Antiochian Clergy Gather in Pennsylvania to Discuss Parish Growth

BOLIVAR, PA — Priests from the Antiochian Diocese of Oakland, Charleston and the Mid-Atlantic met at Antiochian Village from Oct. 12-14 for the annual Clergy Synaxis. The gathering focused on pastoral issues and parish life.

As Orthodox parishes continue to grow, clergy gathered in Pennsylvania for their annual meeting to discuss ways to welcome new members, strengthen parish life and build a stronger sense of community.

Presentations focused on involving the youth more fully in parish life through personal connections and participation in church activities. Speakers also emphasized the importance of maintaining unity across multiple congregations, noting that church activities should bring the whole church community together.

Clergy also discussed planned liturgical updates across the archdiocese. The presentation covered the history of liturgical books used by its parishes and the need to create a liturgical continuity across the different parishes of the diocese. 

The meeting included smaller deanery discussions and an open session with Bp. Thomas, allowing clergy to consider how the issues addressed during the presentations applied to their own congregations.

The gathering concluded with a Divine Liturgy presided over by Bp. Thomas. During the service, a priest was elevated to the rank of Father Confessor. Clergy also offered prayers in memory of three recently deceased members of the clergy.

Previously, the UOJ reported that the Antiochian village plans to build a new church of St. Raphael.