On October 4-7, 2022 participants gathered in Indianapolis for the annual forum of Christian Churches Together. Representatives from Orthodox churches joined those from the CCT’s other groups including Roman Catholic, Mainline Protestant, and Evangelical, amongst others. Participants from the Orthodox Church in America included Father Chad Hatfield, President of Saint Vladimir’s Orthodox Theological Seminary, Father Peter Baktis, and Protodeacon Sergei Kapral. Other Orthodox participants were Father David Barr, Father Nicolas Kazarian. Also participating was Archbishop Vicken Aykazian from the Diocese of the Armenian Church of America (Eastern), President of the CCT’s Orthodox group.
The theme of the forum was “Who does Jesus Call our Christian Churches to be in a Polarized Society?” and keynote addresses were given by Adelle Banks and Adam Russell Taylor. Father Chad Hatfield gave the Orthodox group’s presentation this year. During the presentation, Father Chad used the Church’s mission in Alaska, with its history and tension with the Russian fur traders, as an example for navigating a polarized society in an Orthodox way.
Unique at the CCT forums, ecumenical worship services are avoided and instead each of the major groups have opportunities to share their own traditions for others. Great Vespers was served for the feast of Saint Innocent at the Joy of All Who Sorrow Orthodox Church and was a highlight of the event.
More information can be found at the CCT Website.
