by Sister Mary
Likewise, we are indebted to Father Panagiotes Carras of Toronto Canada, Father Nicodemas Gayle of Richmond Virginia, Father Deacon Barsanuphius of Holy Transfiguration Monastery in Boston Massachusetts and Priest Monk Sergius of Northern California, who, in like manner, came at their own expense to share this time with us.
As well, we are appreciative of the many visitors, some of whom traveled from distant Parishes, to join in this time of spiritual renewal. We were enriched by their presence.
Finally, we are grateful to Father Nicholas and the many persons in our own Parish, who were willing to do any and everything to assure the Conferences’ success.
In calling to mind the events of that weekend we remember especially:
Metropolitan Ephraim’s Friday evening video presentation of the journey that he and Father Barsanuphius made to Africa. Their personal recollections of that memorable journey, in which the Metropolitan received many Clergy who now form the Orthodox Church in Uganda, provided a rich and meaningful beginning for the Conference.Saturday afternoon’s lecture in Greek concerning the attractions of the New Age and New Age Religions by Father Panagiotes Carras. That lecture, which was supposed to last an hour, went on much longer than scheduled, as the persons who had gathered to hear him speak, simply did not want to let him go;
The same can be said for Father Nicodemas Gayle’s lecture in English. Father Nicodemas, besides being a Priest and the married father of 2 children, is additionally the Director of an Adolescent Drug Treatment Program for the State of Virginia Department of Corrections. Bringing this wealth of experience to the topic of Parenting, he held the undivided attention of his large audience. Everyone present wished to have spent more time with Father Nicodemas.
Meanwhile the kids, and there were lots of them, got the greatest blessings of all:
Father Barsanuphius, a master storyteller, spellbound the littlest kids, ages 2 to 7, and their Sunday school teachers. He spoke about the Theotokos, about her parents, and about her forebearer’s clear back to Adam and Eve. With his encouragement, the children participated enthusiastically in the story he wove, shouting out answers to his many “questions”;The young girls ages 7 thru 14, and their Teacher, similarly blessed, spent much of Saturday afternoon with Metropolitan Makarios. At the same time, the boys ages 7 to 14, were with Bishop Moses; while and the older teens, both boys and girls, were with Metropolitan Ephraim.
Imagine! Just imagine, while yet a child, to have the opportunity to get to know and become friends, with such lofty and highly respected spiritual leaders! Indeed, the children received the greatest blessing of all.
Finally, there was Sunday and the remarkable Hierarchical Liturgy.
During this magnificent Service, Two Ordinations took place: our own Father Deacon Lawrence and Michael Whipple.
Father Deacon Lawrence, who has been of such assistance to us over the past 6 months, was elevated to the Priesthood. His primary focus now will probably be to develop his own Parish in Santa Ana, California. Congratulations Father Lawrence.
Michael Whipple, a well respected and hardworking, long time member of the Parish, was elevated to the Deaconate. He and his beloved family will remain with us. Congratulations Father Deacon Michael and Deaconessa Anabel and children.