Department of Continuing Education begins work, issues survey

At their January 28, 2013 meeting, the members of the Holy Synod of Bishops of the Orthodox Church in America established the Department of Continuing Education to provide for the ongoing development of clergy and lay leaders.  This action came in response to decisions made at the 16th All-American Council with regard to the Strategic Plan.

Simultaneously, the Holy Synod mandated an annual 20-hour continuing education requirement for all priests and deacons.  The Department was charged with carrying out this mandate primarily through the Continuing Clergy Development (CCD) program.

“CCD offerings will be delivered on-site, in person and on-line according to needs and resources,” said Archpriest Ian G. Pac-Urar, recently appointed Department Director.  “The first offering will be ‘Ethical and Legal Issues Module 1: Clergy Sexual Misconduct,’ presently in development stage.  Additional offerings will be developed in accordance with directives of the Holy Synod and in line with responses to the Department’s Needs Assessment Survey, which should be completed by all hierarchs, clergy and laity.”

The Needs Assessment Survey may be found, completed, and submitted on-line here.

“The purpose of the survey is to help set priorities for the Department’s work in the short and long-term future,” Father Ian added.

Detailed information on the Department’s vision and work may be found on its FAQ page.