St Vladimir's Orthodox Theological Seminary - News Releases

News Release
OCA "Faith in Action" Conference Brings Many to St Vladimir's Seminary Campus

Crestwood, NY—The Department of Christian Witness and Service (OCA) is currently hosting a conference themed "Faith in Action!" from July 28-31. This event, which is taking place on the campus of St Vladimir's Seminary, is focused on four areas of ministry: parish, community outreach, family, and senior life.

Around seventy participants are here to attend workshops and exchange ideas with one another. Various ministries have set up displays in the foyer of the seminary’s Rangos building in order to share information about their work in between the busy schedule of talks and workshops that are happening throughout the day.

Donna Karabin, department chair of the OCA Department of Christian Witness and Service, says that participants will leave the conference better equipped for ministry. "There is a real sense of energy and guidance of the Holy Spirit in all the proceedings of the conference," she said. "The people who have gathered here are people who have an intent to work and really focus on the needs of the people in their parish community, their neighboring community, and the world community."

V. Rev. Sergei Glogolev, who gave one of the keynote addresses on Thursday morning, spoke of fanning the flame of Christian witness and service. He enumerated gospel passages that identify followers of Christ as servants who respond to the needs of others.

This conference is a renewed endeavor: the last time a similar event took place was seven years ago. Ms Karabin says that participants have expressed satisfaction with the campus resources of St Vladimir's Seminary and are very pleased with the support they have received from the seminary’s administration and staff. She hopes such gatherings will be held more frequently in future years.

For more information, see the OCA website at www.oca.org.