‘Orthodox Christianity in the 21st Century’ Conference in the USA

The ‘Orthodox Christianity in the 21st Century’ Conference opened in Erie, PA, the USA, on 17 June 2008 with over 2oo people participating. The First Hierarch of the Russian Orthodox Church Outside of Russia Metropolitan Hilarion of Eastern America and New York chairs the Conference, taking part in which are bishop Daniel of Erie, Bishop Gabriel of Montreal and Canada, bishop Peter of Cleveland, and many representatives of the ROCOR, clergymen of the American Archdiocese of the Patriarchate of Constantinople and the Orthodox Church in America.

The Conference discusses topical social problems of Orthodoxy in the modern world, such as family, Christian education of children and youth, and secularization of public life and culture. The audience listened to the speakers with great attention. They represented different Orthodox jurisdiction in America, but agreed in their spiritual and moral assessment of the major challenges of the present time.

The Mercyhurst College and the Orthodox community that consists of the Old Rite believers who joined the ROCOR twenty-five years ago host the Conference.

The Conference is intended for all people including families with children. It will include daily Divine services celebrated in accordance with the old liturgical ordo. Taking part in the Conference with the blessing of His Holiness Patriarch Alexy of Moscow and All Russia is Rev. Ioann Mirolyubov, secretary of the Commission for Old Rite parishes and cooperation with the Old Believers, as well as clerics and laymen of St. Michel the Archangel Old Believers parish of the Moscow diocese.