Brookline, MA - Continuing a tradition of promoting excellence in theological education, Holy Cross Greek Orthodox School of Theology, the Department of Religious Education of the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese, and the National Forum of Greek Orthodox Church Musicians will cooperatively host the biennial Summer Institute of Theological Education on the campus of Hellenic College/Holy Cross Greek Orthodox School of Theology on Thursday through Saturday, June 16-18, 2005. Since 2005 has been designated the Year of the Family by His Eminence Archbishop Demetrios of America, this year's institute theme is "Ministering to the Orthodox Family."

According to Rev. Dr. Frank Marangos, Institute Chairman and Director of the DRE, "More than 170 adult participants from across the United States attended the previous Institute in 2003. The lectures and workshops of this year's Institute will focus on the primary theme of Ministering to the Orthodox Family. It is intended for adults, religious educators, clergy, choir directors, choir members, church musicians and those wishing to learn more about Byzantine chant."

The steering committee for the 2005 Summer Institute of Theological Education recently met to make final preparations for the event. Apart from its Chairman, the Rev. Dr. Frank Marangos, Archdiocesan Director of Religious Education, the members of the Summer Institute Executive Committee include: Rev. Dr. Al Demos, Chancellor of the Metropolis of Boston; Dr. Vicki Pappas, Chairman of the National Forum of Greek Orthodox Church Musicians; Dr. Philip Mamalakis, Holy Cross Assistant Professor of Pastoral Theology; Archon Dean Limberakis, Adjunct Instructor of Music at Hellenic College/Holy Cross; Presvytera Haidee Marangos, Institute Coordinator and Administrator of the Department of Religious Education; Eleni Geanon, Hellenic College/Holy Cross Alumni Director; and Mr. Bradley Borch, Department of Religious Education Technology Consultant.

The theme of the 2005 Summer Institute of Theological Educational also reflects the focus on the family for the upcoming 2006 Clergy-Laity Congress that will convene in Nashville, Tennessee. Consequently, lectures and workshops will examine the theological, liturgical, scriptural, pastoral and administrative issues surrounding the Institute's primary theme. The Institute will provide attendees with the choice of three levels of participation: (a) Adult program, (b) Clergy program, and (c) Church Music program. Participants may register to attend workshops from one or more of three concurrently running programs. Due to the success and continued interest displayed at the previous Institute, Byzantine Music Training Workshops will also be offered.

Further details and registration information may be obtained by calling the Department of Religious Education at 800-566-1088, via the Institute brochure, and the 2005 Summer Institute website at http://summerinstitute.hchc.edu.

Contact:
Rev. Dr. Frank Marangos