WASHINGTON DEANERY MEETS IN PHILADELPHIA
Philadelphia, PA - Christian Education Deanery meetings are a conscious and deliberative effort to bring together clergy and teachers of the Eastern American Diocese for the purpose of assessing and improving Christian education efforts.
The Deanery meetings have been held on a consistent basis in the Diocese since 1987. Begun under then Diocesan Bishop CHRISTOPHER, the meetings have continued faithfully under His Grace Bishop Dr. MITROPHAN.
The Twenty-Second Annual Washington Deanery Meeting was held at St. Nicholas Serbian Orthodox Church in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania on June 20, 2009.
This was the first Deanery meeting in the St. Nicholas Church since the arrival of parish priest Father Milorad Orlic. Father Milorad and Popadija Milena previously were always regular participants in the Cleveland Deanery meetings representing the parish in Lorain, Ohio.
Father Milorad warmly welcomed the participants to the St. Nicholas Church. Everyone was made to feel welcome with the hospitable preparations.
His Grace designated Father Vladislav Radukjovic of St. Sava Cathedral in New York City as the speaker for the day. Father Vladislav focused on the theme of the “Mission of the Church as Mystical Body of Christ to the World”
Father Vladislav addressed the mission of the Serbian Orthodox Church with respect to the arrival and fall of communist dictatorship, civil war and the democratization of Serbian countries, particularly immigration to America.
“Father Vladislav expressed an interest in sending a message to young and educated people that the parish community cares about them. He spoke about the methodology of a organizing a parish catechesis.
Father Vladislav is adept in using visual presentations to strengthen and enhance his message. His talk sparked an extended discussion among the participants.
The Washington Deanery consists of parishes in Portland, Maine; Boston, Massachusetts; New York, New York; Paterson and Elizabeth(2), New Jersey; Steelton, Lebanon and Philadelphia, Pennsylvania and Potomac, Maryland.
Written reports were prepared for the Deanery meeting by Protopresbyter Stavrofor Srboljub Jockovich, Protopresbyter Stavrofor Toma Stojsich, Protopresbyter Djokan Majstorovic, Protopresbyter Aleksandar Vlajkovic, Protopresbyter Ivan Marjanovic, Protonamesnik Zoran Radovic, Reverend Father Aleksa Micich, and Reverend Father Milorad Orlic.
Dean of the Washington Deanery, Proto Srboljub Jockovich was present and has participated in each of the Deanery meetings since their inception in 1987. Protopresbyter Stavrofor Predrag Micich contributed to the proceedings as he has previously. Proto Predgrag was warmly welcomed as a member of the Deanery.
Mr. Nicholas Govelovich, Church School Director from St. Nicholas Church in Steelton and Popadija Milena Orlic joined with the clergy present in contributing significantly to the discussion. Mr. Govelovich is a professional educator and a generous helper in his parish. Proto Ivan Marjanovic was accompanied by Protinica Biljana and daughter Monica on the long trip from Portland, Maine.
His Grace Bishop Dr. MITROPHAN emphasized the importance of evangelization. His Grace spoke about the need for more singers at the Divine Liturgy. His Grace thanked the attendees for their participation. He thanked Father Milorad and Popadija Milena Orlic for their gracious hospitality.
The Deanery Meeting discussions and written reports serve as benchmarks in assessing the status and progress of Christian Education in the parishes. The meetings provide an opportunity for serious discussion and serve as a forum for exchanging ideas.
Father Rodney Torbic