Taken from an update, by Father Pimen Simon, about the Orthodox Conference in Erie.
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Dear Fathers, and Brothers and Sisters in Christ,
Christ is Risen!
It was a joy to see so many of you in New York for the enthronement of Metropolitan Hilarion! Since many clergy and non-clergy whom I saw there indicated that they planned on coming to our
2008 Orthodox Conference [
churchofthenativity.net] to be held during Pentecost Week, I felt it best to send out one last reminder of the dates.
The conference will begin on Tuesday of Pentecost Week, June 17, and will end on Saturday afternoon, June 21. Housing will still be available through Saturday night, June 21, so that the majority of conferees can stay for the Vigil on Saturday evening, the Hierarchal Liturgy on the Sunday of All Saints, and then a breakfast in our parish gymnasium on Sunday following the Liturgy.
I am overjoyed that in spite of all the obligations our new Metropolitan has, he has confirmed to me in several conversations that he will arrive in Erie late in the afternoon on the Day of the Holy Spirit and will remain through the entire week. He will serve a Hierarchal Liturgy with at least one other bishop (Bishop Mark, the first assistant to Metropolitan Kiril of the Department for External Affairs) on the Sunday of All Saints.
Bishops Gabriel and Peter are also coming for several days of the Conference, and we are anticipating now that we may also serve a Hierarchal Liturgy with all four bishops being present on Saturday, the Leave-taking of the Feast of Pentecost.
I remind you that there is a program for adults and separate programs for youth ages 5-7, 8-12 and 13-19. As well as "talks," each youth program will have crafts, recreation, outings, and cookouts. There will be a picnic on Friday evening at an amusement park in Erie, with all rides at the park included in the registration costs. I am attaching a revised registration form that is relevant to registering at this time.
We MUST notify the college by the beginning of June of our housing and meal needs, so we ask you to
register before MAY 31, when registration will end. If you have more questions about the full schedule, please go to our
website [
churchofthenativity.net] (churchofthenativity.net) for more complete information.
If you know of another group that you believe would be interested in the conference, please forward this email to them. If you have any questions, please call our parish office at 814-459-8515 or the rectory at 814-454-8618.
We look forward to praying, dining, learning and socializing with you � our family in Christ � during Pentecost Week!
With love in Christ,
Fr. Pimen Simon
