History of Hospitals

“And great crowds came to him, bringing with them the lame, the blind, the crippled, the mute, and many others, and they put them at his feet; and he healed them.” Matthew 15:30, ESV

The Bible is filled with stories of healing. The Hebrew Bible recounts numerous stories. Elisha instructs Naaman how to be healed by dipping seven times in the Jordan. Several psalms are cries for healing. And prophecies of Isaiah speak of the future healing of God’s people. In the New Testament, Jesus of Nazareth and his apostles heal many people, as recorded in the Gospels and the book of Acts.

In the early Christian church, hospitals and hospices were established to care for the sick. Among the first were Saint Basil’s hospital in Cappadocia (today’s Turkey) and a hospice in Rome, where Saint Fabiola cared for pilgrims. Soon, monks were operating hospitals across Europe, North Africa and the Middle East. Similarly, Jewish communities also opened hospices or hospitals for those who were marginalized in their communities.

As the modern age dawned, these Jewish and Christian hospitals modernized, too. In 1747, John Wesley, the theologian and founder of the Methodist movement, published a collection of health advice, believing God cares about the health of the body as well as the soul. His book provides remedies for hundreds of ailments and advice for preventing disease and maintaining healthy habits. In the mid-1800s, the mother of modern nursing, Florence Nightingale, stated, “I don’t think any words have had a fuller possession of my mind through life than Christ’s putting himself in the place of the sick, the infirm, the prisoner.”

The first modern Jewish hospital also opened in the mid-1800s. The Jews Hospital, renamed Mount Sinai Hospital in 1869, opened in 1852. By 1966, there were 64 Jewish hospitals operating in the United States alone. Both Christian and Jewish hospitals served the needs of all people — including non-Christian and non-Jewish.

Who Founded the Ancient Christian Pentarchy, the Later Patriarchates, the Autonomous Orthodox Churches, and Autocephalous Orthodox Churches?

The Short answer is Jesus Christ and the Holy Spirit through the Apostles founded the Orthodox Christian Church. But you may not know who founded each local Orthodox Church. Many were founded by the 12 Apostles, but some were founded by the 70 Apostles (Luke 10:1–24) or later Saints who were called Apostles to other lands because of their missionary work on founding many churches and translating the Bible and Service Books into the local languages. So here is a list which is now also in the right row of links as well:

ORTHODOX CHRISTIAN CHURCH PENTARCHY OF PATRIARCHATES

• The Ecumenical Patriarchate of Constantinople (Orthodox Church of Rome) was founded by Saint Andrew the First-Called Apostle
• The Patriarchate of Alexandria (Orthodox Church of Egypt) was founded by Saint Mark the Apostle & Evangelist
• The Patriarchate of Antioch (Orthodox Church of Syria) was founded by Saint Peter the Chief Apostle
• The Patriarchate of Jerusalem (Orthodox Church of Palestine) was founded by Saint Iakovos (James) the Apostle & Brother of the Lord
• The Patriarchate of Moscow (Orthodox Church of Russia) was founded by Saints Cyril & Methodius the Apostles to the Slavs

NON-PENTARCHY ORTHODOX CHRISTIAN CHURCH PATRIARCHATES

• The Orthodox Church of Bulgaria was founded by Saint Paul the Apostle to the Gentiles
• The Orthodox Church of Georgia was founded by Saint Andrew the First-Called Apostle
• The Orthodox Church of Romania was founded by Saint Andrew the First-Called Apostle
• The Orthodox Church of Serbia was founded by Saints Cyril & Methodius the Apostles to the Slavs

APOSTOLIC ORTHODOX CHRISTIAN CHURCHES

• The Orthodox Church of Albania was founded by Saint Paul the Apostle to the Gentiles
• The Orthodox Church of Cyprus was founded by Saint Barnabas the Apostle of the Seventy
• The Orthodox Church of Greece was founded by Saint Paul the Apostle to the Gentiles
• The Orthodox Church of Poland was founded by Saints Cyril & Methodius the Apostles to the Slavs
• The Orthodox Church of the Czech Lands & Slovakia was founded by Saints Cyril & Methodius the Apostles to the Slavs

AUTONOMOUS ORTHODOX CHRISTIAN CHURCHES

• The Orthodox Church of Belarus was founded by Saints Cyril & Methodius the Apostles to the Slavs
• The Orthodox Church of Bessarabia was founded by Saint Andrew the First-Called Apostle
• The Orthodox Church of China was founded by Saint Thomas the Apostle of the Twelve
• The Orthodox Church of Crete was founded by Saint Titus the Apostle of the Seventy
• The Orthodox Church of Estonia was founded by the Saint Yaroslav the Wise Prince
• The Orthodox Church of Finland was founded​ by Saint Willibrord the Apostle to the Frisians
• The Orthodox Church of Japan was founded by Saint Nicholas (Nikolai) the Apostle to the Japanese
• The Orthodox Church of Latvia was founded by Saint Bruno (Boniface) of Querfurt the Apostle to the Prussians
• The Orthodox Church of Moldova was founded by Saint Andrew the First-Called Apostle
• The Orthodox Church of Ohrid was founded by Saint Justinian the Great Emperor
• The Orthodox Church of Sinai was founded by Saint Helena (Helen) the Empress & Saint Constantine the Great Emperor
• The Orthodox Church of Ukraine was founded by Saint Andrew the First-Called Apostle

Of note, the Orthodox Church in America (OCA) counts as its founder, Saint Herman the Wonderworker of Alaska, although when he helped establish the Orthodox Christianity in the Americas in the 1700s it was as an eparchy (diocese) of the Russian Orthodox Church since Alaska was still part of Russia.

Saints Olga the Empress & Vladimir the Prince, and the Baptism of Rus'

In 957, Saint Olga visited Emperor Constantine VII in Constantinople. He admired her looks and intelligence, noting to her that 'You are fit to reign in this city with us.' She agreed to be Baptized and thus became a Christian, with name Helen, after the Patriarch Polyeuctus had instructed her in the faith. Before her Baptism, Constantine asked her hand in marriage, but Olga deferred claiming that she wanted to be Baptised an Orthodox Christian first. Again, after the Baptism, Constantine requested her hand in marriage, but the quick-thinking Olga tricked him (since he was her Godfather in Baptism), noting that he called her his daughter in Baptism and so such a union is forbidden under Christian law. While Constantine commented to Olga about her trickery, he lavished gifts on her when she returned to Kiev. In Kiev she instructed her son, Svyatoslav, and entreated him to be baptized. While he could not bring himself to commit to Baptism, he would not forbid others.

In 968, while Svyatoslav was occupied elsewhere, Pechenegs surrounded Kiev in a siege where Olga was living, caring for her grandsons Yaropolk, Oleg, and Vladimir. As the people became weaker with hunger and lack of water, Olga inspired a lad to escape the siege and bring relief. By this time sickness had come upon the aging Princess Olga. At the same time her son wanted to move his residence to Pereyaslav on the Danube River, leaving Olga in Kiev. Olga restrained Svyatoslav from leaving until after she had died. She died on July 11, 969 and was buried by a priest, having ordered that there would not be a funeral feast.

While Olga was not successful in converting her son or many others to the Christian faith, her example may have been a great influence on her grandson, Vladimir, who in 988 became an Orthodox Christian and led the inhabitants of Kiev and Rus' to follow him in the Baptism of Rus'. For her leadership in bringing Christianity to Russia, she is considered the first saint of the Russian Orthodox Church.

Introduction of Christianity into the lands of the Slavs began at least a century before the great event in Kiev. Traditionally, the missionary brothers Saints Cyril & Methodius are credited with bringing Orthodox Christianity to the Slavs, in their own language, in the 860s, although the southern Slavs had already known Christianity thanks to Saint Andrew the Apostle. Among the eastern Slavs, whose ruling princes, the Rus, were descended from the Varangian (Norse) chieftains/traders, introduction of Christianity appears to have occurred in several stages.

As early as 867, Patriarch Photius of Constantinople advised the other Orthodox Patriarchs that members of the Rus, who had been baptized by his bishops, had become enthusiastic Christians. As the Primary Chronicle and other sources noted the Rus of the ninth century remained staunch pagans, and the outcome of the missionary efforts of Photius’ bishops is not clear. Constantine VII and later Byzantine historians, including John Skylitzes and John Zonaras, continued to maintain a story of Christianization of the Rus, including enumeration of Orthodox Sees among the Rus.

The Primary Chronicle notes that a sizable part of the population of Kiev was Christian in the mid tenth century although noting the ruling princes continued following pagan customs. The Chronicle describes the actions in the mid tenth century of the ruling regent of Kiev, Princess Olga of Kiev, who visited Constantinople with a Priest Gregory. While it is unclear when and where she was Baptized, she became an Orthodox Christian and attempted to convert her son, Svyatoslav. But, he remained a stubborn pagan to his death in 972. His son and successor, Yaropolk I, appeared to be conciliatory towards Christianity and may have entertained visiting Christian missionaries.

After Yaropolk’s death in 980 and the ascension of his brother Vladimir as the ruling prince, Vladimir led a pagan reaction to Christianization efforts. This revitalization of pagan worship failed, however. By the mid 980s Vladimir realized the need to adopt the true religion. In 987, as reported in the Primary Chronicle, and after consulting with his boyars (knights), Vladimir dispatched envoys to study the religions of neighboring nations. Upon returning, the envoys reported their impressions, noting their objections to the religions of the Muslims, Jews, and German Christianity, while expressing the joy of the festive ritual in the cathedral Hagia Sophia in Constantinople.

Concurrently, Emperor Basil II in Constantinople approached Vladimir for aid suppressing a revolt of some of his generals. In response, Vladimir sent troops to help Basil put down the revolt. As part of their earlier agreement, Vladimir was baptized with the Christian name Basil, and followed his baptism by a marriage to Basil II’s sister, Anna Porphyrogenita in the town of Chersonesos in Crimea.

Having accepted Christianity, Vladimir then called the people of Kiev to Baptism in the Dnieper River - the iconic event of the Baptism of Rus'. First, Vladimir’s twelve sons and many boyars were baptized. Then, the next day all the residents of Kiev were called to the river, where the Orthodox priests completed the sacrament of baptism. In the following days the ceremony was observed throughout the realm of Vladimir, Grand Prince of Kiev and Novgorod.

By the act of Baptizing his subjects, Vladimir signaled the acceptance of Orthodox Christianity as his state religion. Also, it was this event that Russia, the lands of the Rus and the Slavic east, entered into the greater Christian world as part of the Hellenic Christian heritage. For the Byzantines, the Baptism of the Russians signified their integration into the Byzantine Roman empire itself."

Saint George the Great-Martyr, Victory-Bearer, and Wonderworker; Patron Saint of Scouting

The Holy Great Martyr George the Victory-Bearer, was a native of Cappadocia (a district in Asia Minor), and he grew up in a deeply believing Christian family. His father was martyred for Christ when George was still a child. His mother, owning lands in Palestine, moved there with her son and raised him in strict piety.

When he became a man, Saint George entered into the service of the Roman army. He was handsome, brave and valiant in battle, and he came to the notice of the emperor Diocletian (284-305) and joined the imperial guard with the rank of comites, or military commander.

The pagan emperor, who did much for the restoration of Roman might, was clearly concerned with the danger presented to pagan civilization by the triumph of the Crucified Savior, and intensified his persecution against the Christians in the final years of his reign. Following the advice of the Senate at Nicomedia, Diocletian gave all his governors full freedom in their court proceedings against Christians, and he promised them his full support.

Saint George, when he heard the decision of the emperor, distributed all his wealth to the poor, freed his servants, and then appeared in the Senate. The brave soldier of Christ spoke out openly against the emperor’s designs. He confessed himself a Christian, and appealed to all to acknowledge Christ: “I am a servant of Christ, my God, and trusting in Him, I have come among you voluntarily, to bear witness concerning the Truth.”

“What is Truth?” one of the dignitaries asked, echoing the question of Pontius Pilate. The saint replied, “Christ Himself, Whom you persecuted, is Truth.”

Stunned by the bold speech of the valiant warrior, the emperor, who had loved and promoted George, attempted to persuade him not to throw away his youth and glory and honors, but rather to offer sacrifice to the gods as was the Roman custom. The confessor replied, “Nothing in this inconstant life can weaken my resolve to serve God.”

Then by order of the enraged emperor the armed guards began to push Saint George out of the assembly hall with their spears, and they then led him off to prison. But the deadly steel became soft and it bent, just as the spears touched the saint’s body, and it caused him no harm. In prison they put the martyr’s feet in stocks and placed a heavy stone on his chest.

The next day at the interrogation, powerless but firm of spirit, Saint George again answered the emperor, “You will grow tired of tormenting me sooner than I will tire of being tormented by you.” Then Diocletian gave orders to subject Saint George to some very intense tortures. They tied the Great Martyr to a wheel, beneath which were boards pierced with sharp pieces of iron. As the wheel turned, the sharp edges slashed the saint’s naked body.

At first the sufferer loudly cried out to the Lord, but soon he quieted down, and did not utter even a single groan. Diocletian decided that the tortured one was already dead, and he gave orders to remove the battered body from the wheel, and then went to a pagan temple to offer thanks.

At this very moment it got dark, thunder boomed, and a voice was heard: “Fear not, George, for I am with you.” Then a wondrous light shone, and at the wheel an angel of the Lord appeared in the form of a radiant youth. He placed his hand upon the martyr, saying to him, “Rejoice!” Saint George stood up healed.

When the soldiers led him to the pagan temple where the emperor was, the emperor could not believe his own eyes and he thought that he saw before him some other man or even a ghost. In confusion and in terror the pagans looked Saint George over carefully, and they became convinced that a miracle had occurred. Many then came to believe in the Life-Creating God of the Christians.

Two illustrious officials, Saints Anatolius and Protoleon, who were secretly Christians, openly confessed Christ. Immediately, without a trial, they were beheaded with the sword by order of the emperor. Also present in the pagan temple was Empress Alexandra, the wife of Diocletian, and she also knew the truth. She was on the point of glorifying Christ, but one of the servants of the emperor took her and led her off to the palace.

The emperor became even more furious. He had not lost all hope of influencing Saint George, so he gave him over to new and fearsome torments. After throwing him into a deep pit, they covered it over with lime. Three days later they dug him out, but found him cheerful and unharmed. They shod the saint in iron sandals with red-hot nails, and then drove him back to the prison with whips. In the morning, when they led him back to the interrogation, cheerful and with healed feet, the emperor asked if he liked his shoes. The saint said that the sandals had been just his size. Then they beat him with ox thongs until pieces of his flesh came off and his blood soaked the ground, but the brave sufferer, strengthened by the power of God, remained unyielding.

The emperor concluded that the saint was being helped by magic, so he summoned the sorcerer Athanasius to deprive the saint of his miraculous powers, or else poison him. The sorcerer gave Saint George two goblets containing drugs. One of them would have quieted him, and the other would kill him. The drugs had no effect, and the saint continued to denounce the pagan superstitions and glorify God as before.

When the emperor asked what sort of power was helping him, Saint George said, “Do not imagine that it is any human learning which keeps me from being harmed by these torments. I am saved only by calling upon Christ and His Power. Whoever believes in Him has no regard for tortures and is able to do the things that Christ did” (John 14:12). Diocletian asked what sort of things Christ had done. The Martyr replied, “He gave sight to the blind, cleansed the lepers, healed the lame, gave hearing to the deaf, cast out demons, and raised the dead.”

Knowing that they had never been able to resurrect the dead through sorcery, nor by any of the gods known to him, and wanting to test the saint, the emperor commanded him to raise up a dead person before his eyes. The saint retorted, “You wish to tempt me, but my God will work this sign for the salvation of the people who shall see the power of Christ.”

When they led Saint George down to the graveyard, he cried out, “O Lord! Show to those here present, that You are the only God in all the world. Let them know You as the Almighty Lord.” Then the earth quaked, a grave opened, the dead one emerged from it alive. Having seen with their own eyes the Power of Christ, the people wept and glorified the true God.

The sorcerer Athanasius, falling down at the feet of Saint George, confessed Christ as the All-Powerful God and asked forgiveness for his sins, committed in ignorance. The obdurate emperor in his impiety thought otherwise. In a rage, he commanded both Athanasius and the man raised from the dead to be beheaded, and he had Saint George again locked up in prison.

The people, weighed down with their infirmities, began to visit the prison and they there received healing and help from the saint. A certain farmer named Glycerius, whose ox had collapsed, also visited him. The saint consoled him and assured him that God would restore his ox to life. When he saw the ox alive, the farmer began to glorify the God of the Christians throughout all the city. By order of the emperor, Saint Glycerius was arrested and beheaded.

The exploits and the miracles of the Great Martyr George had increased the number of the Christians, therefore Diocletian made a final attempt to compel the saint to offer sacrifice to the idols. They set up a court at the pagan temple of Apollo. On the final night the holy martyr prayed fervently, and as he slept, he saw the Lord, Who raised him up with His hand, and embraced him. The Savior placed a crown on Saint George’s head and said, “Fear not, but have courage, and you will soon come to Me and receive what has been prepared for you.”

In the morning, the emperor offered to make Saint George his co-administrator, second only to himself. The holy martyr with a feigned willingness answered, “Caesar, you should have shown me this mercy from the very beginning, instead of torturing me. Let us go now to the temple and see the gods you worship.”

Diocletian believed that the martyr was accepting his offer, and he followed him to the pagan temple with his retinue and all the people. Everyone was certain that Saint George would offer sacrifice to the gods. The saint went up to the idol, made the Sign of the Cross and addressed it as if it were alive: “Are you the one who wants to receive from me sacrifice befitting God?”

The demon inhabiting the idol cried out, “I am not a god and none of those like me is a god, either. The only God is He Whom you preach. We are fallen angels, and we deceive people because we are jealous.”

Saint George cried out, “How dare you remain here, when I, the servant of the true God, have entered?” Then noises and wailing were heard from the idols, and they fell to the ground and were shattered.

There was general confusion. In a frenzy, pagan priests and many of the crowd seized the holy martyr, tied him up, and began to beat him. They also called for his immediate execution.

The holy empress Alexandra tried to reach him. Pushing her way through the crowd, she cried out, “O God of George, help me, for You Alone are All-Powerful.” At the feet of the Great Martyr the holy empress confessed Christ, Who had humiliated the idols and those who worshipped them.

Diocletian immediately pronounced the death sentence on the Great Martyr George and the holy Empress Alexandra, who followed Saint George to execution without resisting. Along the way she felt faint and slumped against a wall. There she surrendered her soul to God.

Saint George gave thanks to God and prayed that he would also end his life in a worthy manner. At the place of execution the saint prayed that the Lord would forgive the torturers who acted in ignorance, and that He would lead them to the knowledge of Truth. Calmly and bravely, the holy Great Martyr George bent his neck beneath the sword, receiving the crown of martyrdom on April 23, 303.

The pagan era was coming to an end, and Christianity was about to triumph. Within ten years, Saint Constantine would issue the Edict of Milan, granting religious freedom to Christians.

Of the many miracles worked by the holy Great Martyr George, the most famous are depicted in iconography. In the saint’s native city of Beirut were many idol-worshippers. Outside the city, near Mount Lebanon, was a large lake, inhabited by an enormous dragon-like serpent. Coming out of the lake, it devoured people, and there was nothing anyone could do, since the breath from its nostrils poisoned the very air.

On the advice of the demons inhabiting the idols, the local ruler came to a decision. Each day the people would draw lots to feed their own children to the serpent, and he promised to sacrifice his only daughter when his turn came. That time did come, and the ruler dressed her in her finest attire, then sent her off to the lake. The girl wept bitterly, awaiting her death. Unexpectedly for her, Saint George rode up on his horse with spear in hand. The girl implored him not to leave her, lest she perish.

The saint signed himself with the Sign of the Cross. He rushed at the serpent saying, “In the Name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit.” Saint George pierced the throat of the serpent with his spear and trampled it with his horse. Then he told the girl to bind the serpent with her sash, and lead it into the city like a dog on a leash.

The people fled in terror, but the saint halted them with the words: “Don’t be afraid, but trust in the Lord Jesus Christ and believe in Him, since it is He Who sent me to save you.” Then the saint killed the serpent with a sword, and the people burned it outside the city. Twenty-five thousand men, not counting women and children, were then baptized. Later, a church was built and dedicated to the Most Holy Theotokos and the Great Martyr George.

Saint George went on to become a talented officer and to amaze the world by his military exploits. He died before he was thirty years old. He is known as Victory Bearer, not only for his military achievements, but for successfully enduring martyrdom. As we know, the martyrs are commemorated in the dismissal at the end of Church services as “the holy, right victorious martyr....”

Saint George was the patron saint and protector of several of the great builders of the Russian state. Saint Vladimir’s son, Yaroslav the Wise (in holy Baptism George), advanced the veneration of the saint in the Russian Church. He built the city of Yuriev [i.e., “of Yurii.” “Yurii” is the diminutive of “George”, as “Ivan” is of “John”], he also founded the Yuriev monastery at Novgorod, and he built a church of Saint George the Victory Bearer at Kiev.

The day of the consecration of Saint George’s Church in Kiev, November 26, 1051 by Saint Hilarion, Metropolitan of Kiev and All Rus, has entered into the liturgical treasury of the Church as a special church feastday. Yuriev Day is beloved by the Russian people as an “autumn Feast of Saint George.”

The name of Saint George was also borne by the founder of Moscow, Yurii Dolgoruky (+ 1157), who was the builder of many churches dedicated to Saint George, and the builder of the city of Yuriev-Polsk. In the year 1238 the heroic fight of the Russian nation against the Mongol Horde was led by the Great Prince Yurii (George) Vsevolodovich of Vladimir (February 4), who fell at the Battle at the Sita River. His memory, like that of Igor the Brave, and defender of his land, was celebrated in Russian spiritual poems and ballads.

The first Great Prince of Moscow, when Moscow had become the center of the Russian Land, was Yurii Danilovich (+ 1325), the son of Saint Daniel of Moscow, and grandson of Saint Alexander Nevsky. From that time Saint George the Victory Bearer, depicted as a horseman slaying the serpent, appeared on Moscow’s coat of arms, and became an emblem of the Russian state. This has strengthened Russia’s connections with Christian nations, and especially with Iberia (Georgia, the Land of Saint George).

Saint George is the Patron Saint of Aragon in Spain, Beirut in Lebanon, the Boy Scouts of America, Bulgaria, England, Ethiopia, Georgia, the Hellenic Army, Malta, Montenegro, Moscow in Russia, Palestine, Portugal, Sufferers of Skin Diseases, the U.S. Army's Armor Branch, and World Scouting.

Saint George's Feast Day is celebrated on April 23rd. He is commemorated on April 24th in the Czech Republic and Hungary; In Georgia he is also commemorated on both April 23rd and November 23rd. When Pascha (Easter) falls on the Feast Day of Saint George, his feast day is transferred to Bright (Easter) Monday instead.

1st through 3rd grade Eastern Orthodox Scouts (Tiger, Wolf and Bear Cub Scout in the Boy Scouts of America and Daisies and Brownies in the Girl Scouts of the U.S.A.) can earn a Saint George Medal after completing the Saint George Program offered by the EOCS: Eastern Orthodox Committee of Scouting, an agency of the Assembly of Canonical Orthodox Bishops of the United States of America.

To learn even more about Saint George be sure to read this amazing book: "The Martyrdom of Saint George of Cappadocia" from the All Time Heroes from All Times Series. I cannot recommend this book enough for both youth and adults!

Troparion

You were bound for good deeds, O martyr of Christ: George; by faith you conquered the torturer’s godlessness. You were offered as a sacrifice pleasing to God;thus you received the crown of victory. Through your intercessions, forgiveness of sins is granted to all.

Kontakion

God raised you as his own gardener, O George, for you have gathered for yourself the sheaves of virtue. Having sown in tears, you now reap with joy; you shed your blood in combat and won Christ as your crown. Through your intercessions, forgiveness of sins is granted to all.

Saint Patrick the Enlightener of Ireland

Saint Patrick, the Apostle of the Irish, was seized from his native Britain by Irish marauders when he was sixteen years old. Though the son of a deacon and a grandson of a priest, it was not until his captivity that he sought out the Lord with his whole heart. In his Confession, the testament he wrote towards the end of his life, he says, "After I came to Ireland - every day I had to tend sheep, and many times a day I prayed - the love of God and His fear came to me more and more, and my faith was strengthened. And my spirit was so moved that in a single day I would say as many as a hundred prayers, and almost as many at night, and this even when I was staying in the woods and on the mountain; and I would rise for prayer before daylight, through snow, through frost, through rain, and I felt no harm." After six years of slavery in Ireland, he was guided by God to make his escape, and afterwards struggled in the monastic life at Auxerre in Gaul, under the guidance of the holy Bishop Germanus. Many years later he was ordained bishop and sent to Ireland once again, about the year 432, to convert the Irish to Christ. His arduous labours bore so much fruit that within seven years, three bishops were sent from Gaul to help him shepherd his flock, "my brethren and sons whom I have baptized in the Lord - so many thousands of people," he says in his Confession. His apostolic work was not accomplished without much "weariness and painfulness," long journeys through difficult country, and many perils; he says his very life was in danger twelve times. When he came to Ireland as its enlightener, it was a pagan country; when he ended his earthly life some thirty years later, about 461, the Faith of Christ was established in every corner. His Feast Day is celebrated on March 17th in the Orthodox Church.

Apolytikion 

O Holy Hierarch, equal of the Apostles, Saint Patrick, wonderworker and enlightener of Ireland: Intercede with the merciful God that He grant unto our souls forgiveness of offences.

Kontakion

The Master revealed thee as a skillful fisher of men; and casting forth nets of Gospel preaching, thou drewest up the heathen to piety. Those who were the children of idolatrous darkness thou didst render sons of day through holy Baptism. O Patrick, intercede for us who honour thy memory.

Venturing and Sea Scouts' TRUST Award Requirements

The following are the requirements for the Venturing and Sea Scouting TRUST Award. T.R.U.S.T. stands for:

• Tending
• Respecting
• Understanding
• Serving
• Transforming

I. Tending Your Faith and Beliefs

Complete the following:

1. Receive the religious emblem appropriate to your age and religious affiliation. (This is the Alpha Omega Award for Orthodox Christian Scouts in the United States of America.)

2. Visit with your religious leader and discuss your beliefs and why you accept those beliefs. Compare your personal beliefs with those formally accepted by your religion. Following this discussion, write an essay explaining your beliefs and review it with your religious leader and your crew Advisor. Make a 15- to 20-minute presentation to your crew or another youth group explaining your beliefs.

3. Explain the Scout Oath and the Scout Law in your own words. Explain how they have an effect on your daily life, your life goals, and how you live your life as a part of your community.

II. Respecting Beliefs of Others'

Complete the following:

1. Talk with a history/social studies teacher, attorney or other legal professional, or other knowledgeable adult about the U.S. Bill of Rights, and especially about the concept of freedom of religion. What did this concept mean to our founding fathers? What does this concept mean today? What limitations have been imposed on this freedom? What happens when freedom of religion and freedom of speech clash with each other? Hold a discussion (not debate) about freedom of religion with members of your crew.

2. Find out what religious groups are worshipping in your community, and whether they have been there for generations or whether they are relatively new to the community. Talk to at least five adults in your community about the impact various religions have on your community. Report your findings to your crew.

3. Complete at least one of the following:

a. After extensive research on a selected religion, present a report to your crew or other youth group (such as a troop, crew, ship, religious group, or school group). The report should detail the history of the religion, its modern application as a religion, and important historical events. Also include information about where and how the religion is commonly practiced. 

b. Attend a religious service/gathering/festival of one of a religion. Attend with a parent, Advisor, or religious professional. Write about your experience and how it relates to the thoughts and practices of the religion. Compare the basic tenets expressed in the religious service/gathering/ festival with those of your own religion. 

c. Meet with two youth working on a religious emblem approved by the BSA (Saint George or Chi Rho are the Eastern Orthodox Committee on Scouting Awards for younger youth). These young people can be members of the Boy Scouts of America, Girl Scouts of the USA, or any other youth organization. Discuss with them their current religious journey. 

d. Contact an official in an inter-religious organization. Discuss how religious tolerance is important in both local and global issues. 

e. Attend an inter-religious festival and talk with two people from another religion about the similarities and differences between your religion and theirs. Report your findings to your religious leader.

III. Understanding Other Cultures

Complete the following:

1. Learn about the culture you most identify with. Talk to relatives or other knowledgeable individuals to learn about your family history, cultural identity, and family identity.

2. Attend two cultural events. Supplement the information you learned at the events with research on the culture in today's global society. Compare these two events and their cultures with your own culture. Report on your findings to your crew or another youth organization.

3. Invite an adult and a youth from another culture to speak to your crew about their culture. Alternately, interview two people who were born outside the United States who have immigrated to your community or a nearby one. In either case, discuss with them why they decided to come to the United States and to your community. Discuss the differences in community between where they live now and where they lived before they emigrated.

4. Complete at least one of the following:

a. Take a course that includes study of cultural diversity. 

b. Research and present your findings about an interreligious/intercultural conflict affecting the world in historical or current times. Include how the conflict started and ended. Explore both causes and effects of the conflict, including those in the current day. Include general information about all the cultures and religions involved in the conflict. 

c. Research a cultural group that has had an impact on the U.S. melting pot. When did they begin to arrive? In what ways have they had an influence on the United States? On your community? Where have they settled; why? Report on your findings to your crew or youth group. 

d. Meet with your council Scoutreach/urban/rural executive to learn which Scoutreach programs are being used in your area and why. Learn about BSA resources designed for specific, cultural groups, and how they may differ from the resources you are familiar with.

IV. Serving Your Community

Complete the following:

1. Plan and carry out a service project to better your local community. This project should be carried out in conjunction with an established community service agency. Involve at least five other Venturers or youth in carrying out the project. The project should be well thought out and lasting in its effects. Use the Eagle or Quartermaster Service Project booklet as a guideline. Be sure this project is reported to your council as part of the Good Turn for America campaign.

2. Meet with a member of your local government. Discuss how the community governs itself on matters such as zoning, taxes, education, religion, and acceptable behavior. Report your findings to your crew or another youth group. Lead or participate in a discussion on ideas to change your community for the better.

3. Complete at least one of the following:

a. Organize a community safety program. Options include a community watch program, a latchkey program, or other program to encourage safety in your community. This cannot be the same project used for requirement No. 1 above. 

b. Work with your local chapter of the Alpha Phi Omega service fraternity. Participate in a significant percentage of service opportunities for one semester. Discuss with the fraternity adviser how to increase cooperation between the group and the local BSA council, and between the group and other student organizations at your college. 

c. Serve as an active member in a high school or college community service organization. Participate in a significant percentage of service projects for a six-month period. Explore ways to increase the participation of your organization in service opportunities, as well as ways to increase the membership of the organization. Report on how the group benefits the community. 

d. Become a volunteer first aid or swimming instructor or swimming aide with the American Red Cross or a similar organization. Teach first aid or swimming at least four times in a six-month period. Explore other volunteer opportunities with that organization. Report on your experiences at the end of this time, especially how the community benefits from the organization and from your volunteerism. 

e. Participate for six months as an active volunteer with any other community service agency approved by your Advisor. Examples are therapy or guide dogs, food pantries, hospital aides, etc. Report on your experiences at the end of this time, especially how the community benefits from the organization and from your volunteerism.

V. Transforming Our Society

Complete the following:

1. Take part in a counseling skills training session of at least eight total hours. Examples include peer counseling, suicide or abuse hotlines, and first-contact training programs, and may be provided by local service agencies/hotlines or by local government divisions. Tell your crew what you learned and how you plan to put your knowledge into action.

2. Discover what addictions are having a negative effect on your local community (such as alcohol, drugs, tobacco, gambling, pornography, etc.). Pick one of these and find out what local resources are available to deal with the problem. Talk to a counselor who deals with this issue, and tell your crew how this issue is affecting the community in which you live.

3. Lead or actively participate in at least four Ethical Controversies within a six-month period. These may be at the unit, district, or council level within Venturing, or at a youth event attended by members of several churches or religious institutions.

4. Complete at least one of the following:

a. Attend a meeting of your local board of education or city/ community council, or a session of court. Find one issue that has generated dissent or conflict, and observe how this conflict is dealt with. Follow the issue to its resolution, even if this means attending more meetings. Give a presentation to your crew or other youth group on how conflict was resolved in this case. 

b. Visit and tour a correctional facility. Talk to a correctional facility chaplain about his/her responsibilities and experiences. Ask the chaplain for stories of success/transformation that have helped former inmates become contributing members of society. 

c. Compare counseling degree programs at four different colleges or universities. Include one large public university and one small religiously based college. Look at both the types of degrees offered and the course work required for those degrees. Compare especially the religious components of such degrees. 

d. Study the document "Scouts and Peace" prepared by the World Organization of the Scout Movement. Lead a discussion with your crew about the document and how Scouts can be involved in world peace. Then prepare a 10-minute presentation on the document and give it to a Boy Scout or Girl Scout Troop.

Messengers of Peace, An Initiative Started by Two Kings

What is "Messengers of Peace"?

Messengers of Peace is a World Scout Committee initiative designed to promote and recognize service projects that contribute to world peace.

What is the program’s goal?

The goal of Messengers of Peace is to inspire millions of young men and women throughout the world to work closer toward achieving peace. Using state-of-the-art social media, the initiative lets Scouts from around the world share what they’ve done and inspire fellow Scouts to undertake similar efforts in their own communities. The result will be a mosaic of stories, data, and results showing the impact of the Scout movement—a tool for recruiting members, assuring parents, inspiring donors, and making existing members proud to be Scouts.

Who runs the program?

The initiative is inspired by the World Scout Committee, administered by the World Scout Bureau, and driven by youth volunteers worldwide. Participation by the Boy Scouts of America is being coordinated by the International Department and a team led by Peter E. Hyman.

How did the initiative come about?

The initiative stems from the 10-year-old Gifts for Peace program, which has inspired over 10 million Scouts in 110 countries to work toward peace in their local communities. After hearing about this work, King Abdullah of Saudi Arabia noted that “Scouts are the messengers of peace.” He and King Carl XVI Gustaf of Sweden, honorary chair of the World Scout Foundation, formally launched the Messengers of Peace initiative in September 2011.

What do we mean by peace?

Scouting defines peace as more than just the absence of war. In terms of the MOP initiative, peace encompasses three dimensions:

1. The personal dimension: harmony, justice, and equality
2. The community dimension: peace as opposed to hostility or violent conflict
3. Relationships between humankind and its environment: security, social and economic welfare, and relationship with the environment

What types of projects qualify as Messengers of Peace projects?

Any project that has a significant impact on the community in any one of the three dimensions above would qualify. Messengers of Peace projects include unit-level service projects, William T. Hornaday Award, and Eagle Scout service projects—any projects undertaken within a Scouting context that impact peace

How do we know if our project qualifies?

It qualifies if it meets the definition of peace given above. No one beyond the unit has to approve a project’s Messengers of Peace status.

What about projects Scouts do through schools or religious institutions?

Messengers of Peace is only designed to recognize projects undertaken through Scouting. Many of those projects may involve other organizations, which is fine, but there must be a Scouting connection.

What about Girl Scout projects?

BSA members who participate in a Girl Scout project that meets the MOP definition above are eligible to receive MOP recognition.

Can you give me some examples of qualifying projects?

Projects like these inspired the Messengers of Peace initiative:

• Scouts in El Salvador working to disband violent street gangs
• Scouts in New Orleans working on the ground to rebuild post-Katrina New Orleans
• Scouts in the Great Lakes region of Africa running an inter-ethnic peace education project
• Scouts in Sierra Leone rebuilding their communities following a decade of civil war
• Scouts in Ireland bringing young Catholics and Protestants together
• Scouts in Haiti doing work in rescue, relief, and rehabilitation after the deadly earthquake in 2010

Do we have to work with specific national organizations on Messengers of Peace projects?

No. Working with local organizations with similar goals to Messengers of Peace can be an excellent approach.

Who should report Messengers of Peace service projects?

MOP service projects should be reported by the individual in each unit designated to report Journey to Excellence service projects.

How do I submit a Messengers of Peace project?

To designate a Messengers of Peace project, simply select Messengers of Peace as the partner organization when entering a service project through the Journey to Excellence website (www.scouting.org/Awards/JourneyToExcellence).

Can an individual complete an MOP project? If so, how does he or she submit it?

Yes, individuals can complete MOP projects. (An Eagle Scout service project is a good example.) Reports must be submitted by the unit’s designated person for registering service hours. The individual will get credit for the hours he or she worked.

Should we submit our projects on the Messengers of Peace website?

No, just submit your project through the Journey to Excellence website, as described above. The BSA is working with the World Scout Bureau to have projects posted on the Messengers of Peace map. Also, the BSA is working with the World Scout Bureau to collect information on all projects that have already been registered in the world system.

We would like to share a video of our Messengers of Peace project. How can we submit it for consideration?

Send a message to international@scouting.org with the subject line of "Messengers of Peace."

What recognition items are available?

In addition to the unit certificate, any Scout or Scouter who participates in a qualifying project is eligible to wear a Messengers of Peace ring patch around the World Crest on his or her uniform. A unit representative can purchase these ring patches at a local Scout shop, council service center, or ScoutStuff.org.

Can an individual earn Messengers of Peace recognition more than once?

Yes, but only one ring patch may be worn.

Do Messengers of Peace ring patches go to all unit members or just those who participate in a Messengers of Peace project?

Only those who participate in an MOP project are eligible to receive the ring patch.

Is there a Messengers of Peace video we can use to promote the initiative to our Scouts and the public?

Yes, video clips highlighting specific MOP projects are available on this website.

HOW-TO: Join Scouting Programs in America

Since my posts about the Orthodox Scouting awards available through the Assembly of Orthodox Bishops' E.O.C.S. (Eastern Orthodox Committee on Scouting) and P.R.A.Y. (Programs of Religious Activities with Youth) I have had many people asking how to sign their children up to be Scouts in the various Scouting programs that the EOCS is associated with. So much so, that I decided to make a blog post with links to all of them:

Boy-Only Single-Gender Programs

• Cub Scouts Packs (Kindergarten through 5th grade)
• Boy Scouts Troops (11-17 years old)
• Trail Life USA Troops (5-17 years old)

Co-Educational Programs

• Sea Scouts Ships (14-20 years old)
• Venturing Crews (14-20 years old)
• STEM Scouts Labs (3rd grade-12th grade)*
• Exploring Clubs (10-13 years old)
• Exploring Posts (14-20 years old)
• Varsity Scouts Teams (14-17 years old)
• Campfire Groups (5-17 years old)

Girl-Only Single-Gender Programs

• Girl Scouts Troops (Kindergarten through 12th Grade)
• American Heritage Girls Troops (5-18 years old) 

*STEM in STEM Scouts Labs stands for Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics. S.T.E.M. is part of all Scouting programs, but this program is exclusively focused on S.T.E.M. and S.T.E.M. alone.

UPDATE: Starting Autumn 2018, Cub Scouts Packs will have the option to be all-boy, all-girl, or co-ed. Dens will still be segregated by sex in co-ed Packs. In February 2019 the BSA will also be making a new Girl-Only Program exact equivalent to the Boy Scouts Program for 11-17 year old young women. Contrary to popular belief, the Boy Scouts program for young men 11-17 years old will not be co-ed. At this time Varsity Scouts will also cease to exist. See https://orthodoxscouter.blogspot.com/2017/10/controversial-opinion-why-i.html for more details. Additionally, in 2018 the Varsity Scouts program will end and in 2019 STEM Scouts will go national to all BSA Councils.

Martyr Alexandra the Empress

The Holy Empress Alexandra was the wife of Diocletian (284-305) and was so impressed by the courage and martyrdom of Saint George that she became a Christian and fell under the same persecution. Her feast day is 21 April.

Many events occurred during these years. In 305 the emperor Diocletian resigned the throne and power passed to his co-ruler Maximian Galerius (305-311), a fanatic pagan, as well as a coarse and fierce soldier. His wife was Saint Valeria, the daughter of the holy Empress Alexandra, whom Diocletian had given in marriage against her will.

Saint Alexandra raised her daughter in Christian piety. When Galerius died, the emperor Maximinus sought her hand in marriage. When he was refused, he banished Saint Valeria to Syria, where she lived with her mother.

After the death of Maximinus in 311 the mother and daughter arrived in Nicomedia, trusting in the mercy of the emperor Licinius (311-324). Together with Saint Constantine, he had subscribed to the Edict of Milan, which gave Christians the freedom of religion, but secretly he remained an enemy of Christianity. Licinius gave orders to execute the holy Empress Alexandra and her daughter Valeria. She also was condemned to be beheaded but when she arrived at the place of execution she asked to be allowed to sit down. Her request was granted. She sat down and died quietly before the executioners could carry out their task. They were beheaded, and their bodies thrown into the sea.

Apolytikion Of Alexandra The Martyr
Fourth Tone

O Lord Jesus, unto Thee Thy lamb doth cry with a great voice: O my Bridegroom, Thee I love; and seeking Thee, I now contest, and with Thy baptism am crucified and buried. I suffer for Thy sake, that I may reign with Thee; for Thy sake I die, that I may live in Thee: accept me offered out of longing to Thee as a spotless sacrifice. Lord, save our souls through her intercessions, since Thou art great in mercy.

Scout Sunday 2017/7525

Please see the following announcement from the Assembly of Canonical Orthodox Bishops of the United States of America about Scout Sunday for 2017:  

Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ:

Scout Sunday is an annual event among all faiths which recognize the good work that is done by Scouts in our religious communities. This year, Scout Sunday will be observed on February 5, 2017. The observance of Scout Sunday tradition was started years ago to make people in the church aware of Scouting, and to allow Scouts to live out of what is pledged each week. The Scout Law says that a “Scout is Reverent” and the Scouts of all ages promise to do their “Duty to God”. These values strengthen youth character in their family, community and faith.

In 1960, the Standing Conference of Canonical Orthodox Bishops in the Americas [SCOBA] endorsed Scouting as viable part of their youth ministry and created the Eastern Orthodox Committee on Scouting [EOCS]. This was the first agency created by SCOBA and presently an agency under The Assembly of Canonical Orthodox Bishops in the Americas.

The EOCS Executive Board encourages all Orthodox Churches to recognize and celebrate this Scout Sunday even if their church does not sponsor a Scout unit. Anyone interested in their good work can go to the EOCS website at www.eocs.org to learn more about Scouting and the Orthodox Church. This year will be the National Boy Scout Jamboree at the Summit Bechtel Reserve in West Virginia from July 23. Once again the EOCS will be sponsoring an Orthodox booth, holding services and meetings with Orthodox Scouts from around the country and around the world. I would encourage all Orthodox Scouts to attend and be involved at the Jamboree.

Some Scout Sunday Ideas:

• If your parish sponsors a Scout unit have them arrive in full uniform.
• If the church does not have a Scout program, have the Scouts come in uniform. Many priests are aware of Scout Sunday and will discuss Scouting at some point of the service. You can have the uniformed Scouts:

1. Serve at the candle table in the narthex
2. Serve as Ushers
3. Help pass the collection tray
4. Help serve during the coffee hour
5. And any suggestions from the parish priest

• Present Eastern Orthodox Religious Scout Awards and/or any other Scout Awards earned.
• Have a Scout Display and recruitment.
• Think of sponsoring or establishing a Scout unit in your parish.
• Approach a local Scout unit and give them ideas for service projects which can benefit your parish and community.
• Look at the many Orthodox Scout awards and encourage your Scouts to earn them. Scouting has proven to develop stronger church membership and it is a natural fit. Good Scouts make better Church members and good Church members make better Scouts.
• Volunteer to assist the local Scout troop/pack/crew.
• Take a collection and contribute funds to the EOCS so they can continue their good work. Think about establishing a local EOCS committee so all Orthodox Scouts in the region can gather and support one another.

May the Lord God send His Blessings upon our Scouts, our leaders and the many volunteers across the United States of America.

+ Bishop DANIEL
Ukrainian Orthodox Church of the United States
Episcopal Liaison to the Eastern Orthodox Committee on Scouting

Updated "Duty to God" Faith Requirements for Cub Scouts

The following "Duty to God" Adventures were updated by the Boy Scouts of America (BSA) on November 30th, 2016. They are required Adventures for a Cub Scout to earn his rank of Tiger, Wolf, Bear, Webelos, and Arrow of Light. They are not optional electives, but must be worked on and earned by the Cub Scout and his family. The old 2015 requirements can be found at https://orthodoxscouter.blogspot.com/2016/11/a-scout-is-reverent-religious.html.

1st Grade Tiger Cub Scout My Family's Faith Adventure: "Tiger Circles: Duty to God" requirements
(Do requirement #1 and at least 2 more)

1. Discuss with your parent, guardian, den leader, or other caring adult what it means to do your duty to God. Tell how you do your duty to God in your daily life.
2. With a family member, attend a religious service or other activity that shows how your family expresses reverence for God.
3. Earn the religious emblem of your faith that is appropriate for your age or grade. (Saint George Medal for Eastern Orthodox Christians in America)
4. Help with a local service project and talk with your den or family about how helping others is part of our duty to God.
5. With the approval of your parent/guardian, den leader, or other caring adult, think of and then carry out an act of kindness or respect that you think shows duty to God.

2nd Grade Wolf Cub Scout Footsteps of Faith Adventure: "Duty to God Footsteps" requirements
(Do requirement #1 and/or #2 as well as at least 1 of #3 & #4 and at least 1 of #5 & #6)

1. Discuss with your parent, guardian, den leader, or other caring adult what it means to do your duty to God. Tell how you do your duty to God in your daily life.
2. Earn the religious emblem of your faith that is appropriate for your age, if you have not already done so. (Saint George Medal for Eastern Orthodox Christians in America)
3. Offer a prayer, meditation, or reflection with your family, den, or pack.
4. Read a story about people or groups of people who came to America to enjoy religious freedom.
5. Learn and chant or sing a song that could be sung in reverence before or after meals or one that gives encouragement, reminds you how to show reverence, demonstrates your duty to God.
6. Visit a religious monument or site where people might show reverence. Create a visual display of your visit with your den or your family, and show how it made you feel reverent or helped you better understand your duty to God.

3rd Grade Bear Cub Scout Fellowship of Faith Adventure: "Fellowship and Duty to God" requirements
(Do requirement #1 & #2 and at least 2 more)

1. Discuss with your parent, guardian, den leader, or other caring adult what it means to do your duty to God. Tell how you do your duty to God in your daily life.
2. Identify a person whose faith you admire, and discuss this person with your family.
3. With a family member, provide service to a place of worship or a spiritual community, school, or community organization that puts into practice your ideals of duty to God and strengthens your fellowship with others.
4. Earn the religious emblem of your faith that is appropriate for your age, if you have not already done so. (Saint George Medal for Eastern Orthodox Christians in America)
5. Make a list of things you can do to practice your duty to God as you are taught in your home or place of worship or spiritual community. Select two of the items and practice them for at least two weeks.

4th Grade Webelos Cub Scout Faith in Action Adventure: "Duty to God and You" requirements
(Do requirement #1 and at least 2 more)

1. Discuss with your parent, guardian, den leader, or other caring adult what it means to do your duty to God. Tell how you do your duty to God in your daily life.
2. Earn the religious emblem of your faith that is appropriate for your age, if you have not done so already. (Chi-Rho Medal for Eastern Orthodox Christians in America)
3. Discuss with your family, family’s faith leader, or other trusted adult how planning and participating in a service of worship or reflection helps you live your duty to God.
4. List one thing that will bring you closer to doing your duty to God, and practice it.

5th Grade Arrow of Light Faith in Action Cub Scout Adventure: "Duty to God in Action" requirements
(Do requirement #1 & #2 and at least 2 more)

1. Discuss with your parent, guardian, den leader, or other caring adult what it means to do your duty to God. Tell how you do your duty to God in your daily life.
2. Under the direction of your parent, guardian, or religious or spiritual leader, do an act of service for someone in your family, neighborhood, or community. Talk about your service with your family. Tell your family how it related to doing your duty to God.
3. Earn the religious emblem of your faith that is appropriate for your age, if you have not done so already. (Chi-Rho Medal for Eastern Orthodox Christians in America)
4. With your parent, guardian, or religious or spiritual leader, discuss and make a plan to do two things you think will help you better do your duty to God. Do these things for at least one month.
5. Discuss with your family how the Scout Oath and Scout Law relate to your beliefs about duty to God.
6. For at least a month, pray or reverently meditate each day as taught by your family or faith community.

The Eastern Orthodox Prophet Elias Scouter Award

“With us everything is secondary compared to our concern with young people and their upbringing in the instruction and teaching of the Lord. After all, what greater work is there than training the mind and forming the habits of the young?”  

-Saint John Chrysostom (+407)

With these words of St. John Chrysostom as a guide, the Eastern Orthodox Committee on Scouting seeks to recognize and honor not only youth members of Scouting programs but also to recognize outstanding service by adults of the three tenured national youth Scouting agencies [Boy Scouts of America, Girl Scouts of the U.S.A., and Camp Fire Boys and girls], in the promotion and use of these programs for our Eastern Orthodox young people. The Prophet Elias (Elijah in the English form) is traditionally held to be the greatest of the Hebrew Prophets. He maintained the importance of the worship of the true God in the face of pagan cults and temptations (I Kings 18) and upheld the claims of moral uprightness and social justice (I Kings 21). His passing of his mantle to the younger Elisha showed that these teachings were to be continued. It is in the image of the Prophet Elias that recipients of this award pass on their religious heritage and teachings to younger Eastern Orthodox members of these national youth agencies.

These national youth agencies provide programs which our churches and other civic and religious groups may use in their ministry and service to young people. The leader chosen by the sponsoring group is the one who permeates the youth agency with the meaning of the name “Elias” – “Yahweh is my God”; especially since belief in God is one prerequisite to serving as a leader.

Adult awards are not earned like youth awards: An outside party must nominate an adult to receive an award by submitting the required applications, letter of recommendation, and resume of activities. Self and spouse nominations will not be accepted. Nominations cannot be made posthumously. Recognition of an adult in either group is a true recognition of devoted service, not merely an “honor” for someone serving as a leader.

ELIGIBILITY:
The Prophet Elias recognition is for both:

1. Actively registered adult lay volunteers for at least 8 years who serve young people in one or more of theses national youth agencies: Boy Scouts of America, Girl Scouts of the U.S.A., Trail Life USA, American Heritage Girls and Camp Fire [whether sponsored by Eastern Orthodox Churches or another sponsoring group], and
2. Adult members of other religious bodies who are active registered leaders for at least 8 years of one of the three national youth agencies who are performing an exceptional service to Eastern Orthodox young people.

REQUIREMENTS:

1. A letter of recommendation from the Eastern Orthodox Priest of the sponsoring parish.
2. A letter of recommendation from a professional Scouter (Scout Executive) including the tenure as a registered adult Scouter.

GUIDELINES:

1. Actively participates in his/her religious institution and is a member in good standing.
2. Encourages Eastern Orthodox youth to join Scouting programs and encourages Orthodox Churches to sponsor Scouting units.
3. Aids Eastern Orthodox Scouts in earning the Saint George, Chi-Rho, and Alpha Omega awards.
4. Promotes religious observance and participation at Scouting functions.
5. Is a fully trained Scout leader.
6. Has organized, promoted, and participated in the appropriate Boy Scout, Girl Scout, or Camp Fire Scout Sunday observances.
7. Has promoted service projects and assisted in training and recruiting leaders.
8. Has served Orthodox Scouting or Camp Fire USA for a minimum of 8 registered years.
9. Has given exemplary service to the spiritual, physical, and moral development of Orthodox Youth through service to the Church and Boy Scouts, Girl Scouts, or Camp Fire USA.

The Eastern Orthodox Alpha Omega Scouting Award

For a Scout to earn the Eastern Orthodox Committee on Scouting's Religious Award for 6th through 12th graders, the following are the requirements:

1. Be a registered Scout, Venturer, Sea Scout, or Explorer of any rank in the Boy Scouts of America, a Cadette, Senior, Ambassador in the Girl Scouts of the U.S.A., Navigator or Adventurer in Trail Life USA, or a member of either Camp Fire or American Heritage Girls in the 6th through 12th grade.
2. Be a communicant member of an Eastern Orthodox Church recognized by The Assembly of Orthodox Bishops (previously SCOBA).
3. Show your personal Bible and Prayer Book.
4. Repeat from memory the Trisagion Prayers.
5. Using your prayer book, and with the aid of your spiritual father (priest), develop and begin a regular program for morning and evening prayers.
6. Recite the blessing before all meals. Write the mealtime prayer in your notebook.
7. Demonstrate the proper way of making the sign of the cross. 
8. Explain the significance of each movement in making the cross. 
9. Explain when and how the sign of the cross originated.
10. Begin a program of daily Bible reading after your daily prayer, starting first with one chapter a day of the Gospel of Saint Mark, then the Gospel of Saint Matthew, next the Gospel of Saint Luke, followed by the Gospel of Saint John, then move on to Acts of the Apostles, the Epistles, the Apocalypse/Revelation to Saint John, and then the Old Testament. The Gospels must all be read before you finish this program.
11. Learn the prayer from the Divine Liturgy of Saint John Chrysostom preceding the Gospel reading.
12. Name the most important corporate worship service in the Orthodox Cereal.
13. Name the two other corporate worship services that are served regularly in your church.
14. Name the three most commonly celebrated Liturgies of the Orthodox Church. Tell how they differ.
15. Name the three main parts of the Sunday Divine Liturgy. Explain what each part includes.
16. Explain what the priest does in the parish. What is his role in the life of the parish?
17. Explain how the priest is helped in his function by laity. 
18. List as many ways as you can  see laity in your parish offering their services.
19. Name the members of your parish council and explain how they are selected.
20. Know the founding date of your parish.
21. Explain the terms evangelization and mission, as forms of spreading the Good News of Jesus Christ as explained in Matthew 25:31-46.
22. Explain how the Gospel of Saint Matthew and the Gospel of Saint Luke are different from the Gospel of Saint Mark.
23. Explain what a parable is. Name some examples.
24. Explain what a miracle is. Name some examples.
25. Learn the Symbol of Faith (Nicene-Constantinopolitan Creed) and recite it to your priest.
26. Repeat the Oath, Law, and Motto of your Scouting organization to your priest. Explain to him how your organization has many objectives in common with those of the Church.
27. Sketch the Alpha Omega Award emblem. Explain its significance.
28. Name the major seven Mysteries (Sacraments) and find Bible passages relating to them in your Bible. 
29. Explain the purpose and meaning of each of the seven Mysteries of the Church.
30. Name the bishop of your eparchy/diocese.
31. Sketch the vestments of the deacon, presbyter, and bishop in addition to the church articles used in preparing and administering the Holy Mysteries.
32. Attend a Hierarchical Liturgy celebrated by your bishop or a bishop of another jurisdiction or attend a weekday Liturgy at your church or any other Orthodox Church.
33. Describe the first missionary attempts by the Orthodox Church on the North American continent. Describe what is the status of this diocese today.? Explain how has Father Herman, an early missionary to Alaska, been recognized by the Orthodox Church.
34. Explain where and when was the first parish church in the continental United States founded and located.
35. Explain what the Assembly of Bishops (previously SCOBA) is.
36. Sketch what your church looks like, including the iconostasis.
37. Sketch a simple iconostasis and show what each icon in each location should represent.
38. Explain what an icon is and what it represents. 
39. Explain what it means to venerate an icon. Describe how to venerate an icon.
40. Explain what the significance of candles is in our Church.
41. Explain how the Gospel of Saint John is different from the other three Gospels.
42. Explain the importance and meaning of the Holy Eucharist (Holy Communion).
43. Name the most important feast day in the Orthodox Church. Tell how its date is determined.
44. Explain the significance and give the date or how the date is determined of the following important feast days: Nativity (Christmas), Epiphany, Nativity of the Theotokos, Presentation of our Lord, Annunciation, Presentation of the Theotokos, Transfiguration of our Lord, Dormition of the Theotokos, Entry into Jerusalem, Ascension, Pentecost, Exaltation of the Cross, and the Sunday of Orthodoxy.
45. Discuss the specific customs of your parish relating to the Feast of Feasts (Pascha) and other Feast days of the Church.
46. Explain how to prepare the room of a sick person when the priest visits them.
47. Explain what to have ready when the priest comes to bless your home.
48. Discuss how the services and feats of the Church can help others learn about Eastern Orthodoxy and help people in the world.
49. Do four service projects at your church during the time that you are working on the Alpha Omega Program.
50. Meet with your priest and explain what you learned in the Alpha Omega Program.
51. Have your parents, priest, and Scouting unit leader sign off that you have completed the activities of the Alpha Omega program and are worthy of the medal.

The Eastern Orthodox Chi-Rho Scouting Award

For a Scout to earn the Eastern Orthodox Committee on Scouting's Religious Award for 4th and 5th graders, the following are the requirements:

1. Be a registered Cub Scout of the Webelos or Arrow of Light Rank in the Boy Scouts of America, Juniors in the Girl Scouts of the U.S.A., 4th or 5th grader Woodlands in Trail Life USA, or a member of either Camp Fire or American Heritage Girls in the 4th or 5th grade.
2. Be a communicant member of an Eastern Orthodox Church recognized by The Assembly of Canonical Orthodox Bishops (previously SCOBA) who attends a Church School or Sunday School.
3. Know your Baptismal name.
4. Know your birth date.
5. Know which day you celebrate your Baptismal name.
6. Know your Godparent(s) name(s).
7. Know what priest Baptized you.
8. Share special memories that your parents have of your Baptismal day.
9. Share pictures of your Baptism.
10. Know your "Name Day" and the Saint you were named after.
11. Tell the story of the life and death of your patron saint.
12. Draw an icon of your patron saint.
13. Tell how many people are in your family.
14. Share a picture of your family and write their names.
15. Tell what religious items you have in your home.
16. Explain how and when you use religious items in your home.
17. Write the prayer you say before meals.
18. Write the prayer you say when you get up in the morning.
19. List several ways God shows His love for you.
20. List several ways you show your love for God.
21. List some ways you and your family show your love for each other. Do a project with your whole family. Write about what you did.
22. Share pictures of you doing your project.
23. Visit someone who is sick, shut-in, poor, elderly, or lonely. Make him or her a gift, or help that person with a task. Write a couple of paragraphs about what you did.
24. Share pictures of you doing your activity.
25. Name the church that you and your family attend.
26. Explain what you do when you enter the church temple and some of the things that make your church an Orthodox Church.
27. Share pictures of the inside and outside of your church.
28. Choose a subject in your church to study and write about it.
29. List ways you participate in God's world through your senses (touch, taste, smell, sight, sound) at home and in church.
30. List some foods you eat especially during the Nativity Lent and the Great Lent. 
31. Explain how you prepare for a major Church holy day, fasting, going to church, preparing a meal, or helping in other ways.
32. Name the four Gospels and tell who wrote them. 
33. Draw a picture of the Gospel Book that the priest uses in your church. 
34. Explain where the Gospel Book is kept. 
35. List four of the major feast days celebrated in your church.
36. Learn a hymn and chant it for your priest.
37. Choose your favorite Bible story and write it in your own words. Tell the story and its meaning to your priest.
38. Decide how you can be a steward in helping your church.
39. Share pictures of your activity.
40. Meet with your priest and explain what you learned in the Chi-Rho Program.
41. Have your parents, priest, and Scouting unit leader sign off that you have completed the activities of the Chi-Rho program and are worthy of the medal.