St Vladimir's Orthodox Theological Seminary - News Releases News Release "Church and Culture" Will Be the Theme of the 2005 Summer Institute

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Crestwood, NY—Join us this summer at St Vladimir's Seminary for the Liturgical Institute of Music and Pastoral Practice from June 19–24, 2005. This annual event is an opportunity for adults to benefit from the seminary's rich resources during a week of theological education and personal edification. As in previous years, participants may choose between two tracks, the one focusing on liturgical music, and the other on theological and pastoral themes.  They may also enroll in the institute for academic credit. This year's theme will be "The Church and Culture," the first in an eventual series of institute topics related to the broader theme of "Church and World."

"The way in which the Church interacts with culture has always been a rich theme," says Prof. Peter Bouteneff, who is charged with organizing this year's institute, "from the beginning of the Church's history to the present day.  In our own day, questions of the Church's relationship to society, to politics, as well as to music and literature, are as vibrant as ever, with profound missionary implications.  We are especially excited about the theme and the institute faculty this year."

All participants will attend both general sessions on the institute topics, as well as sessions that are specific to their chosen track. Those in the liturgical music track will receive training in singing, conducting, and composition according to their skill level. A full cycle of services in the seminary's chapel provides the context for work, study, and fellowship during the week.

The institute faculty will include special guests Dr Albert Raboteau, professor of religion at Princeton University, Fr Irenej Dobrijevic, Executive Director for the Office of External Affairs for the Serbian Orthodox Church in the USA and Canada, and Bishop Savas of Troas, who will just have taught a course at the seminary on Looking for God in Modern Culture.

Please visit the events section of our website, www.svots.edu, for details on registration, fees, accommodations, and the week's schedule. More information will be added to this site as the date of the institute approaches. Inquirers may also e-mail events@svots.edu or call (914) 961–8313. Also be sure to check out the Youth Institute for High School Juniors—a special youth retreat held in conjunction with the summer institute.

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