Conference and Pastoral Retreat in the Western American Diocese

Great Lent is a time of confessing not only for the laity of the Russian Orthodox Church Outside of Russia, but a time for the clergy to make confession. Traditionally throughout the Russian diaspora, diocesan clergy convene for confession and for spiritual strengthening. Clergy of the Western American Diocese gather at least twice a year.

This Great Lent, the Pastoral Conference and Retreat of the Western American Diocese was held right after the Diocesan Conference. On Tuesday, 25 March, after the hours, typica and vespers in the Cathedral of the Mother of God "Joy of All Who Sorrow," the clergy heard a lecture by Protopriest Peter Perekrestov (this lecture was first read at the Second Church-Historical Conference in the Synodal library in Moscow in November 2002) entitled: "The View of the Russian orthodox Church in the XX Century of St. John of Shanghai and San Francisco the Miracle-worker." The lecture evoked a lively exchange of opinions on the fate of the Russian Orthodox Church Outside of Russia. The participants were reminded that the opinions and views of St. John are often distorted, but thanks to the lecture, his position in regard to the aims of the Russian Orthodox Church Outside of Russia, and also his attitude towards the Church in the Soviet Union, were clarified.

The so-called "Mansonville schism" did not go unmentioned. It was emphasized that Metropolitan Vitaly is being exploited by various individuals for their own goals and interests. The group of so-called "advocates" of Metropolitan Vitaly has split into various factions, arguing amongst themselves and excommunicate one another, invoking the authority of the venerable Vladyka Vitaly.

The question was raised at the conference of how a "Mansonville movement" could have arisen. Various responses were given. In part, it was said, one of the reasons was ignorance. Most of those who departed into schism are poorly-informed of the history and founding principles of the Russian Orthodox Church Outside of Russia. Most of those who left had no basic Orthodox theological training and are very ignorant of the history and foundation of the regulations of the Russian Orthodox Church Outside of Russia. Another cause is isolation and fear. When people are in fear, it is easy to persuade them of conspiracies, etc. Many of those who left had at one time joined the Russian Orthodox Church Outside of Russia not solely because they wanted to be united with her, to live in her spirit, become infused in its spiritual legacy, but also because they wished to leave the church organizations they had belonged to. It is impossible to build church life based on criticism and rejection. Protopriest Sergei Kotar presented a speech on the necessity in church life of having empathetic love. The bishops of the Russian Orthodox Church Outside of Russia, in their decrees of the Councils of 2000 and 2001 were moved precisely by this empathetic love and the desire to help heal the wounds inflicted upon the Russian people by the godless state. The clergy of the Western American Diocese believe that some of those who followed into schism will sooner or later understand their error and that the clergy should be prepared, with love and condescension, to receive them back into the Church of Christ.

After the break for lunch, the clergy discussed purely pastoral topics: pastoral practice in the matter of mixed marriages, the problem of cremation, the creation of a diocesan cemetery and the battle with superstition, especially among those who have recently arrived from the Russian Federation. Two missionary priests, Fr. David Moser and John McCuen, were assigned to develop a diocesan catechism program.

At 4:30, the Rules to Holy Communion for was performed in the cathedral, then great compline and matins. On Wednesday, 26 March, Bishop Kyrill of San Francisco and Western America headed the liturgy of the pre-sanctified Gifts. He was joined by all the clergy, and the choir of St. John's Orthodox Lyceum sang. After liturgy and a service of gratitude, a trapeza feast was held and the next conference was discussed. In all likelihood it will be held at the Church of All Russian Saints in Denver in Denver, Colorado in November or December 2003.