OCA seminaries offer variety of educational programs in June
A number of educational programs are being offered by two of the Orthodox Church in America’s seminaries in June 2010.
Saint Tikhon’s Seminary will host its third annual Clergy Continuing Education Symposium, “The 40th Anniversary of OCA Autocephaly,” Tuesday, June 15 through Thursday, June 17. Presenters include two well-known speakers, scholars, and published authors—Archpriest Leonid Kishkovsky, OCA Director of External Affairs and Interchurch Relations, and Mr. Alexis Liberovsky, OCA Archivist and Director of the Department of History and Archives. His Grace, Bishop Tikhon of Philadelphia and Eastern Pennsylvania, also will participate in a table talk with the presenters. Together they will examine the topic of autocephaly from the Church’s historical, theological, canonical and pastoral perspectives.
Thanks to the Ganister Foundation, which is providing partial funding for the symposium, the per-participant fee is only $50.00, which includes registration, materials, accommodations in the seminary dormitory, and all meals. A registration form is available on-line at www.doepa.org/files/Conferences/clergysymp.pdf.
Saint Vladimir’s Seminary will host three concurrent programs from Sunday, June 20 through Thursday, June 24.
A Diaconal Institute will provide practical liturgical training for deacons and diaconal candidates through the daily celebration of the divine services by participants with seminary clergy. Faculty members will offer focused presentations about the deacon’s place in the liturgical life of the Church and his broader vocation as a symbol to the faithful of the ministry of Christ. Instruction in public speaking and vocal technique also will be offered. The practicum will be held in conjunction with the Orthodox Church in America’s Diaconal Vocations Program and is highly recommended by the OCA Holy Synod of Bishops. Additional information may be found at www.svots.edu/2010-0620-diaconal-liturgical-practicum and www.oca.org/dvp.
Concurrently, a program in practical liturgics for newly ordained priests and select college-age subdeacons will offer intensive, practical liturgical training. Attendees will celebrate and concelebrate the services, take part in general liturgics classes, and engage in workshops on voice training, homiletics, and the practice of the Holy Mystery of Confession. Time will also be set aside for fellowship, discussion, and reflections on the ministry of the priesthood led by senior priests. For further information visit www.svots.edu/2010-0620-practical-liturgics-upcoming.
During the same period, an educational and fun liturgical music workshop for youth will address the needs and talents of the Church’s future leaders in song. Students ages 13-18 with an interest in learning more about Church music will have the opportunity to work with experienced Church musicians to develop their skills and understanding of music notation, chanting, choral singing, and the structure of liturgical services. Visit www.svots.edu/2010-0620-music-program-upcoming for further information.