CHICAGO, IL -- Orthodox Christian Synergy, the Chicago area Pan-Orthodox association, will host its 17th annual Symposium on October 15, with Fr. Thomas Hopko speaking on "Orthodoxy and Homosexuality." The Symposium will be held at St. George Antiochian Orthodox Church in Cicero, IL, from 9 am to 1:30 pm.

The scope of this Symposium is a frank presentation about homosexuality as an issue of Orthodox faith and life facing the faithful. The intention is to focus on how Orthodoxy understands the phenomena of homosexuality, how Orthodox Christians with same-sex attractions are to deal with their condition, and how Orthodox Christians, especially clergymen and family members, are to relate to Orthodox Christians and all people who are same-sex attracted, rather than focusing on related cultural, social, or legal issues.

Fr. Hopko will give two different presentations on this theme. His morning presentation will be "Theological Vision: Orthodox Christian Faith and Human Sexuality." His afternoon presentation will be on "Spiritual Practice: Orthodox Christian Life and Homosexual Attraction and Behavior."

Fr. Hopko is dean emeritus and retired professor of dogmatic theology at St. Vladimir's Orthodox Seminary. Among his many books and articles is Christian Faith and Same-Sex Attraction: Eastern Orthodox Reflections (Conciliar Press, 2006).

The cost for the Symposium is $35 for individuals and $50 for couples until October 7. High school and college students are $20. The registration fee includes continental breakfast and lunch.

For a registration form and more information, visit Synergy's website:

http://www.chicagosynergy.org/symposium.html or email Synergy President Michele Hagerman at chicagosynergy@gmail.com