This year's Orthodox Conference on Missions and Evangelism will feature one of the three recently consecrated bishops, and first convert bishop, of the Antiochian Orthodox Christian Archdiocese: His Grace Bishop Mark of Toledo and the Midwest. Joining His Grace will be Mother Christophora, abbess of the Orthodox Monastery of the Transfiguration, and Fr. Peter Gillquist, director of the Antiochian Archdiocese Department of Missions and Evangelism. The Conference will be at Antiochian Village, just outside Ligonier, Pennsylvania, from September 2-5, 2005 (Labor Day Weekend).

Following the special theme, "Fulfilling Our Apostolic Mission to America," the Conference will explore two seemingly opposite concerns: what Orthodox Christian missionary work of the past can teach us about evangelism in 21st century America, and how the Holy Spirit might be leading us to tackle the new outreach challenges of our age and society. A dozen topics will be offered over the weekend, including: "The role of every parish, priest, and parishioner in evangelism," "Planning exceptional outreach events," "Outreach to atheists," and "Internet evangelism."

The Orthodox Conference on Missions and Evangelism is a great opportunity for clergy, laity, or inquirers to learn more about the Orthodox Christian Faith and how to share it. Each year participants rave about the Conference and go home much better equipped to start missions or conduct outreach in their communities.

Conference registration including three nights lodging (double room occupancy), all meals, a banquet, and study materials is $355. The single occupancy rate is $495, and those living near Ligonier may attend for a commuter rate of $195 (no lodging). Early Registration Discount: Save $30 if your registration is postmarked by August 15.

The Orthodox Conference on Missions and Evangelism is a cross-jurisdictional event hosted by the Department of Missions and Evangelism and sponsored by the Orthodox Christian Mission Center. For further information or a registration form, contact Howard Lange at the Antiochian Orthodox Christian Archdiocese Department of Missions and Evangelism, toll-free at 1-888-968-4014 or (805) 685-8999, email [email protected], or visit www.antiochian.org/missions.

The Orthodox Christian Mission Center: Helping Orthodox Christians respond to Christ's call to preach, teach, baptize, minister to the poor and make disciples of all nations as the official international mission agency of the Standing Conference of the Canonical Orthodox Bishops in the Americas (SCOBA).