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The agenda was announced for the Ninth Parish Development Forum, to be held online from 10:00 AM EDT to 5:15 PM on Friday June 17. The Forum is co-sponsored by the Orthodox Church in America’s Archdiocese of Western Pennsylvania, the Diocese of the Midwest and the Bulgarian Diocese.
The Orthodox Parish as a Vessel of Ministry: Increasing Our Capacity for Ministry
Archpriest Alexander Cadman, clergy co-chair of the Forum noted, “The 2022 Forum theme is ‘The Orthodox Parish as a Vessel of Ministry: Increasing Our Capacity for Ministry’. Our theme was chosen to enhance the theme of the 20th All-American Council, Becoming Vessels of Grace, and to emphasize the importance of renewing ministry in post-COVID parish life.”
His Grace “Bishop Daniel, Locum Tenens of the Diocese of the Midwest, the keynote speaker, will examine how active lay ministry can be better understood and enhanced within the context of Orthodox parish communities today. Bishop Daniel will be joined on the agenda by twelve other speakers including Sarah Byrne Martelli, an Orthodox Palliative Care Chaplain who will speak on Being a Ministry of Presence to the Grieving during the Forum’s Living Active Ministry track. Other tracks include “Rethinking Education As Ministry” and “Leading and Coordinating Ministry”, noted Father Cadman.
View a brief video of Ms. Martelli’s talk
New View of Ministry
Joseph Kormos, Forum co-chairperson and Parish Development Ministry Leader for the Archdiocese of Western Pennsylvania, said, “Ministry seems like a simple term. But ask someone in your parish ‘what is ministry’ and you’ll get a variety of answers and many are misconceptions.”
Kormos continued, “Our goal for the Forum is to build awareness of and interest in ministry as a critical, not optional, element of parish life and mission. We will address critical practical aspects of increasing the parish’s capacity for ministry including obstacles to ministry, enlivening new ministries and connecting personal talents and gifts with effective ministry opportunities.”
Free Will Donation and registration
Registration is open to clergy and laity from any Orthodox jurisdiction. Forum registration includes various budget friendly free will pricing options—including no charge. Attendees can select the option that best fits their personal situation.
Participants need to register to attend.
Questions and enquiries may be directed to Mr. Kormos at joekormos1@gmail.com.
