"We have concluded that when the principle of racial division (i.e. phyletism) is juxtaposed with the teaching of the Gospel and the constant practice of the Church, it is not only foreign to it, but also completely opposed, to it. We decree the following in the Holy Spirit: 1. We reject and condemn racial division, that is, racial differences, national quarrels and disagreements in the Church of Christ, as being contrary to the teaching of the Gospel and the holy canons of our blessed fathers, on which the holy Church is established and which adorn human society and lead it to Divine piety. 2. In accordance with the holy canons, we proclaim that those who accept such division according to races and who dare to base on it hitherto unheard-of racial assemblies are foreign to the One, Holy, Catholic and Apostolic Church and are real schismatics."
Constantinople...1872
We have an annual dessert auction each year to raise funds for the Antiochian Women. In previous years we raised money for the Archdiocese's orphanage fund so that the fund could disperse the interest each year to various orphanages.
We now are in the process of augmenting the clergy retirement fund. My small parish was able to raise $1800.00 just from our dessert auction. A larger parish could really make this a very profitable event with little sweat.
Each woman is asked to make a specialty dessert packaged beautifully with an entertaining description of the dessert and bring it on the appropriate Sunday. This year the church paid for a sandwich luncheon before the auction so that folks would hang around. Then immediately after lunch a couple of the men in our parish would auction off each dessert. It is important to choose auctioneers who are can really get into the spirit of the event and make it fun for everyone. This year we added lower priced desserts so that even the small children could bid and be a part of it. We also have a few parishioners who auction off their talents or labor to help raise funds (make a special dinner, babysitting, photography, closet organizing, even small construction projects.)
