“An obligation has been laid upon me. Woe is me if I do not preach the Gospel!”
1 Corinthians 9:16
“The art of speaking comes not by nature, but by instruction.”
St. John Chrysostom, On the Priesthood
Holy Cross Greek Orthodox School of Theology has announced that it will be hosting the APC (Archdiocesan Presbyters Council) “The Art of Speaking” workshop. This workshop for GOA priests will be held Mon. Sept. 28 – Thurs. Oct. 1, 2009 at the Holy Cross Greek Orthodox School of Theology in Brookline, MA. The APC has asked all of the Metropolitans to write a letter to the parish councils of each parish in their Metropolis, urging them to support this program.
Basic to the calling of the priesthood is the ability to communicate the Gospel with clarity and conviction. This program is an opportunity for fellowship in ministry and for instruction in the art of speaking that will broaden and deepen pastoral skills in communicating the Gospel to a post-Christian, and increasingly anti-Christian, world.
Presentations will be made during the seminar by Archbishop Demetrios, the Rev. Dr. Stanley Harakas, the Rev. Dr. Alkiviades Calivas, the Rev. Deacon John Chryssavgis and Dr. Juan Carlos Ortiz.
Partipants are directed to bring two prepared sermons, one for adults not to exceed 10 minutes and one youth sermon not to exceed 8 minutes, centered around the theme presented by Archbishop Demetrios at the 2008 Clergy-Laity Congress: “Gather my people to my home.” These can be sermons which have already been delivered in the parish; or newly prepared ones. These sermons will be delivered and video-taped at the Seminary. Over the course of the workshop sermons will be evaluated and offered constructive criticism.
The registration deadline is Sept. 1, 2009. Registration forms and additional information can be obtained from Fr. Steven Tsichlis at his email address: father@stpaulsirvine.org
or by clicking here: The Art of Speaking Workshop
The Presentations at “The Art of Speaking” Workshop will be as follows:
First Presentation by His Eminence, Archbishop Demetrios;
Topic: TBA
Second Presentation by the Rev. Dr. Stanley Harakas;
“How, then, can anyone endure the deep disgrace of having his sermon received with blank silence and feelings of boredom and his listeners waiting for the end of the sermon as if it were relief after fatigue?” – St. John Chrysostom, On the Priesthood
Third Presentation by Dr. Juan Carlos Ortiz;
“I solemnly urge you: preach the message and be persistent whether the time is favorable or unfavorable: convince, rebuke and encourage with the utmost patience in teaching” 2 Timothy 4:2
Fourth Presentation by Rev. Deacon John Chryssavgis;
“I came not to be served but to serve: Servant Leadership in the Church.”
See an introduction to the workshop from Archbishop Demetrios himself below.
Comments on the workshop are hosted on the forum!
The Preachers Institute will have more information as it becomes available, and an in-depth review of the workshop by participants and attendees in early October.
For more information, contact Fr. Steven Tsichlis at his email address: father@stpaulsirvine.org
