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Summer 08 Update
Dear Friend,
Thank you so much for your faithfulness in supporting the mission work in Indonesia through your prayers and financial support. I have been in the States since early May, 2008, but as usual I continually keep in touch with the parishes and clergy in Indonesia by telephone. I also call my "daughter" Paskhalita every so often. You may recall that she is the two-year old daughter of Fr. Gregory who was killed in a hit-and-run accident in February. She seems to be attached to Fr Panteleimon who has been serving the mission in Manado. The house that we purchased for Paskhalita and her mother Maria is located directly next door to the wooden Church building, Fr Panteleimon is staying, so Paskhalita sees Fr Panteleimon daily.
Meanwhile in the US, I was privileged to get together with a number of fellow Holy Cross Seminary alumni from May 16th - 19th, 2008 in Massilo, Ohio. It was joy to be able to share with these dear friends the many developments in our lives and ministries that have unfolded over the years. We prayed together for the Church in Indonesia, as well as for the each other's needs. I especially enjoyed my time with Fr. Gus Valantasis, who took me to the Amish communities nearby, where I bought some gifts for Paskhalita to be given to her when I go to Indonesia next time.
Another blessing recently was that I was invited by the St. Moses the Black Brotherhood to participate in the African-American Orthodox Mission Conference in Springfield, Missouri, from May 29th to June 3rd, 2008. This organization is headed by Fr Moses Berry, an African-American Orthodox priest, with his wife Matushka Magdalena, a convert to Orthodox Christianity from Judaism. I shared my thoughts on missions and evangelism, and reported on the work that has been done in Indonesia. American Orthodox Churches need to have a clear vision to do mission work among the African-American population, since many of them are in search for the truth, and some are turning to Islam.
Then on June 5th, 2008 I traveled to New York to spend some time with our new Metropolitan Hilarion of the Russian Orthodox Church Outside of Russia, and to report to him about the many developments and challenges related to the Church Indonesia. My cousin Joshua, who is like me a graduate of Holy Cross Seminary came to New York to be with me, and he returned with me to my apartment in the Washington DC area for an extended visit. Please pray for Joshua, that God may help him as he considers pursuing ordination to help the mission to Indonesia.
Once more I thank you for all your prayers and support as we try to move forward with the work of building the Church in Indonesia.
May God bless you,
Archimandrite Daniel Byantoro