OCA offering diaconal instruction this summer

(OCA) - The Eighth Annual Diaconal Liturgical Practicum — a program held in conjunction with the Orthodox Church in America’s Diaconal Vocations Program (DVP) and St. Vladimir’s Orthodox Theological Seminary — will be held Sunday, June 22 through Wednesday, June 25, 2014 on the seminary campus in Yonkers, NY. The four–day program will focus on intense practical liturgical training for deacons and lay diaconal candidates.

During the program, practical liturgical training will be supported by the celebration of the Divine Liturgy and other services, while intensive workshops will provide participants with the skills needed to serve effectively as an attentive server, deacon, or priest. In addition, focused presentations will augment the deacon’s understanding of his place in the liturgical life of the Church and his broader vocation as a symbol to the faithful of the diakonia of Jesus Christ.

“This practicum is highly recommended by the Holy Synod of Bishops for participants in the Church’s Diaconal Vocations Program,” said Archdeacon Kirill Sokolov, director of the DVP and leader of the liturgical workshops for the practicum. Archpriest Dr. Sergius Halvorsen, Assistant Professor of Homiletics and Rhetoric at Saint Vladimir’s Seminary, will lead sessions on public speaking, teaching, and preaching, as well as chanting and vocal technique.

Participants are asked to arrive after 3:00 p.m. on Sunday, June 22; the last day of the practicum, June 25, includes morning Divine Liturgy, a closing discussion, and brunch. Participants may leave campus at noon for 3:00 p.m. and later flights from area airports.

For more information, please contact diaconal2014@svots.edu. Register here.

And also...

DETROIT, MI (OCA-DMW) — A conference for catechists, Diaconal Vocations program students, and those interested in furthering their understanding of the Orthodox Christian faith will be sponsored by the Diocese of the Midwest at Saint Andrew’s House here August 8-9, 2014.

His Grace, Bishop Alexander and Priest Elijah Mueller, Director, will facilitate the program.

The conference is especially designed for those who took the Late/Diaconal Vocations course before the present Diocesan program was instituted and who need to move forward with petitioning, those interested in beginning the program but live in an area where no local group has been established, those who want to participate in a diaconal practicum, and those who have taken courses within the program who desire to meet for further education and fellowship.

The conference will feature a variety of classes, a practicum, opportunities to meet with Bishop Alexander and the Vocations Director, “hands on” assistance with petition paperwork, and presentations on lay catechesis. Presentations on Orthodox spirituality round out the program.

Costs and final schedule have yet to be established. Financial assistance will be available for those who request it.

Interested individuals are asked to call Father Elijah at 312-714-9775 or to send an e-mail to elijahnmueller@sbcglobal.net.

Additional information will be posted as it becomes available.