Deacon's Training Program - 6/23/11 - 7/2/11
Thursday...after moving my stuff into the attic of the seminary, I got into my car and proceeded to my very first destination as a resident of New Rochelle, NY......Dunkin Donuts.
Back at the seminary we prepared for the upcoming Deacon's Training Program which is held every year for anyone looking for specialized training as a Deacon or altar server. The staff met with the director, Fr. Daniel Findikyan, and I was assigned the role of "Meal Supervisor".
First night...at 5:30 a.m. the fire alarm went off. A firetruck arrived after I woke up the entire house (about 18 teenagers). One of the firefighters was really mad at me because I reset the alarm before they got there. "Never. reset. the alarm." Got it.
Sunday...went to St. Vartan Cathedral/Eastern Diocese for Sunday worship. After I read the Epistle I joined the choir to sing with them for the remainder of the Liturgy.
Tuesday...we took a bus to Point Pleasant, NJ to spend the day at the beach. When we arrived we went to the aquarium located on the boardwalk, which was then followed by beach time, dinner, and free time on the boardwalk where I had delicious Italian Ice. We ended the trip by walking out onto the beach at night where we spread out and had 5 minutes of silent meditation to reflect on and hear from God as we stood and listened to the waves. We then huddled in a circle and sang Hayr Mer together.
Throughout the rest of the week I had the chance to facilitate daily Bible studies, learn how to chant Deacon parts of the Liturgy, participate in morning and evening worship services, and discuss relevant theological topics with the participants.
Other highlights included a visit from the Bishop/Primate of the Diocese, learning how to play Tavloo (Backgammon), eating Armenian food, and receiving a wooden Armenian cross made in Palestine. We participated in an oil service where each of us were anointed with oil in order to remember our Baptism, which was then followed by each of us sharing the peace of Christ with one another. I also cannot forget the amount of attention we paid to Peaches Browning. Most importantly, I met many new people - participants, staff, and clergy - with whom I have made a deep connection. There was definitely a theme of brotherhood this week where something very real and very grounded in the love of Christ took place. This was especially demonstrated during our 'thread activity' on Friday evening where we addressed each other with, "you are a gift to me because...".
Overall, I am grateful for the opportunity to influence the participants of the 2011 Deacon's Training Program, and to assist them in their ministry as leaders in Christ's Church. I was also influenced by them as I was reminded as to why I am pursuing this calling. Each of the participants inspired me as a seminarian and member of the Armenian Orthodox Church. I am looking forward to all of us taking what we learned and lived, and the relationships that we established, beyond this program and into our daily lives.
To all of those in attendance at the 2011 Deacon's Training Program...May the peace of Christ be with you.
Thoughts from this week:
- I have been moved from a place of being in charge to a place of submission.
- Priests are not to attract unnecessary attention to themselves. Am I doing this?
- Memorize Psalm 50 in liturgical Armenian.
- The night version of Soorp Asdvadz has become one of my favorite hymns.
ev
New Rochelle, NY
1 comments:
Would playing air guitar along with the choir count as bringing too much unnecessary attention to yourself? ;-)
Post a Comment