Two training practicums for deacons and diaconal candidates to be offered this summer
Two intense liturgical training practicums for deacons, students in the Orthodox Church in America’s Diaconal Vocations Program, and those interested in the diaconate will be held this summer at Saint Vladimir’s Seminary, Yonkers, NY and Saint Herman’s Seminary, Kodiak, AK.
St Vladimir’s Seminary is the site of a fourth annual Diaconal Practicum June 20-24 |
For the fourth year, Saint Vladimir’s Seminary will offer the Diaconal Liturgical Practicum June 20-24, 2010. This year’s practicum will be one day longer than last year to allow increased discussion and work on the deacon’s vocation in the parish, the diaconal vocation in service to neighbor, and different experience levels. Faculty include Archdeacon Kirill Sokolov and Priests Alexander Rentel and Sergius Halvorsen.
A similar practicum will be held at Saint Herman’s Seminary August 4-7, in conjunction with the annual pilgrimage honoring Saint Herman of Alaska, which concludes on August 9.
“Participants will be afforded a special opportunity to receive practical diaconal liturgical training, to engage in ‘diakonia in action’ on Spruce Island, and to participate in the pilgrimage in the unmatched beauty of Alaska’s ‘Emerald Isle,’” said Archdeacon Kirill, who with Archpriest John Dunlop, dean of Saint Herman’s Seminary, will lead the practicum.
“The two practicums are being held held in conjunction with the Orthodox Church in America’s Diaconal Vocations Program and are highly recommended for participants in the Church’s program by the Holy Synod,” Archdeacon Kirill added. “According to His Beatitude, Metropolitan Jonah, diakonia is at the center of the vocation of every Christian. The hierarchs are thankful for the growth in diaconal vocations throughout our Church, and these annual practicums gives deacons a strong context for their service at the holy altar.”
The site of the original witness of Orthodoxy in America—Kodiak, Alaska—hosts a Diaconal Practicum August 2010 in conjunction with the St. Herman Pilgrimage |
During the practicums, practical liturgical training for deacons and lay diaconal candidates will be supported by the celebration of the Divine Liturgy and other services. Intensive workshops will provide participants with the skills needed to serve effectively. Attention will be given to the liturgical patterns of movement that inform the entire rite of the Church. Participants will also receive guidance on concelebration and hierarchical celebrations in order to effectively prepare for such occasions. In addition to practicums, focused presentations by faculty will augment the deacon’s understanding of his place in the liturgical life of the Church and his broader vocation as a witness to the faithful of the diakonia of Christ. Instruction in public speaking and vocal technique will also be offered.
The Diaconal Vocations Program is a program of theological study offered by the Holy Synod to prepare men who may be called for ordination to the Holy Diaconate. The Holy Synod recently blessed a process of evaluation and revision for the Program. Archdeacon Kirill was recently appointed Coordinator of the Diaconal Vocations Program. He can be reached for any questions about the Program and the summer practicums at www.oca.org/dvp.
For more information and/or to register for the Diaconal Vocations Program at Saint Vladimir’s Seminary see www.svots.edu/2010-0620-diaconal-liturgical-practicum.
For more information and/or to register for the Diaconal Liturgical Praticum at Saint Herman Seminary see www.sthermanseminary.org/2010dlp.html.