Live webcast on the future of Orthodoxy in America

(SVS) St. Vladimir's Seminary is presenting a realtime webcast on the past, present, and future of Orthodoxy in America, June 18-20. This symposium on church unity features presentations by His Beatitude Metropolitan Jonah, His Eminence Archbishop Nathaniel, His Grace Bishop Basil of Amphipolis, Antiochian Archdiocese Chancellor Charles Ajalat, and others.

Recent exchanges of views about Orthodoxy in North America, the role of the Patriarchate of Constantinople, events in the Antiochian Archdiocese, debates in the Romanian Episcopate, and pan-Orthodox sessions that deliberated on the “diaspora” (without American participation) emphasize how vital it is to reflect upon events that have shaped the current situation and to regularize Orthodoxy in North America.

To address this need, and in a summer which might be described as the most pivotal in American Orthodox history, St. Vladimir's Seminary is hosting a summer conference with the theme “The Council and The Tomos: 20th Century Landmarks Towards a 21st Century Church,” June 18-20.

The conference will focus on three visions which have shaped Orthodoxy in America: the vision of St. Tikhon; the vision of autocephaly; and a vision for the future, which will be offered by His Beatitude, Metropolitan Jonah at the conclusion of the conference. Speakers will focus on watersheds that have shaped the Orthodox Church in America: the All-Russian Council of 1917-18 and the Tomos of Autocephaly granted in 1970. The Very Rev. Alexander Garklavs, Chancellor of the OCA, will deliver a free public lecture at 7:30 p.m. on June 18 to begin this vital conference.

While registration for participating on-campus is now closed, St. Andrew House has sponsored a real time video webcast of the conference to maximize participation in this pivotal conversation. Live video streaming by St. Andrew’s House will be linked from the seminary web site with programming beginning Thursday, June 18, at 7:30 pm EST.

In addition to the live video feed, Ancient Faith Radio, the seminary’s Internet radio partner, will be providing audio of the conference in podcast format.

Whether you are able to participate in person, by live video feed, or by listening via podcast, we pray that you are able to play a part in this weighty discussion on the past – and future – of the Church in our land.