October 19, 2011
Jordanville, NY: The first day of the Pastoral Conference concluded

The first day of the autumnal Pastoral Conference came to a close at Holy Trinity Monastery on Tuesday, October 18. After the conference opening, the first lecture was read by Deacon Andrei Psarev (professor at Holy Trinity Seminary) and dedicated to the 75th anniversary of the repose of Metropolitan Antony (Khrapovitsky). Fr. Andrei’s talk was specifically about the relationship between Metropolitan Antony and the Anglican Church. After Fr. Andrei’s talk, Archpriest Victor Potapov (rector of St. John the Baptist Cathedral in Washington, DC and dean of the South) made a short presentation about the mission and work of the Fund for Assistance to ROCOR. Archpriest John Moses (rector of All Saints of North America Church in Middlebrook, VA) then made a presentation about two important diocesan programs – Volunteers in Mission (VIM) and the Pastoral Resources Program (PRP).

After lunch, pastoral conference participants gathered at the tomb of Metropolitan Laurus for a panihida for all reposed diocesan bishops and clergy. After the panihida, participating clergy gathered in the seminary hall for a montage presentation about the life and blessed repose of Metropolitan Philaret (Voznesensky). After the montage, a lively discussion ensued about the legacy of Met. Philaret and the uncovering of his incorrupt relics in 1998. The first day concluded with Vespers and Matins, dinner, and then the Small Compline in Holy Trinity Cathedral.

The autumnal conference is unique, because it is the first time that seminarians were invited to participate in a diocesan pastoral conference. With the blessing of seminary dean Archimandrite Luke, all classes were cancelled during the conference in order to give students a chance to interact with diocesan clergy and better understand the pastoral path that lies ahead for many of them.

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