Metropolitan Agafangel: The future of Church depends on us today

The 2nd session of the 3-day Pastoral Forum for Clergy. Photo: eparhiya.od.ua

With the blessing of His Eminence Metropolitan Agafangel of Odessa and Izmail, the 2nd session of the three-day pastoral forum for clergymen of Belgorod-Dnestrovsky, Belyaevka, Izmail and Reni deaneries of the Odessa Eparchy has begun, reports the eparchial website.

The opening of the forum took place in the assembly hall of the Odessa Theological Seminary. Traditionally, the audience was addressed by Metropolitan Agafangel of Odessa and Izmail.

“We all understand very well that the future of the Church depends on us today. Our society is fragmented, there is no unity and mutual understanding, the tragic ecclesiastical and civil schism divides the people of Ukraine. The Church calls everyone to national unification and reconciliation. What unites us rather than what separates us is very important. Continuing to cultivate and multiply the world within itself, the Church is an example and moral support for everyone in this difficult time,” Vladyka Agafangel noted.

The programme of the forum includes lectures on the topics: "Divine service and pastoral ethics", "Business and jurisprudence", "Missionary service and catechesis", "Diocesan communication and youth ministry". There will also be a practical lesson "Schematization of the activities of the church community" and the results will be summed up.

The Forum will end on December 17 at the Holy Dormition Odessa Cathedral, where an akathist and the Divine Liturgy will be served in front of the Kasperovsky image of the Most Holy Theotokos.

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