Universal Orthodox diocese of Georgia U. S. A. 400 North River Parkway

1954
June 14

Congress considers three variations of the "under God" phrase: "One Nation under God," "One Nation, under God," and "One Nation indivisible under God."  Congress accepts variation #1 based on a recommendation from the Library of Congress, which states, "Since the basic idea is a Nation founded on a belief in God, there would seem to be no reason for the comma after Nation." 1992 John W. Baer, D.A., M.B.A. The words "under God" are inserted into the Pledge. The legislation is supported by President Dwight D. Eisenhower, "fearing an atomic war between the U.S. and the Soviet Union," who signs the bill. President Eisenhower says: "In this way we are reaffirming the transcendence of religious faith in America's heritage and future; in this way we shall constantly strengthen those spiritual weapons which forever will be our country's most powerful resource in peace and war." The new Pledge reads: "I Pledge allegiance to the flag of the United States of America and to the Republic for which it stands, one nation under God, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all." Sept. 29, 2003 Los Angeles Times
1963 June 17	The U.S. Supreme Court in Abington v. Schempp ruled 8-1 that government mandated Bible reading in public schools was unconstitutional. "The reference to divinity in the revised pledge of allegiance, for example, may merely recognize the historical fact that our Nation was believed to have been founded 'under God.' Thus reciting the pledge may be no more of a religious exercise than the reading aloud of Lincoln's Gettysburg Address, which contains an allusion to the same historical fact." (Id. at 303-04 -- Brennan, J., concurring) June 17, 1963 United States Supreme Court
1983 July 5	The U.S. Supreme Court in Marsh v. Chambers ruled 6-3 that sessions of the Nebraska state legislature could begin with a prayer given by a publicly funded chaplain because, over time, the practice had become a communication of shared values rather than a decidedly religious practice. Justice William J. Brennan repeated his conviction that the phrase "under God" in the Pledge of Allegiance did not violate the Establishment Clause because those words "have lost any true religious significance." (ID. at 818 -- Brennan, J., dissenting) July 5, 1983 United States Supreme Court
1984 March 5	The U.S. Supreme Court in Lynch v. Donnelly ruled 5-4 that the city of Pawtucket in Rhode Island could continue to display a nativity scene as part of its Christmas display. In this decision, the Court refused to take an absolutist stance regarding the Establishment Clause. Each case is to be independently checked to determine whether the intent is secular or religious. Religion in general may be advanced by the government in some cases so long as there is no administrative entanglement with religion. The Court listed many examples of our "Government's acknowledgment of our religious heritage," and included Congress' addition of the words "under God" in the Pledge of Allegiance. (Id. at 676-77) Mar. 5, 1984 United States Supreme Court
1985 June 4	The U.S. Supreme Court in Wallace v. Jaffree ruled 6-3 to invalidate Alabama's moment of silence statute. Justice Sandra Day O'Connor responded that the inclusion of the words "under God" in the Pledge is not unconstitutional because they "serve as an acknowledgment of religion with the legitimate secular purpose of solemnizing public occasions, and expressing confidence in the future." (Id. at 78 n.5 -- O'Connor, J., concurring) June 4, 1985 United States Supreme Court
1988 Sept. 13	Sonny Montgomery (D-MS) became the first Congressman to lead the U.S. House in citing the Pledge of Allegiance as a permanent part of its daily business operations. Presidential politics in 1988 precipitated the practice of reciting the Pledge of Allegiance in the House. At the time, the controversy found its way onto the House floor, but Senators largely ignored it. During the 1988 campaign, candidate George Bush criticized candidate Michael Dukakis for his veto of a Massachusetts state bill to require the Pledge of Allegiance in all public schools in that state. House Republicans (then in the minority) surprised their chamber by offering a privileged resolution to require that each House day commence with the Pledge. Then-Speaker Jim Wright (D-TX) came to the floor and chastised Republicans for using the Pledge of Allegiance to make a partisan point, saying, "I think it is very important that all of us recognize that the Pledge of Allegiance to the flag is something intended to unite us, not intended to divide us." However, with electoral sensitivities in mind, Speaker Wright then went on to announce he would call upon the chairman of the House Veterans' Committee, Sonny Montgomery (D-MS), to offer the Pledge when the House next met. May 19, 2000 C-SPAN
1989 July 3	The U.S. Supreme Court in Allegheny County v. ACLU ruled 5-4 (to strike) on the display of a creche at a courthouse and 6 to 3 (to uphold) on the display of a menorah at a county building. Justice Kennedy, in his dissent, said "It would border on sophistry to suggest that the 'reasonable' atheist would not feel less than a 'full member of the political community' every time his fellow Americans recited the Pledge." (Id. at 673) July 3, 1989, United States Supreme Court
1992 January 24	The U.S. Illinois Seventh Circuit Court of Appeals, in Sherman v. Community Consolidated School District 21, (filed 1988), ruled against plaintiff Robert Sherman, concluding that "that schools may lead the Pledge of Allegiance daily, so long as pupils are free not to participate." January 24, 1992, Sherman v. Community Consolidated School District 21 (60KB)
1992 June 24	The U.S. Supreme Court in Lee v. Weisman ruled 5-4 that prayers during school graduation violated the Establishment Clause. This case struck down a graduation prayer while implicitly approving the student's recitation of the Pledge of Allegiance prior to the prayer. June 24, 1992 United States Supreme Court
1999 June 24	Sen. Bob Smith (I-NH), who introduced a resolution (S.Res. 113) to begin reciting the Pledge in the Senate. The resolution to amend the Standing Rules of the Senate and institute a daily Pledge was adopted by the unanimous consent of the Senate on June 23, 1999. The Pledge of Allegiance will be recited daily in the Senate by its Presiding Officer, or another Senator designated for that purpose. May 19, 2000 C-SPAN
2001 March 14	Michael A. Newdow, an unemployed emergency room physician who also earned a law degree from the University of Michigan, files a lawsuit, arguing that having the words "under God" in the Pledge of Allegiance was unconstitutional. Sept. 29, 2003 Los Angeles Times Read the original complaint, as well as other legal documents from this case.
2002 June 27	"A panel of Ninth Circuit judges holds [in a 2-1 decision] that the phrase 'under God' violates the First Amendment's prohibition of government sponsorship of religion." Judges: Alfred T. Goodwin - Opinion [Appointed by: President Nixon, 1971] Stephen Reinhardt - Concur [Appointed by: President Carter, 1980] Ferdinand F. Fernandez - Partial Concurrence and Partial Dissent [Appointed by: President Bush, 1989] The majority opinion by Judge Alfred T. Goodwin states "no official, high or petty, can prescribe what shall be orthodox in politics, nationalism, religion, or other matters of opinion or force citizens to confess by word or act their faith therin. The Pledge, as currently codified, is an impermissible government endorsement of religion because it sends a message to unbelievers 'that they are outsiders, not full members of the political community, and an accompanying message to adherents that they are insiders, favored members of the political community.'" July 8, 2002 Newsweek June 27, 2002, Court opinion in Newdow v. U.S.
2002 August 9	The U.S. Justice department files an appeal with the U.S. 9th Circuit. The appeal "requests an 'en banc' rehearing before the 9th Circuit Court of Appeals, meaning that an 11-judge panel is asked to consider the case as opposed to the [only] three judge panel that issued a 2-1 ruling." Aug. 9, 2002 CNN
2002 October 30	U.S. President [George W.] Bush signs a bill "reaffirming -- with a slap at the U.S. 9th Circuit Court of Appeals -- references to God in the Pledge of Allegiance and the national motto." The bill is approved unanimously in the Senate, with only five "no" votes in the House. The bill is, in effect, a show of support, and carries no legal weight. Nov. 2, 2002 Los Angeles Times
2003 February 28	The 9th Circuit Court of Appeals "rejected the Bush administration's request to reconsider its decision en banc that the Pledge of Allegiance is unconstitutional because of the phrase 'under God.'" Feb. 28, 2003 CNN
2003 March 4	9th Circuit Court of Appeals Judge Alfred T. Goodwin, a President Richard Nixon appointee, "issued a 90-day stay, which allows schoolchildren in nine Western states to continue reciting the [under God] Pledge, pending a decision by the Supreme Court on whether it will review the case." Mar. 5, 2003 Los Angeles Times Senate Resolution 71 expressing support for the Pledge of Allegiance passed by the vote 94-0.
2003 May 20	House Resolution 132 expressing the sense of the House of Representatives that the Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals ruling in Newdow v. United States Congress is inconsistent with the Supreme Court's interpretation of the first amendment and should be overturned, passed by a vote of 400-7.
2003 October 14	The U.S. Supreme Court agrees to hear the case, and "arguments in the case will be heard next year, with a ruling expected by June." Oct. 15, 2003 CNN
2004 June 14	"The Supreme Court at least temporarily preserved the phrase 'one nation, under God,' in the Pledge of Allegiance, ruling [June 14, 2004] that a California atheist could not challenge the patriotic oath while sidestepping the broader question of separation of church and state. The court said the atheist could not sue to ban the pledge from his daughter's school and others because he did not have legal authority to speak for her." June 14, 2004 Associated Press Read the Supreme Court ruling, as well as other legal documents from this case.
2004 September 23	The United States House of Representatives voted 247-173 to pass the Pledge Protection Act 2004 (H.R. 2028). The introductory language of the bill states that its purpose is: "To amend title 28, United States Code, with respect to the jurisdiction of Federal courts over certain cases and controversies involving the Pledge of Allegiance." It did not pass the Senate.
2005 January 6	Michael A. Newdow, the atheist who sued because he did not want his young daughter exposed to the words "under God" in the Pledge of Allegiance, files another lawsuit -- this time with other parents. Jan. 6, 2005 CNN
2005 August 10	The 4th Circuit Appeals Court ruled against Edward R. Myers who tried to overturn a Virginia state law requiring public schools to lead a daily recitation of the Pledge of Allegiance. Aug. 10, 2005 Associated Press
2005 September 14	Federal Judge Lawrence Karlton of the Eastern District of California ruled in favor of Michael Newdow that it was unconstitutional to recite the Pledge of Allegiance in public schools because of its inclusion of the phrase "under God." Sept. 14, 2005 Associated Press
2005 September 29	House Concurrent Resolution 245 expressing the sense of Congress that the United States Supreme Court should speedily find the use of the Pledge of Allegiance in schools to be consistent with the Constitution of the United States passed 383-31.
2006 July 19	Pledge Protection Act 2005 (H.R. 2389) that would amend title 28, United States Code, with respect to the jurisdiction of Federal courts over certain cases and controversies involving the Pledge of Allegiance, passed 260-167. The bill was introduced to the Senate as S.1046 but the 109th Congress (2006-2007) never voted on the issue.
2007 Jan. 29	Representative Todd Akin (R-MO) introduces the 2007 Pledge Protection Act (H. R. 699) to the first session of the 110th Congress. The bill is referred to the House Committee on the Judiciary, and then to the Subcommittee on the Constitution, Civil Rights, and Civil Liberties, where, as of April 19, 2007, it awaits review.

To Herod's other troubles was now added an insurrection of the populace. There were in the capital two men of learning with a reputation as profound experts in the Laws of their country, who consequently enjoyed the highest esteem of the whole nation; their names were Judas, son of Sepphoraeus, and Matthias, son of Margalus. Their lectures on the Laws were attended by a large youthful audience, and day after day they drew together quite an army of men in their prime. 

Hearing now that the king was gradually sinking under despondency and disease, these teachers threw out hints to their friends that this was the fitting moment to avenge God's honor and to pull down what had been erected in defiance of their fathers' Laws: for although it was unlawful to place in the Temple either images or busts or any representation whatsoever of a living creature, the king had nonetheless erected over the great gate a golden eagle. It was these teachers now exhorted their disciples to cut down. They told them that if any danger should arise, it was a glorious thing to die for the Law of one's country; for the souls of those who came to such an end attained immortality and an eternal enjoyment of happiness; it was only the ignoble, uninitiated in their philosophy, who clung in their ignorance to life and preferred death by disease to that of a hero. 

While they were discoursing on this, a rumor spread that the king was dying; the news caused the young men to throw themselves more boldly into the enterprise. At mid-day, accordingly, when numbers of people were perambulating the Temple, they let themselves down from the roof on stout cords and began chopping off the golden eagle with hatchets. The king's captain, to whom the matter was immediately reported, hastened to the scene with a considerable force, arrested about forty of the young men and conducted them to the king. Herod first asked them whether they had dared to cut down the golden eagle; they admitted it.  "Who ordered you to do so?" he continued.  "The Law of our fathers."  "And why so exultant, when you will shortly be put to death?"  "Because we shall enjoy greater happiness after our death."  This provoked the king to such fury that he overcame his disease...he ordered those that had let themselves down from the roof, together with the teachers, to be burnt alive; the remainder of those arrested he handed over to his executioners.

While contemplating all of this and trying to form this into order through the gift of writing that is given unto me when being taught by the Lord alone, “Greg” came back to an experience that needs to be shared.

On Sunday March 2nd 2008 AD the founding Bishop was seated and ate with the priests and was shown the child. On March 9th 2008 AD the priests and elders blessings were bestowed and meeting with Abune Sellama was confirmed for March 14th. Again the child was shown this time in the arms of Solomon Berihun. We agreed that their bread enjera is made from the unique grain of Ethiopia teff and that we ate angel food with relish that day.
That Friday at the meeting with Abune Sellama, “Greg” wore the blue polo sweater with red horse and rider logo and sat with Aba Gabriel Meskel. Abune Sellama watched them annunciate the Amharic alphabet and spoke the Word given that day.
In 2 Kings, “O, my father my father the chariot of Israel

and the horsemen thereof.” xiii. 14

The brother of ‘Greg’ is a retired Lt. Colonel of the US Army and has consistently made the observation in tweaking him, “I’ll bet if I went to that Church and offered them money to tell you to go away they would take it.” They have an odd relationship of conflict and at the same time respect. Just recently ‘Greg’ told him about breaking the code on the Writings of Emanuel Swedenborg and that was his response. But the truth is something has just been lacking and the Spirit coming upon ‘Greg’ to write, Doctrine of the golden eagle within these last thirty days was another step in the process of redemption. But the seeming error for not sitting with the men of the Church just could not be shaken.

With the meal ended that day, ‘Greg’ went around the table after saying to the man that sat across from him, “I now have to deal with another one of my screw ups.” Abune Sellama came around for a prayer and the breaking of bread when the Spirit hit him. ‘Greg’ told Solomon Berihun who was visibly angry, “I want to give you a piece of that bread.” To which he responded, “I will be taking priest Gabriel Meskel to the airport,” indicating he was through dealing with ‘Greg’ for the day. After Solomon Berihun went to the parking lot and got into his car ‘Greg’ approached him on my knees at his drivers’ window begging him to let me ride with him to the airport. Losing his anger, “Do you want go with me,” he beamed asking. “Well, sure if it is ok with you and the priest,” as Solomon Berihun began to smile over the odd actions of his white priest friend. “Get in,” Solomon Berihun said. “Are you sure it is all right,” ‘Greg’ said and, “Let’s just wait for the priest,” because ‘Greg’ wasn’t about to get into that car until Aba Gabriel Meskel was seated and said it was ok too. “What are you doing,” Gabriel wanted to know when he seated and looked upon the odd white man on his knees in the parking lot. “I want to ride with you to the airport. Is it ok with you,” ‘Greg’ asked the priest who infectiously laughing said, “Sure, get in let’s go,” and off they all rode together on another adventure.

On that Sunday, March 16th when Solomon Berihun drove Aba Gabriel Meskel to the Atlanta Airport accompanied by “Greg” and upon the return they sat together and marveled at the broken windows in the Equitable Bldg. and Ga. Power. “I know that priests that fight against Satan have a vision,” Solomon Berihun said. “After you get baptized, you are going to get up in the pulpit and speak your vision and an interpreter is going to tell the Church the things you see. You are going to be given the honor name of Aba Gregorius. You must speak your vision.” “Greg” entered the Martin Luther Marta Station amidst the ruin of the neighborhood after telling Solomon Berihun, “I sure have struggled with Satan.”

During the reception at their house Fletcher Wolfe wryly observed, “Greg, now you are taking care of your brother David,” knowing that seeing his kid brother in a holy robe would disturb his older brother David W. and ‘Greg’s fellow chorister Russell Waldon. The angst of another spiritual failure and action in direct contradiction to the Word of scripture shared with a Bishop in warning bore heavily upon ‘Greg’.

In preparing this study the meeting with Matthew the Ethiopian that teaches a Protestant form of Bible study in the Fellowship Hall to the youth of this Ethiopian Orthodox Church drifts around ‘Greg’ in thought. Matthew seemed in a way put out over the elevation of the monk/priests to the Office of Bishop and made a point that many of his friends had left the Church. “Greg” could see that there were many that Matthew missed. John the deacon who “Greg” first approached on being released from prison was asked in the parking lot when he found the new location for Saint Gabriel, “Is the same priest here from Atlanta,” ‘Greg’ had asked Deacon John then. And now John the deacon was seated with Matthew and ‘Greg’. Only a month ago or so John the deacon invited “Greg” to the next Mezemar after eating from his plate. The thought came again to his mind what Fr. Elias Eskander the Coptic priest told ‘Greg’ after explaining the ceremonies of the Ethiopians that were centered upon him. “Greg, I think these Ethiopians make a priest out of you. They need an American priest.” This Coptic priest confirmed by this observation what the Spirit was telling ‘Greg’. And then only a few months later, Chaplain Paul A. Ready with the Veterans for Christ came to Atlanta for that blessed event on June 19^th 2006 under the blessings of Chaplain General Elmer Heindl the most decorated Chaplain in United States Military history and a then active Catholic priest at St. Charles in Rochester, New York. “Greg” was ordained under the Holy Cross carried by that honored military priest in World War II.

After being allowed to return to Saint Gabriel in the summer of 2007 “Greg” told the Coptic Fr. Elias Eskander about the elevation to Bishop of the monk/priests through Order by Patriarch Abune Merkorios. “How are they going to be able to do that,” he observed. “In our religion, a Bishop must be a monk and a priest,” this Coptic Oriental Orthodox priest said. “Greg” told him that the priests at Saint Mariam and Saint Gabriel in Decatur, were both monks and priests and this Coptic priest was caught by surprise of these events.

Later, during our catechism lessons “Greg” asked Abune Sellama, “You must miss your country. How is it that you came to be here as a priest in Atlanta.” Abune Sellama told ‘Greg’, “I just came for a visit and decided to stay.” And now after reading in Wikipedia about the schism and the recalling how the Spirit had struck him the day of his return to Saint Gabriel that something dramatically had changed. ‘Greg’ understood what Patriarch Abune Merkorios planned for the regeneration of the Church and the sacrifice that was made by the Bishops that followed the true Patriarch of the Ethiopians and the monk/priests that obeyed the call upon their lives.