NEWS ELSEWHERE - New York; Milwaukie, OR; Pregnancy and Infant Loss Awareness Month

AKATHIST TO THE MOTHER OF GOD, “THE HEALER OF CANCER,” TO BE CELEBRATED AT NYC CATHEDRAL

On October 22, 2010 at 7:30 p.m., the Akathist to the Mother of God, “The Healer of Cancer,” will be celebrated at the Cathedral of the Holy Virgin Protection, 59 East Second Street, New York. The service is timed to coincide with the week week after the widely known Avon Breast Cancer Walk as a cancer research fundraiser, to enhance cancer awareness, and to provide support ministry to the afflicted and their families.

A new musical setting for the English text of the Akathist has been composed by Robert Sirico, reader and choir director at Saint John the Theologian Church [OCA], Shirley, NY, and founder of the “Orthodox Christian Music Project”. The Akathist will be sung by the Synodal Choir of the Russian Orthodox Church Outside of Russia, conducted by Maestro Peter Fekula.

At the reception that will follow, Dr. Steven Sugarman, Director of Oncological Research at Sloan Memorial Kettering Cancer Hospital, will address the gathering.

More info is available on the cathedral web site at nycathedral.org.

CHOIR WORKSHOP TO BE HELD IN MILWAUKIE, OR NOVEMBER 13

The Choir of the Church of the Annunciation here will host a workshop on Orthodox liturgical music on Saturday, November 13. The workshop, which will focus on effective vocal techniques for choir directors, chanters, and singers, will begin at 11:30 a.m. and end with a pan-Orthodox Vesper service at 7:00 p.m.

For further information or to register please contact Irena Burkett at 503-730-3218 or .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address).

RESOURCES FOR REACHING OUT IN TIMES OF MISCARRIAGE, STILLBIRTH, OR THE DEATH OF A NEWBORN CHILD

Every year, approximately 1,000,000 pregnancies in the US end in miscarriage, stillbirth or the death of a newborn child. In an article marking October’s Pregnancy and Infant Loss Awareness Month, Matushka Dennise Krause of Holy Trinity Church, East Meadow, NY, offers some insights into dealing with the anticipation of life that results in grief.

The highly recommended article, which includes a wealth of on-line resources and lengthy bibliography, may be found on the OCA web site at www.oca.org/RHArticle.asp?SID=15&ArticleID=270.