Fr. Samuel Seamans, formerly a bishop with the Anglican Church in North America (ACNA), will be joining us at Holy Cross Orthodox Church for a Pre-Lenten Retreat with Metropolitan Jonah on Saturday and Sunday, February 10 and 11.
Metropolitan Jonah is perhaps the best known Orthodox bishop in America. A former Anglican himself, he was a featured speaker at the Inaugural Synod of the Anglican Church in North America (ACNA) in 2009, and addressed its Provincial Synod again in 2012. Later, Metropolitan Jonah addressed a Conference of the Fellowship of Concerned Churchmen (FCC), the group that organized the great St. Louis Church Congress in 1977.
The theme of the Pre-Lenten Retreat is, The Pillars of Orthodox Spirituality.
The Retreat begins at 9:15 AM on Saturday, February 10th with Matins (Morning Prayer), followed by the Liturgy of the Holy Eucharist at 10:00 AM, with lunch in our parish hall after the Liturgy.
The Conferences on the theme of The Pillars of Orthodox Spirituality will be held from 12:30 to 4:30 PM, with Vespers at 5:00 PM, followed by a reception for Metropolitan Jonah.
The Retreat continues on Sunday, February 11th, with the formal Reception of a Bishop and Matins at 9:15 AM, followed by the Liturgy of the Holy Eucharist at 10:00 AM, and a catered luncheon in our parish hall immediately after the Liturgy.
In addition to the Conferences on Saturday, Metropolitan Jonah will be the homilist or preacher at both Eucharistic Liturgies and will be the luncheon speaker on Sunday.
There will be ample opportunities for discussions with both Metropolitan Jonah and with the clergy of Holy Cross Orthodox Church. In addition, Fr. Samuel Seamans, a former traditional Anglican bishop who is now an Orthodox priest and the pastor of a Western Rite Orthodox parish in Arkansas, will be available to discuss his journey to Orthodoxy.
The public is invited to attend and fully participate in the Retreat. So far, we are expecting clergy and laity from seven States, and from as far away as New York. There is no cost for the Retreat or the meals, but free will offerings will be taken.
The favor of a response is requested so we can better plan for meals, but is not required. Questions about the Retreat or directions are also welcome. You can call the church office at (402) 573-6558 or email me at venovak@hughes.net.
We will be looking forward to seeing you on Saturday!
HOLY CROSS ORTHODOX CHURCH
7545 Main Street
Ralston, Nebraska 68127
(402) 573-6558
