With the blessing of His Grace, Bishop Michael, in full support of our diocesan vision and commitment toward revitalizing and empowering parish life in the diocese, the first two regional Diocesan Parish Council Conferences have been conducted at Saint Basil's Orthodox Church, Watervliet NY (April 30th) and Saint John the Baptist Orthodox Church, Rochester NY (May 7th).  Very Reverend Alexander Atty, Dean of Saint Tikhon's Seminary, is the presenter/facilitator for these and subsequent conferences at the invitation of Bishop Michael. Regional conferences are scheduled for the New Jersey Deanery (June 4th and June 25th), the New York City Deanery (June 11th and June 18th), and a final conference for the New York State Deanery (May 14th).

Over sixty parish council members and rectors from various parishes gathered during these two conferences that focused on parishes in the New York State Deanery.  Beginning at 10:00 a.m. and concluding at 3:00 p.m. (following a fellowship meal and afternoon session) each conference is designed to follow the same schedule and fundamental format.  This is a  wide-ranging approach to parish life in which limitations, assets, challenges and blessings are fertile topics seen through an ultimate question: “How shall we do the work of the Church?”  Through outstanding presentations, frank and open discussion, humorous interludes, seriously honest “facing of facts,” and fellowship among brethren, participants were challenged ... as leaders in a parish ... to become more fully engaged in setting an example for others to follow. When all seven regional conferences have been held, a plan for on-going development, further guidance, and support for parishes will be initiated.  To date, conference participant feedback has been extremely positive: “relevant,” “eye-opening,” “challenging,” “inspiring,” “outstanding.”

Regional Parish Council Conferences are scheduled for:

May 14, 2011 at Saints Peter and Paul Orthodox Church, Endicott NY

June 4, 2011 at Christ the Saviour Orthodox Church, Paramus NJ

June 11, 2011 at Holy Transfiguration Orthodox Church, Brooklyn NY

June 18, 2011 at Holy Trinity Orthodox Church, East Meadow NY

June 25, 2011 at Saint Vladimir Orthodox Church, Trenton NJ

Additional information is contained in Release #2011.15.2 >