin America, please feel free to contact Father Antonio Perdomo at 956-781-2388 or 781-6114 or by email at padreantoniop@aol.com. 

 

To view a photo collection from the weekend’s events, see: http://www.flickr.com/photos/8135007@N03/collections/72157612808480334/

 

 

 

En español: Exarcado de México Elevado a Diócesis

Enero 24

Exarcado de México Elevado a Diócesis

Preparado por Padre Antonio Perdomo

“Y llegando Jesús, les habló, diciendo: Toda potestad me es dada en el cielo y en la tierra.

Por tanto, id, y doctrinad á todos los Gentiles, bautizándolos en el nombre del Padre, y del Hijo, y del Espíritu Santo: Enseñándoles que guarden todas las cosas que os he mandado: y he aquí, yo estoy con vosotros todos los días, hasta el fin del mundo. Amén.” ~ Mateo 28:18-20 

El domingo, 18 de enero de 2009, estaba muy aparente que el Espíritu Santo reunió a la iglesia de Cristo en la Ciudad de México para un evento muy significativo. El Metropolitano Jonás, la mayoría de los jerarcas del sínodo de obispos, clero, monásticos, y una multitud de feligreses de México, los Estados Unidos y Canadá se reunieron en la Catedral de la Ascensión de Nuestro Señor. Centenares participaron en la bendita ocasión de la elevación del obispo auxiliar a obispo gobernante y del Exarcado de México a Diócesis completa de la Iglesia Ortodoxa en America (OCA). 

La celebración de este evento tan grandioso encontró al Obispo Alejo [Pacheco-Vera], rodeado por varios del clero fundadores de esta Iglesia Ortodoxa en México, inclusive el Sacerdote Ramón Merlos y Sacerdote José Raúl Valencia, y también el jerarca de muchos años Arzobispo Dmitri. Todos presente regocijaron al participar en este próximo paso tan importante para traer la plenitud de la iglesia ortodoxa a la cultura de America Latina. Sacerdote Mexicano, Ramón Merlos, Rector de la Iglesia Ortodoxa Rusa Nuestra Señora de Kazan en San Diego dijo, “Este evento es un evento muy histórico para México. Por la primera vez, tuvimos seis obispos y el Metropolitano visitándonos para apoyar y orar con nosotros como la santa iglesia ortodoxa en México. Todos presente tuvieron una experiencia espiritual muy profunda.”

El Metropolitano Jonás, hablando en español, compartió la grandeza de elevar la Iglesia en México de Exarcado a Diócesis de la OCA, y de equipar completamente la Iglesia para cumplir la obra que Cristo le exige. Al terminar los servicios de instalación, cada obispo ofrecieron en turno sus deseos y felicidades para el obispo Alejo y la nueva diócesis de México. Arzobispo Serafín de Ottawa y Canadá compartiendo que la iglesia de Norte America es como un sándwich, con Canadá y México como el pan y los Estados Unidos como el relleno nutritivo en el centro. El Metropolitano agrego que ahora existe la iglesia ortodoxa en México, en EU y Canadá, y que existe una unidad indivisible de amor e intento entre ellas.  

Entre todo lo aparente de este fin de semana era la gracia del Espíritu Santo y como el evangelio se esta compartiendo con los indígenas de este pueblo. Con la fundación ya en lugar, la mies esta para cosechar. La Diócesis de México al momento tiene nueve iglesias y misiones, incluyendo a la Catedral de la Ascensión en México DF, y miles de feligreses. Lo que se necesita de nuestra parte es orar al Señor de la mies que mande obreros a su viña.


Seminarista Mexicano estudiando en el Seminario de San Tikhon en Pensilvania, Subdiácono Abraham Labrada dijo, “Es muy bueno experimentar, participar en y ayudar crecer la iglesia ortodoxa en México al entrar en este nuevo capitulo en su vida.” Seminaristas invitados del Coro Misionero del seminario de San Tikhon cantaron las vísperas del sábado por la noche. El coro misionero también cantaron con el coro de la catedral y con otros invitados de San Jorge Mártir en Pharr, Texas el domingo durante la liturgia jerárquica y la entronización del obispo. “El fin de semana estuvo muy maravilloso e inspirador. Recibimos muchas bendiciones al estar presente,” dijo directora de coro invitada Analucía Perdomo de la iglesia de San Jorge Mártir en Pharr, Texas. La universitaria de la Universidad Panamericana de Edimburgo continuo, “Con todas nuestras visitas en estos últimos años, que  gran bendición ver al Exarcado de México crecer, convertirse en una Diócesis y entrar en lo suyo. Que bueno es en alguna manera ser parte de todo lo sucedido de este momento.”

Acompañando al Metropolitano Jonás y el Obispo Alejo, los otros jerarcas presente en este gran evento incluye al Arzobispo Dmitri de Dallas y el Sur, Arzobispo Nataniel de la Diócesis Rumana, Arzobispo Serafín de Ottawa y Canadá, Obispo Benjamin del Oeste y el Obispo Tikhon del Este de Pensilvania. Clero presente incluye al Sacerdote Ernesto Ríos, Sacerdote Ramón Merlos, Sacerdote Dennis Pihach, Sacerdote José Raúl Valencia-Salinas, Igumen Nazario Ipac-Uribe, Sacerdote Jorge Barrera-Zermeno, Sacerdote Antonio Perdomo, Sacerdote, José Luis Serna-Estrada, Hieromonje Victorin Torrez-Martínez, e Hieromonje Serfin Mendoza-Segundo. Varios diáconos, subdiáconos y monásticos también participaron en este fin de semana.


El intento de los primeros misioneros ortodoxos que al principio vinieron a Alaska era compartir las buenas noticias del evangelio con los indígenas de Norte America. Evangelización ha sido un tema continuo delegado a todo ortodoxo del tiempo de los Apóstoles hasta este día. Esta comisión perpetua mas seguido fue atestada por muchos al encontrarnos en la ciudad de México para la instalación del Obispo Alejo como el Obispo de la ciudad de México y México. Un paso grande ocurrió en la Iglesia Ortodoxa en México el entrar en la plenitud que le permite ahora cumplir con la comisión de nuestro Señor, y así manifestar la gracia de Dios y el fruto del Espíritu Santo. Universitaria de Edimburgo, Texas Cristina Perdomo agrega, “Este fin de semana en México fue muy conmovedor. Estaba repleto con la gracia del Espíritu Santo, además con la comunión continua de la iglesia entera, al México ser elevada a ser una Diócesis.”

Es posible que algunos se sorprendan por lo dicho arriba. Pero muchas veces cuando se habla de la iglesia ortodoxa en México. La duda parece ser si existe una iglesia ortodoxa en México. Si existe y tiene su comienzo como 45 años atrás. En 1965, el Obispo José [Cortes - Olmos], y su clero se comunicaron con el rector de la iglesia de San Serafín en Dallas, Texas, Padre Dmitri [Royster], el presente Arzobispo Dmitri de Dallas y el Sur. Arzobispo Dmitri, ayudo mucho convirtiendo muchos mexicanos a la ortodoxia y al traducir muchos de los servicios litúrgicos ortodoxos al español. El Arzobispo presento el caso de la iglesia ortodoxa en México a la jerarquía de la OCA. Después de varias comunicaciones y visitas informales, el Santo Sínodo mando oficialmente al entonces Obispo Dmitri a visitar a México y compartir los sucedidos de su visita. Ese reporte, después de un estudio particular por el Departamento de Asuntos Canónicos, recomendó que las comunidades en México sean recibidas en la OCA.


En 1971, Obispo José pidió que su iglesia fuese recibida en la OCA. El y el clero de su comunidad fueron recibidos como sacerdotes en su rango anterior en la Iglesia Católica. Antes de ser consagrado como obispo de Ciudad de México, Padre José estudio en el Seminario de San Vladimiro. A el lo consagraron como obispo en la Catedral de la Protección de la Santa Virgen en Nueva York el 22 de abril de 1972.


El 28 de enero después de una batalla corta con cáncer el Obispo José falleció. Su Beatitud Irineo, presidio en los servicios fúnebres en Ciudad de México el 1 de febrero de 1983. Hasta 2005 México no tuvo un sucesor para el Obispo José. EL 28 de mayo de ese año, en el seminario de San Tikhon en sur Canaán de Pensilvania, el Archimandrita Antonio Alejo [Pacheco-Vera], fue consagrado como Obispo Auxiliar de la Ciudad de México dentro del Exarcado de México. De este ultimo fin de semana, el obispo Alejo y el Exarcado de México se han elevado para la gloria de Cristo y su Iglesia.

Es mi esperanza que en el futuro, las preguntas no serán sobre si existe una iglesia ortodoxa en México, pero, más bien como podemos ayudarlos en su obra. Ahora, mas que antes, la Iglesia Ortodoxa en America puede estar conciente que en México y en America Latina, existe una iglesia ortodoxa que esta viva y muy activa compuesta de nuestros hermanos y hermanas en Cristo. La Diócesis de México es parte de nosotros; parte de nuestro cuerpo; el cuerpo de Cristo. Es una parte de nosotros que todos podemos ayudar y compartir espacialmente con nuestras oraciones y esfuerzos de ministerios. En verdad, el evento histórico visto por centenares de personas nos llena con la esperanza que el evangelio tomara su lugar y tendrá mucho fruto en America Latina.

Si usted o su parroquia quiere aprender más o asistir con algún apoyo para el ministerio y esfuerzos realizados en México y America Latina, pueden comunicarse con el Padre Antonio Perdomo al 956-781-2388 o al 781-6114 o por carta electrónica a padreantoniop@aol.com.

 
Para ver las fotos de este gran evento pueden visitar el enlace aquí contenido:

http://www.flickr.com/photos/8135007@N03/collections/72157612808480334/

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Clergy of Mexican Exarchate during Visit by Archbishop DMITRI
Clergy of Mexican Exarchate during Visit by Archbishop DMITRI
Clergy of Mexican Exarchate during Visit by Archbishop DMITRI
OCA Cathedral in Mexico City
OCA Cathedral in Mexico City
OCA Cathedral in Mexico City
Great Entrance at Mission in Guadelejara
Great Entrance at Mission in Guadelejara
Great Entrance at Mission in Guadelejara
Orthodox Church in Mexico (OCA)

Follow this link to read, in Spanish, news about the Orthodox Church in Mexico, Mexican Exarchate of the Orthodox Church in America at: http://www.ortodoxiamx.4t.com/

To learn more about Mexico (statistics, geography, etc.):
http://www.inegi.gob.mx/inegi/default.asp

 
Some very nice Maps of Mexico:
Photos from visits to the OCA Cathedral in Mexico are found at: http://www.flickr.com/photos/8135007@N03/sets/72157603780689242/
And, many more photos from various trips to Orthodox Churches, Monasteries and Missions in Mexico are at:
 

Contacto

 

Catedral La Ascensión del Señor

Irapuato # 53, Col. Peñon de los Baños

Tel. (52) 55-5571-1189

Fax: (52) 55-5784-5198

e-mail: subdiacono_antonio@yahoo.com.mx


 


 


Debido a la magnitud de la misión del Exarcado de México el Arzobispo DMITRI a designado al Bispo Alejo como Administrador General (Auxilliary Bishop) del Exarcado de México y dicha labor la desempeña bajo su directa supervisión.


 

Este sitio (del Exarchate) ha sido editado por el Subdiácono Antonio y pese a contar con las bendiciones de su superior directo no es un sitio oficial del Exarcado de México y ha sido puesto en línea para ayudar a la evangelización de los pueblos de habla hispana para Gloria de Dios.
Agradezco de antemano todas las propuestas y aportaciones para el enriquecimiento del mismo.

Con amor en Cristo,

El indigno Subdiácono Antonio

 

Map of Orthodox Churches in Mexico
See section on the Orthodox Church in Mexico, including Maps & Photos from Archbishop DMITRI's visits: http://www.st-george-pharr-tx.org/mexico.htm
5th anniversary of the repose of Bishop José [Cortes y Olmos]
 
Article posted: 1/28/2008 6:07 AM

Bishop JoséSYOSSET, NY [OCA Communications] - January 28, 2008, marks the 25th anniversary of the repose of His Grace, Bishop José [Cortes y Olmos], of Mexico City, the first Bishop of the Mexican Exarchate of the Orthodox Church in America.

Bishop José was born on August 5, 1923, in Santa Teresa, Guana Juato, Mexico. His parents were devout Roman Catholics. José began his primary education at the age of eight in the Santa Teresa Rural Federal School. Upon completing his middle and seminary education in Jesuit schools, he was sent to Barcelona, Spain, and Rome, Italy for further theological study. He received a Doctorate in Canon Law.

José then went to Havana, Cuba, where he taught at the Jesuit College of Belen and served as a leader of "Catholic Youth Action" while serving local Roman Catholic parishes. Dissatisfaction with the Church of Rome led to his break with it in 1950, at which time he joined the Mexican National Church. In 1961, he was elected to be its bishop.

The origins of the Mexican National Church as a church, distinct from the Roman Catholic church of Mexico, are connected with events of the Mexican Revolution. During the Revolution antagonisms against the Roman Catholic Church were aroused by its historic association with the Spanish colonialists. Some of the first laws of the new Mexican Republic were antireligious. In 1917, all church properties were nationalized, many churches were closed, monasteries were abolished and the communities dispersed, and clergymen were required to obtain licenses to function. Several attempts were made to establish a "national church." In 1926 a Roman Catholic priest, with government support, was made head of the Independent Old Catholic Church of North America, and the Mexican National Catholic Church was founded.

The church thrived under the patronage of the government and at once extended its jurisdiction to Mexican communities in Texas. The National Church continued as an Old Catholic community until Father José Cortes y Olmos was appointed its bishop in 1961. The new bishop and his clergy became gradually convinced, through study and reflection, that the Old Catholic ecclesiological principles did not conform to the criteria of the One, True, Catholic Church. They came to identify with Orthodox Holy Tradition, and adopted the designation "Orthodox" - Iglesia Ortodoxa Catolica en Mexicao (Orthodox Church in Mexico).

In 1965, Bishop José and his clergy contacted the then rector of St. Seraphim's Church in Dallas, Texas, Father Dmitri Royster (now Archbishop Dmitri of Dallas). Archbishop Dmitri had been instrumental in converting many Mexicans to Orthodoxy and was translating Orthodox liturgical services into Spanish. Archbishop Dmitri presented the case of the Orthodox Church in Mexico to the hierarchy of the OCA. After a number of exchanges and visits, the Holy Synod sent Archbishop Dmitri to visit Mexico officially and to report on his findings. This report was studied by the OCA's Department of Canonical Affairs, which recommended acceptance of the Mexican communities into the Orthodox Church.

Bishop JoséIn 1971, Bishop José petitioned for the acceptance of the Church into the Orthodox Church in America. He and other priests of his community were received in their Roman Catholic rank of priest. Father José studied at St. Vladimir's Seminary prior to his consecration as Bishop of Mexico City. He was consecrated at the Holy Virgin Protection Cathedral in New York City on April 22, 1972.

On January 28, 1983, Bishop José fell asleep in the Lord after a relatively short bout with cancer. His Beatitude, Metropolitan Ireney, presided at the funeral service in Mexico City on February 1, 1983.

It was not until 2005 that a successor to Bishop José was found. On May 28 of that year Archimandrite Alejo (Pacheco-Vera) was consecrated Bishop of Mexico City at St. Tikhon's Orthodox Monastery in South Canaan, Pennsylvania. The Mexican Exarchate currently contains nine churches and missions, including the Cathedral of the Ascension in Mexico City.

May Bishop José's memory be eternal!


About Mexico

Flag of Mexico
Flag of Mexico
Flag of Mexico
Exarchate of Mexico & Texas Bridges
Exarchate of Mexico & Texas Bridges
Exarchate of Mexico & Texas Bridges
Great Seal of Mexico
Great Seal of Mexico
Great Seal of Mexico

¡Gloria a Dios por todo!
Direct your Questions, Comments or Feedback to (Por favor dirigir sus preguntas, dudas o comentarios al): 956-781-6114 or info@stgeorgepantry.org


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