The clergy of the diocese gathered in Houston, Texas October 21-22, 2024. The gathering was made up of principally clergy from the southern deaneries of the diocese, but not without some intrepid souls who ventured from the north. A good number of clergymen had gathered on Sunday, October 20 to celebrate the patronal feast of the host parish for this retreat in Spring, Texas - the feast of St. Jonah of Hankow.
On October 21 the day was filled with lectures, discussions on spiritual and administrative matters, and opportunities for the gathered clergymen to interact. Being a far-flung diocese, many of our clergymen only get the opportunity to talk with other clergymen at these retreats. And so we purposefully build such time into the schedule to allow for this valuable pursuit. After an evening meal, Vespers and Matins were served in the church, giving the clergymen also the opportunity to confess their sins.
On October 22 Archbishop Peter was met by the clergymen at the doors to the St. Jonah parish church. His Eminence led the Divine Liturgy on this day with a host of clergymen. At the small entrance the following priests were awarded for sincere service to the Holy Church:
Archpriest Daniel Marshall: the right to wear the Palitsa
Priest Zachary Rose: the right to wear the Gold Pectoral Cross
After the Divine Liturgy, with prayers of thanksgiving added for a successful gathering, Vladyka and the fathers shared a meal together and all departed for their home parishes to take up their duties, having been renewed by the fellowship and prayer afforded by their time together in Houston.
RESOLUTION OF THE 2024 CLERGY RETREAT OF THE DIOCESE OF CHICAGO & MID-AMERICA
We, the clergy of the Diocese of Chicago & Mid-America, have gathered with our venerable hierarch, His Eminence Archbishop Peter, at St Jonah of Manchuria Orthodox Church in Spring, Texas on October 21-22 for our annual fall retreat.
We find ourselves together at a momentous time for our Church, our nation, and our world. Beset by secularism, “wars and rumors of wars” (Matthew 24:6), and political and social divisions, each of us must renew our commitment to the conviction that God alone created all things in heaven and on earth (Colossians 1:16). Christ alone holds things in His most pure hands. We exhort all to pray for our nation and its leaders, while remaining mindful to “put not your trust in princes, in sons of men, in whom there is no salvation” (Psalm 145:3). The divine commandments and teachings of Christ must always remain the supreme guide for us.
Vladika gave us much helpful instruction and guidance regarding the conduct of the divine services and other important matters. We express our condolences to Metropolitan Theodosiy of Cherkasy on the violent seizure of his cathedral, and lament the ongoing confiscation of other holy places that are under the omophorion of Metropolitan Onouphry. We urge the faithful to pray for all Orthodox Christians enduring war and persecutions throughout the world.
Vladika also reminded us that next year the Church will commemorate the centenaries of the repose of two great saints of the Twentieth Century: the memory of St Jonah of Manchuria will be observed here in his namesake parish in Spring, Texas; and St Tikhon, Patriarch of Moscow, will be celebrated throughout the Russian Orthodox Church.
We are further grateful to Patrick Craig Truglia for his scholarly and insightful discussion of the history of the relations between Rome and the eastern patriarchates. A more fulsome understanding of this history benefits clergy and laity alike.
Our retreat concluded with a Hierarchical Divine Liturgy. We urge the faithful to continue to follow the instructions of our hierarchs, who “watch for your souls, as they that must give account, that they may do it with joy” (Hebrews 13:17).
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