Diocesan Retreats Well Received
JOHNSTOWN, PA [Diocesan Chancery] -- This past weekend, scores of faithful from the Eastern Seaboard and Western Sectors of the Diocese took advantage of the opportunity to retreat from the world for a day.
Diocesan faithful and friends gathered at Holy Ghost Orthodox Christian Church in Phoenixville, PA on Saturday April 20, 2013 to hear presentations by His Grace, Bishop Gregory of Nyssa, Rev. Fr. Peter Zarynow, of Holy Resurrection Orthodox Church, Potomac Maryland, and Mr. Theodore (Theo) Nikolakis, Chief Information Officer of the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of America. His Grace, Bishop Gregory took the opportunity to speak to the adults and youth in separate venues on the topic Repentance and Confession. Fr. Peter Zarynow spent time in an interactive workshop setting, also exploring the same topic. The teens and adults both were treated to excellent presentations by Theo Nikolakis on the different messages and images conveyed by contemporary media and technology, which both enhance and detract from the spiritual life. All in attendance at this retreat, were delighted to have the opportunity to spend time with their new Diocesan Hierarch. Bishop Gregory's insightful presentations and the time he spent personally greeting all in attendance was greatly appreciated by all, and especially the youth!
The hospitality, graciously provided by Protopresbyter John and Pani Marge Fedornock and the parishioners of Holy Ghost Parish were greatly appreciated, as was the efforts of the planning committee, chaired by Mrs. Tracey Bilanin.
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Later that day, the faithful of the Chicago Deanery gathered at St. Michael's Orthodox Church in Niles, IL where Protopresbyter Sam Sherry, the Dean of the Chicago Deanery is Pastor.
The afternoon began with a Moleben to the Holy Cross. Clergy in attendance were: Father Samuel Sherry, host pastor; Father Lev Holowaty; Father Alexis Miller; and Father William Conjelko.
Subdeacon Jonathan Bannon gave a very informative talk (What is an Icon? Modern and Ancient Responses), which was highlighted by a slide show presentation.
Confessions were heard by Deanery Clergy and the afternoon concluded with a Lenten Fellowship meal.