May - July, 2001

Volume 4, Issue 2

Proclamation Appointing a National Fast Day
Washington, D.C.
March 30, 1863

Priest's Corner
Ecumenism
Father John Fleser

There is one body, and one Spirit, even as ye are called in one hope of your calling; One Lord, one faith, one baptism, One God and Father of all, who is above all, and through all, and in you all.

Ephesians 4:4-6
The premise from which the Orthodox Church begins when speaking about the mysteries outside the Church is summed up in the Creed: "I believe…in the One, Holy, Catholic and Apostolic Church." The Orthodox Church teaches there is only One, Holy Catholic and Apostolic Church: it is the Orthodox Church, there is no other. The Councils of the Church, the Fathers in their writings, the liturgical texts, the Scriptures and the canons all teach the same and the extension of that is there are no mysteries (sacraments) outside the Church. Throughout the history of the Church none of the Saints ever recognized mysteries outside the

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History is not of particular interest to most Americans, but this Proclamation illustrates how important it is for all of us to know what men in positions of responsibility believed years ago so we can judge changes which have occurred and impact on our lives. The leaders of our nation today neither refer to nor respect the Scriptures as did the men who have gone before them.

Senator James Harlan of Iowa, whose daughter later married President Lincoln's son Robert, introduced this Resolution in the Senate on March 2, 1863. The Resolution asked President Lincoln to proclaim a national day of prayer and fasting. The Resolution was adopted on March 3, and signed by Lincoln on March 30.
By the President of the United States of America.
A Proclamation.
Whereas, the Senate of the United States, devoutly recognizing the Supreme Authority and just Government of Almighty God, in all the affairs of men and of nations, has, by a resolution,

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St. Anna's Orthodox Church
852 South Street
Roslindale, MA 02131-2448
Tel: [617] 327-5300
Web Site:
www.hocna.org/st_annas

Father John Fleser
Parish Priest
E-mail:
john.fleser@verizon.net
   
Father Elias Fagan
Deacon
8 Wayne Avenue
Ipswich, MA 01938
Tel: [981] 356-7273