2006 Eastern Dioceses 55th Annual Parish Life Conference

2006 Eastern Dioceses 55th Annual Parish Life Conference

With the blessing of His Eminence Metropolitan PHILIP, the 2006 Eastern Dioceses 55th Annual Parish Life Conference was held from July 5-9 in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. The jointly held conference included participants from both the Diocese of New York and Washington, DC as well as the Diocese of Oakland, PA and the East. The conference was hosted by Father John Abdalah and the parishioners of St. George Cathedral, with His Grace, Bishop THOMAS, presiding.

The conference began with Vespers on Wednesday and a reception for Clergy and their families. Thursday’s schedule included general meetings for The Fellowship of St. John the Divine and Teen SOYO along with the Antiochian Women brunch and meeting. The highlight of the evening, as always, was the Bible Bowl. The teen team taking the top spot was St. George, Charleston, WV, while the adult team winner was St. John Chrysostom, York, PA.

Friday’s main event was the Oratorical Presentation. The Judges’ Choice in the Junior category was George Juzdan while the Judges’ Choice in the Senior category was Mira Yazigi. Both are members of St. George, Little Falls, NJ. Later in the day, a reception was held for Clergy wives. In the evening, everyone enjoyed the “Much Ado About Talent” show.

On Saturday, an Awards Breakfast was held for those who participated in the Creative Arts Festival, followed by the Awards Ceremony. Afternoon activities included the Order of St. Ignatius luncheon and workshops presented by the Department of Christian Education and the Department of Marriage and Parish Family Ministries. Saturday’s festivities concluded with the Hufflee.

However, the spiritual component of the conference was the most important aspect. Having the opportunity to attend Divine Liturgy and Vespers each day, culminating in Matins and the Hierarchical Divine Liturgy on Sunday, provided participants with abundant spiritual renewal and inspiration.