HEI On the Road: Join Us at the 47th Biennial Clergy – Laity Congress

Please stop by our booth, attend a workshop, or participate in a panel discussion. Below is a sample schedule of our participation in this groundbreaking event. We are looking forward to seeing you in San Diego!

Tuesday, July 2, 2024

Ecumenical Families: A Pastoral, Theological and Canonical Approach 

Presented by: Rev. Dr. Patrick Viscuso, Rev. Dr. Philip Halikias, Dr. Despina Prassas, Rev. Dr. John Chryssavgis

The mystery of marital unity in Christ speaks to the communion of faith. It has special pastoral, canonical, and theological meanings when related to the icon of marriage and family as the “little Church”, according to the expression developed by Saint John Chrysostom. Many ecumenical families (couples from different Christian denominations), also known as mixed marriages, call for a renewed compassionate, and pastorally inspired approach. This panel discussion will focus on new pastoral, canonical, and theological responses to this common reality. In this regard, the panelists will focus on the latest groundbreaking document published by the North American Orthodox–Catholic Theological Consultation: “The Pastoral Care of Mixed Marriages: Neither Yours or Mine – But Ours”. This panel will be offered in collaboration with the Huffington Ecumenical Institute at Hellenic College Holy Cross.

Women in Orthodoxy: Past, Present, and Future Roles 

Presented by: Rev. Dr. John Chryssavgis, Dr. Elizabeth Prodromou Kyrou, Dr. Helen Creticos Theodoropoulos, Sara Tsugranis, Kyra P. Limberakis (MTS), Dr. Cary J. Limberakis

The Church is the unity of the faithful gathered into one Body under the headship of Christ, and all of her faithful, men and women, old and young, share both personally and collectively in the vocation to be the Church. In what ways have women lived and are living this vocation to be the Church in the world? This panel will reflect on the needs and experiences of women today, and examine the vital ways in which women have served historically, the roles they undertake today, and possible paths of future service, covering philanthropic, pastoral, liturgical, administrative, and educational roles. The panel aims to educate, listen, and identify actions that will encourage organized and systematic support for the dynamic participation of women in the Church.

Wednesday, July 3, 2024

Nurturing Orthodox Christians through Accessible Education, Publications, and Spiritual Formation 

Presented by: Dr. Bruce Beck

The mission of HCHC is “the formation and education of the person within the life of an Orthodox Christian community.” Our vision is “to be the intellectual, educational, and spiritual formation center of the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of America.” This presentation will highlight several recent innovative initiatives that invigorate our educational outreach to everyone who wants to learn, bringing the good news to places where people live and work.

Fully Human: Toward Full Participation of People with Disabilities in the Orthodox Church (Link to Video)

Presented by: Pres. Kerry Pappas, Rev. Dr. John Chryssavgis, Justin Heard, Summer Kinard

Participants can expect an in-depth look at the efforts of the Fully Human ministry, including those being made toward accessible worship for Deaf and blind persons, how to create accessible Sunday School rooms and tailor educational materials for atypical learners, and the vital importance of churches addressing physical access needs.

Panelists will offer personal insight regarding their lived experience as caregivers and individuals with disabilities while emphasizing the theological connections related to the oneness of the Body of Christ and how the inclusion and valuing of people with varying abilities enhances the health and life of parishes.

A significant portion of the session will be dedicated to an interactive Q&A session, allowing attendees to engage with the panelists and delve deeper into the subject matter.