December 7, 2011
Miami, FL: Clergy Conference Participants visited the Florida Everglades

The second half of the first day of the Winter Pastoral Conference was dedicated to touring the city of Miami and visiting the Florida Everglades.

The Everglades stretch across hundreds of miles of Florida and are full of wildlife – alligators, pythons, turtles, and many different types of wild birds. Many of the conference participants had never been to the Everglades, and so the airboat rides were a unique opportunity to experience nature firsthand.

Among the first time visitors was His Eminence, Metropolitan Hilarion, who said: "It’s a beautiful feeling to actually be in the Everglades, especially since many of us have only seen them on television, but never in person."

Looking out over the vast Everglades, Bishop George said: "This was a real treat for me. It’s amazing to see so many wild birds, turtles, and alligators that are not afraid to come right up to the boat. I especially enjoyed the birds that walk along the lily pads."

As the airboats returned back to the docks the clergy returned with a feeling of awe. "This was absolutely awesome," said Priest Mark Mancuso. Archpriest David Straut echoed the sentiments of his brother priest and said, "This was such a wonderful experience! I’ve been to Florida many times but have never visited the everglades. The wildlife is absolutely incredible and the tour guides have been very helpful."

After the boat rides, the clergy were treated to a wildlife show, where they could get a close-up look at "Larry" the alligator, several baby alligators, toads, snakes, and parrots. One of the most memorable events of the day was when Metropolitan Hilarion bravely took a live alligator into his hands for the first time in his life.

"I thought that I would be afraid of the alligator but he was very nice to me – we seem to have gotten along fine," said His Eminence.

Bishop Jerome agreed with his ruling bishop and said: "I only shook hands with the alligator but he was indeed very pleasant, although I suspect he has gotten used to all the attention from curious humans, such as us."

His Eminence was overjoyed at the whole experience and hopes that similar excursions will be held during future conferences.

"These conferences are not just an opportunity to enrich ourselves spiritually, but they are a time when clergy from all over our diocese can become acquainted with the many different natural landscapes that can be found on America’s East Coast," said Met. Hilarion. "I hope that we can continue this tradition at future conferences so that we may become better acquainted with our natural surroundings – God’s creation."

After leaving the Everglades, conference participants returned to the church, where the clergy gathered in the church for evening prayers.

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