In mid-September, with the blessing of Diocesan Primate Fr. Mesrop Parsamyan, clergy of the Eastern Diocese’s Midwest region met for the first of several “Clergy Continuing Education Gatherings.”
The two-day gathering at the Joseph and Mary Retreat Center in Mundelein, IL, began on September 12, 2022, with greetings from the Primate via the Zoom video platform.
Four thought-provoking lectures were delivered by Bishop Vahan Hovhanessian, who delved into his work as a Biblical scholar to discuss such topics as the canon of scripture in the Armenian Church, the intention of the Biblical authors, the meaning of Scripture for people today, and the use of the Bible in sermons.
Among a number of worship services, the clergy joined in prayer for a Service of Healing for Fr. Parsamyan, as he progresses in his post-accident recovery. The group also went on a social outing graciously hosted by Oscar Tatosian of Chicago, Armenian’s Honorary Consul to the Midwest.
Similar Continuing Education programs will be held for clergy of the Mid-Atlantic region on September 27-28, and for those of the New England region on October 11-14.
Click here to view photos the Midwest Clergy Continuing Education retreat.