Clergy-Laity Assembly, May 31 & June 1, 2013
Kansas City, Missouri

Friday May 31, 2013
The Clergy-Laity Assembly convened on Friday morning in Kansas City after Morning Prayer. Metropolitan Isaiah delivered the keynote address, followed by reports from the Chancellor, Metropolis Youth Director, Philoptochos, and the Vision for Growth Committee.

• Metropolitan Isaiah's Keynote Address

The Friday luncheon has traditionally been hosted by the Metropolis Philoptochos as a fund-raising benefit for the Bishop Anthimos Seminarian Scholarship Fund. This year Father Evan Armatas, Pastor of Saint Spyridon parish in Loveland, Colorado, and a recipient of the Scholarship during his seminary studies, addressed those present.

Friday afternoon Father Jonathan Ivanoff, Director of Orthodox Natural Church Development (NCD) America, delivered an excellent presentation offering potential solutions and opportunities for parish growth, titled "Creating Vibrant Orthodox Parishes A Framework for Renewal."

• Fr. Ivanoff's Presentation (Power Point)

• Fr. Ivanoff's Presentation (pdf)

After Father Ivanhoff's presentation the delegates participated in one of six separate working groups to discuss challenges to, and opportunities for, parish growth.

Friday evening delegates enjoyed a banquet held at The Westin Hotel.
 

Saturday June 1, 2013
On Saturday morning delegates gathered to celebrate the Divine Liturgy together. His Eminence Metropolitan Isaiah presided, and Father Evan Armatas was the celebrant.

After the Divine Liturgy and delegates convened in plenary session to discuss business matters concerning the life of the Metropolis and its parishes.

Sunday June 2, 2013
The culmination of the Retreat and Assembly week was the Hierarchical Divine Liturgy celebrated by Metropolitan Isaiah and concelebrant clergy on Sunday morning at Annunciation Greek Orthodox Church in Kansas City.