2010 Diaconal Liturgical Practicum Kodiak

August 4-9, 2010
St. Herman's Seminary, Kodiak, Alaska

A very special offering of practical diaconal liturgical training; practical "diakonia in action" on Spruce Island; and holy pilgrimage in the unmatched beauty of Alaska's "Emerald Isle" is being made available for the first time this year by St. Herman Theological Seminary in Kodiak, Alaska. The Diaconal Liturgical Practicum Kodiak will be held August 4-7 in conjunction with the pilgrimage in honor of St. Herman of Alaska which concludes August 9, 2010.

This year's Kodiak Practicum builds on the popular program held annually at St. Vladimir's Seminary in Yonkers, NY. The St. Vladimir's session is being held earlier in the summer June 20-24. As part of the ongoing cooperation between the two seminaries, participants are invited to attend the session more convenient to them. Archdeacon Kirill, Coordinator of the OCA's Diaconal Vocations Program, is leading both sessions.

This Kodiak session is being held in conjunction with the annual pilgrimage held in honor of the feast of St. Herman of Alaska, Wonderworker of All America. Students should arrive Wednesday, August 4 with formal workshops continuing through Saturday, August 7. The public Pilgrimage begins Saturday evening with the Liturgy at Spruce Island on Monday, August 9. Faculty will continue to work with Practicum participants throughout the Pilgrimage, during which they will be invited to serve and sing as appropriate. The schedule outline is available.

Participation in this singular offering is limited so that personal instruction and interaction can be maximized. Register today! Reduced early registration is due by March 25th.

Practical liturgical training for deacons and lay diaconal candidates will be supported by celebration of the Divine Liturgy and other services. Intensive workshops aim to provide participants with the skills needed to serve effectively in the Orthodox Church as an attentive server, deacon, or priest. Attention will be given to the liturgical patterns of movement that inform the entire rite of the Church. Participants will also receive guidance on con-celebrations and hierarchical celebrations so that they can effectively prepare for such occasions. In addition to practicums, focused presentations by faculty will augment the deacon's understanding of his place in the liturgical life of the Church and the deacon's broader vocation as a symbol to the faithful of the diakonia of Christ our Lord. Instruction in public speaking and vocal technique will also be offered.

A new feature will be a service opportunity in "active diakonia" where participants will work together to help prepare Spruce Island, the earthly home of St. Herman of Alaska, for the arrival of pilgrims.

In addition to Archdeacon Kirill, Archpriest John Dunlop, Dean of St. Herman's Seminary, and other Seminary faculty will help guide the participants in their growth as faithful liturgical ministers.

This practicum is held in conjunction with the Orthodox Church in America's Diaconal Vocations Program and is highly recommended for participants in the Church's program by the Holy Synod. "Diakonia is at the center of the vocation of every Christian," explains His Beatitude, Metropolitan Jonah, primate of the Orthodox Church in America. "The hierarchs thank God for the growth in diaconal vocations throughout our Church and this annual program that gives deacons a strong context for their service at the holy altar." The Practicum is being conducted with the blessing of His Beatitude and His Grace, Bishop Benjamin, Locum Tenens of the Diocese of Alaska.

Registration, Accommodations, and Pricing: Registration fees include meals in the seminary refectory. Accommodations may be made on-campus, subject to availability. Registration and accommodation is inclusive of the Pilgrimage.

Practicum and meals only (lodging off-campus)	$500 Register by March 25: $450
Practicum, lodging, and meals-double occupancy	$700 Register by March 25: $650
Practicum, lodging, and meals-single occupancy	$900 Register by March 25: $850
Practicum, lodging, and meals-accommodations and meals for participant and wife	$1100 Register by March 25: $1050
Scholarships are available for participants from the Diocese of Alaska. Please contact us for more information.

Please register by sending an e-mail to diaconal2010@sthermanseminary.org with your full name, address, parish, priest name and e-mail address, your e-mail address, and phone number. Please indicate your registration and accommodation preference.

Questions? E-mail diaconal2010@sthermanseminary.org. We look forward to meeting you in August!