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.
Read also
UOC Priest: St. Gabriel of Georgia Healed Ukrainian Soldier
A serviceman - who had been unable to speak for nearly a year due to a concussion - began to speak again after an appearance of the Georgian saint.
2025 St. Herman Youth Conference to Be Held in NY This December
Annual gathering to bring together Orthodox youth from across North America for fellowship, worship, and spiritual growth.
HCHC Community Holds All-Night Vigil Honoring Philoptochos Society and Its Patron Saints
Special prayers offered for members of the National Board and all Philoptochos chapters in gratitude for their decades of support.
Georgian Church Resumes Construction After Miracle
The foundation of a church was blessed at Georgia's Oncology Center — construction resumes on the Church of Ss. Panteleimon the Healer and John the Baptist.
BREAKING: Met. Arseny Hospitalized After Falling Ill During Court Hearing
Faithful urged to pray as proceedings in Sviatohirsk hierarch’s case continue daily.
Pat. Bartholomew: It Is a ‘Grave Sin’ To Put Politics Before Church Unity
"Those who jeopardize this unity in the name of geopolitical expediencies and base motives for acquiring earthly power—falsely cloaked in spirituality—commit an offense before God and a grave sin," the Ecumenical Patriarch said.