Annual Midwest Clergy Convocation to be held in Livonia, MI May 1-3, 2017
LIVONIA, MI [MW Diocese Communications] — Holy Transfiguration Church here will be the site of the annual Clergy Convocation of the Diocese of the Midwest May 1-3, 2017.
The keynote speaker at the gathering will be Archimandrite Joseph, Abbot of Saint Gregory Palamas Monastery, Perrysville, OH, who will offer two timely presentations — “The Priest Before God: Prayer and Holiness” and “The Priest in the Midst of the Community: The Celebrant of the Holy Mysteries, Preacher/Teacher and Shepherd” — on Tuesday, May 2.
“Well known for his love of the services and forming parishes that reflect a full liturgical expression of worship, Father Joseph has served as a priest in Antiochian, OCA Romanian and Greek Orthodox churches over the last 35 years,” said His Grace, Bishop Paul. “As Abbot of Saint Gregory Palamas Monastery, he has continued that practice.”
Bishop Paul will offer Monday evening’s opening session, “Sowing Seeds: The Proclamation of the Gospel in the Age of the New Normal”, in which his vision for the diocese, as detailed at the 2016 Diocesan Assembly, will be highlighted.
Liturgical services, including the singing of the Akathistos Hymn before the reproduction of the Tikhvin Icon of the Mother of God currently enshrined in Chicago’s Holy Trinity Cathedral and Small Compline, Vespers, Matins and the Divine Liturgy, will be celebrated during the gathering. Clergy will also have the opportunity to participate in the sacrament of Confession. There also will be ample time for fellowship. And those clergy wishing to place vestment orders may do so with Nikita Borisov, well known ecclesiastical tailor, who will be available during the convocation.
On Wednesday, Bishop Paul will preside at the Council of Presbyters.
A detailed schedule is available for download, here.
“It is hoped that as many clergy as possible — priests and deacons, active and retired, assigned and attached — will come and participate,” Bishop Paul said. “Attendance by assigned clergy is required.”
The $180.00 registration fee may be sent to the Diocese of the Midwest, 927 North La Salle Drive, Chicago, IL 60610 by April 22. Parishes are required to cover all expenses for their clergy, including travel, lodging, and registration.
