As a follow-on to the recently conducted study “Holy Communion during the Pandemic in American Orthodox Christian Parishes” the Orthodox Theological Society in America (OTSA) invites you to join the online symposium:
Webinar: The Coronavirus (Covid-19) and Communion Practice in the Orthodox Church

Saturday, August 22, 12:00 – 2:00 pm EDT

The number of participants is limited. Please register in advance for this webinar at:
https://us02web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_48SgGf1IRxy-9ZpNE-Xc_A

If necessary, cut and paste the URL into your browser. After registering, you will receive a confirmation email containing information about joining the webinar.

The executive summary and report on “Holy Communion during the Pandemic in American Orthodox Christian Parishes” can be downloaded from: https://orthodoxreality.org/coronavirus-and-american-orthodox-parishes

PROGRAM:
The novel Coronavirus has changed the way we interact with one another in many areas of our everyday lives, including in our ecclesial setting.  What has been the impact of the Pandemic on our ecclesial life, especially on our communion practice?  This webinar will discuss this question and review the results of a recently commissioned survey of US Orthodox clergy on communion practice during the pandemic. We will bring together a panel of scientists and theologians to present the science of the virus to ground our discussion and engage with one another as members of the Body of Christ.

  • Introduction into Study Report “Holy Communion during the Pandemic in American Orthodox Christian Parishes” by Alexei Krindatch, National Coordinator, Second Census of US Orthodox Parishes / 2020 US Religion Census
  • Scientific Panel: Gayle Woloschak, PhD, Moderator
    Catherine Creticos, MD, Chief of Infectious Diseases at Illinois Masonic Medical Center and Clinical Assistant Professor of Medicine, U. of Illinois at Chicago
    W. Christopher Mathews, MD, Professor Emeritus of Clinical Medicine, UCSD
    Hermina Nedelescu, PhD, Postdoctoral Fellow, Scripps Research Institute, San Diego
  • Q+A/Discussion
  • Theological Panel: Fr. John Jillions, PhD, Moderator
    Deacon Nicholas Denysenko, PhD, Emil and Elfried Jochum Professor and Chair, Valparaiso University
    Sr. Dr. Vassa Larin, nun of the Russian Orthodox Church Abroad and host of “Coffee with Sister Vassa”
    Fr. Anthony Roeber, PhD, Professor of Church History, St. Vladimir’s Orthodox Theological Seminary
  • Q+A/Discussion
  • Concluding Remarks by Bishop Alexis (Trader) of Bethesda (OCA)

If prior to the webinar, you would like to share any thoughts or raise questions on the subject of our discussin, please click the button at the end of this message and offer your thoughts.

In Christ,
Teva Regule, Ph.D., President (Antiochian Orthodox Christian Archdiocese)
V. Rev. John A. Jillions, DMin, Ph.D., Vice President (Orthodox Church in America)
Helen Theodoropoulos, Ph.D., Secretary (Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of America)
V. Rev. Gabriel Rochelle, Ph.D., Treasurer (Ukrainian Orthodox Church of the USA)