August 15, 2008

JOHNSTOWN, PA - His Eminence, Metropolitan Nicholas has announced today, that plans are underway for the 23rd Annual Know Your Faith Diocesan Educational Conference which will take place will take place on Saturday September 13, 2008

A cordial invitation is being extended to all who are interested in learning more about the Orthodox Faith, and especially priests and church school teachers to take part in a day of prayer, study, and spiritual reflection. The Ed Conference 2008 will be held in the Main Lodge of Camp Nazareth in Mercer, Pennsylvania on Saturday, September 13, 2008. Be sure to allow some time in your schedule to be able to attend!

This year's main speaker will be the Very Rev. Robert Prepelka, pastor of St. John the Baptist Orthodox Church in Ambridge, Pennsylvania. Fr. Robert received his Lic.Th. from Christ the Saviore Savior Seminary and his BS degree in education, from Duquesne University. He taught High School English in the West Mifflin Area School District for 10 years prior to his ordination to the Holy Priesthood.

The title of Fr. Prepelka's presentation will be: The Psalms: Expressions of the Human Spirit. Fr. Robert will examine the rich spiritual depths of the Old Testament Book of Psalms and its importance to the enrichment in the growth of one's faith, especially in this time of turmoil.

After a delicious lunch in the Dining Hall of the Main Lodge, the afternoon presentation of the day will be given by Dr. Christal Chaney entitled: The Importance of an Orthodox Christian Education in the Secular World. Dr. Chaney is the Executive Director of T.H.E.O.S (The Three Hierarchs Eastern Orthodox School) in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania for the past 10 years. The Holy Cross Greek Orthodox Church in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, where Dr. Chaney is a parishioner, sponsors this teaching ministry at T.H.E.O.S. He has received her Ph.D in Education and is currently also a Professor of Education at Point Park State University.

As in past years, participants will be able to purchase books and other religious items from our Christ the Saviour Seminary Bookstore. There will be several tables set up for the display of the various religious educational books and materials available from other Orthodox jurisdictions in this country. Time will be allotted for conference participants to browse at these tables and purchase items.

Everyone who registers for the Diocesan Educational Conference 2008 will receive the ever popular, Conference Packets, that will be filled with the latest pamphlets, articles and other information on the Orthodox Christian Faith. These packets will contain paper and pens for note taking and will be ideal for collecting various handouts and other information that the participants will be collecting during the course of the conference.

For those traveling a distance, overnight lodging will be available. You will have to bring your own supplies (sleeping bags or sheets, pillowcases, towels, etc.) Reserve lodging by contacting Fr. Michael Ellis, by writing him (339 Pew Road - Mercer, Pennsylvania 16137) or by phone (724) 662-4840.

The Registration Fee per adult will be $15.00 and a special student fee of $12.00 will be asked for those who are 18 years of age and younger. This donation will help cover the cost of the luncheon and snacks, as well as other expenses incurred from the conference.

In order to allow the camp staff to prepare adequately for the conference, those who wish to attend are asked to contact Fr. Ken Bachofsky on or before Sunday, September 7, 2008. All that is needed at that time is a count of how many people will be attending. Participants may register and pay their fee on the day of the conference at the camp.

For additional information on the Educational Conference and to confirm your participation, please contact Fr. Ken Bachofsky at (330) 372-9778 or at otecken@yahoo.com

FORMS AND ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

Download Informational Flier (PDF Format)
Download Conference Schedule (PDF Format)

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