2005 Orthodox Institute | Antiochian.org Orthodox Church

ORTHODOX INSTITUTE FOR CHRISTIAN EDUCATION

His Grace, Bishop THOMAS, was the keynote speaker at the fifth annual Orthodox Institute for Christian Education sponsored by the Antiochian Orthodox Archdiocese Department of Christian Education, which was held November 3-6, 2005 at Antiochian Village Heritage and

Learning

Center in

Ligonier, Pennsylvania.

Sayidna THOMAS was welcomed to the Institute by Archdiocesan Director of Christian Education Carole Buleza, and by the Eastern Dioceses Christian Education coordinator Father George Alberts.

This year’s theme was the Divine Liturgy. Bishop THOMAS spoke on two consecutive evenings on the topic of life and liturgy. His Grace also discussed the importance of prayer and encouraged everyone to study the lives of saints in order to find inspiration for their own lives.

The Institute always takes place the first weekend in November, which coincides with St. Raphael of

Brooklyn ’s feast day, so the faithful had several opportunities to commemorate St. Raphael. Divine Liturgy was celebrated on the morning of his feast day, November 5^th, with an Akathist at his gravesite that afternoon. Along with daily Orthros, Vespers, and Compline, the Institute offers spiritual renewal as well as intellectual development.

Over sixty participants from the Antiochian, OCA, and Greek Archdioceses came together for education, worship, and fellowship. The Institute caters to varying needs by offering three separate tracks: Church School Director, Teacher Training, and Orthodoxy.

A total of nineteen courses were offered. Participants who took three course requirements in Teacher Training or Divine Liturgy received a certificate.