Third Annual St. Macrina Orthodox Institute Conference held in August
KANSASVILLE, WI [MW Diocese Communications] — The Midwest Diocese’s Saint Macrina Orthodox Institute held its third annual diaconal and catechist conference at the new Saint Iakovos Retreat Center here August 12-13, 2016.
“This year the conference focused on all the ways that ‘diakonia’ connects us to charity and love of our neighbor,” said Archpriest Elijah Mueller, Institute Director and Rector of Saint Makarios Mission, Hyde Park, Chicago. “The talks were lively and enjoyed by all, as were the diaconal liturgical practice and the catechists’ practicum.”
Archdeacon Kirill Sokolov facilitated the hands-on review of liturgical rubrics, while Anna Strelka lead the catechists through exercises and group discussion. His Grace, Bishop Paul, offered words of encouragement to the participants as they continue their studies.
Matushka Vera Proctor, Director of FOCUS Minnesota, delivered the keynote address, titled “The Myrrhbearers’ Great Boldness in the Faith in Jesus Christ: As He Is, so are We in This World.”&nbps; The conference theme was further developed by Rebecca Luft, who spoke on “The Liturgy of Love of Your Neighbor: Commands of Law and Gospel;” Dr. Eric Jobe, whose presentation was titled “Serving Tables: Diaconal Ministry in Liturgy and Charity in Ancient Israel and the Mediterranean World;” and Dr. Helen Theodoropoulos, offered a presentation titlted “Modern Saints as Examples of Diakonia.” Father Elijah also spoke on Byzantine philanthropy and the Fathers’ preaching about poverty and wealth.
According to Father Elijah, the 2017 conference — “The Wedding Feast: Diakonia and the Celebration of Life in Union” — will focus on the Orthodox understanding of how marriage, asceticism and sacramental life unite in ministry.
