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Close to 50 people gathered in Phoenix in advance of the All-American Council to participate in the Diocese’s Thriving Parishes Project retreat. Rectors and lay leaders from the initiative’s 20 participating parishes were joined by guests and observers, including a few from outside the Diocese and even outside the Orthodox Church in America who were intrigued by recent diocesan efforts to actively support church health. Also present were His Eminence, Archbishop Benjamin, His Grace Bishop Gerasim of Fort Worth, and Archimandrite Vasily (Permiakov), who stayed to participate in the break-out discussion groups.
After welcome remarks by Diocesan Chancellor Archpriest Kirill Sokolov, Program Director Priest Andrew Smith gave a brief presentation updating everyone as to the work of the Project since the last in-person retreat in October of 2024. Fr. Andrew handed the mic over to the Keynote Address speaker, Archpriest Marcus Burch, Chancellor of the Diocese of the South and Rector of St. John of the Ladder Orthodox Church in Greenville, SC.
Fr. Marcus has seen his parish grow over 20 years from a small mission of 25 faithful to a community that can see over 400 people on Sunday. He took the audience through this history from the parish’s humble beginnings to its effort to expand and finally to its current efforts to solidify the foundation upon which it now stands. His story generated many questions amongst the listeners.
After lunch, the room was divided up in six small groups for discussion on the keynote address and then again to reflect and give feedback on the monthly parish learning modules offered since October. These have included the topics of Liaising with Charitable Institutions, the Parish Calendar, Young Adult Ministry, Celebrating Pascha over the Fifty Days, Family Wellness Ministry, and Parish Budget & Stewardship.
It was noted by more than a few participants how good it was to be able to come together in person. It is a wondrous thing that in this day and age we can meet online at the click of a hyperlink, but nothing can replace the connection and communication possible when we encounter our neighbor face to face. As the psalmist says, “Behold, how good and pleasant it is for brethren to dwell together in unity! It is like the precious oil upon the head, running down on the beard, the beard of Aaron, running down on the edge of his garments” (Psalm 132:1-2).
Fr. Andrew thanked all for their participation, especially to Project Manager Brittany Yeager, for all her work on behalf of the retreat and for her assistance in day-today administration of the project work.
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The Diocese of the West is the geographical district of the Orthodox Church in America consisting of the Western United States. The diocese has active parishes in Montana, Colorado, Arizona, Nevada, Washington, Oregon, California and Hawaii. San Francisco is home to the diocese’s cathedral, Holy Trinity, as well as the Chancery offices. The diocese is led by His Grace Vasily, Bishop of San Francisco and the West.
