Eastern diocese clergy gather at Shadeland for Seminar

His Grace Bishop Mitrophan is strong and consistent in scheduling and holding clergy seminars. The topics of the seminars varied extensively through the years. Priests face a wide range of different issues and concerns in  parish life. Continuing education is a necessity and the commitment to scholarship by His Grace is reflected in the seminars.

Speakers at the seminars have come from within and outside of the Eastern American Diocese. All of the speakers have invested significant time in preparation. Every seminar has been an opportunity for further learning.

Until last year, the seminars were held in different parishes to expose the Diocesan clergy to the different parishes. With the extensive building and upgrading of Shadeland Camp, particularly the new dormitory facilities, His Grace began in 2008 to schedule the seminars at Shadeland. The Eastern Region KSS graciously agreed to prepare the necessary meals.

This year's seminar began on Wednesday evening, October 28, 2009 with Vespers, followed by an evening meal and then a discussion of issues of pastoral concern. On Thursday morning, October 29, 2009, the Holy Hierarchical Divine Liturgy was celebrated with His Grace officiating. Three priests and one deacon served with attending clergy singing the responses.

His Grace Bishop Dr. MITROPHAN selected Reverend Father Aleksa Micich, the parish priest of St. Luke Serbian Orthodox Church of Washington D.C. as the designated speaker for the seminar. Father Micich has extensive experience as a teacher and lecturer at the high school and college level.

In addition to having an advanced theological degree, he has completed advanced studies in biology. Father Micich is active in Orthodox ministry with college students and young adults in behalf of the Serbian Orthodox Church in North and South America.

Father Micich spoke on the theme: "The Use of Biological Agents in Modern Society" The presentation made it clear there are positive and negative uses of biological agents. Father Micich gave detailed examples pertaining to the body, the home, the community, the Church and international activities. He spoke about viruses, different forms of the flu, and the use of household items that inappropriately used could have dangerous results. He spoke about germ warfare, certain activities of terrorists and different theories and practices used in medical care.

The clergy attending the seminar were intensely attentive and asked good and probing questions. Priests deal with heavy issues on a daily basis.

Father Micich provided important information useful for parish ministry.

On Thursday morning, October 29, 2009, the dining hall at Shadeland which is normally filled with the talk of young campers in July and August took on the tone of a classroom at an institution of higher learning as the clergy of the Eastern Diocese gathered with their Bishop for this seminar.

The Holy Hierarchal Divine Liturgy inspires, unifies and educates believers in Christ. The clergy seminar is held with the intention of advancing the work of Christ.

The large number of clergy in attendance traveled long distances to participate. In addition to His Grace Bishop Dr. MITROPHAN and Father Micich, the following clergy attended: Very Reverend Stavrofor Dragoljub Malich, Very Reverend Stavrofor Stevan Stepanov, Very Reverend Stavrofor Janko Raljich, Very Reverend Stavrofor Srboljub Jockovich, Achimandrite Leontije(Alavanaja),Very Reverend Stavrofor Dragan Filipovic, Very Reverend Stavrofor Rade Merick, Very Reverend Stavrofor Vladimir Demshuck, Very Reverend Lt. Col.Adam Yonitch, Very Reverend Dr. Rodney Torbic, Very Reverend Djokan Majsotorovic, Very Reverend Aleksandar Vlajkovic, Very Reverend Ivan Marjanovic, Very Reverend Dragomir Tuba, Very Reverend Rajko Kosic, Very Reverend Mioljub Matic, Protonamesnik Milovan Katanic, Protonamesnik Zoran Radovic, Protonamesnik Dejan Obradovic,  Reverend Father Miladin Blagojevich, Reverend Father Isak Kisin, Reverend Father Vladislav Radujkovic,Reverend Father Dragan Goronjic, Father Deacon Milan Medakovic, Father Deacon Dragoslav Kosic, and  Father Deacon Ljubisa Mitrovic. Very Reverend Daniel Rohan, a priest from the Antiochian Orthodox Church also was an active participant.

Protinica Ljubica Jockovich accompanied Prota Stavrofor Srboljub Jockovich from Steelton, Pennsylvania. Protopresbyter Ivan Marjanovich traveled from Maine and Protopresbyter Aleksandar Vlajkovic came from Boston, Massachusetts. Protopresbyter Djokan Majstorovic, Protonamesnik Zoran Radovic and Reverend Father Vladislav Radujkovic came from the New York/New Jersey areas. The remaining attending clergy were from Ohio and
Pennsylvania.

The Eastern Region Circle of Serbian Sisters President Millie Radovick, Vice -President Dee Dee Baskot and former President Olga Dimitrijevic made the long drive to Shadeland to prepare the meals for the both days.

Exhibiting their love for the Church,  Millie Radovick, Dee Dee Baskot and Olga Dimitrijevic freely and willingly take a strong interest in Shadeland and  maintain a regular presence when work needs to be done.

Shadeland offers a scenic setting with far reaching possibilities. The commitment to making serious and good use of Shadeland to the glory of God continues. The present seminar is further proof of the commitment.

Father Rodney Torbic

Source: www.easterndiocese.org