His Beatitude
Gregory III (Laham)
Patriarchal
Grand Master

His Excellency
Cyril Salim Bustros
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His Excellency
John Adel Elya
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(Emeritus)

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This page is dedicated to the members of the Order so that they may appraise others of personal or noteworthy events of general interest.  Please forward items of interest to the Webmaster.

Bright Futures Scholarships
(July 21, 2007)

The Commander, aided by Lady Delores, provides community service hours for high school students residing in the Greater Miami area.  The Commander’s office became the focal point for bags of clothing shipped from the Tampa area.  Friends of the Holy Land, Francis Smith and Angelo Santella, collected and transported numerous 55-gallon bags of clothing to the Headquarters.  Young people volunteer their time to box, label and prepare these items for distribution to the Holy Land.  The community service hours are used to satisfy partial requirements for the Florida Bright Futures Scholarship Program.

Sir Thomas Lutfey: Promoted and Appointed

The Order promoted Sir Thomas Lutfey to the rank of Knight Commander.  Sir Thomas fulfilled the role of Membership Chairman, recruiting several people into the Friends of the Holy Land.  I have recently appointed him as the new Knight Marshall replacing Antoon (Tony) Sabbag.  Sir Tony served many faithful years and we are all appreciative of his efforts in discharging his responsibilities.

A New Grand Chaplain

The Southern Commandery celebrated the Feast of Saint George in an exciting fashion this year. The Dormition Ukrainian Catholic Church at 39 NW 57 th Court, Miami, FL 33126 hosted the May 19, 2007 event. The Knights and Dames gathered in the parish hall prior to the procession into the church where they exchanged pleasantries and introduced themselves to the celebrant of the evening services. The Reverend Monsignor Martin A. Canavan , JCL, STL led the Knights and Ladies in Vespers, accompanied by the prayerful intonations of the Ukrainian cantor.

After Vespers the Commander announced the appointment of Monsignor Canavan as Chaplain for the Southern Commandery and presented a wooden cross made in Jerusalem. It is studded with several relics punctuated by the Jerusalem Cross in the center. The Cross is an offering sent by the Governor General and the Province of the United States. Monsignor Canavan had many kind words and blessed the Order and will support us in our spiritual needs.

Following the installation of the new Chaplain, Thomas Lutfey, the Chancellor, was escorted to the altar by the Commander. At this time, he was introduced to the gathering and prayers were said. The Chaplain, laying his hand upon Sir Thomas, blessed him as Sir Thomas was elevated to the rank of Knight Commander.

A short business meeting followed at a local restaurant where discussion centered on the upcoming Melkite convention and the attendance of His Beatitude. Details are being finalized concerning the Order's presence. We have had the good fortune to send nearly 50 boxes of beautiful clothing to the good Salvatorian Sisters in Nazareth this reporting period.

Dinner began with toasts to His Beatitude, the Order, the Southern Commandery, and to our new Chaplain. Naturally, Sir Thomas was congratulated upon becoming a Knight Commander in the Order. Typically our gatherings are filled with much fun, amusement and conviviality.

The Grand Master and Provincial Grand Chaplain Reverend Monsignor Martin Canavan in Ukraine.

Vatican Mosaic Exibition
(submitted by Grand Dame Delores Wolff)

The Commander and Lady Delores flew to New Orleans and visited the Vatican Mosaic exhibition presented at the Ursaline Convent in the French Quarter.  This was the first showing outside of the Vatican in 500 years!  Several rooms were resplendent with these magnificent objets d’art.

Southern Commander performs security duties

The sponsors of this year’s Melkite Convention requested that the Commander direct the security efforts for the Patriarch, who will be in attendance.  Sir Ray Kayal and Lady Loraine have also taken large parts in ensuring the convention is a resounding success.  Although the Order will have no formal presence, the membership will wear their decorations during portions of the convocation.

PowerPoint Presentation

The Commander forwarded a PowerPoint presentation to the Deputy Governor for the Eastern Region.  It is expected, with approval, that the briefing can be used to introduce the Order and its good works along with satisfying the need for fund raising awareness.  This presentation can be used to demonstrate the need to corporate entities that have charitable inclinations.  It can be freely duplicated and sent to other areas in the Province.  I am currently designing an intake form to accompany the briefing in order to tabulate forthcoming donations.

Star with Seraphs 

This reporting period also finds the Commander recognized with the honor of receiving the Grand Officer with Star/Seraphim, one of four in the Province.   Thanks be to God!

New Provincial Website

The Commandery’s Website is now the official Website of the Province.  A few adjustments continue to be made in order to give it the larger presence.  The Webmaster added a recent counter which indicates visits from at least eleven different countries.  The number of visitors has increased over 300% since May.  The list grows day by day.

Late Breaking News

While in attendance at the 43rd Annual Melkite Convention in Boca Raton, Florida the Grand Master, His Beatitude Gregorios III, instructed the Commander for the Southern Commandery, Grand Officer w/Seraphim, Bernard Wolff to plan and execute a Provincial Investiture Ceremony in Miami, Florida for 2008.  The Grand Master’s wishes are to preside at the function along with the Provincial Grand Prior, His Excellency, Most Reverend Cyril Bustros where new candidates will be invested into the Order.  Commander Wolff appraised the Governor General’s office and is in contact with both the Provincial Deputy Governors for the West and East Regions, Right Reverend, Mitred Archpriest, Joseph Stanichar and Grand Officer, Reverend Deacon Nicholas Mazzei about preliminary plans.  Details to follow.

Netherlands Antilles Prime Minister greets Commander of the Southern Commandery
(posted 7/16/2007)

Prime Minitster Emily Saïdy de Jongh-Elhage and the Commander, Grand Officer w/Seraphim Bernard W. Wolff

Emily Saïdy de Jongh-Elhage and Grand Officer w/Seraphim Bernard W. Wolff exchanged pleasantries after Mass at Saint Jude Greek-Melkite Church in Miami, Florida July 15, 2007.  The Prime Minister is of Lebanese descent and availed herself of the opportunity to attend Mass which was con-celebrated by the Grand Archimandrite of Antioch, Reverend Gabriel Ghanoum and the Provincial Grand Prior (Emeritus) His Excellency John Elya.

New Appointment

The Governor General of the United States Province recently appointed the Southern Commander, Bernard W. Wolff, GOCJ to the Provincial Council. He will serve as the Defender of the Order. Among other responsibilities and duties Grand Officer Wolff will be the interface for international membership inquiries in addition to transforming the appearance of the Provincial Website.

A Christmas Letter from the Provincial Grand Prior

Item of Note
(posted November 29, 2006)

It may be of interest to note that the Patriarchal Order of the Holy Cross of Jerusalem appears as a listing in the prestigious Burke's Peerage & Gentry. The Governor-General submitted the following announcement which appears in the public forum:

WORLD ORDERS OF KNIGHTHOOD & MERIT

A NEW PUBLICATION FROM BURKE'S PEERAGE & GENTRY

Orders of Knighthood are the most exclusive and prestigious institutions in the world. Originally the preserve of royalty and aristocracy, Orders now count amongst their membership business tycoons, powerful leaders and noteworthy private individuals. With contributions from many of the world's leading authorities and articles on American honours, World Orders of Knighthood & Merit is one of the most important works ever produced on the subject and will remain the definitive guide for many years to come. This full-colour publication will be of great interest to academics, historians, collectors and those who are members of any of the numerous international, noble and state Orders.

2 volume set.
ISBN: 0-9711966-7-2

The Patriarchal Order of the Holy Cross of Jerusalem is prominently acknowledged on pages 1969-1970 of the above-cited publication. Among recent recipients have been: Prince Charles of Bourbon, son of Prince Ferdiando of Bourbon-Two Sicilies and Franco-Neapolitan claimant to the Grand Magistery of the Constantinian Order, while another was Mr. Anthony Bailey, delegate of this branch of the Constantinian Order in the United Kingdom.

Archdiocese for the Military Services
(posted September 13, 2006)

The Commander and Lady Delores along with several representatives of the Order attended a reception for the Archdiocese for the Military Services (AMS), recently. Archbishop Edwin F. O'Brien stated that the AMS is facing some of its greatest challenges and opportunities ever. On the front lines, the greatest concern is the need for more chaplains and trained lay ministers. The AMS relies on the generosity of those in the military and churches to fund their ministry programs.

The Holy Land Christian Ecumenical Foundation (HCEF)
(posted September 12, 2006)

Invites you to join us at our

8th International Conference:
National Presbyterian Church
4101 Nebraska Ave. NW, Washington DC 20016
October 20-21, 2006

“Opening Doors of Hope in Faith”


The 8th International Conference offers you the opportunity to hear from church and community leaders about the present conditions and future hopes of Holy Land Christians. Among the many informative presentations, we plan:
- An interesting and timely discussion on the theology of Christian Zionism,
- A Message from Jerusalem delivered by seeveral bishops speaking in ecumenical unity,
- A conversation about renewing hope in thhe peace process from Christian, Jewish, and Muslim perspectives.

First Arab Christian Conference
The First Arab Christian Conference convenes on Monday, Oct. 23 at the Pope John Paul II Cultural Center. Invitees from the Arab Christian community will consider “The New Role of the Arab Christian” in an effort to develop a unified voice. They will work in support of indigenous Christians to bring peace to all the inhabitants of the Holy Land.  

Ecumenical Prayer for Peace
An Ecumenical Prayer for Peace will be said at four o'clock on Sunday afternoon, Oct. 22. You can join your prayers in a powerful expression of ecumenical unity, as we “pray for the peace of Jerusalem” and all the inhabitants of the Holy Land.

Commander meets with Friends of the Holy Land
(submitted August 4, 2006)

The Commander of the Southern Region travelled to Sarasota, Florida where he met with Tampa area director for the Friends of the Holy Land. Francis (Frank) J. Smith received the Pilgrim Shell designating him a Friend of the Holy Land in a private meeting. The Commander lauded Frank for his stalwart efforts in supplying many bags of clothing for our friends in the Holy Land. In turn, Frank praised the support received from Angelo Santella who charitably provides transportation between Tampa and Miami where the goods are packed and readied for shipment to the Holy Land. Frank is also researching alternate methods to ship larger containers through several ports into the
areas within the Mid East.

Frank will be the impetus for expanding the Friends of the Holy Land in the Tampa hinterland.

HCEF Awards
(posted August 2, 2006)

The following article appears through the courtesy of Jean-Paul Gautier, Esq. who will become a member of the Order on September 23, 2006 during the Provincial Investiture Ceremony to be held in New York.

HCEF has the privilege of acknowledging the work of individuals and institutions who have offered especially meritorious service to the benefit of Christians of the Holy Land.  Each of the award recipients has devoted countless time and energy to the effort of opening the doors of peace, justice, and opportunity for the Christians of the Holy Land.  Because the unique work of these individuals and organizations stretches across geographical, denominational, vocational, and religious lines, the need for furthering hope for Christians in the region is heard by many who would not otherwise know of this great need. This year, the HCEF Board of Directors is proud to honor two individuals and two organizations with two different awards.

The Awards Banquet will be held on Friday, October 20, 2006 at the Hyatt Regency Bethesda, One Bethesda Metro Center, Bethesda, MD 20814.

The 2006 Awardees are:

Holy Land Christian Ecumenical Foundation Awards, presented to individuals:
This annual award is given to an individual who has dedicated his or her life to preserving the presence of Christians in the Holy Land.  The award recipients have demonstrated courage, determination, and action to advance the cause of justice, sustenance, and spiritual support for those who follow the teachings of Jesus Christ and live in the land where He was born, taught, and rose again from the dead.

* Archbishop Elias Chacour, Archbishop of Galilee of the Melkite Catholic Church
    Archbishop Chacour's entire ministry career has been characterized by the pursuit of justice for the Christians of the Holy Land, from his initial efforts as a local priest, to his influential writings, to his founding of the Mar Elias Educational Institution, and even up to the present with his recent appointment as Archbishop of Galilee.

St. George in Zababdeh
http://www.stgeorgeinzababdeh.com/
(10 August 2005)

The Governor General called the other day and mentioned that there is a lovely little village in the Holy Land who would like to meet some new Friends.  Their Website indicates 80% unemployment in the area.  We can all imagine the sacrifices dictated by that situation.  You can introduce yourselves by clicking on the link http://www.stgeorgeinzababdeh.com.  The Miami contingency will direct some its support to St. George starting with its next shipment later this coming week.  I invite others of a like mind to hop on board and get to know our brethren in Zababdeh.

Year of the Eucharist
(summarized 09 July 2005)

A document, currently in draft form titled, The Eucharist:  Source and Summit of the Life and Mission of the Church, was written based on responses received by bishops from around the world.  The paper covers a range of issues related to the Eucharist and is critical of abuses of the sacrament and supports the need for better instruction to insure it remains sacred.  The final document will be developed during the global synod of bishops October 2-23, 2005 in Rome.  In one section, the paper criticized the faithful who support Catholic politicians who back abortion and other policies contrary to church teaching.  Further it states that some receive Communion while denying the teachings of the church or publicly supporting immoral choices in life, such as abortion, without thinking that they are committing an act of grave personal dishonesty and causing scandal.

ICON ON ICE
(related 10 May 2005)
If you have ever participated in a Friends of the Holy Land packing party (they can be fun!), you may be able to relate to the following.  The Regional Commander and Lady Delores had the distinct pleasure to host the Governor-General, His Excellency Ernest F. Russo and Grand Chaplain Archimandrite Gregory (Wendt) at their home for dinner during the Governor-General's recent stay in Miami to officiate the 2005 Investiture Ceremony (see article below).  After dinner, the Governor-General casually mentioned that he was sending a package after he returned to the Provincial Headquarters in New York.  I mentioned that we would be gone about a week, but my neighbor would retrieve our mail and keep on eye out for any packages that might arrive.  Upon our return the following Sunday evening, I went across the street to secure our mail.  My gracious neighbor mentioned that he had picked up a package by the door earlier in the week.  However, upon reading the advertisement, he decided he should refrigerate the package, but he did not know exactly how many hours had passed since it was dropped off at the house.  He calmly opened the refrigerator and gingerly handed my prize to me.  According to the outside of the box it brightly and happily displayed wording that it was a gift of Omaha Steaks!  My initial reaction was, the Governor-General must be mad!  I told him we would be gone approximately one week!  Who in their right mind would deliver Omaha Steaks at anybody's door in the Miami heat?  Now, fortunately, the Governor-General represents himself as a rational, intelligent (and gifted) individual.  Therefore, I knew there must me more here than meets the eye.  However, the heft of the package and a perfunctory shake of the item indicated that there could actually be a steak, or two, inside.  In our kitchen, as I frantically hacked at the package with a steak knife in preparation for the grand opening (and disappointment at having to toss the contents in the garbage), I began to conjure up some kind of lame excuse, or worse yet, a little white lie, thanking Ernie for the wonderful and thoughtfully delicious repast.  But, as we are all painfully aware, our worst fears seldom come to pass.  We aggravate, we deliberate, we pass judgment, but, in the final analysis, it is most often for naught.  And happily to report, nothing changes.  The Friends of the Holy Land salvage many boxes with most unlikely advertising within which to pack our gifts.  After a frenetic attempt to salvage the contents, all was calm, all was well, all became self-evident.  My wife and I were presented with a beautiful Russian icon of the Most Holy Theotokos to commemorate the visit of the Governor-General to our humble home.  Thank you, Ernie!

VISITATION
(May, 2005)

The Regional Commander and Grand Officer Delores Wolff recently visited St. Nicholas of Myra Byzantine Catholic Church in Orlando, Florida.  The Saturday evening Vigil Mass was celebrated by Father Sal Pignato who delivered an inspirational message to the parish.  Father Sal is an eloquent and highly energetic cleric whose enthusiasm is evident as he spreads the Holy Word.  When visiting Orlando, we highly recommend attending services at St. Nicholas, 5135 Sand Lake Road, Orlando, Florida 32819.  Call (407) 351-0133 for the Mass schedule.

St. Nicholas of Myra

2005 Ceremony of Investiture
(Submitted by the Regional Commander, April 30. 2005)

     The Southern Region of the Patriarchal Order of the Holy Cross of Jerusalem convened its annual Ceremony of Investiture on Friday evening, April 22, 2005 after Vespers at the Protection of the Most Holy Theotokos Monastery in Miami, Florida. 

     The Governor General, Ernest F. Russo, took command of the proceedings which confirmed the promotion of the Regional Commander, Bernard W. Wolff to Grand Officer and the advancement of Delores J. Wolff to Lady of Honor with placque (Grand Officer).  In addition Fayes Thomas, KCCJ was recognized as the new Deputy Commander for the Southern Region.

     One of the highlights of the evening was the investiture of G. Carroll Arrowood into the ranks of Knighthood.  Sir Carroll, who is from North Carolina, flew in especially for the ceremony.  In addition, three new members of the Friends of the Holy Land were admitted to the ranks – Mark Myers, Simone Zontini and Joseph George, Esq.

     All present were gifted a beautiful rosary from the Governor General.  The rosary is made from the olive trees that grow in the Holy Land and was imported from Jerusalem.  It made a wonderful memento of the occasion.

    A reception on the monastery grounds followed, sponsored by Grand Chaplains, the Right Reverend Archimandrite Gregory (Wendt) and Hiermonk Damien (Gibault).  Father Nicholas and several monks also were in attendance.

     Later the gathering proceeded to the well-known, elegant Christy’s restaurant in Coral Gables, Florida to continue the evening which was punctuated by toasts to the late John Paul II and to the recent elevation of Cardinal Ratzinger to His Holiness, Benedict XVI

 Fayes Thomas, Jr., Esq., KCCJ appointed
Deputy Commander for the Southern Region
(February 17, 2005)


Fayes Thomas, Jr. Esq., KCCJ

Fayes is a long-time member of Our Lady of Lebanon Catholic Church in Miami, Florida.  He and his lovely wife June, are very active in the Maronite Rite.  Our new Deputy Commander's sage advice and counseling will lend much support to the good deeds of the Order.  Let us welcome Fayes and pray for his successful mission to assist the Commander and alleviate the distress in the Holy Land.

Thomas Lutfey, KCJ, named
Director of Membership
(March 2, 2005)


Thomas Lutfey, KCJ

Please congratulate Thomas in his duties as he executes his ministry welcoming new members to the Order and to the Friends of the Holy Land.  Thomas and his lady, Isabel,, are young, active members of Saint Jude Catholic Church in Miami, Florida.  They, and the entire family, have become an integral part of the parish and are know as hard working supporters within the eclectic community that comprises the Greek-Melkite Catholic Church within the Archdiocese of Newton.

First Visit of the new Provincial Grand Prior to the Regional Headquarter's area
(as reported by the Commander)

The Provincial Grand Prior  blessed the Miami area with an Eparchal visit the weekend of February 19th through February 21, 2005.  His Excellency's visit coincided with the 28th anniversary of Saint Jude Greek-Melkite Catholic Church.  A Pontifical High Mass, con-celebrated by Their Excellencies Cyril S. Bustros and John A. Elya and Monsignor Gabriel Ghanoum, was a signatory event for the Southern Region.  The Archdiocese of Miami, represented by His Excellency John Favalora and Monsignor Michael Soukar heralded a convocation of the Latin and Byzantine Rites.  As expressed by Archbishop John Elya, the two lungs of the Catholic Church are alive and well and are instrumental to the health of Catholicism.  Father Naim Kabil and the Saint Jude choir, augmented by members of the Maronite choir from of Our Lady of Lebanon, rendered an exquisite rendition of the Kyrie Eleison among additional hymns.  There production was absolutely magnicficent!  Twenty members of the Patriarchal Order of the Holy Cross of Jerusalem processed into Saint Jude and aided in creating a reverential ambience setting the pace for the following religious ceremony.

Monsignor Ghanoum recognized the Order at  dinner  that Saturday evening and the well-attended luncheon after Mass on Sunday.

Monday, four members of the Order; Grand Officer and Commander of the Southern Region Bernard W. Wolff, GOCJ, Sir Raymond Kayal KCJ, (event organizer), Sir Raffoul Ajami, KCJ  and Sir Monem Massawi, KCJ, parish council president, feasted with the Grand Prior, His Excellency Cyril Bustros, His Excellency John Elya, Monsignor Ghanoum, Father Naim and Deacon Magdi, discussing matters of international  and local  import.  A kind thank you is offered to Mr. Michael Masrieh for his considerations.

Synopsis of a Memorandum from
Msgr. Archimandrite Robert L. Stern
Secretary General, CNEWA
(date:  12 January 2005)

In his memorandum Monsignor Stern writes that he had met with Mayor Hanna Nasser of Bethlehem in his office.  He was anguished about the plight of his town, the birthplace of Jesus.  The construction of the barrier wall is cutting away portions of the city and provoking a new exodus of Bethlehemites from the Holy Land.  The town is increasingly constricted and isolated.  Mayor Nasser does his very best to serve his community with very limited funds and staff.   He urged Monsignor Stern to tell the world.
 

  Letter from Thomas Lutfey, KCJ
      (Sir Thomas forwards an article he read about positive news he found in a recent story in CNEWA.)
 

     A new Catholic grammar school made possible through CNEWA’s labor intensive community development program opened in the central Palestinian town of Jifna in late September.