The General Assembly of the ” Heritage Center “- on March 1st., 2008

The General Assembly of the Heritage Center was hold on March 1st.,2008.

An overwhelming majority of the voting members were present in person or by proxy.

The Assembly debated the  activity of the year,adopted the budget and approved the activities for  the future.

The report of the Historian,Alexandru Nemoianu was approved unanimously.

The same Board of Trustees  was elected unanimously and in turn,the same Board of Officers was elected. Chairman of the Board  was reelected His Eminence Mt.Rev.Archbishop NATHANIEL and President – Archdeacon David OANCEA.

It was mentioned that the activity of the Heritage Center can be followed on three websites generously contributed by  “Asociatia Romana pentru Patrimoniu”(The Romanian Association for Patrimony”).

“Information Bulletin”- summary

• „Archbishop Valerian’s Legacy“
• A Statement by the Officers of the Board
• Traian Lascu: „What Did He Do?“
• Alexandru Nemoianu: „Archbishop Valerian D. Trifa and Romanian-American Heritage“
• About the Book “Trepte”
• Hieromonk Calinic: God’s Gifts, our Gifts and the Gift of Christmas
• Round Table at the Heritage Center
• Bishop Valerian D. Trifa: „The Orthodox Church Today 1964“
• Alexandru Nemoianu: „Romanian-American Heritage and Romanian Cultural and Historical Personalities“
• New Book
• V. Rev. Fr. Vasile Hategan: „Displaying and Promoting Romanian Folk Art in America“
• Alexandru Nemoianu: „About the Romanian-American Culture“
• Phillip J. Toconita, Jr.: „Folklore of the Romanians of Saint Paul, Minnesota“
• The Background of Romanian History
• Alexandru Nemoianu: „The Romanian-American Community and the English Language“
• ARCHIVE FROM “ROMANIAN-AMERICAN STUDIES”, on-line review

„Archbishop Valerian’s Legacy“

Archbishop Valerian’s pastorate was long and eventful.
The historical time was one of profound turmoil, rapid changes, and extraordinary mutations. All the existing historical challenges which Archbishop Valerian confronted in a manly manner, he solved with stunning wisdom. In fact, his pastorate represalii me historical time when the F a m mim American community gained its identity and proudly claimed its freedom. In a larger frame, the election of Valerian as leader of the Romanian Orthodox Episcopate of America represented the moment when the nefarious communist regime imposed on the Romanians was confronted and forced to back off.
The historical events are now well-known, books were written, thousands of articles analyzed the events and in fact, conclusions were reached. (It is interesting to note that right now, in Romania, a certain type of historical revisionism is flying high. Those “histories” and “historians” can not deny the unique importance of Archbishop Valerian’s pastorate but, at the same time, they try to accommodate the rather shameful machinations of the rather pathetic ecclesiastical contraptions brought into being by the Romanian communist regime. It is equally important to note that during the same time and in the same country, the writings of Archbishop Valerian continue to be censored as will be documented in pages printed in the January-March, 2008 issue of the “Information Bulletin” of the Heritage Center.) >>>Alexandru Nemoianu>>>

A Statement by the Officers of the Board

December 2007
Among the purposes for which the Valerian D. Trifa Romanian-American Heritage Center was established, was providing an appropriate place of reposit for documents of various kinds concerning the Romanian-North American Community and to promote research and distribution of information about the same. The collection of materials has continued unabated since the foundation of the Center which now houses the largest single collection about the Romanian-North American community. The Center is a Michigan Not-for-Profit Organization located in Grass Lake, Michigan, and stands on property rented from the Romanian Orthodox Episcopate of America.
Mr. Stelian Stanicei was the first temporary resident. Dr. David Bernatowicz was resident for a short period of time. It had been the intention of the late Archbishop Valerian D. Trifa, of Thrice-Blessed Memory, that after his retirement he would reside at the Center to initiate and carry out studies and projects concerning the community. After the departure of Archbishop Valerian, the Board of Trustees engaged Mr. Alexander Nemoianu as permanent Secretary-Archivist. >>>>>

Traian Lascu: „What Did He Do?“

“Nothing has been left from Valerian; and whatever he did was bad.”
That’s the statement and the thinking of one of the new priests in our Episcopate which was uttered at the Vatra not too long ago. A more reasoned priest, an old-timer, hearing that statement, told him to “leave the Archbishop alone; he’s now resting in his eternal sleep,” as if the new priest had committed a sacrilege. It was a rather mild admonition compared to the absurdity of that statement.
It is ironic that such a statement was made on the grounds of the Vatra, the site of Archbishop Valerian’s greatest accomplishments. Obviously, that recently-arrived priest knows very little – if anything – about the history of our Episcopate, how an estate with dilapidated farm buildings was transformed by Bishop Valerian into an administrative center which is the envy of other Orthodox Churches, as well as into a center of religious education and a meeting and resting place for all Romanian Orthodox in America.
The St. Mary’s church and Pioneer Chapel, as well as the dormitories for the religious education courses and Camp Vatra, did not fall from heaven Father; they were judiciously planned and built by Bishop Valerian with the support of our faithful who believed in his leadership. In St. Mary’s cemetery at the Vatra, planned by Bishop Valerian, rest hundreds of our faithful from throughout the United States. >>>>>

Alexandru Nemoianu: „Archbishop Valerian D. Trifa and Romanian-American Heritage“

Archbishop Valerian was a personality of numerous talents and a born leader. He had the capacity to understand the problems of his people, the wisdom to resolve them, and the power to sacrifice himself for the good of his flock.
It was given to him to have an eventful life and to spend long periods of time in different parts of the world in diverse nations and cultures. However, he fulfilled the mission of his life among his own people in the New World.
In studying the history of Archbishop Valerian’s life, a parallel between his particular destiny and that of the group of people he descended from should be noticed.
He descended from the “Mori,” the very special and noble branch of the Romanians living in the Western (Apuseni) Mountains of Romania, a group of people that were remarkable for their dignity, courage, steadfastness under adversities and respect for traditions. In the very turbulent history of Romanian Transylvania, a lot of the legendary leaders of the struggle for liberty and human dignity were “Mofi” like Horia, Cloşca and Avram Iancu; and, all of them met an undeserved tragic end. >>>>>

About the Book “Trepte”

In 2007, in Romanian, I published the book “Trepte” (Rungs). The book has nothing to do with my job; it is part of my private life, of my inner world.
The book is a journal of affectional experiences. It is a literary style that basically records the emotions. It is not history; it is the most subjective type of memories.
The book was not about ideas or promotion of ideas. Definitely it was not its purpose to promote “good” or “bad”. Anyhow, if somehow I offended someone, I am very sorry for that and publicly apologize. >>Alexandru Nemoianu >>>>

Christ Was Born Today

Christ trie Child was born today,
The Saving Lord who lights our way.
Praise him long with our song,
Joy to us belongs.

Infant child in swaddling clothes,
Wrapped and bundled. Mary knows,
Praise him long with our song,
Joy to us belongs.

Blowing winds do not disturb him,
Falling snow will not come near him,
Praise him long with our song,
Joy to us belongs. >>>>>

Hieromonk Calinic: God’s Gifts, our Gifts and the Gift of Christmas

“The earth is the Lord*? and the full­ness thereof (Ps 24:1 f. This verse fro— the Psalms reminds us of one very im­portant truth: God created all things. and this means He oh7u all things. He loans us these things for the duration of our lives on earth. The world is first of all a gift of God to us, and for our part, made in God’s image, the world is to be used as a gift. By receiving the world as a gift, and offering it back to God as a gift, the world becomes a means for spiritual growth and com­munion.
In fact, the world and all that is in it has no meaning except as a means of sharing between the two poles of its existence: God who created it, and man, for whom it was created.In this created world, man stands in the “middle” – part immaterial soul and part material body – a “mingled wor­shipper,” who is “half-way between greatness and lowliness” in the words of Gregory the Theologian. We are bound to the things of the earth for our very existence, but also by our very existence we are called to transcend the things of the earth. Man is at once part of and above the earth. Our rela­tionship is that of stewards, offering the creation to God, and our steward­ship will determine our eternal destiny. All of this takes place during our short time on earth, for the orientation and habits of the soul cannot change with­out the body. >>>>>Hieromonk Calinic>>>>>

Round Table at the Heritage Center

On July 7, 2007 at 2:00 p.m. the Heritage Center organized its first “round table” at its head­quarters, 2540 Grey Tower Road, Jackson, Michigan.
The session was chaired by His Eminence, Most Rev. Archbishop Nathaniel, the Chairman of the Heritage Center Board of Direc­tors.
The main speakers were: Uni­versity Professor Dr. Aurel Sasu (University of Cluj, Romania), an old and staunch supporter and friend of the Heritage Center, well known for his outstanding scho­lastic contribution to the history of the Romanian-American com­munity, and Alexandru Nemoianu, the Historian of the Heritage Center.
The main topics debated were: the concepts used to define the personal and the group identity and the significance of Arch­bishop Valerian D. Trifa’s pas­torate .
The debates were animated and Mrs. (Preoteasa) Joan Heifner from Rives Junction participated and contributed very precious ob­servations.
The conclusions reached will be incorporated in articles to be published in future issues of the “Information Bulletin.” >>>>>

Bishop Valerian D. Trifa: „The Orthodox Church Today 1964“

(Continued from last issue)
In 1963, Metropolitan Andrei rec­ognized the canonical jurisdiction of the Bulgarian Patriarchate in Sofia. This act was not accepted by some of the parishes, in particular those of Macedo-Bulgarian origin. Under the leadership of Archimandrite Ianceff, the Macedonian parishes declared themselves separated from the Bul­garian Diocese.
The See of Metropolitan Andrei is in New York City.
There are about 5,000 Bulgarian Orthodox in the United States and Canada.
The Carpatho-Russian Orthodox Church
The name Carpatho-Russian is ap­plied to the population living in the Eastern part of Czechoslovakia.
Originally, the Carpatho-Russians were Orthodox, but, under political pressure, they became Uniates accept­ing the Roman Catholic Byzantine Rite and the supreme authority of the Pope of Rome.
The Carpatho-Russian immigrants to the United States did not feel at home under the American Roman Catholic jurisdiction and started a movement of returning to Orthodoxy. >>>>>Bishop Valerian D. Trifa>>>>>

Alexandru Nemoianu: „Romanian-American Heritage and Romanian Cultural and Historical Personalities“

Romanian-American Heritage is a complex reality, the result of a con­tinuing, hundred-year-long historic process, and includes the totality of traditions, beliefs and behavioral at­titudes observed by the members of the Romanian-American community, along with the predominant use of the English language. Romanian-American heritage is not a finished product, but a living process that commenced ten decades ago and con­tinues today, with the expectation that it will persist in the foreseeable fu­ture. The hybrid heritage is among the most important contributions which Romanian immigrants made to their new country, and is in fact part of the greater American cultural milieu which Romanians made more diverse.
The pioneer Romanian immigrants did not come and were not accepted into the New World as a group, but as individuals. Only after they settled and became accustomed with the ways of their adopted country did they make conscious decisions to preserve at least some of their traditions and their Romanian understanding of life. >>>>>Alexandru Nemoianu>>>>>

New Book

Fr. Gabriel-Viorel Garden, “Episcopia Ortodoxa Romana din America-Parte a Ortodoxiei Ameri­cane,” (The Romanian Orthodox Episcopate of America-Part of Ameri­can Orthodoxy, Universitara Clujeana Press, 2007, 569 pages, in Romanian.
Recently the above-mentioned book was included into the Heritage Center’s library.
This is a monumental book that covers the history of “Romanian” Orthodox history in the New World. The author also presents in detail the history of the Romanian immigra­tion to America.
The book is a very solid historical study, and the information used is overwhelming. In the meantime, the style is sober and captivating and the lecture is a real pleasure.
The conclusion of the book, im­plied in the title, is that the Roma­nian Orthodox Episcopate of America (with its headquarters at “Vatra Romaneasca”) is an American Or­thodox entity. Directly. and indirectly. the author expresses his opinion, thai attempts to change rhis reality would be both damaging and futile.
The book is a must for those inter­ested in Romanian-American history. >>>>>

V. Rev. Fr. Vasile Hategan: „Displaying and Promoting Romanian Folk Art in America“

Besides the love of and pride in their Romanian roots and heritage, the pioneer Romanian immigrants brought along with them articles of folk and religious art, some Romanian reading matter, such as the Bible, prayer books and selected Romanian literature. A few of the immigrants, especially among the females, arrived garbed in their distinctive national costumes, which they forwent for the apparel of the day at that time in this country.
Their Romanian language, customs, religion, dances and philosophy, plus the personal tangible mementos, were reminders of their heritage, which they wanted to preserve and perpetuate in this country. The cherished artifacts were not simply stored away. but found a prominent place in the homes they eventually set up.
In the early Romanian home in America, one could usually find a re­ligious and ethnic corner, consisting of an ikon on glass or wood draped with a hand embroidered Romanian scarf, before which hung a vigil light or a votive candle.
On a lower shelf or elsewhere, there might be a container of holy water, a censer, pussy willows or palms from previous Palm Sunday services, deco­rated Easter eggs. A wooden hand cross and other religious articles, such as candle stubs from past Easter Services, baptisms or weddings. >>>>>V. Rev. Fr. Vasile Hategan>>>>>

Alexandru Nemoianu: „About the Romanian-American Culture“

Lately, a number of books, periodi­cals and individuals debated aspects regarding the Romanian-American culture in its entirety and in a number of details. A good portion of the opin­ions expressed were laudative, objec­tive and constructive. They tried to analyze the Romanian-American group and its culture, and to the best of the ability of the respective authors. they tried to assess the importance of our group and the significance of its cul­ture. On the other hand, a number of voices were very vehement and totally critical. It was said that the Roma­nian-American culture is a “periph­eral” phenomenon and that the culture activities of our group, especially the Romanian Radio Hours, the few Ro­manian TV Hours and almost of all, the periodicals published by our group, are “amateurish”, that they lack “pro­fessionalism” and that according to a “superior” and “sophisticated” pom: of view, they are almost an embarrass­ment. Such sorts of comments are obviously negative and detrimental and besides, they are inaccurate. At best. such comments try to promote a son of uncalled-for elitism and at worst, try to humiliate and misrepresent a very complex cultural phenomenon in its entirety. >>>>>Alexandru Nemoianu>>>>>

Phillip J. Toconita, Jr.: „Folklore of the Romanians of Saint Paul, Minnesota“

Saint Paul, Minnesota is the home of a group of Romanians that came to the United States in the late 1800’s and early 1900’s. Since the majority of these people were from small, iso­lated villages located in the wooded valleys and mountains of Romania, there was great opportunity for folk customs and beliefs to spring up and endure. Naturally, many of the tales, superstitions and customs were per­petuated in their new colony in Saint Paul. The early settlers built a small church and social center on the cor­ner of Woodbridge and Atwater Streets in the North End District of Saint Paul. They established their homes around the church and met each week after worship to discuss the local news in the Romanian language and to par­take of the social customs much as they did in Romania.
The following stories were told to me by my friends and relatives in our small ethnic community. Although I am only a second generation Ameri­can, my ties to the Romanian group are still strong and I can remember hearing most of the sayings and sto­ries when I was a child. >>>>>Phillip J. Toconita, Jr.>>>>>

The Background of Romanian History

Each country is interesting in it­self, but it is often more interesting to consider what is its significance for the development of mankind, for the culture of humanity as a whole. The older school of historical writ­ing concentrated on establishing in­dividual facts, while the broad lines of historical development were often neglected. For this reason the public, while buying the books, was but little impressed by them. Nowadays the main attention of the historian shall be directed towards tracing the great currents which penetrate and inspire national societies, and the syntheses created within their limits.
I will try to bring before my audi­ence the significance of Romania’s past in different ages: in antiquity, in the Middle Ages, and in the more recent periods of Continental history.
Firstly, Romania can show an un­broken continuity of those elements which dominated European prehis­tory. Her soil is rich in treasures belonging to the millennia which preceded the appearance of written language. The manner of construction of the small huts and of the better houses in the village – and such elements were transmitted to later forms of art —, the superstitions, the character of the popular arts, as dis­played in the rugs and carpets, in the shirts, in the woodcarving, the orna­mental spoons and spindles, the met-alwork, belts and the like – all go back to prehistoric times. >>>>>

Alexandru Nemoianu: „The Romanian-American Community and the English Language“

The end of World War I represented a turning point in the evolution of the Romanian-American community. A sizeable number of the early Romanian immigrants decided to return to the old country at the end of the war, but many more postponed such a decision, at least for a later and rather vague date.
Those who remained started to use the money saved to purchase businesses, to send children to school, etc. In other words, they tried to integrate themselves into the mainstream of the American society. This process was in many as­pects difficult as it implied to modify traditions and beliefs and to adapt to the new environment. One of the major adjustments was the adoption of the English language.
As it is known, the first Romanian immigrants did not plan to stay for any length of time in America. They planned to remain only long enough to save some money (the thousand dollars) and to return home to buy land. For that reason, they were not preoccupied to learn English. After they decided to establish themselves for a longer pe­riod, the knowledge of at least a basic English became a necessity. >>>>Alexandru Nemoianu>>>>>

ARCHIVE FROM “ROMANIAN-AMERICAN STUDIES”, on-line review

• • New Book: Rev. Fr. Dr. Remus Grama, Bishop Policarp Morusca, Jackson, 2005
  • ” The Perils of Immigration ” by Kenneth Peacock
  • The Pioneer Woman on the Prairies
  • Alexandru Nemoianu: ” The Romanian – American Personalities”
  • Rozeta Metes : ” The Musat Family”
  • ” He was George R . Gavrila ”
  • ” Icons on Glass”
  • Alexandru Nemoianu : ” Archbishop Valerian D.Trifa – Romanian Language Writer
  • Alexandru Nemoianu : ” Historical Progress and Continuity ”
  • Ilia Kiriak : ” The Struggles of Immigrant Settlers “
  • Recollections of Luca (Franciuc) Francis of His Experiences, the Romanian Community and Churches in Regina, Saskatchewan as Related to His Daughter, Eugenia Virginia (Francis) Popescul in January, 1978
  • Saint Nicholas Regina, Saskatchewan
  • Holy Trinity Church MacNutt, Saskatchewa
  • Romanians in Alberta 1898-1998
  • Saint Elijah the Prophet Lennard, Manitoba
  • Sir Clifford Sifton :” Only Farmers need apply”
  • Rev. Hieromonk Calinic (Berger) – The Conqueror of Death
  • Traian Lascu: Memories
  • Alexandru Nemoianu – The Oral History Project of the Romanian-American Heritage Center
  • Traian Lascu – Edmond Agopian A Canadian-Romanian Who Makes Us Proud
  • A.S. Lucaciu – Our Friend Igrisan is Asleep
  • Bishoip Valerian D. Trifa – The Orthodox Church Today 1964
  • Alexandru Nemoianu: „An Example and a Source of Inspiration“
  • Alexandru Nemoianu: „The Early History of the Romanian“
  • Alexandru Nemoianu: „A Booklet the Romanian-American Community of Detroit“
  • George Gavrila: „The Mission of Bishop Policarp Morusca“
  • Livia Dragila: „The Story of My Life“
  • The Heritage Center Holds General Assembly
  • The Romanian-American Heritage Center
  • Valerian Trifa: „The Orthodox Church Today 1964“
  • The Passing of a Generation
  • „Banateana“ Society

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