TEN YEARS LATER

Holy Theophany at St. Alopen’s

By Bp. Joseph (Ancient Church of the West) 

I wrote an outline of goals for our community 10 years ago, as it became clear that Orthodox Churches in the U.S. wouldn’t self-sacrificially help us to establish a mission, fund, or support our work in East Asia. 

It was a difficult realization, having been brought up in a Evangelical context where people whole-heartedly supported evangelism and church planting, to a much greater extent, and self-sacrificially gave of their time and treasure to see this goal reached. 

I knew that I had to go forward alone, trusting that the Lord would provide for us, and also knowing how difficult, tiring, daunting, and financially challenging it would be to do so. 

I wrote this outline for our re-established presence in East Asia in February of 2016. From that time until now, over the last ten years, things have been far harder than I would ever imagine, with horror and tragedy striking to the very heart of my being. I wouldn’t wish it on anyone, and often wonder why God has allowed me to be treated so roughly - did Inmisunderstand his calling? Was I blinded by false doctrine, pride, self-aggrandizement? I willingly ask these questions, and prayerfully, and painfully, consider the answers. 

Over the last ten years, I have learned a lot about myself: how weak, frail, easily deceived and profoundly struggling I am personally. But, I have also learned a lot about God: how powerful, merciful, loving, beautiful and truthful He is. 

I have seen through a lot of lies that I believed, and repented for a lot of lies that I grew up telling to myself and others. 

What this outline for ministry proves is that God is faithful, that He does lead us, and that we are dependent upon Him for everything. He can give us a vision and help us to follow it… but it is a Cross, not a Throne; it is a Crown of Thorns, not a Crown of Gold.

The Outline for the Vision of St. Alopen’s Church