Retreat for Women Graduates of Orthodox Theological Schools

The first retreat for Women Graduates of Orthodox Theological Schools, held at Antiochian Village in Ligonier, Pennsylvania, attracted approximately 30 participants from across the country. Women representing Holy Cross Greek Orthodox School of Theology (Greek Orthodox Archdiocese), St. Vladimir's Theological Seminary (Orthodox Church in America) and St. Nersess Seminary (Armenian Diocese) met in an atmosphere of prayer, reflection and respectful discussion.  Together they shared joys, experiences and concerns affecting their witness and service, so they may better assist in the "building up of the body of Christ" (Eph. 4:12).

This unique event was blessed by the Standing Conference of Canonical Orthodox Bishops in the  Americas (SCOBA), and organized by St. Catherine's Vision (SCV), a working group of women seeking to study and support the many ways women and men are called to serve within the life of the Orthodox Church today.  

The participants vigorously affirmed three vital and shared obligations:  

• Taking seriously their responsibility as baptized members of the Church to contribute to Orthodox spiritual renewal;
• Promoting and supporting Orthodox unity; and
• Educating the faithful, especially adults.
  
  During each day of the Retreat, participants heard presentations from women graduates of Orthodox Seminaries on specific verses from Eph. 4: 12-16. Victoria Trbuhovich (Serbain Orthodox) offered the Keynote Address; Valerie Zahirsky (Orthodox Church in America), presented the St. Catherinefs Vision Address; and Iulia Corduneanu Curtright (Romanian Orthodox), offered the homily at the Sunday divine liturgy.
  
  Retreat participants also reviewed pre-publication copies of the book:  Encountering Women of Faith: St. Catherine's Vision Collection, vol. I.  The first book of its kind, it was written collaboratively by the co-authors, members of the Board of SCV.  This volume was written with the deep desire to honor women who have pursued Orthodox theological studies and all women who have dedicated their lives to Christian service.  
  
  "This book marks the first educational initiative undertaken by St. Catherine's Vision and provides interested readers with much helpful information regarding the concerns and history of women in the Orthodox Church.  We believe this text offers mature theological and spiritual insight, as well as inspiration for today's adults," stated co-author and Retreat Coordinator, Barbara Harris.
  
  On behalf of the Board of SCV, retreat participants were invited by Dr. Kyriaki Karidoyanes FitzGerald,  editor and SCV Project Coordinator, to contribute chapter proposals for "volume II" of  "Encountering Women of Faith".  For more information about this retreat, to assist with sponsoring the next volume or to volunteer other support, interested persons may consult the St. Catherine's Vision website at: www.orthodoxwomen.org or write to: orthodoxwomen@netscape.net.
  
  Members of the SCV Planning Board include: Susan Arida, Hilary Chala, Iulia Corduneanu Curtright,
  Dr. Kyriaki Karidoyanes FitzGerald, Deborah Hadjes Funti, Barbara Harris, Anastasia Kalivas, Clara Nickolson, Alexandra Safchuk, Eleni Simmons, Nikki Stournaras, Victoria Trbuhovich and Valerie Zahirsky.