The 2007 Orthodox Institute kicked off on Thursday evening with 54 Church School directors and teachers from at least six jurisdictions in the United States and Canada. Fr. Peter Gillquist spoke twice on the conference theme of Orthodox Unity, noting biblical references, statements from bishops, and breakthroughs that are leading the North American Orthodox Churches to unity. The event continued through Sunday, with 19 workshops related to Christian Education and unity, plus an Akathist service at the grave of St. Raphael on his feast day. The event, held at Antiochian Village, Ligonier, Pa., is sponsored by the Department of Christian Education. "It's a pleasure to see returning participants greeting each other, people making connections with new acquaintances, and all of us learning ways to promote unity," says director Carole Buleza.
Downloads (mp3s):
Fr. Peter Gillquist's Thursday evening's keynote address "Orthodox Unity, part 1" [1:07:00]
Fr. Peter Gillquist's Friday evening's keynote address "Orthodox Unity, part 2" [1:00:30]
Fr. Peter Gillquist's Saturday morning's homily "St. Raphael: The Man from Everywhere" [9:15]
Akathist at St. Raphael's Gravesite on his Feast Day [27:20]
Seminars:
"Overview of Orthodox Unity" by Fr. George Alberts [1:40:00]
"History of Unity in North America" by Robert Snyder [1:28:50]
"Unity on the Parish Level" by Kh. Anna Hughes [1:47:30]
Fr. Peter Gillquist challenged participants on Thursday evening to seek unity among Orthodox Christians and Churches in North America.
On Friday morning, participants began with Orthros in the Ss. Peter and Paul Chapel. Friday's sessions included Overview of Orthodox Unity with Fr. George Alberts (above) and Overview of Orthodoxy (below). Fr. Peter shared specific ideas on Friday evening about how Orthodox Churches can work together to bring about unity in North America.
On Saturday afternoon, participants commemorated St. Raphael on his nameday with an akathist at his gravesite at Antiochian Village.
Participants completing designated tracks received certificates. Here are 12 participants who completed the Orthodoxy track, with teacher/trainer Myra Kovalak (right).
