Metropolis of the Orthodox Western Rite
Western Orthodox Christian Church
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"Never, never, never let anyone tell you that, in order to be Orthodox, you must be Eastern..."
~St. John Maximovitch
His Eminence, Metropolitan Joseph
Bishop of Celio
Metropolis of the Orthodox Western Rite
Coat of Arms
The Green, wide-brimmed hat with tassels is known as a Galero. Bishops traditionally wore a galero of green color.
The cross symbolizes the authority and dignity of the Episcopacy and serves as a reminder that in all things, Christ must be first.
Our Lady of Perpetual Help is a particular Marian devotion of Metropolitan Joseph.
The Rampant Eagle is a traditional heraldric symbol of Germany; it symbolizes the Bishop's family background and roots.
The "M" represents the Virgin Mary; the water represents area where the bishop was born. The symbol is representative of two of her roles; patroness of sailors and mariners. Secondly, she is piously referred to as the "Star of the Sea” providing hope, direction, and refreshment from the pains of the momentary sufferings by interceding for us before God.
"In all things, God be glorified." This is Metropolitan Joseph's chosen Episcopal motto. It is taken from the Rule of Saint Benedict, and signifies an essential truth of the Christian faith- that Christ himself is our life, our light, and above all else, our salvation.
Metropolitan Joseph has served in a variety of ministries for over twenty years prior to his Consecration to the Episcopacy. He has served in parochial and diocesan administration, youth ministry, nursing home chaplaincy, military and prison chaplaincy, etc. Bishop Joseph has taught, lectured and authored books.
Academic Achievements:
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Bachelor of Arts degree in Philosophy, Edinboro University of Pennsylvania, Edinboro, PA
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Master of Theological Studies, Washington Theological Union, Washington, DC
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Doctor of Ministry in Pastoral Counseling, Graduate Theological Foundation, South Bend, IN
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Doctor of Philosophy in Theological Studies, Graduate Theological Foundation, South Bend, IN
Ordinations to the Sacrament of Holy Orders:
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Diaconate: July 19, 1996
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Priesthood: July 20, 1996
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Episcopacy: June 13, 2015
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