OCA Archivist lectures in Midwest

An image from Mr. Liberovsky’s presentation depicts the future OCA Primate, Metropolitan Ireney (Bekish), during his tenure as Bishop of Japan in the 1950s.

SYOSSET, NY [OCA]—Alexis Liberovsky, Archivist and Director of the Department of History and Archives of the Orthodox Church in America, delivered presentations at Saint Luke Church (OCA), Palos Hills, IL on Friday, May 6, 2011, and at Saint Sava Serbian Orthodox School of Theology, Libertyville, IL, on Monday, May 9, 2011.

In his presentation, titled “The Autocephaly of the Orthodox Church in America and Church Unity: From Historical Vision to the Present,” Mr. Liberovsky highlighted key people, events, and documents that have shaped the Orthodox Church’s life on this continent beginning with the Alaskan mission in 1794 to the granting of autocephaly to the OCA in 1970. He also spoke of various efforts to unite the Church in North America throughout the 20th century and the current work of the Assembly of Canonical Orthodox Bishops of North and Central America. A PowerPoint presentation with over 200 historical images accompanies the lecture.

Saint Luke parish hosted the presentation on behalf of the Chicago Deanery. Following the presentation, clergy and faithful asked many insightful questions, and a wide-ranging discussion of issues raised in the lecture ensued. At Saint Sava School of Theology, the presentation acquainted the students—most of whom are from Serbia or neighboring Balkan nations—with the history of Orthodoxy in North America.

During his visit to the Chicago area, Mr. Liberovsky met with His Grace, Bishop Matthias of Chicago and Archpriest John Zdinak, Diocesan Chancellor, to discuss preservation of the diocesan archives and to offer support for this work. In meetings with staff at Saint Sava School of Theology and the nearby New Gracanica Monastery, Third Lake, IL, useful discussions took place concerning archival preservation efforts and possible cooperation in historical and archival work.

The OCA Archivist is prepared to provide dioceses, church institutions and parishes with support or assistance for preservation of their own archives. Additionally, requests for information or documentation may be addressed to the OCA Archives in conjunction with historical research. The OCA Archives are also open for onsite research by appointment. Mr. Liberovsky is available upon invitation to give presentations on autocephaly as well as other historical topics. He can be contacted at: .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address) or 516-922-0550 ext. 121.