Holy Old Orthodox Catholic Archdiocese Christ Parish Alaska & International

Ancient In Faith, NEW In Vision!

MISSION STATEMENT: It Is The Mission Of This Ministry

To License, Equip, And Provide Support For Those Seeking Ordination Into The Holy Orthodox Catholic Priesthood.

Website/Blog: http://www.ChristParishAlaska.weebly.com

Email: ChristParishAlaska@gmail.com

Holy Old Orthodox Catholic Archdiocese Ancient In Faith, NEW In Vision! GREETINGS! Holy Old Orthodox Catholic PRIESTHOOD Ordination FAQs, Instructions, and Application. The Sovereign Order of O.C.A.N.A. is a worldwide, lay, diplomatic religious order which seeks to glorify the Creator by promoting the sanctification of each member through work with the sick the poor and witness of the faith and to protect The Universal Declaration of Human Rights. It is the Mission of this Ministry to License, Equip, and Provide Support for those called by Jesus Christ for Ordination into the Holy Priesthood. Go And Make Disciples Of Every Nation... Matthew 28:18­20. Is Jesus Christ calling you to the ministry (Holy Priesthood)? There are times in one’s life that you feel that as a Catholic that you are being called to take up a more spiritual path, this path can take many forms but more often than not that feeling of wanting to offer more to your community and spread the gospel that Jesus Christ taught us. Are you feeling called to ordained ministry? Here at the Old Orthodox Catholic Church, we are here to help you find out what you are being called to do. Whatever your journey is, with God's guidance, we are here to enable you to answer the calling. Ordination takes many forms and many different types of ministry. If you want to find out more, then please contact with us here at the Archdiocese. Ordination into the Holy Priesthood

How do I know if Jesus Christ is calling me to be a priest? Often times, when we are unsure if we are needed by others in our lives, have to ask them. In answering God’s call, we have to ask God through prayer. Of course, when we’re praying about something as life­changing as priesthood, we also have to begin to discern in practical ways which path we’re meant to go down. If you think you’re called to priesthood, follow the lead of the priestly Psalm 116 ‘The Lord is my portion and cup’. We should look for a special relationship with Jesus Christ in prayer. And keep asking and listening. Perhaps set aside 20 or 30 minutes each day for scripture reading and prayer. And of course, since the closest we can come to the Lord on earth is at Mass, we should try to get to weekday Mass, daily if possible. If we’re persistent, the Lord will surely respond. Perhaps in any one of two ways, or maybe a combination of the two, great attraction to the thought of being a priest or fear combined with a nagging inner voice that just won’t go away. You may say to yourself, “I can’t really imagine myself as priest; none of the priests I know are anything like me.” Many times, people think that the priest begins his vocation much more pious than the common individual. Very often people think of priesthood because they are impressed by some quality in a priest they know. Though it is Jesus Christ who invites you to follow Him, and not any other person. Among the first disciples, it was Andrew who called Peter to meet Jesus, and Philip who called James, it was and it still is Jesus who says to each and individually ‘follow me’. Why become a priest? It is usually because we feel a personal calling from God. Often times, our calling does not come with thunderbolts and voices, but rather in more subtle ways. As we pray and meditate, we grew in our knowledge of ourselves, recognizing our talents and abilities. Over time and with prayer, we each came to believe that this was the right path for us. We decided to at least give it a try by beginning the initial formation process to enter priesthood. How did family and friends react to your decision? That depends. Many of us found that our family and friends were supportive and encouraging. But not everyone experiences that same support. Sometimes, because of the misunderstandings or fear; families and friends are less enthusiastic about our decisions. That’s when we have to trust ourselves, the voice of God that we hear in our hearts and the good judgment of the Archdiocese that think we’re right in this decision, and support us.

Are you ready to answer the call? Consider the following questions. Answer yes or no to them? Do you have a sense of humor? Do you like to work with people? Do you want to make a difference in the world? Can you lead? Do you sense there is a deeper meaning to life? Are you sensitive to the needs of others? Do you think there is usually more than one way to do something? Do you get satisfaction from getting involved? Do you consider yourself hopeful and positive? Are you concerned with the direction that our society is taking? Do you have a deep love of the Lord? Do you have a desire to serve others? If you found yourself answering yes to most of the questions above, you are probably giving some thoughtful consideration as to what you could do with your life. You likely view your time and your life as too important to waste. You probably want to do more than just go on like everyone else. You want to make a difference. Please take time to explore this page as it may help you understand more about the way in which God may be calling you. There is a great need in the Church for creativity and for individuals who can communicate through word and action the message of the Gospel. Do you think you can make a difference to the Church in the 21st Century? Are you ready to give it a try?

Do you have faith in God? Do you feel you have a calling to spread the word of Our Lord? Do you have time in your life to serve local Christians in your area? If you can answer yes to all these questions then ordained ministry may be what you are seeking. Vocation is a journey towards God. We are all called, we all have an individual vocation which encompasses our whole lives; the people we are, the choices we make, the lives we live. Each of us has a special path to follow in life. Christians, and many others, believe that through the ages, God has called people to cooperate with him in his plans for the world in practical ways. Many of the stories in the Old Testament are about individuals who have been called, such as Abraham, Moses and the prophets. In the first few lines in the Book of Genesis, God calls creation into existence by his Word “let there be light!” Throughout the Bible, and even today, God is continually inviting men and women to be his Chosen People. When Jesus Christ came down to earth, he also called people to follow him and find their true identity and purpose in life. The truth is that each and every person has been called into existence for a reason. We have all been created out of His love, and for a loving purpose. God has a special plan for each one of us. One way we can reflect on this is by considering our vocation as a journey towards God, following his invitation. That journey is full of different experiences, and like on many other journeys, we each have to read the signs and make choices about which way to go. These end results of these choices affect the outcome of our lives. God does not predetermine the journey we make; rather he gives us free will an ability to choose one way or another. While God gives us the freedom to make choices, we also need to understand that God doesn't just leave us on our own. He is present in our lives. He established the Church as a human family, as a community of those who have been called. This community, the Church, feeds each one of our spiritual lives through life­giving words, actions and prayers. It is truly amazing is to consider that you, like all of us, are part of God’s master plan. You have a role to play. You are called to become more truly the person that God wants you to be and to use the gifts and talents that He has given you. Once you begin to think of your life in a vocational sense, and realize that you are called to be someone special, and to do something unique, your life will definitely

change. No questions will rise in your mind, you will become resolute, and you will become confident in your choice, whether your choice is to be a husband or wife, teacher or student, priest or even a monk! What is for sure is that this process involves spending time in prayer, reflection and discussion with a trusted person. It is a path of most wonderful discover. Discernment is not just about deciding what to do in life. It really is much more about the "whom" of life, the total person. In essence, discernment is about making decisions and choosing a path in life that God calls us to be. The question becomes "Who does God want me to be?" and not "What do I want to do with my life?" Christian discernment implies a life of faith and a sense of one's relationship with Jesus Christ. Discernment requires a heart ready to listen and respond in prayer and reflection. Discernment also requires a head prepared to learn about options and carefully select those choices which will bring greater joy to God, self, and world. We realize that all of this takes time, the process is long. We know that you and we need time to make sure that it is the right path for you to follow and to make sure this is the way God has chosen for you. To make sure this is the case the process from application to ordination is only a phone call away. Are you ready to give it a try, and answer God’s call? Who can apply for Ordination? No matter what your walk of life is, everyone is welcome to apply for Ordination within the Holy Old Orthodox Catholic Archdiocese. How do I apply for Ordination? Complete the email application below and return it to us with a return phone number and the best time to reach you. To apply for Ordination, the applicant must fill out the application form below and send it to the Holy Old Orthodox Catholic Archdiocese by email. I have sent my application in for Ordination what happens now? Once your application has been received you will receive an email to acknowledge we have received your application. After your application has been received a private telephone interview will be carried out which will allow you to ask any questions you may have and confirm you want to progress with your application.

My application has been accepted, what happens next? The Archbishop will ordain you into the Holy Priesthood and your ordination package will be mailed to you. Almighty and Eternal Father Yahweh God, In your unfailing love you provide Ministers for your Church. We pray for those whom you call to serve the Church as priests and those with a vocation. Inspire in them generous response. Grant them courage and vision to serve your people May their lives and service call your people to respond to the presence of your Spirit among us that, faithful to the Gospel and hope of Jesus Christ, we may: announce glad tidings to the poor, proclaim liberty to captives, set prisoners free and renew the face of the earth. May the graces of Jesus Christ be upon you, giving you a courageous spirit and generous heart to answer the call of Jesus Christ for Ordination into the Holy Orthodox Catholic Priesthood? ORDINATION EMAIL APPLICATION / MUST BE SENT IN BY EMAIL ONLY! Select an Apostolic Office/Title CHECK MARK Archbishop_ Bishop__ Priest__ Deacon__ Chaplain__ Evangelist__ Minister__ Reverend__ Name ______________/______________/______________ First Middle Last Address ____________________________________________________________

City ________________________ State _______________ Zip_____________________ I am requesting ordination from the Holy Old Orthodox Catholic Archdiocese as an independent clergy and exert my belief in Christ (Acts 15:11) (Romans 19:9­10) (Matthew 28:18­20) Your Signature _________________________________________ Date____/______/_____ ORDERING FORM (CERTIFICATES AND MATERIALS) DONATION AMOUNT $24.95 USD What is the name you desire to give your church or ministry? _________________________________________________________________ P.S. Please Send In Your Application To The Archdiocese By Email ONLY! Your All­Inclusive Ordination Package includes: • Credential of Ministry Certificate. • Minister's Wallet ID Card. • Official Letter of Ordination to the Holy Priesthood. • Letter of Good Standing. • Independent Parish Ministry Charter. • Certificate of Apostolic Succession. • Ceremony of Consecration. • Ministry Handbook A MUST HAVE!

Donation $24.95 His Eminence The Patriarch Sir. Dr. Archbishop Michael Chief Patriarch United States ­ Mexico ­ and ALL Latin American Countries Apostolic Blessing: May Christ richly, bless you and all yours! Go and make disciples of every nation... Matthew 28:18­20.

P.S. Please share this eBook with a friend or loved one. Thank­you & GOD BLESS!