I would like to remind you that our Annual Diocesan Conference will take place
this year from 15th to 17th May. The Conference was started by Metropolitan
Anthony of blessed memory some 50 years ago with the aim of bringing together
the Bishop, clergy and laity of the scattered diocese for at least a few days
each year of learning, discussion, prayer and fellowship. It is really
something unique in the life of our Church. The talks are serious but not
overly academic; the common prayer in a simple setting provides a living
experience of the Church as a Eucharistic community in which we are all united
in Christ, and the fellowship enables us to meet old friends and make new
ones.
I think it is really important that we maintain this tradition of our diocese
and I therefore encourage you to consider attending if at all possible. It
would be good if our Parish could be represented by at least a few people.
You can apply for the whole weekend on a residential basis, or to come for one
or two days.
We have some great speakers lined up:
Dr Jeannie Constantinou, author of 'Thinking Orthodox: Acquiring the Mind
of Christ'
Fr Andrew Louth: Eminent theologian and veteran of our Conferences
Deacon Alexey Kostyanovsky: known to all Conference goers as a skilled
translator, but he has his own vision to share with us, as he has been doing
regularly in the Parish of St Nicholas, Oxford
Dr Laura Jannson: author of 'Fertile Ground: A Pilgrimage through
Pregnancy'
Mikhail Talalay: historian of the Russian emigration
The Conference will again take place at Highgate House in
Northamptonshire. We have exclusive
use of the venue, enabling the warm family atmosphere appreciated by last
year's attendees.
For full information and the link to apply, please go to sourozh-conference.org
If you aren't able to come for any reason but would like to help someone else
to participate who can't afford the full fees, do please consider making a
donation to our Conference Bursary Fund. You can do this on the Conference
website.
God bless you all,
Fr Joseph
