IN THE NEWS:  Michigan, Oregon, PA and Massachusetts

Detroit, MI: Registration opens for August conference for catechists, diaconal vocations students

Registration is now open for the Diocese of the Midwest’s first Catechist and Diaconal Vocations Conference, slated to be held August 8-9, 2014 at Saint Andrew’s House, Detroit, MI.

Comprehensive program details, schedules and topics, and registration forms are available on the Diocese of the Midwest web site at www.domoca.org.

The conference, which is being facilitated by His Grace, Bishop Alexander and Priest Elijah Mueller, Vocations Director, is especially designed for those who took the Late/Diaconal Vocations course before the present program was initiated and who need to move forward with petitioning for ordination, those interested in beginning the program but live in an area where no local group has been established, those who want to participate in a diaconal practicum, and those who have taken courses within the program who desire to meet for further education and fellowship. The conference will feature a variety of classes, a practicum, opportunities to meet with Bishop Alexander and the Vocations Director, “hands on” assistance with petition paperwork, and presentations on lay catechesis. Presentations on Orthodox spirituality round out the program.

In addition to Bishop Alexander and Father Elijah, other instructors include Fathers Silvia Bunta and Steven Frase, Protodeacon Joseph Matusiak, Presvytera Rebecca Luft, Mark Roosein, and Anna Strelka.

Financial assistance is available upon request. For further information contact Father Elijah at 312-714-9775 or .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address).

Milwaukie, OR: Liturgical music seminar to be held October 11

The Church of the Annunciation, Milwaukie, OR, will be the site of a liturgical singing seminar, titled “That You May Hear Us,” on October 11, 2014.

The interactive, full-day seminar/workshop will focus on the actualization of music in Orthodox Christian worship so as to “enable a comprehensive and elevated liturgical experience through insightful and skilled leadership and participation.” Topics will include vocal technique, choral leadership, musical and liturgical structural analysis, and learning to distinguish between meaningful imperative and sacred music clichĂ©.

Mark Bailey, a leading expert in the field of Orthodox liturgical music, will lead the seminar. Having earned his degrees from the Eastman School of Music and the Yale School of Music/Yale Institute of Sacred Music, he served on the faculty of Saint Vladimir’s Seminary, Yonkers, NY, for over 15 years. He also is credited with several recordings of Orthodox sacred music, including “The Heart of Kyiv” with Pro Coro Canada. He serves as artistic director of the Yale Russian Chorus and the American Baroque Orchestra, and he frequently guest conducts ensembles including Cappella Romana, the Edmonton Symphony Orchestra, and most recently the Portland Baroque Orchestra (with Cappella Romana).

Guest speakers include His Eminence, Archbishop Benjamin of San Francisco and the West and Archpriest Lawrence Margitich, Chair of the Department of Liturgical Music of the Diocese of the West.

For additional information or registration forms, please send a request to .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address).

Ligonier, PA: November 2014 Christian Ed institute to focus on “Theosis”

Antiochian Village, Ligonier, PA, will be the site of the 2014 Orthodox Institute October 30 through November 2, 2014.

“Theosis: Spiritual Renewal for Your Life with God” is the theme of the conference, which is being cosponsored by the Orthodox Christian Education Commission and the Christian Education Departments of the Antiochian Orthodox Christian Archdiocese of North America, the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of America, and the Orthodox Church in America. Father Anthony Coniaris, renowned author, speaker and publisher, will deliver one of two keynote addresses, together with Dr. Kyriacos Markides, Professor of Sociology at the University of Maine and author of books on Christian mysticism. Core courses will be taught by Dr. Harry Boosalis, Professor of Dogmatic Theology at Saint Tikhon’s Seminary, South Canaan, PA, author and Mount Athos trip leader. Other presenters include Rev. Dr. David Hester, Fathers Michael Gillis and John Oliver, Mother Christophora, Martha Condra and Elizabeth White.

Conference courses include Freedom and Your Life with God, Spiritual Warfare and Suffering, Love and Prayer, Life in a Monasery, the Jesus Prayer and Theosis, Conversing with a Seeker, the Holy Spirit, and other theme-related topics.

Details, flyers, a complete schedule and registration forms are available on the Antiochian Archdiocese’s web site at www.antiochian.org/OI2014. For additional information please write to .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address).

Brookline, MA: OCAMPR issues call for papers for November conference

The Orthodox Christian Association of Medicine, Psychology and Religion invites interested parties to submit 20-minute papers and case studies on topics related to Orthodoxy and healing for presentation at the organization’s annual conference at Holy Cross Greek Orthodox School of Theology, Brookline, MA November 6-8, 2014.

The conference theme is “Exploring the Mind-Body-Soul Connection: Spirituality in Illness and Healing.” The conference offers an unique opportunity for Orthodox Christian clergy, theologians, and healthcare professionals to come together to discuss how the Orthodox healing traditions interface with contemporary theories and practices of care. Submittals traditionally include current work on theories and practices of Orthodox care by clergy, physicians and healthcare workers. Submittals are encouraged on any topic related to the mission of OCAMPR, and particularly on the theme of the annual conference. All presentations will be made available online and considered for publication in the conference proceedings.

Proposals should be submitted to Dr. Mike Christakis at .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address) by September 15 to be included in the conference program.

Additional information and registration forms are available at www.ocampr.org.