Sixth annual Diaconal Liturgical Practicum to be held June 10-13, 2012

Liturgical Practicum 2011

The sixth annual Diaconal Liturgical Practicum, will be held at Saint Vladimir’s Seminary here June 10-13, 2012.  The program will be held in conjunction with the Orthodox Church in America’s Diaconal Vocations Program and is highly recommended for participants in the Church’s program by the Holy Synod of Bishops.

“Diakonia is at the center of the vocation of every Christian,” explains His Beatitude, Metropolitan Jonah.  “The hierarchs thank God for the growth in diaconal vocations throughout our Church, and for this annual program that offers deacons a strong context for their service at the holy altar.”

The Practicum will offer intense liturgical training for deacons and lay diaconal candidates.  Extensive workshops will provide participants with the skills needed to serve in the Orthodox Church as an attentive server, deacon, or priest.  Attention will be given to the liturgical patterns of movement that inform the entire rite of the Church.  Participants will also receive guidance on concelebrations and hierarchical celebrations so that they can effectively prepare for such occasions.  Focused presentations by members of the seminary’s faculty will augment the deacon’s understanding of his place in the liturgical life of the Church and his broader vocation as a symbol to the faithful of the diakonia of Christ our Lord.  Instruction in public speaking and vocal technique also will be offered.

Liturgical workshops conducted by Archdeacon Kirill Sokolov, Director of the OCA’s Diaconal Vocations Program, will aim to provide participants with the skills needed to serve prayerfully and effectively.  Special emphasis will be given to the typical celebration of the Divine Liturgy of St. John Chrysostom by one priest and one deacon.

Priest Sergius Halvorsen will offer presentations on public speaking, teaching, and preaching, Church reading, vocal technique.  Father Sergius holds an M.Div. from Saint Vladimir’s Seminary and a Ph.D. in Liturgical Studies from Drew University.  He is Assistant Professor of Homiletics and Rhetoric at Saint Vladimir’s Seminary.

On-line registration for the Practicum opens February 18.  Detailed information may be found on the seminary web site.

For further information, please contact .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address).