Le monastère uniate de la Sainte-Croix, à Miami, Floride, est devenu orthodoxe et a été consacré à la protection de la Mère de Dieu. La communauté, qui dépendait de l'éparchie ruthène catholique de Passaic dans le New Jersey, a rejoint l'Eglise orthodoxe en Amérique les 27 et 28 octobre 2003, après une demande faite par la fraternité du monastère en mars 2003. L'Eglise orthodoxe en Amérique a ainsi reçu deux moines et trois novices, ainsi qu'une école de 300 élèves.
Nous pouvons ainsi constater que, près d'un siècle après sa mort, l'oeuvre de saint Alexis Toth continue à porter ses fruits. Bienvenue à ces nouveaux orthodoxes!
un monastère de Floride devient orthodoxe
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Claude le Liseur
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Claude le Liseur
- Messages : 4352
- Inscription : mer. 18 juin 2003 15:13
Tóth est un nom magyar, mais le personnage qui nous intéressait était d'origine ruthène (carpatho-russe). Dites-moi, est ce que ce nom se prononce comme tot en allemand?
Saint Alexis Toth naquit le 18 mars 1854 dans une famille sacerdotale uniate. Il reçut une solide instruction, apprenant l'ukrainien, le russe, le hongrois, l'allemand, le latin, un peu de grec, puis l'anglais. Peu après son mariage et son ordination presbytérale, il perdit sa femme et leur jeune enfant. Il devint professeur d'histoire ecclésiastique et de droit canon au séminaire uniate de Presov dans l'actuelle Slovaquie. En 1889, il fut envoyé aux Etats-Unis pour servir une paroisse uniate slave à Minneapolis au Minnesota.
Or, à l'époque, le catholicisme aux Etats-Unis était essentiellement la religion des Irlandais et des Français, les Hispaniques n'ayant pas encore l'importance démographique qui est la leur aujourd'hui, tandis que les grandes vagues d'immigration italienne étaient encore à venir. La Papauté pensait que, pour conquérir l'Amérique anglo-saxonne, le catholicisme devait s'angliciser totalement et sortir à tout prix du ghetto ethnique. Pour cette raison, tous les cadres étaient Irlandais. Les centaines de milliers de Franco-Américains, majoritaires dans certaines villes industrielles de Nouvelle-Angleterre, concentrés dans des quartiers qu'on appelait les "Petits Canadas", ne purent jamais obtenir du Vatican un évêque de leur sang et, pratiquement chaque fois qu'un curé français mourait, on lui donnait un successeur irlandais pour accélérer la défrancisation et l'anglicisation de la paroisse et donc de la communauté.
Dans ce contexte, les uniates représentaient tout ce dont les plans de conquête de l'épiscopat catholique romain ne voulaient pas: rite exotique, langues exotiques, attachement à leur identité ethnique.
Le père Alexis Toth fut donc très mal accueilli par l'ordinaire latin du lieu, Mgr John Ireland (au nom bien symbolique!). Mgr Ireland ne supportait pas l'idée que le père Toth ait connu la "souillure" du mariage et lui déclara tout de go qu'il ne le considérait pas comme catholique. Le père Alexis put ainsi se rendre compte des limites de la "légitime diversité des rites" tant vantée par le Vatican.
L'archevêque Ireland interdit aux catholiques romains de participer aux offices célébrés par le père Alexis, qui découvrit qu'il n'était pas le seul prêtre uniate à avoir été aussi mal accueilli. La décision de rejeter la maudite Union commença à germer dans son esprit: "Cette malheureuse Union, c'est-à-dire la formation d'une juridiction catholique uniate, la source de notre déclin et de toutes nos maladies, faisait partie intégrante de notre peuple depuis une trop longue période. En naissant, nous avions ce joug qui pesait sur nos épaules depuis deux cent cinquante ans (depuis l'Union d'Oujgorod en 1646 - NdL). Je priai Dieu avec ferveur, afin qu'il me donne le pouvoir de faire apparaître clairement tout cela aux yeux de mes paroissiens."
Le père Alexis parvint, grâce au consul de Russie à San Francisco, à entrer en contact avec l'évêque russe de San Francisco, Mgr Vladimir (Sokolovski), qui était le seul évêque orthodoxe présent sur le continent américain. En mars 1891, le père Alexis Toth fut reçu dans l'Orthodoxie avec sa paroisse de 361 uniates ruthènes. Naturellement, il fut traité de renégat, mais il parvint à convaincre d'autres prêtres uniates de le suivre.
En 1893, le père Alexis déménagea de Minneapolis à Wilkes-Barre en Pennsylvanie, dans le but de poursuivre son oeuvre missionaire parmi les Ruthènes, très nombreux dans cette région. (Encore aujourd'hui, le siège du diocèse orthodoxe carpatho-russe est à Johnstown en Pennsylvanie.) Pour ce faire, il écrivit un catéchisme et visita de nombreuses paroisses uniates.
En dix-huit ans, de 1891 à 1909, le père Alexis Toth ramena à l'Orthodoxie, à lui tout seul et avec la grâce de Dieu, environ quinze mille uniates.
Il fut élevé au rang d'archiprêtre mitré, décoré par le tsar saint Nicolas II de l'ordre de Sainte-Anne et décoré par saint Tikhon (Bellavine), alors archevêque d'Amérique du Nord, de l'ordre de Saint-Vladimir. Proposé à l'épiscopat en 1907, il refusa, demandant qu'on lui préfère un homme plus jeune et en meilleure santé.
Saint Alexis Toth, usé par son apostolat et par la dureté de sa vie (il avait dû travailler dans une boulangerie jusqu'à ce que l'Eglise orthodoxe russe lui verse un salaire), mourut le 7 mai 1909, à 55 ans.
Il a été canonisé par l'Eglise orthodoxe en Amérique le 29 mai 1994. Sa mémoire se célèbre le 7 mai du calendrier ecclésiastique et ses reliques reposent au monastère Saint-Tikhon à South Canaan (encore un nom prédestiné!) en Pennsylvanie.
Tropaire, ton 4 (traduction père Georges Leroy)
Ô saint père Alexis,
notre intercesseur et notre maître,
ornement divin de l'Eglise du Christ,
prie le Maître de l'univers
d'affermir la foi orthodoxe en Amérique,
d'accorder la paix au monde,
et à nos âmes, la grande miséricorde.
Kontakion, ton 5 (traduction père Georges Leroy)
Fidèles, louons le presbytre Alexis,
luminaire de l'Orthodoxie en Amérique,
modèle de patience et d'humilité.
Pasteur digne du troupeau du Christ,
il rappela les brebis qui s'étaient égarées
et par sa prédication les amena
au Royaume céleste.
Saint Alexis Toth naquit le 18 mars 1854 dans une famille sacerdotale uniate. Il reçut une solide instruction, apprenant l'ukrainien, le russe, le hongrois, l'allemand, le latin, un peu de grec, puis l'anglais. Peu après son mariage et son ordination presbytérale, il perdit sa femme et leur jeune enfant. Il devint professeur d'histoire ecclésiastique et de droit canon au séminaire uniate de Presov dans l'actuelle Slovaquie. En 1889, il fut envoyé aux Etats-Unis pour servir une paroisse uniate slave à Minneapolis au Minnesota.
Or, à l'époque, le catholicisme aux Etats-Unis était essentiellement la religion des Irlandais et des Français, les Hispaniques n'ayant pas encore l'importance démographique qui est la leur aujourd'hui, tandis que les grandes vagues d'immigration italienne étaient encore à venir. La Papauté pensait que, pour conquérir l'Amérique anglo-saxonne, le catholicisme devait s'angliciser totalement et sortir à tout prix du ghetto ethnique. Pour cette raison, tous les cadres étaient Irlandais. Les centaines de milliers de Franco-Américains, majoritaires dans certaines villes industrielles de Nouvelle-Angleterre, concentrés dans des quartiers qu'on appelait les "Petits Canadas", ne purent jamais obtenir du Vatican un évêque de leur sang et, pratiquement chaque fois qu'un curé français mourait, on lui donnait un successeur irlandais pour accélérer la défrancisation et l'anglicisation de la paroisse et donc de la communauté.
Dans ce contexte, les uniates représentaient tout ce dont les plans de conquête de l'épiscopat catholique romain ne voulaient pas: rite exotique, langues exotiques, attachement à leur identité ethnique.
Le père Alexis Toth fut donc très mal accueilli par l'ordinaire latin du lieu, Mgr John Ireland (au nom bien symbolique!). Mgr Ireland ne supportait pas l'idée que le père Toth ait connu la "souillure" du mariage et lui déclara tout de go qu'il ne le considérait pas comme catholique. Le père Alexis put ainsi se rendre compte des limites de la "légitime diversité des rites" tant vantée par le Vatican.
L'archevêque Ireland interdit aux catholiques romains de participer aux offices célébrés par le père Alexis, qui découvrit qu'il n'était pas le seul prêtre uniate à avoir été aussi mal accueilli. La décision de rejeter la maudite Union commença à germer dans son esprit: "Cette malheureuse Union, c'est-à-dire la formation d'une juridiction catholique uniate, la source de notre déclin et de toutes nos maladies, faisait partie intégrante de notre peuple depuis une trop longue période. En naissant, nous avions ce joug qui pesait sur nos épaules depuis deux cent cinquante ans (depuis l'Union d'Oujgorod en 1646 - NdL). Je priai Dieu avec ferveur, afin qu'il me donne le pouvoir de faire apparaître clairement tout cela aux yeux de mes paroissiens."
Le père Alexis parvint, grâce au consul de Russie à San Francisco, à entrer en contact avec l'évêque russe de San Francisco, Mgr Vladimir (Sokolovski), qui était le seul évêque orthodoxe présent sur le continent américain. En mars 1891, le père Alexis Toth fut reçu dans l'Orthodoxie avec sa paroisse de 361 uniates ruthènes. Naturellement, il fut traité de renégat, mais il parvint à convaincre d'autres prêtres uniates de le suivre.
En 1893, le père Alexis déménagea de Minneapolis à Wilkes-Barre en Pennsylvanie, dans le but de poursuivre son oeuvre missionaire parmi les Ruthènes, très nombreux dans cette région. (Encore aujourd'hui, le siège du diocèse orthodoxe carpatho-russe est à Johnstown en Pennsylvanie.) Pour ce faire, il écrivit un catéchisme et visita de nombreuses paroisses uniates.
En dix-huit ans, de 1891 à 1909, le père Alexis Toth ramena à l'Orthodoxie, à lui tout seul et avec la grâce de Dieu, environ quinze mille uniates.
Il fut élevé au rang d'archiprêtre mitré, décoré par le tsar saint Nicolas II de l'ordre de Sainte-Anne et décoré par saint Tikhon (Bellavine), alors archevêque d'Amérique du Nord, de l'ordre de Saint-Vladimir. Proposé à l'épiscopat en 1907, il refusa, demandant qu'on lui préfère un homme plus jeune et en meilleure santé.
Saint Alexis Toth, usé par son apostolat et par la dureté de sa vie (il avait dû travailler dans une boulangerie jusqu'à ce que l'Eglise orthodoxe russe lui verse un salaire), mourut le 7 mai 1909, à 55 ans.
Il a été canonisé par l'Eglise orthodoxe en Amérique le 29 mai 1994. Sa mémoire se célèbre le 7 mai du calendrier ecclésiastique et ses reliques reposent au monastère Saint-Tikhon à South Canaan (encore un nom prédestiné!) en Pennsylvanie.
Tropaire, ton 4 (traduction père Georges Leroy)
Ô saint père Alexis,
notre intercesseur et notre maître,
ornement divin de l'Eglise du Christ,
prie le Maître de l'univers
d'affermir la foi orthodoxe en Amérique,
d'accorder la paix au monde,
et à nos âmes, la grande miséricorde.
Kontakion, ton 5 (traduction père Georges Leroy)
Fidèles, louons le presbytre Alexis,
luminaire de l'Orthodoxie en Amérique,
modèle de patience et d'humilité.
Pasteur digne du troupeau du Christ,
il rappela les brebis qui s'étaient égarées
et par sa prédication les amena
au Royaume céleste.
Merci, cher lecteur Claude, pour ces renseignements détaillés.
La Ruthénie est quand-même voisine de la Hongrie, et Alexis Toth était probablement d'ascendance hongroise et même d'une famille d'origine slovaque, car tót veut dire slovaque en hongrois. Le h final est une graphie archaïque affectant les noms de famille.
Le nom hongrois Tóth se prononce comme tot en allemand, sauf que la voyelle hongroise est plus fermée (lèvres très arrondies et langue un peu plus en arrière) et plus prolongée.
Cordialement,
La Ruthénie est quand-même voisine de la Hongrie, et Alexis Toth était probablement d'ascendance hongroise et même d'une famille d'origine slovaque, car tót veut dire slovaque en hongrois. Le h final est une graphie archaïque affectant les noms de famille.
Le nom hongrois Tóth se prononce comme tot en allemand, sauf que la voyelle hongroise est plus fermée (lèvres très arrondies et langue un peu plus en arrière) et plus prolongée.
Cordialement,
K.
Saint Alexis (Toth)
Je suis vraiment désolé de donner le texte suivant en américain, mais je n'ai pas le temps de traduire. Cette notice sur Saint ALEXIS (Toth) fait partie d'un synaxaire étasunien local, qui donne du reste les même indications que celles déjà fournies par Claude - mais avec quelques détails supplémentaires - et on trouvera à la fin des adresses de sites (en américain également) qui peuvent être utiles, à l'occasion.
THE LIFE OF ST. ALEXIS
Confessor and Defender of Orthodoxy in America
(May 7)
"He behaved himself uprightly in the conversion of the people, and took away the abominations of iniquity. He directed his heart unto the Lord, and in the days of lawless men, godliness prevailed" (Sir 49:1-3)
Our holy Father ALEXIS, the defender of the Orthodox Faith and zealous worker in the Lord's vineyard, was born in Austro-Hungary on March 18, 1854 into a poor Carpatho-Russian family. Like many others in the Austro-Hungarian empire, the Toths were Eastern Rite Catholics. ALEXIS' father and brother were priests and his uncle was a bishop in the Uniate church. He received an excellent education and knew several languages (Carpatho-Russian, Hungarian, Russian, German, Latin, and a reading knowledge of Greek). He married Rosalie Mihalich, a priest's daughter, and was ordained on April 18, 1878 to serve as second priest in a Uniate parish. His wife died soon afterwards, followed by their only child -- losses which the saint endured with the patience of Job.
In May, 1879, Fr ALEXIS was appointed secretary to the Bishop of Presov and also Administrator of the Diocesan Administration. He was also entrusted with the directorship of an orphanage. At Presov Seminary, Father Toth taught Church History and Canon Law, which served him well in his later life in America. St ALEXIS did not serve long as a professor or an administrator, for the Lord had a different future planned for him. In October, 1889 he was appointed to serve as pastor of a Uniate parish in Minneapolis, Minnesota. Like another Abraham, he left his country and his relatives to fulfill the will of God (Gen 12:1).
Upon his arrival in America, Father ALEXIS presented himself to the local Roman Catholic diocesan authority, Archbishop John Ireland, since there was no Uniate bishop in America at that time. Archbishop Ireland belonged to the party of American Catholics who favored the "Americanization" of all Roman Catholics. His vision for the future was founded on a common faith, customs, and the use of the English language for everything except liturgical celebrations. Naturally, ethnic parishes and non-Latin rite clergy did not fit into this vision. Thus, when Father Toth came to present his credentials, Archbishop Ireland greeted him with open hostility. He refused to recognize him as a legitimate Catholic priest or to grant permission for him to serve in his diocese. As a historian and professor of Canon Law, Father Toth knew his rights under the terms of the Unia and would not accept Archbishop Ireland's unjust decisions. In October of 1890, there was a meeting of eight of the ten Uniate priests in America at Wilkes-Barre, Pennsylvania under the chairmanship of Father Toth. By this time the American bishops had written to Rome demanding the recall to Europe of all Uniate priests in America, fearing that Uniate priests and parishes would hinder the assimilation of immigrants into American culture.
Uniate bishops in Europe refused to listen to the priests' pleas for help. Archbishop Ireland sent a letter to his parishes ordering their members not to attend Father Toth's parish nor to accept any priestly ministrations from him. Expecting imminent deportation, Father Toth explained the situation to his parishioners and suggested it might be best for him to leave and return to Europe.
"No," they said. "Let's go to the Russian bishop. Why should we always submit ourselves to foreigners?" It was decided to write to the Russian consul in San Francisco in order to ask for the name and address of the Russian bishop. Ivan Mlinar went to San Francisco to make initial contact with Bishop Vladimir; then in February, 1891 Father Toth and his church warden, Paul Podany, also made the journey. Subsequently, Bishop Vladimir came to Minneapolis and on March 25, 1891 received Father Toth and 361 parishioners into the Orthodox Church of their ancestors.
The parishioners regarded this event as a new Triumph of Orthodoxy, crying out with joy: "Glory to God for His great mercy!" This initiative came from the people themselves, and was not the result of any coercion from outsiders. The Russian Orthodox Church was unaware of the existence of these Slavic Uniate immigrants to America, but responded positively to their petition to be reunited to the Orthodox Church.
The example of St ALEXIS and his parish in returning to Orthodoxy was an encouragement to hundreds of other Uniates. The ever-memorable one was like a candle upon a candlestick giving light to others (Mt 5:15), and his flock may be likened to the leaven mixed with meal which leavened the whole (Mt 13:33). Through his fearless preaching he uprooted the tares which had sprung up in the wheat of true doctrine, and exposed the false teachings which had led his people astray. Although he did not hesitate to point out errors in the doctrines of other denominations, he was careful to warn his flock against intolerance. His writings and sermons are filled with admonitions to respect other people and to refrain from attacking their faith. While it is true that he made some strong comments, especially in his private correspondence with the church administration, it must be remembered that this was done while defending the Orthodox Church and the American Mission from unfounded accusations by people who used much harsher language than Father Toth.
His opponents may be characterized by intolerance, rude behaviour, unethical methods and threats against him and his parishioners. Yet, when Father ALEXIS was offended or deceived by other people he forgave them, and he would often ask his bishop to forgive his omissions and mistakes. In the midst of great hardships, this herald of godly theology and sound doctrine poured forth an inexhaustible stream of Orthodox writings for new converts, and gave practical advice on how to live in an Orthodox manner. For example, his article “How We should Live in America” stresses the importance of education, cleanliness, sobriety, and the presence of children in church on Sundays and Holy Days.
Although the Minneapolis parish was received into the Orthodox Church in March, 1891, it was not until July, 1892 that the Holy Synod of Russia recognized and accepted the parish into the Diocese of Alaska and the Aleutians. This resolution reached America only in October, 1892.
During that time there was a climate of religious and ethnic hostility against the new converts. Father ALEXIS was accused of selling out his own Carpatho-Russian people and his religion to the "Muscovites" for financial gain. In reality he did not receive any financial support for a long time, for his parish was very poor. Until his priestly salary began to arrive from Russia, the righteous one was obliged to work in a bakery in order to support himself. Even though his funds were meager, he did not neglect to give alms to the poor and needy. He shared his money with other clergy worse off than himself, and contributed to the building of churches and to the education of seminarians in Minneapolis.
He was not anxious about his life (Mt 6:25), what he would eat or drink or wear. Trusting in God to take care of him, St ALEXIS followed the admonition of Our Savior to "seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things shall be added to you" (Mt 6:33).
So he bore the tribulation, slander, and physical attacks with patience and spiritual joy, reminding us that "godliness is stronger than all" (Wis Sol 10:12).
Bishops Vladimir, Nicholas, St TIKHON, and Platon recognized the special gifts of Father Toth, so they often sent him forth to preach and teach wherever there were people of Slavic background. Even though he was aware of his shortcomings and inadequacies, yet he was obedient to the instructions of the bishops. He did not hesitate or make excuses, but went immediately to fulfill his mission. St ALEXIS visited many Uniate parishes, explaining the differences between Orthodoxy, Protestantism, Roman Catholicism and Uniatism, stressing that the true way to salvation is in Orthodoxy. Like Josiah, "he behaved himself uprightly in the conversion of his people" (Sir 49:2).
He was instrumental in the formation or return of 17 parishes, planting a vineyard of Christ in America, and increasing its fruitful yield many times over. By 1909, the time of his blessed repose, many thousands of Carpatho-Russian and Galician Uniates had returned to Orthodoxy. This was a major event in the history of the North American Mission, which would continue to shape the future of Orthodoxy in this country for many generations to come.
Any future growth or success may truly be regarded as the result of Father Toth's apostolic labors.
Who can tell of the saint's spiritual struggles? Who can speak of the prayers which his pious soul poured forth unto God? He did not make a public display of his piety, but prayed to God in secret with all modesty, with contrition and inward tears. God, Who sees everything done in secret, openly rewarded the saint (Mt 6:6). It is inconceivable that St ALEXIS could have accomplished his apostolic labors unless God blessed and strengthened him for such work. Today the Church continues to reap the fruits of his teaching and preaching.
Father Toth's efforts did not go unrecognized in his own lifetime. He received a jeweled miter from the Holy Synod, as well as the Order of St Vladimir and the Order of St Anna from Czar Nicholas II for distinguished service and devotion to God and country. In 1907, he was considered as a candidate for the episcopal office. He declined this honor, however, humbly pointing out that this responsibility should be given to a younger, healthier man.
At the end of 1908, St ALEXIS' health began to decline due to a complication of illnesses. He went to the seashore in southern New Jersey in an attempt to regain his health, but soon returned to Wilkes-Barre, where he was confined to bed for two months. The righteous one reposed on Friday, May 7, 1909 (April 24 on the Old Calendar), the feast of SS Sabbas and Alexius the Hermit of the Kiev Caves. St ALEXIS' love and concern for his spiritual children did not cease with his death. Before closing the account of his life, it would be most appropriate to reveal but one example of his heavenly intercession:
In January, 1993 a certain man prayed to St ALEXIS to help him obtain information about his son from whom he had been separated for twenty-eight years. Placing his confidence in the saint's boldness before God, he awaited an answer to his prayer. The very next day the man's son telephoned him. It seems the young man was in church when he was suddenly filled with an overwhelming desire to contact his father.
He had been taken to another state by his mother, and she changed his name when he was a child. This is why his father was unable to locate him. Having learned from his mother that his father was an Orthodox Christian, he was able with the help of an Orthodox priest to obtain his father's phone number in a distant city. As a result of that telephone call, the young man later visited his father, who rejoiced to see what sort of man his son had become. The father gave thanks to God and to St ALEXIS for reuniting him with his son.
St ALEXIS was a true man of God who guided many Carpatho-Russian and Galician immigrants through the dark confusion of religious challenges in the New World and back to the unity of the Orthodox Church through his grace-filled words and by his holy example. In his last will and testament St ALEXIS commended his soul to God's mercy, asking forgiveness from everyone and forgiving everybody. His holy relics now rest at St Tikhon's Monastery
<http://www.oca.org/pages/ocaadmin/semin ... /index.htm> in South Canaan, Pennsylvania where the faithful may come to venerate them and to entreat St ALEXIS' intercessions on their behalf.
Let us glorify God, Who has raised up such a luminary in our land, thanking Him for giving us Father Toth as our leader, teacher, and "Father of the Orthodox Church in America."
By his holy prayers, may we also attain the heavenly Kingdom, dedicating our lives to Our Lord Jesus Christ, to Whom be all glory, honor and worship, together with His unoriginate Father and His All-Holy, Good and Life-Giving Spirit, now and ever and unto ages of ages. Amen.
Troparion / Tone 4
O righteous Father ALEXIS,
Our heavenly intercessor and teacher,
Divine adornment of the Church of Christ,
Entreat the Master of All
To strengthen the Orthodox Faith in America,
To grant peace to the world
And to our souls great mercy
Kontakion / Tone 5
Let us the faithful praise the priest ALEXIS,
A bright beacon of Orthodoxy in America,
A model of patience and humility.
A worthy shepherd of the flock of Christ,
He called back the sheep who had been led astray
And brought them by his preaching
To the heavenly Kingdom.
Date: Tue, 06 May 2003 21:58:33 -0400
> From: nick cobb <nickk@cris.com>
THE LIFE OF ST. ALEXIS
Confessor and Defender of Orthodoxy in America
(May 7)
"He behaved himself uprightly in the conversion of the people, and took away the abominations of iniquity. He directed his heart unto the Lord, and in the days of lawless men, godliness prevailed" (Sir 49:1-3)
Our holy Father ALEXIS, the defender of the Orthodox Faith and zealous worker in the Lord's vineyard, was born in Austro-Hungary on March 18, 1854 into a poor Carpatho-Russian family. Like many others in the Austro-Hungarian empire, the Toths were Eastern Rite Catholics. ALEXIS' father and brother were priests and his uncle was a bishop in the Uniate church. He received an excellent education and knew several languages (Carpatho-Russian, Hungarian, Russian, German, Latin, and a reading knowledge of Greek). He married Rosalie Mihalich, a priest's daughter, and was ordained on April 18, 1878 to serve as second priest in a Uniate parish. His wife died soon afterwards, followed by their only child -- losses which the saint endured with the patience of Job.
In May, 1879, Fr ALEXIS was appointed secretary to the Bishop of Presov and also Administrator of the Diocesan Administration. He was also entrusted with the directorship of an orphanage. At Presov Seminary, Father Toth taught Church History and Canon Law, which served him well in his later life in America. St ALEXIS did not serve long as a professor or an administrator, for the Lord had a different future planned for him. In October, 1889 he was appointed to serve as pastor of a Uniate parish in Minneapolis, Minnesota. Like another Abraham, he left his country and his relatives to fulfill the will of God (Gen 12:1).
Upon his arrival in America, Father ALEXIS presented himself to the local Roman Catholic diocesan authority, Archbishop John Ireland, since there was no Uniate bishop in America at that time. Archbishop Ireland belonged to the party of American Catholics who favored the "Americanization" of all Roman Catholics. His vision for the future was founded on a common faith, customs, and the use of the English language for everything except liturgical celebrations. Naturally, ethnic parishes and non-Latin rite clergy did not fit into this vision. Thus, when Father Toth came to present his credentials, Archbishop Ireland greeted him with open hostility. He refused to recognize him as a legitimate Catholic priest or to grant permission for him to serve in his diocese. As a historian and professor of Canon Law, Father Toth knew his rights under the terms of the Unia and would not accept Archbishop Ireland's unjust decisions. In October of 1890, there was a meeting of eight of the ten Uniate priests in America at Wilkes-Barre, Pennsylvania under the chairmanship of Father Toth. By this time the American bishops had written to Rome demanding the recall to Europe of all Uniate priests in America, fearing that Uniate priests and parishes would hinder the assimilation of immigrants into American culture.
Uniate bishops in Europe refused to listen to the priests' pleas for help. Archbishop Ireland sent a letter to his parishes ordering their members not to attend Father Toth's parish nor to accept any priestly ministrations from him. Expecting imminent deportation, Father Toth explained the situation to his parishioners and suggested it might be best for him to leave and return to Europe.
"No," they said. "Let's go to the Russian bishop. Why should we always submit ourselves to foreigners?" It was decided to write to the Russian consul in San Francisco in order to ask for the name and address of the Russian bishop. Ivan Mlinar went to San Francisco to make initial contact with Bishop Vladimir; then in February, 1891 Father Toth and his church warden, Paul Podany, also made the journey. Subsequently, Bishop Vladimir came to Minneapolis and on March 25, 1891 received Father Toth and 361 parishioners into the Orthodox Church of their ancestors.
The parishioners regarded this event as a new Triumph of Orthodoxy, crying out with joy: "Glory to God for His great mercy!" This initiative came from the people themselves, and was not the result of any coercion from outsiders. The Russian Orthodox Church was unaware of the existence of these Slavic Uniate immigrants to America, but responded positively to their petition to be reunited to the Orthodox Church.
The example of St ALEXIS and his parish in returning to Orthodoxy was an encouragement to hundreds of other Uniates. The ever-memorable one was like a candle upon a candlestick giving light to others (Mt 5:15), and his flock may be likened to the leaven mixed with meal which leavened the whole (Mt 13:33). Through his fearless preaching he uprooted the tares which had sprung up in the wheat of true doctrine, and exposed the false teachings which had led his people astray. Although he did not hesitate to point out errors in the doctrines of other denominations, he was careful to warn his flock against intolerance. His writings and sermons are filled with admonitions to respect other people and to refrain from attacking their faith. While it is true that he made some strong comments, especially in his private correspondence with the church administration, it must be remembered that this was done while defending the Orthodox Church and the American Mission from unfounded accusations by people who used much harsher language than Father Toth.
His opponents may be characterized by intolerance, rude behaviour, unethical methods and threats against him and his parishioners. Yet, when Father ALEXIS was offended or deceived by other people he forgave them, and he would often ask his bishop to forgive his omissions and mistakes. In the midst of great hardships, this herald of godly theology and sound doctrine poured forth an inexhaustible stream of Orthodox writings for new converts, and gave practical advice on how to live in an Orthodox manner. For example, his article “How We should Live in America” stresses the importance of education, cleanliness, sobriety, and the presence of children in church on Sundays and Holy Days.
Although the Minneapolis parish was received into the Orthodox Church in March, 1891, it was not until July, 1892 that the Holy Synod of Russia recognized and accepted the parish into the Diocese of Alaska and the Aleutians. This resolution reached America only in October, 1892.
During that time there was a climate of religious and ethnic hostility against the new converts. Father ALEXIS was accused of selling out his own Carpatho-Russian people and his religion to the "Muscovites" for financial gain. In reality he did not receive any financial support for a long time, for his parish was very poor. Until his priestly salary began to arrive from Russia, the righteous one was obliged to work in a bakery in order to support himself. Even though his funds were meager, he did not neglect to give alms to the poor and needy. He shared his money with other clergy worse off than himself, and contributed to the building of churches and to the education of seminarians in Minneapolis.
He was not anxious about his life (Mt 6:25), what he would eat or drink or wear. Trusting in God to take care of him, St ALEXIS followed the admonition of Our Savior to "seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things shall be added to you" (Mt 6:33).
So he bore the tribulation, slander, and physical attacks with patience and spiritual joy, reminding us that "godliness is stronger than all" (Wis Sol 10:12).
Bishops Vladimir, Nicholas, St TIKHON, and Platon recognized the special gifts of Father Toth, so they often sent him forth to preach and teach wherever there were people of Slavic background. Even though he was aware of his shortcomings and inadequacies, yet he was obedient to the instructions of the bishops. He did not hesitate or make excuses, but went immediately to fulfill his mission. St ALEXIS visited many Uniate parishes, explaining the differences between Orthodoxy, Protestantism, Roman Catholicism and Uniatism, stressing that the true way to salvation is in Orthodoxy. Like Josiah, "he behaved himself uprightly in the conversion of his people" (Sir 49:2).
He was instrumental in the formation or return of 17 parishes, planting a vineyard of Christ in America, and increasing its fruitful yield many times over. By 1909, the time of his blessed repose, many thousands of Carpatho-Russian and Galician Uniates had returned to Orthodoxy. This was a major event in the history of the North American Mission, which would continue to shape the future of Orthodoxy in this country for many generations to come.
Any future growth or success may truly be regarded as the result of Father Toth's apostolic labors.
Who can tell of the saint's spiritual struggles? Who can speak of the prayers which his pious soul poured forth unto God? He did not make a public display of his piety, but prayed to God in secret with all modesty, with contrition and inward tears. God, Who sees everything done in secret, openly rewarded the saint (Mt 6:6). It is inconceivable that St ALEXIS could have accomplished his apostolic labors unless God blessed and strengthened him for such work. Today the Church continues to reap the fruits of his teaching and preaching.
Father Toth's efforts did not go unrecognized in his own lifetime. He received a jeweled miter from the Holy Synod, as well as the Order of St Vladimir and the Order of St Anna from Czar Nicholas II for distinguished service and devotion to God and country. In 1907, he was considered as a candidate for the episcopal office. He declined this honor, however, humbly pointing out that this responsibility should be given to a younger, healthier man.
At the end of 1908, St ALEXIS' health began to decline due to a complication of illnesses. He went to the seashore in southern New Jersey in an attempt to regain his health, but soon returned to Wilkes-Barre, where he was confined to bed for two months. The righteous one reposed on Friday, May 7, 1909 (April 24 on the Old Calendar), the feast of SS Sabbas and Alexius the Hermit of the Kiev Caves. St ALEXIS' love and concern for his spiritual children did not cease with his death. Before closing the account of his life, it would be most appropriate to reveal but one example of his heavenly intercession:
In January, 1993 a certain man prayed to St ALEXIS to help him obtain information about his son from whom he had been separated for twenty-eight years. Placing his confidence in the saint's boldness before God, he awaited an answer to his prayer. The very next day the man's son telephoned him. It seems the young man was in church when he was suddenly filled with an overwhelming desire to contact his father.
He had been taken to another state by his mother, and she changed his name when he was a child. This is why his father was unable to locate him. Having learned from his mother that his father was an Orthodox Christian, he was able with the help of an Orthodox priest to obtain his father's phone number in a distant city. As a result of that telephone call, the young man later visited his father, who rejoiced to see what sort of man his son had become. The father gave thanks to God and to St ALEXIS for reuniting him with his son.
St ALEXIS was a true man of God who guided many Carpatho-Russian and Galician immigrants through the dark confusion of religious challenges in the New World and back to the unity of the Orthodox Church through his grace-filled words and by his holy example. In his last will and testament St ALEXIS commended his soul to God's mercy, asking forgiveness from everyone and forgiving everybody. His holy relics now rest at St Tikhon's Monastery
<http://www.oca.org/pages/ocaadmin/semin ... /index.htm> in South Canaan, Pennsylvania where the faithful may come to venerate them and to entreat St ALEXIS' intercessions on their behalf.
Let us glorify God, Who has raised up such a luminary in our land, thanking Him for giving us Father Toth as our leader, teacher, and "Father of the Orthodox Church in America."
By his holy prayers, may we also attain the heavenly Kingdom, dedicating our lives to Our Lord Jesus Christ, to Whom be all glory, honor and worship, together with His unoriginate Father and His All-Holy, Good and Life-Giving Spirit, now and ever and unto ages of ages. Amen.
Troparion / Tone 4
O righteous Father ALEXIS,
Our heavenly intercessor and teacher,
Divine adornment of the Church of Christ,
Entreat the Master of All
To strengthen the Orthodox Faith in America,
To grant peace to the world
And to our souls great mercy
Kontakion / Tone 5
Let us the faithful praise the priest ALEXIS,
A bright beacon of Orthodoxy in America,
A model of patience and humility.
A worthy shepherd of the flock of Christ,
He called back the sheep who had been led astray
And brought them by his preaching
To the heavenly Kingdom.
Date: Tue, 06 May 2003 21:58:33 -0400
> From: nick cobb <nickk@cris.com>