ROCOR Eastern Diocese pastoral conference update

(ROCOR-EAD) - On Monday, March 1, after the official opening of the Pastoral Conference, Archpriest Artemy Vladimirov shared the first half of his spiritual discussion in the parish hall of St. John the Baptist Cathedral. The full text of his speech will be posted in English and Russian on the diocesan website shortly. After Fr. Artemy’s speech, a discussion on diocesan life in 2009 was held. Diocesan secretary Archpriest Serge Lukianov discussed changes in structure and organization of the diocese, as well as a series of critically important projects, designed to improve life in the diocese, that had been accomplished over the course of last year. Priest John Moses discussed the newly formed volunteer program Volunteers in Mission (VIM), and the successes of the first work week, held at St. Nicholas Monastery in North Fort Myers, FL.

Fr. John also briefly discussed an upcoming conference for men considering the possibility of ordination. That conference will take place in Holy Cross Monastery, May 1-2. Fr. John then discussed the newly established diocesan library at All Saints of North America Church in Middlebrook, VA. Diocesan treasurer Priest Jonah Campbell briefly discussed the financial situation in the diocese with the delegates. Priest George Johnson discussed the Eastern American Diocesan Music Commission (EADMC) and its upcoming music events, scheduled to take place in 2010. Serge R. Lopoukhine, a member of the Diocesan Council, then discussed the work of a commission tasked with researching the possibility of providing health insurance and a pension plan for diocesan clergy. Reader Peter Lukianov discussed the everyday life of the diocesan Media Office. God willing, a book about the Kursk Root Icon’s travels to the parishes of the Eastern American Diocese will be published in June.

Deacon Andrei Psarev, a professor at Holy Trinity Theological Seminary, delivered a remarkable presentation in honor of the 50th anniversary of the repose of the ever-memorable Archbishop Vitaly (Maximenko). Click here to read Fr. Andrei’s presentation. After dinner, His Grace George, Bishop of Mayfield, led the panihida for all the reposed archpastors and pastors of the Eastern American Diocese in the cathedral across the street. Commemorated at the panihida were all the diocesan clergy who reposed in the Lord in 2009. After the panihida, the Great Compline was served.