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St Vladimir's Orthodox Theological Seminary - Events - Summer Institute

2002 Summer Institute of Liturgical and Pastoral Practice
Document SubTitle

Orthodoxy in America Today

A Week of study for musicians, educators, pastors
June 23-28, 2002

See also: About the 2002 Summer Institute; Preparatory Reading; 2002 Institute Registration Form; 2002 Youth Institute Application Form; 2002 Youth Institute Schedule

General Information

The story of Orthodoxy in America has been complex and colorful. It has been a story of immigrants and their gradual adjustment to a New World. It also has been a story of mission - of efforts not only to preserve the Orthodox faith but also to share it with others. Now well into its third century in America, Orthodoxy faces new opportunities and new challenges. In many places the presence of growing numbers of new immigrants and new converts has been transforming parish life. Throughout America new technologies – particularly in communications and medicine – have created a host of new ethical issues. In our increasingly pluralistic society, where common values can no longer be taken for granted, Orthodox Christians have had to witness to their faith in new ways – in our schools, in our workplaces and in public life.

This year’s summer Institute will devote special attention to the wide range of issues – from Orthodox unity to parish liturgical practice and participation in national life – that face pastors, choir directors and singers, as well as the faithful in America today.

Participants in the Institute follow one of two main tracks: Pastoral Practice or Liturgical Music. All registrants attend the main lectures given on the theme each morning. These are followed by pastoral seminars and sessions focusing on issues pertaining to parish and family life. Participants in the liturgical music track divide into groups for singing and conducting liturgical chants and compositions, as well as for developing special skills.

Worship and Resources

This year the Institute will begin with Divine Liturgy on Monday, June 24 – Monday of the Holy Spirit and Nativity of St. John the Baptist. Throughout the week a full cycle of liturgical services will provide the context for work, study and fellowship. Participants will be actively involved in serving, conducting, singing and reading at daily services throughout the week. During the Institute registrants are invited to share in the resources of the seminary setting – the new library and its media resources, the bookstore and the chapel. They also have the opportunity for personal contact with members of the faculty.

Accommodations

Housing and meals are available on the seminary campus. On-campus housing (in non-smoking dormitory rooms) is limited and will be given to the first registrants. Others will be directed to local hotels for accommodations. On-campus participants must provide their own sheets and towels as well as personal items (such as small fans). St. Vladimir’s will not be able to provide use of PCs for word processing or internet access. Participants are expected to arrange their own transportation to the seminary. Those traveling by car or train should visit our website for directions when sending in their registration forms. Limousine service is available from area airports to New Rochelle (about 7 miles from the seminary. Please call the seminary for information.

Institute Faculty

Protopresbyter Thomas Hopko
Dean, Professor of Dogmatic Theology

V. Rev. Paul Lazor
Dean of Students, Instructor in Pastoral Theology

Prof. Paul Meyendorff
Professor of Liturgical Theology

Prof. John H. Erickson
Professor of Church History and Canon Law

Prof. David Drillock
Professor of Liturgical Music

Prof. Albert Rossi
Adjunct Professor of Pastoral Theology

Mrs. Helen Erickson
Lecturer in Liturgical Music

Mr. Mark Bailey
Lecturer in Liturgical Music

Miss Eleana Silk
Seminary Librarian

The Rt. Rev. Bishop Dimitrios (Couchell) of Xanthe
Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of America

V. Rev. John Breck
St. Silouan’s Retreat, Wadmalaw Island, SC

V. Rev. Nicholas Apostola
Pastor, St. Nicholas Orthodox Church, Worcester, MA

V. Rev. Thomas Mueller
Pastor, Sts. Cyril and Methodius Orthodox Church, Milwaukee, WI

Dr. Jessica Suchy-Pilalis
Associate Professor of Music Theory and Harp Performance, Crane School of Music, SUNY, NY

Miss Ann Mitsakos
Ph.D. candidate, Theology Department, Boston College

Dn. Kevin Smith
SVS Fellow in Liturgical Music

Schedule

Sunday, June 23
5:00 p.m. Registration beings
Buffet dinner
8:00 p.m. Choir rehearsal

Monday, June 24
8:00 a.m. Divine Liturgy
Brunch
11:30 a.m. Orthodoxy in America: Where Have We Been? Where Are We Going?
Prof. John Erickson
2:30 p.m. The Quest for Orthodox Unity in America Today
Dr. Jessica Suchy-Pilalis
4:00 p.m. Pastoral Discussion on Orthodox unity in America
His Grace Bishop Demetrios
Fr. Nicholas Apostola
Prof. John Erickson

Musica practica
7:30 p.m. The Changing Orthodox Parish
Fr. Thomas Mueller

Musica practica

Tuesday, June 25

  
9:30 a.m.

Sociological Changes: Converts, New Immigrants
Fr. Nicholas Apostola

Slavic Chant Traditions in America Today
Prof. David Drillock
11:30 a.m.

Pastoral Discussion on new challenges in parish ministry
Fr. Thomas Mueller
Fr. Nicholas Apostola

Musica practica
2:30 p.m.

Preserving Our Past: Oral History as a Pastoral Resource
Prof. John H. Erickson
Miss Eleana Silk

Musica practica
4:00 p.m.

Pastoral discussion on exploring parish history
Prof. John H. Erickson
Miss Eleana Silk
Fr. Thomas Mueller

Musica practica
7:30 p.m.

Free evening

Musica practica

Wednesday, June 26

  
9:30 a.m. Orthodoxy in America Today: The Liturgical Challenge
Prof. Paul Meyendorff
11:30 a.m.

Pastoral discussion on the "Language Issue" in Orthodox worship
Prof. Paul Meyendorff
Prof. John H. Erickson

"Sing a New Song": The Orthodox Composer in America
Mr. Mark Bailey
2:30 p.m.

Liturgy in the Parish Context
Fr. Paul Lazor

Musica practica
7:30 p.m. Orthodoxy in America Today: The Spiritual Challenge
Fr. Thomas Hopko

Thursday, June 27

  
9:30 a.m. New Ethical Challenges for Orthodox Americans
Fr. John Breck
11:30 a.m.

Facing Our Hidden Demons: The Problem of Sexual Abuse
Prof. Albert Rossi

Working With Amateurs: Parish Music Ministry Today
Mrs. Helen Erickson
2:30 p.m.

American Youth Today
Miss Ann Mitsakos

Musica practica
4:00 p.m.

Pastoral discussion on spiritual challenges today
Fr. Thomas Hopko
Fr. John Breck
Prof. Albert Rossi
Miss Ann Mitsakos

Music practica
7:30 p.m.

Reflections on Orthodox Pastoral Ministry in America Today
Fr. Thomas Hopko

Friday, June 28

  
9:30 a.m.

Panel discussion: Witnessing to Orthodoxy in a Pluralistic Society
Fr. Thomas Hopko
Prof. Paul Meyendorff
Fr. Thomas Mueller
Prof. John H. Erickson

Musica practica
11:30 a.m. Summary session
Institute lecturers
12:30 p.m. Closing prayer and lunch

Daily services: Matins 7:30 AM; Vespers 5:30 PM

Meals: Breakfast 8:00 AM; Lunch 1:00 PM; Dinner 6:00 PM

Registration

The Institute begins with registration at 5:00 PM on Sunday, June 23, and concludes with the summary sessions on Friday, June 28. Students are expected to participate in all scheduled sessions.

To apply, print out and complete the registration form and mail it to the seminary.

A non-refundable deposit of $50 must accompany registration. Accommodations will be assigned on a first come, first served basis. In fairness to all applicants, we regret that we cannot accept telephone registrations. Registrants must use the form and send it by mail only, accompanied by the deposit.

Two graduate credits (or academic units) will be given by the seminary for qualifying levels and work completed in either the pastoral or music program. Credit for course work must be arranged at the time of registration.

Registration should be received no later than June 10, 2002.