Thank you to everyone who helped make such a successful day with Bishop John. From the chanters and choir, to the flowers and luncheon, everything was done with care and love. Bishop John was very pleased and enjoyed being with us and we loved having him.
The parish surprised Father with a cake this morning for his one year Anniversary of his Ordination to the Holy Priesthood. May God grant him many years!
Meet Our New Priest Father James Irving and His Family – by Patti Sowpel
Fr. James & Kh. Valerie Irving
We are overjoyed to welcome Father James in his new role as our parish priest! Many of us know him from the last several years serving as our deacon, where he and his family are faithful and beloved members of St. Michaels. With his recent ordination to the priesthood, and assignment by Metropolitan SABA to our community, we feel it is a good time to get to know him a little better.
Born in Burlington, Vermont to Catholic parents, he was raised in Scituate and Weymouth, Massachusetts. He has a younger brother and had an older sister who unfortunately passed away earlier this year. Father attended Northeastern University where he earned a Bachelor of Science degree in electrical engineering. Following college, he began a career at an electrical utility where he became an energy analyst and negotiated contracts, supervised personnel, developed budgets and led many projects. Later he earned his Masters in Business Administration from Curry College. He was the manager of the municipal electric power plant before retiring in April 2023.
Father James enjoys fishing, kayaking, traveling with his family, and coaching Little League baseball. He and his wife Valerie have been married 36 years. While Father was born and raised Catholic, he found the depth and personal sense of community in Orthodoxy very close to his sense of values. In the past, they volunteered for many years in a prison ministry program called Bethany House. They attended Roman Catholic Liturgy at prison weekly followed by a prayer group with the prisoners. Valerie also led a teen group at the prison where the men were trained to counsel incarcerated teens, called Second Thoughts Program. They were invited by a friend to attend St. George Antiochian Orthodox Church in Boston in 1999 for a book study. They also attended their parties, annual bazaars and feast day celebrations. They were Chrismated in 2002 by Father Michael Elias, and the now Father James started helping on the altar. Both he and his wife then began intensive study of Orthodox Theology in the St. Stephen’s Program at the Antiochian House of Studies. After graduating, he was ordained as a sub-deacon in 2007 by Metropolitan PHILLIP. Since then, Father has aided other students with their classes at the AHOS. Father also studied Liturgics at Holy Cross Seminary in Brookline with Father Ed Hughes. Both are members of the Order of Saint Ignatius and have encouraged others to participate.
Khouria Valerie continued studying after completing St. Stephen’s and graduated with a Masters in Applied Orthodox Theology from Balamad University. Her thesis was on the life of St. Tikhon of Zadonsk. While at St. George’s in Boston she served many years in various capacities of the Ladies Society, such as President, Secretary, and Treasurer. She also served ten consecutive years on the Executive Board of Antiochian Women (AW), the Diocesan of Worcester and New England (DOWNE) Women’s organization, as Vice President, Treasurer, and acting President. She completed the Witness To Christ Program which was led by Bishop JOHN and others from the Diocese. Her latest interest is studying Byzantine Chant online with Paul Murray of Schole Academy and assisting at the chanter’s stand.
Father James and his wife started attending St. Michael’s in 2015 in the summers. In May of 2021, they had a Marriage Blessing ceremony led by Father Ben and Father Joseph in preparation for his ordination to the Diaconate. He was ordained a Deacon in October 2021 by Bishop JOHN and has been assigned here and with us ever since.
Father and Khouria Valerie have three children. Their daughter Alison is a sophomore in high school. She loves to swim and is on the swim team, a member of the Film Club, and a member of the Junior Classical League. She has been active with our youth group SOYO, and the Diocesan SOYO group, prepared for the Bible Bowl for the past two years, and has helped in the church kitchen every Sunday. Paul is in seventh grade, and his favorite thing to do is fish. Whether it is from the shore, a pier, a friend’s boat, or his kayak, he is happiest with a fishing rod in his hand. Ben is in sixth grade, and his favorite thing to do is play baseball, or any game involving a ball. Both boys play little league spring ball and usually attend summer baseball camp through the Cape Cod League. They are faithful servants on the altar at St. Michael’s, just as they were at St. George Boston, their former parish.
Khouria is self employed as a practicing trial attorney in the Juvenile Court, and has been a mentor for new attorneys for twenty-four years. She has served on and led Committees for the Massachusetts Bar Association and Norfolk Bar Association. When not working she likes to spend time with family and friends, their dog Tricki, read, garden, bake, and travel. She has one sibling, an older brother, who is also an attorney.
On a practical note, when a priest is ordained in the Orthodox Church, his wife is given an honorific title. In Russian usage it is Matushka (little mother), in Greek – Presbytera, and in Arabic – Khouria. As a show of respect, we refer to her using this term alone, or in combination with her name. For example – “Matushka Valerie is in the parking lot” or “Hello Khouria”.
We are very grateful that Father James and his family are a part of our community. They are extremely kind, easygoing, and friendly, so please feel free to ask them any questions, and perhaps tell them a little more about yourself!
The year 2023 was a year of many important and joyful events in the life of our Church. We saw catechumens enter into the Life of the Orthodox Church, the celebration of Pascha, fulfilling our mission to help members of our community and people around the world to name a few. The continued teaching of the Word of God and to the younger members of the church, the blossoming of a Men’s group, and the carrying on of the traditions of the Ladies’ group fulfilled our commitment to the faith.
We saw changes at the Archdiocesan and diocesan levels. Fr. Ben’s and Fr. Joseph’s departure leaves an emptiness that over time will be filled by the growth of others. With heavy hearts we wish Memory Eternal to Fr. Nicholas “Nick” Manikas a leader and mentor to the church.
Change is not easy to accept, our faith is built on the foundation of the love of God. God never changes, and His attributes of love, mercy, kindness, justice, and knowledge are always flawless. God has built into us the ability to change our bodies, brains, ideas, and values. Many of these changes affect our faith and understanding of God’s will and timing and what it means to us.
St. Michael’s church is a vibrant and loving community. We are blessed to share in the light and love of the Lord and to have the opportunity to come together in celebration of this love.
With the celebration of the Nativity of Christ still in our mists we can look forward to the church calendar and the Joy of Christ’s resurrection at Pascha. I am humbled and privileged at becoming the pastor of St. Michael the Archangel Church. Feel free to contact me and please pray for me and my family in your daily prayers.
May the Lord Bless you and keep you. Father James Irving
Father Nick–May His Memory Be Eternal – by Fr. James Irving
Fr. Nick Manikas
Dr. Nicholas Charles “Fr. Nick” Manikas of Framingham, passed away on August 24, 2023.
The youngest of six born to Greek migrants in Manchester, NH. He was preceded in death by his cherished wife of 67 years, Euphoria “Effie;” They met when they were in school together as kindergarteners. Their daughter, Pamela, of Wayland, MA (Kevin Washek), memory eternal, preceded their deaths. Fr. Nick leaves behind his children, Paul of Cotuit, MA (Becky Gydosh), Joanna of Ogunquit, ME (Elizabeth Cutler), and Mary of West Boylston, MA (Michael Leach); as well as six grandchildren.
Fr. Nick was an avid learner graduating with a Bachelor of Arts in Theology and Bachelor of Divinity in 1956 and 1959, respectively, at Holy Cross School of Theology in Brookline. Additionally, Fr. Nick went on to completed his Master’s of Divinity in 1973 and Doctorate of Ministry and Pastoral Counseling in 1986. This love of knowledge transformed into teaching what he had learned. He became an adjunct professor at Holy Cross Seminary, teaching Parish Administration to the next generation of priests.
Fr. Nick lived his life by faith and service to the church. He served four churches over 58 years, specifically here as pastor at St. Michael the Archangel Church in Cotuit, MA from 2001-2014. Fr. Nick arrived at Cape Cod upon his retirement from St. Demetrious Greek Orthodox Church in Weston Ma. He did not stay retired long as he saw a need to continue his leadership, and love of Christ at St. Michaels. Fr. Nick was instrumental in establishing a permanent home of the Church. He fulfilled a lifelong wish to lead Orthodox Christians of all jurisdictions and created a Pan Orthodox worshiping type community on Cape Cod. Fr. Nick attracted people from all over the Cape Cod regional and conducted liturgy in English and included traditions of other cultures. In 2003, St. Michaels took ownership of the current land and building. Later the construction of the church hall to which is dedicated in his name was completed.
The term father used to identify a priest fit Fr. Nick very well. He had the ability to bring out the best in people and empower people. His wisdom, compassion, spiritual leadership and understanding of others touched the countless people that had the privilege of meeting him. We the parishioners of St. Michael’s are forever grateful to the faithfulness, love and kindness of Fr. Nick.
It is with great sadness that we said goodbye to Fr. Ben Kjendal who was reassigned to the parish of Holy Cross in Yakima, WA, as of September 1, 2023. Since 2015 Fr. Ben & Kh. Alyssa have faithfully served at St. Michael Church. We thank them for their service to the faithful. We pray all of God’s blessings upon them as they begin the next chapter in their ministry and service to Christ’s Holy Church!
Kh. Valerie Irving is interested in writing a comprehensive history of our church and has already started speaking with some of our founding members and collecting articles and photos. If you are interested in helping, or would like to write something of particular historical interest, please contact Kh. Valerie if you haven’t done so already.
Each year, we have a time to share with our fellow Orthodox throughout the diocese, in fun, and fellowship and faith. How? Of course, during the Parish Life Conference for our Diocese of Worcester and New England.
Many of us have attended the PLC in the past, but many have not. So, let’s visit a bit with each other about PLC 2024. His Eminence Metropolitan SABA has established the theme of 2024 PLCs throughout the Archdiocese as “All things work together for good to those who love God, to those who are the called according to His purpose.” + Romans 8:28. His Grace, our Bishop JOHN has sub themed our 2024 PLC “Getting Serious about our Faith”.
As you know from the bulletin and Fr. James’ announcements in church, our parish is honored to have been selected to host the Parish Life Conference in 2024 which will be held June 21-23 at Hotel 1620 in Plymouth, MA. With this year’s theme and sub theme in mind, a group of us have been working hard to develop a program through which we can focus equally on fellowship, faith, and fun during our time together. We have secured a great hotel rate for rooms at the PLC venue, Hotel 1620, which is within short walking distance to Plymouth Harbor, Plymouth Rock, and the Mayflower II. There are many excellent restaurants and exciting places to visit in the immediate vicinity of the hotel. The hotel is a perfect base for a weekend or a week.
Whether you are most interested in attending Divine Liturgy, cheering on our teams in the Bible Bowl, or learning more about the faith from our Keynote speaker, Fr. Ted Pulcini, there is something for all of us at the PLC. The PLC provides an opportunity:
To share in fellowship by meeting and renewing acquaintance with our fellow orthodox from the Diocese;
To grow in faith as we learn from Fr. Ted Pulcini, participate in working business sessions of the Society of St. Ignatius, Antiochian Women’s Group, Antiochian Men’s Group and SOYO, watch “Man of God” and attend the Oratorical Festival;
To share in fun at the Bible Bowl and Plymouth Harbor Sunset Cruise with dinner and dancing aboard the Pilgrim Belle on Saturday night;
To celebrate the Great Feast of Pentecost on Sunday morning.
So, whether you are younger, older, or in between, we know you will find something of interest at the PLC. Please keep your eyes on the bulletin for the full program and join us as we prepare for this great event, the Diocese of Worcester and New England, Parish Life Conference 2024.
On November 7th we were blessed to celebrate the “The Synaxis of the Archangels Michael, Gabriel & Raphael and all the bodiless powers of Heaven” with our Bishop John and many of the priests from our Diocese. As happens fairly regularly, I was approached after the service and told “the Choir sounds very nice”. My answer is always the same: “They work very hard”. There are a few reasons I say that every time, but basically it comes down to the fact that I want people to realize that it’s a group effort. Being a member of our choir doesn’t just mean showing up on Sunday and singing. Ideally, they would have looked over the different hymns for that particular Sunday and practiced them ahead of time, warmed up their voice before liturgy, either at home, in the car, or both, and we also hold regular rehearsals as often as three times a month. I invite anyone who inquiries about the Choir to join us, but not everyone who starts singing with us continues singing with us, because it does require a commitment and often people don’t realize that until they ‘sign up’. So, consider this: If you’d like to tell me that the Choir sounds good on a particular Sunday, please feel free to do so. I love hearing it, and I always pass it along to the other Choir members – or take a look at who is over there singing, and choose one of the other Choir members to tell. They work very hard.
“Then the King will say to those on His right hand, ‘Come, you blessed of My Father, inherit the Kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the World: for I was hungry and you gave Me food; I was thirsty and you gave Me drink; I was a stranger and you took Me in; I was sick and you visited Me; I was in prison and you came to Me…inasmuch as you did it to one of the least of these, My brethren, you did it to Me.”
Matthew 25:34-36; 40
God’s command is very clear to all of us. When we recognize that someone needs something, we are prepared to offer it. It is time spent with shut-ins or visiting the sick. It is sharing our talent to bring a smile to someone’s face. It is financial support to help someone heal from their wounds. Outreach is literally REACHING OUT and touching someone through love and compassion, in whatever form that may be.
St. Michael has been blessed with parishioners filled with compassion. Our outreach projects throughout the years have heeded the call to action without judgement. The need is great, but our love is greater. If you are interested in being involved with the outreach committee, please contact Soraya Bandeli.
“I am an Arab by birth, a Greek by primary education, an American by residence, a Russian at heart, and a Slav in soul.”
St. Raphael (Hawaweeny) of Brooklyn
In October, at the request of His Eminence Metropolitan Saba, the Holy Synod of Antioch added St. Raphael to its calendar, ensuring his commemoration in all archdioceses of the Patriarchate of Antioch. Now at St. Michael Church, we have the icon of St. Raphael of Brooklyn with his relics. We commemorate St. Raphael on November 4th.
St. Michael Women have been busy with November’s very successful White Elephant Boutique and Bake Sale. Our group of ladies was able to raise the funds needed to sponsor the 2024 Parish Life Conference that St. Michael will be hosting in June 2024 in Plymouth.
December saw even more activity with Nativity season in full swing! Our Nativity card is raising money for the Metropolitan’s Project – “Clergy Widows”. Proceeds from the card will support these women who have lost their priest husbands. These women have dedicated their lives and their families to their churches. We are proud to be able to support them as they will always be “Khourie”!
We are also busy with Nativity decorating to beautify our church for the Glory of God!
All women of the parish are Antiochian Women. Come join this group of dedicated ladies who are a sisterhood providing support to the parish community and to those in need in the greater community.
After SOYO and Young Adult Fellowship, where do Antiochian men go to collectively grow in Faith, Fellowship, and Service; supporting each other and the church? Is it clergy or nothing? Certainly, men do great work in our parish. But consider the idea that our efforts will have a greater effect if we are organized and are supported by the clergy of our parish and our diocese. If you agree or would like to know more, please reach out to me personally at coffee hour. During the last men’s group meeting we discussed the actionable opportunities for our parish and started developing a plan to meet them. Also, I have been working with the Antiochian men’s group of the Archdiocese of North America who are more mature in this process. We had a meeting with Michael Baclig, the President of the Antiochian Men’s group for the Diocese of Miami and the Southeast. They are 4 ½ years into their journey and are coordinating strong work across 11 parishes. If you want to ensure you are on the email list, come see me.
Church school is off to a great start for the year! We began meeting in the atrium in late October after the materials were complete. Thank you to everyone who helped prepare the materials. We are blessed to have so many talented and dedicated parishioners who helped make it possible for us to continue this program. Catechesis of the Good Shepherd is in its second year at St. Michaels with Macrina Stewart as lead teacher and Michelle Moeck assisting. Both Macrina and Michelle have completed their Level 1 training and were officially certified in June. The Atrium is based on the Montessori model of education and is child led with ample time for prayer and contemplation of God. We would love to have a couple of backup assistants who would not need to be certified, if you are interested in learning more or coming to observe in the Atrium, please let Macrina or Michelle know. If you have a child between the ages of 3 and 10, please come visit us (we meet every Sunday from 9 am-10 am) or fill out a registration form available on the church website and return it to Macrina. We are looking forward to another wonderful year ahead for CGS. Christ is Born, Glorify him!
Bible Study for Kids & SOYO – by Kristin & Ned Chatelain
Bible Study for our older students is off and running. This year we are focusing on St. Paul’s letter to the Romans. Please ask you student what Paul means by being ‘justified’ to Christ. As always, the students are doing a tremendous job with difficult material, and helping each other (and their instructors) grow together towards Christ. Bible study meets every Sunday during Orthros – please join us as often as you can!
Our first youth fellowship event of the fall was apple picking at our local Crow Farm in Sandwich. It was a great event and a beautiful day! The first youth service project was a food-packing event held at the cathedral in Worcester. Participants helped pack 34,244 shelf-stable meals for needy families around the world!!! SOYO meetings are the first Sunday of the month after Liturgy. The new officers for 2024 are: President – Alison Irving, Vice President – Sophia DiSavino, Secretary – Aubrey Moek, Treasurer – Ethan Simoneau, Bookstore Manager – Max Stewart. All middle and high-school students are welcome – please join us!
Did you know that St. Michael’s has a children’s library? It has books for all ages, including board books, reference books, chapter books, and much more! There is a sign-out sheet on the top shelf of the library. You can take as many books out as you like for two weeks. It is located in the hall by the atrium. There is a list of books we would like to add to the children’s library. If you would like to donate a book to the children’s library, please speak with Sophia Chatelain.
Recipe Box – by Anastasia Klokova, picture by Annie Boruch
You can find video instructions on Antiochian Village Camp’s YouTube Channel – “How to make Artoklasia”. The original recipe is from Holy Cross Antiochian Orthodox Church in Linthicum, MD. Lillian “Yia-Yia” Athas of Eternal Memory.
Artoklasia Bread for Vespers (Yields 5 small loaves) Ingredients: ● 3 ¼ – 3 ½ C flour (my preference is King Arthur red) ● ½ C sugar ● ½ t salt ● 1 T active dry yeast ● ½ t cinnamon ● ¼ t nutmeg ● ¼ t cloves ● 1/6 C vegetable oil ● 1 ¼ – 1 ½ C warm water (not hot, not boiling, 105-110°F) If you’re baking for a big church, please double each ingredient.
Activate yeast: add yeast into water and set aside for 5-10 min. Active yeast should be very bubbly. Combine dry ingredients in large mixing bowl and mix well. Add activated yeast, and oil and knead for about 5 minutes. You can use a mixer with a dough hook. Place in greased bowl and let rise in a warm place till doubled in size, about 1 hour. Punch down and let rest for 10 minutes. Knead and divide into 5 equal parts and place in pans. Let rise until doubled again. Bake at 400°F for 15-20 minutes, watching carefully to ensure loaves are browned but not burned. Remove from oven and let cool for 10 minutes; while still slightly warm, wrap in tea towels to keep loaves soft. Keep wrapped in towels until ready to use.
Last weekend Metropolitan Saba and Bishop John were at our sister churches for services, deanery meetings, and induction into the Order of St. Ignatius, with clergy from the Diocese of Worcester and New England. Read more at Antiochian.org
On Saturday, September 30, 2023, Deacon James Irving was ordained to the Holy Priesthood by His Grace Bishop JOHN at St. Michael the Archangel Church in Cotuit. Fr. James is assigned as the Pastor of St. Michael’s by His Eminence Metropolitan Saba. AXIOS to Fr. James, Kh. Valerie and their children Alison, Paul & Ben. May God grant them many years!
It is a joy and pleasure to announce that Deacon James Irving will be ordained to the holy priesthood and be assigned to the pastorate of St. Michael as our priest, effective September 30th.
Please join Bishop John and our parish community at Deacon James’ ordination to the holy priesthood this Saturday, September 30th at 9:00 AM. Following Divine Liturgy and the ordination, we will welcome Fr. James and Kh. Valerie at luncheon in the Parish Hall.
In light of the Divine Liturgy and Ordination on Saturday morning, we will not have vespers on Saturday evening. Fr. James will officiate at Orthros and Divine Liturgy on Sunday, October 1st.
Please join in congratulating Deacon James on his ordination and appointment!
Peace in Christ!
The Parish Council of St. Michael the Archangel Antiochian Orthodox Church
It is with heavy hearts and yet acceptance through the grace given to us by God, that we share with you the news that our beloved Fr. Ben Kjendal has been appointed as the Assistant Pastor (Second Priest) of Holy Cross Antiochian Orthodox Church in Yakima, Washington. Father’s appointment is effective September 1st, in preparation for the retirement of the V. Rev. Fr. Joseph Copeland, on March 1, 2024. At that time, God willing, Fr. Ben will succeed him as Pastor (Proistamenos).
Our community of St. Michael has been blessed and has prospered under Fr. Ben’s stewardship for the past nine years. Fr. Ben, Kh. Alyssa and their family have so positively impacted all of us at St. Michael in all aspects of their ministry. We are grateful for their service to us and we are especially thankful for Father’s abiding love for our community.
We know that although Father and his family will miss us, they are also honored by and excited for this new opportunity and assignment. Please join the Parish Council in community on Sunday, August 20th, 2023, for Orthros, Divine Liturgy, and a cookout following services to celebrate Fr. Ben’s ministry here and wish Father, Kh. Alyssa and the Kjendal Family our best wishes as they depart for Yakima.
May this be blessed! May God grant them many years!
The Parish Council of St. Michael the Archangel Antiochian Orthodox Church
In this article you will have a chance to meet Subdeacon Joe Boruch. He is the tall man you see helping Father Ben on the altar. Joe grew up in Prospect, CT. He was an engineer by trade and worked for an insurance company helping corporate clients around the country with safety-related issues. Retiring recently, Joe and his wife Annie moved to the Cape full-time. They have had a home in Brewster for over 30 years.
Subdeacon Joseph Boruch was ordained to Holy Sub-Diaconate on December 13, 2020, by His Grace Bishop JOHN.
When their son Joseph was a young boy, he was an altar server at their home parish in Waterbury CT, and the priest there asked Joe to help supervise the younger children on the altar. He was tonsured as a Reader by Bishop Nikon (Blessed Memory). Joe’s humility and love of serving the Lord eventually led to being ordained a Subdeacon. Subdeacons are the highest level of the minor orders in the Orthodox Church. Their duties include caring for the altar area, coordinating the servers and their activities, training new servers, and other duties as required. As the head server, the Subdeacon assists the bishop when he is presiding. Other than a Priest or a deacon, Subdeacons are the only people allowed to touch the altar table (for cleaning, changing covers etc). As with Priests, Ordained Subdeacons cannot marry. Fortunately Joe and Annie married before he was ordained! In a church setting they are addressed by their title – for example Subdeacon Joseph. Outside of church they are usually called by just their first name i.e. Joe.
Subdeacon Joseph describes his service on the altar as ‘very rewarding’. He says one of his main responsibilities is helping keep things organized and flowing so Fr. Ben can focus on the service. His goal is to ‘time things so that the servers are waiting on the Priest, not the Priest waiting on the servers’. His dedication and selflessness are an example to the other servers and help keep the service reverent for the glory of God and the parishioners.
Subdeacon Joseph learned this at an early age. His grandparents came to the United States through New York City then Bridgeport CT. His grandmother was from Poland (Catholic) and his grandfather was from Russia (Orthodox). As a young boy Joe and his family attended church regularly, and some of his greatest memories include sharing a traditional Slavic Christmas Eve dinner and attending midnight mass afterwards. Joe’s other grandparents were both Polish and he recalls celebrating Christmas on December 25th and visiting his grandfather for Russian Christmas in January.
Joe learned from his mother the power of faith. She lost 2 babies and her husband at an early age. Through this her faith remained strong as she went on to serve as a grief counselor in her parish. Joe continues to pass along these values to his son Joseph and adored granddaughter Stella. Five years ago Joe underwent emergency open-heart surgery for a tumor. He attributes his recovery and subsequent good health to God. Each year he celebrates his ‘rebirth’ on December 28th ( the day of his surgery).
Joe met the love of his life Annie on a blind date. They were married a year later shortly after he converted to Orthodoxy from Catholicism. Annie had grown up attending The Nativity Of the Holy Virgin Orthodox Church in Waterbury CT which became their own family church.
When not serving our parish as a Subdeacon, Joe enjoys boating, fishing, (especially for Bluefin Tuna), and sports car racing. He builds his own cars including engines, machining, and welding. He has used these talents to manufacture some needed items within our church.
Subdeacon Joseph’s advice is to ‘pray constantly’. The Jesus Prayer, “Lord Jesus Christ Son of God, have mercy on me a sinner” is an excellent prayer to use. “While I have not yet achieved constant prayer,” he says, “it is something that I strive for.” He also points to the importance of attending Liturgy regularly in order to receive Communion, hear the Gospel (good news), to thank God through song and prayers, and be around other Orthodox Christians. While in-person attendance may not be possible for everyone during this pandemic, Subdeacon Joseph encourages everyone who cannot come – to participate through the YouTube broadcast.
The new pastor at Saint Michael the Archangel Antiochian Orthodox Church in Cotuit has had a long journey from studying to become a Lutheran pastor in Indiana to his new role in Cotuit, but that suits Father Benjamin Kjendal just fine.
The new pastor at St. Michael the Archangel Orthodox Church in Cotuit, the Rev. Benjamin Kjendal, follows Eastern Orthodox practices. Photo by Alan Belanich
The father of six originally studied at Concordia Theological Seminary in Fort Wayne, Indiana, where he was certified as a Lutheran minister. He worked in Brooklyn, New York, as a pastor in 2006, when he began to make some changes in his life.
“I realized that there is a church that continued teaching and worshiping in the way of the original Christians,” Kjendal said. This led him to convert to Antiochian Orthodox, the American branch of the Greek Orthodox Church of Antioch.
Part of what led him to this decision involved his studies at Concordia. While there he specialized in exegetical studies and history, focusing on the teachings of the early Christians. While he certainly does not regret his time as a Lutheran New leadership at Cotuit church minister, and his family remains Lutheran, he felt that the teachings of that denomination had a much more Western focus that had changed from the original teachings.
″(The Orthodox Church has) stayed constant in its teachings and worship over time,” he said. “My family still has very strong ties to (Lutheranism); I don’t hold any grudges, I think it helped bring me to where I am now.”
He added that he wasn’t the only member of his class at seminary to convert to the Orthodox Church after graduating, but as far as he’s aware he’s the only one that became an Orthodox pastor.
After his conversion, Kjendal, who grew up in Lakeville, had a couple of secular jobs, but just over two years ago he began thinking about leading a parish.
“I started talking with my bishop about becoming a pastor and shepherding a flock,” he said.
Prior to coming to Cotuit, Kjendal was working in Springfield at Saint Stephen’s Orthodox Church, but he was living in Worcester and the commute was more than an hour long.
His bishop then contacted him and told him about the Rev. Dr. Nicholas Manikas’ retirement from Saint Michael the Archangel and asked him if he would like to be pastor in Cotuit.
“In many ways it just kind of made sense,” he said. “We were welcomed with much love and open arms here.” Prior to taking the job, Kjendal met with Manikas.
“I was very impressed with him,” Manikas said. “My hope and my prayer is that Saint Michael’s will continue to grow and prosper under Father Kjendal’s leadership.”
Manikas joined the church in 2001 after moving to the Cape for his retirement, but when he and his family came across Saint Michael’s without a pastor he decided to delay retirement. During his time at the church, the parish grew from 20 families to 90.
Now, Kjendal is concerning himself with becoming a part of the community in Cotuit.
“We want to be part of the community, not just the parish but the greater community as well,” he said. “The most fundamental goal is to see us grow in our love to each other, to God and to our neighbors.”
This extends not only to the members of the Cotuit community and the Orthodox community, but all of the Christian churches in the area, and there are more than 130 churches on the Cape alone.
“I hope we can work together,” he said. ”(And) impact the communities around us.” In particular, Kjendal would like to see the number of young families attending the church increase. “I would like to see us grow in the younger families that we have,” he said. “That will certainly be a focus of mine.”
Part of joining the community, according to Kjendal, is learning how the church can best serve it. Prior to coming to the Cape, Kjendal knew about the needs of the aging population as well as the drug issues, but was surprised at the severity of the homelessness issue.
“For me, the real goal is that we are able as a community to live out our Christian lives in a way that will impact others and glorify God,” he said.
Saint Michael the Archangel Antiochian Orthodox Church is located at 62 Main Street in Cotuit. Liturgy is at 10 a.m. on Sundays, and church school begins at 9:30 a.m. For more information visit www.stmichaelcotuit.org. Services are conducted in English, but all Orthodox denominations are welcome.
