2016 Pastoral Conference – Files for the Retreat
The following files are available for you to read in preparation for the Pastoral Conference:
2016 Diocesan Pastoral Conference
Dear Brother Priests, Deacons, Matushki, Brothers and Sisters on the Diocesan Council, and Friends,
Christ is born!
We look forward to hosting the 2016 Pastoral Conference at St. Symeon the New Theologian Church in Birmingham, AL on February 9-11. The Diocesan Council will meet prior to the Conference on Monday, February 8.
Participants for the Conference should plan to travel on Monday, February 8. The Conference will begin with Divine Liturgy for the Leavetaking of the Feast of the Presentation of Christ on Tuesday, February 9, at 7:30am. Tuesday evening will feature a clergy gathering with our Locum Tenens, Metropolitan Tikhon, and our Diocesan Administrator, Archimandrite Gerasim Eliel (See Conference Schedule below).
Dr. Stephen Muse of The Pastoral Institute, Columbus, GA, will be our speaker focusing in four sessions on pastoral issues we face today. Dr. Stephen, who is also a Deacon in the Church, has written two books available at the Conference and from St. Tikhon’s Press: “When Hearts Become Flame” and “Being Bread.”
Accommodations for the event are at the Springhill Suites Downtown UAB – 2024 4th Avenue South, Birmingham, Alabama 35233. 1-205-322-8600. The cost of a suite for the conference is $119.00 per night. Please use this link for room reservations: http://cwp.marriott.com/bhmsd/pastoralconfrence.
Note: Hotel Reservation Deadline: January 20, 2016
Amenities include: Complimentary Breakfast, Complimentary Wi-Fi, Airport Shuttle, Complimentary Guest Laundry, Indoor Pool, and Fitness Center
The hotel is less than two miles from the church. All activities will be held at St. Symeon’s: St. Symeon Orthodox Church, 3101 Clairmont Ave. S. Birmingham, AL 35205
Tel. 205-907-9447
If any Matushki are planning to attend, please contact Matushka Melanie Fecanin: matmelfec@yahoo.com.
Likewise, please feel free to contact me with any questions: fecanin@yahoo.com.
Blessed Holy Days to all!
Yours in Christ,
Fr. Alexander Fecanin
2016 Pastoral Conference Schedule
February 9 – 11, 2016
St. Symeon the New Theologian Church, Birmingham, AL
Monday, February 8
11:00am – 1:00pm Diocesan Council Meeting I
1:00pm – Lunch at St. Symeon’s
2:00pm – 5:00pm Diocesan Council Meeting II
5:30pm – Vespers
Tuesday, February 9
7:30am – Divine Liturgy
9:30am – Breakfast
10:30am – First Session with Dr. Stephen Muse
1:00pm – Lunch at St. Symeon’s
2:30pm – Second Session
5:00pm – Vespers
6:00pm – Dinner at St. Symeon’s
7:30pm –Clergy Gathering with Metropolitan Tikhon and Fr. Gerasim
Wednesday, February 10
8:00am – Matins
9:30am – Breakfast
10:30am – Third Session with Dr. Stephen Muse
12Noon – Lunch at St. Symeon’s
1:30pm – Fourth Session
5:00pm – Vespers
6:00pm – Dinner at St. Symeon’s
Thursday, February 11
8:00am – Matins
9:30am – Breakfast
10:30am – Conclusion
12Noon – Closing