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SOUTH CANAAN, PA [STOTS Communications] — St. Tikhon’s Seminary Annual Continuing Education Program was focused on Youth. The theme: Our Youth: a Precious Portion of Today’s Church Community in Great Need of Attention was addressed by each presenter during the program running at the seminary from Tuesday, June 21 — Thursday, June 23.
Tuesday afternoon: 1:30pm Matushka Myra Kovalak (Director of Orthodox Christian Education Commission) quoting Jesus’ own admonition concerning children:“Let the little children come to Me, and do not forbid them; for of such is the kingdom of heaven”, (Matt. 9:14) shared with clergy attendees about their involvement in church school, assisting in building up relationships with their youth, in part through modeling, as an integral part of young persons’ developing their own relationship with Jesus Christ.
Tuesday evening: 6:30pm Deacon Jason Ketz (OCA Youth Department, Wonder Blog) spoke on Bible Study with young people. His talk was entitled, “Have you never read in the scriptures…? Opening the Holy Texts to our Youth”.
Wednesday morning 9:00am Archpriest Dennis Rhodes (OCA Albanian Archdiocese) talked about the reality of addiction both for young people and clergy themselves: “Protecting Ourselves and our Youth from the Scourge of Addiction”.
Wednesday afternoon: 1:00pm Emma Solak (OCA Youth Department) addressed current efforts around Orthodox Campus Fellowship (OCF) outreach, as a very important connection for young adults going off to college. Her talk was entitled: “Making Disciples and Mentoring Leaders: Campus Ministry from Start to Finish“
Thursday morning: 9:00am, Bishop Thomas (Antiochian Archdiocese of North America, Diocese of Charleston, Oakland and the Mid-Atlantic) addressed the attendees with his talk entitled: “Instructing your Spiritual Children for salvation through faith in Christ Jesus: The Role of the Pastor in the Lives of Young People”.
Thursday afternoon: 1:00pm Fr. John Malcom (St. Andrews Camp Director and now board member) talked about how clergy can support and encourage participation in church camps through his many years of experience. His presentation was entitled: “Ministering to Youth Through God’s Creation: The Importance of Church Camp in Today’s Society”.
Those attending the program completed eighteen hours of continuing education. Each can self report through the OCA Department of Continuing Education, or by clicking here. His Eminence, Archbishop Michael, Seminary Rector, hosted the presenters at this year’s program. Please watch for announcements about our fall lecture series coming up in October!
