St. Vladimir’s Seminary annual Orthodox Education Day to honor chaplains, service men and women
On Saturday, October 1, 2011, Saint Vladimir’s Orthodox Theological Seminary here will honor military chaplains and service men and women at its annual open house, Orthodox Education Day. Activities for the day will center on this year’s theme, “For God and Country.”
The Rev. Dr. Philip LeMasters, a member of the seminary’s Board of Trustees, will deliver the keynote address, “Orthodox Perspectives on Peace, War, and Violence.” He is Professor of Religion, Director of the Honors Program, and Dean of the School of Social Sciences and Religion at McMurry University, and rector of Saint Luke Antiochian Orthodox church, Abilene, TX.
Dr. Stephen Muse, director of the Counselor Training Program at the Pastoral Institute, Inc., Columbus, GA, will lead a workshop, titled “Listen, Witness, and Weep,” which will explore the emotional, physical, and psychological support clergy and lay persons can offer veterans and their families. Dr. Muse teaches and supervises at the US Army Family Life Chaplain Training Program at Fort Benning.
Admission to the grounds and to all activities is free. In addition to the keynote and workshop, the day’s schedule includes
- the celebration of the Hierarchical Divine Liturgy at 8:00 a.m. Other liturgical services, including a Memorial for departed veterans, will be celebrated throughout the day.
- the dedication of a flag pole with military parade and honor guard.
- exhibits related to the armed forces and a panel of Orthodox Christian military chaplains.
- veneration of the relics of St. Basil Martysz and an exhibit of icons featuring military saints.
- assembling of care packages for military personnel on active duty with related activities for children.
- entertainment, including choirs and dance groups, and delicious ethnic food.
SVS Press and bookstore, featuring books, cards, CDs, and the newly published children’s book, St. George and the Dragon, will be available throughout the day.
The seminary is soliciting photos related to the theme for display. Names of living and deceased members of the Armed Forces to be remembered in prayer that day, are also being accepted. Please send same to the the event’s coordinator, Tanya Penkrat, at .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address).
For additional information visit the seminary’s web site at www.svots.edu.