Following the blessing of bells, the Orthodox of Munich are preparing for an Orthodox Conference. For more than twenty years, the end of December (26-28), Munich hosts an Orthodox conference. At first it was held at the Monastery of St. Job of Pochaev. Since 1994, with the establishment of the Cathedral of the New Martyrs and Witnesses of Russia and its spacious premises, the Orthodox Conference has been held there.

All-night vigil and Divine liturgy are held daily during the Conference. The Conferees include clergy and faithful from various German cities and also from neighboring countries (Austria, Denmark, France and Switzerland). Up to a hundren people participate.

This year, the topics of discussion include:

• The Seventh Ecumenical Council and the Orthodox veneration of icons: Archbishop Mark.
• Bishop Aristarkh of Bethlehem is expected. The topic of his lecture has not been announced.
• Death: Protopriest Nikolai Artemoff.
• The Orthodox Church in the Baltics today: Prof. Alexander Gavrilin (Riga).
• The Ringing of Bells: Vladimir Degtyarev (Yaroslavl).

Since the bells in Munich were consecrated on 1 December of this year, the latter lecture may be enhanced with videotaped illustrations. The state of the Orthodox Church in the Baltics is interesting in that the conflict between Moscow and Constantinople is erupting there, which revisits historical concepts. On the other hand, after the joining of Germany to Europe, neighboring states will have more intensive contact with the Baltics. It is also hope that much will be learned from the meeting with Bishop Aristarkh of Bethlehem, a direct participant in the sorrowful events in Bethlehem and the Holy Land.