The theme for this year’s Clergy - Laity Assembly is “ Peace ”, based on the quote from the Gospel of John 14:27, “Peace I leave wi th you, My peace I give to you; not as the world gives do I give to you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid.” This theme will be further explored by our featured speaker, Rev. Dr. Stavros Kofinas, who currently serves as the Coordinator of the Network of the Ecumenical Patriarchate for Pastoral Health Care . Father Kofinas will offer a n engaging presentation entitled, “Leading the Church in a Chaotic World.”
We will also have an important presentation on the Archdiocese Policies for the Protection of Youth and Children which will be implemented at all o ur parishes in the coming year. Interactive workshops will also focus on two expanding ministries in our Metropolis – Family Wellness and Missions & Evangelism – where participants can learn how they can personally become engaged in these exciting efforts and take tangible ideas and resources back to their parishes to enhance their local work.
This year we will also hold elections for eight clergy and eight laity to serve on the Metropolis Council for the next two - year term, and for one clergy and two laity to serve on the Archdiocesan Council for the same term. Nomination forms have already been sent to all parish clergy and this is another very important item for this year’s Assembly.
It is important that we have full representation from each of our parishes which includes:
- The Parish Priest
- The President of the Parish Council, and in his or her absence the Vice President, or in his or her absence any member of the Parish Council designated by it
- Two members of the Parish elected by the Parish Assembly
Your timely response is requested by Friday, January 12, 2018. Please plan your schedules accordingly and plan to arrive promptly, coming with an open mind and heart, ready to learn and willing to share.
Applicable Forms
Our Featured Speaker
Rev. Dr. Stavros Kofinas
Fr. Stavros Kofinas was born in 1949 and raised in the Charlotte, North Carolina. He received his Bachelor of Arts degree from Hellenic College in 1971, and his Master of Divinity degree from Holy Cross Greek Orthodox School of Theology in 1974. Following this, he received his doctorate (D.Min) in Clinical Psychology and Psychiatric and Pastoral Care from Andover-Newton Theological School in 1976.
Father Kofinas currently serves as the Coordinator of the Network of the Ecumenical Patriarchate for Pastoral Health Care. Since 1994, he is the celebrant at the Holy Monastery of Saint Meletios of Kitherona. He served as the priest of the Red Cross Hospital in Athens (1976-1988) and the parish of Saint Nicholas in Thebes (1989-1994). From the year 2000 through 2010, Father Kofinas represented the Ecumenical Throne as the Coordinator of the European Network of Health Care Chaplaincy. He is well-experienced in the field of psychotherapy and pastoral care.
In the realm of his ministry, he has led many psychotherapeutic groups, particularly for couples, parents and young people. He has organized and participated in many educational seminars, training programs and conferences for clergy, doctors, nurses and social workers in Greece and abroad. Parallel to this, he is well known for his writings in the area of psychology and pastoral care.
