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by Darlene Fejka
The 2005 Byzantine Spirituality Conference opened with registration early Saturday morning October 8 at the Radisson Hotel in Monroeville, Pa. Continental breakfast was provided for well over 100 participants as they arrived for the day-long event. At 9:30 a.m. Sister Marion Dobos, OSB, Director of the Archeparchy’s Office of Religious Education, (ORE) welcomed all in attendance, particularly those who traveled from a distance.
Assistant ORE Director and Conference facilitator Father Elias Rafaj then led an opening prayer service cantored by Professor J. Michael Thompson. Lori Downey, a conference committee member and parishioner at SS. Peter and Paul Church, Braddock introduced the present-ers for the day, beginning with keynote speakers Father Elias and Sister Susan Sisko, OSBM. Their two-part presentation, “A Return to the Source: The New Translation of the Divine Liturgy” focused on changes in the Liturgy of the Word (Father Elias) and in the Liturgy of the Eucharist (Sister Susan).
“It’s surprising how much misinformation is out there,” Father Elias began, referring to the public’s suppositions about the new translation. The Divine Liturgy, he explained, is alive, not stagnant, ever-changing and ever-growing. “It [the new translation] is not going to dramatically change our worship . . . but it will change the quality of the way we express our faith.” Father Elias also pointed out that the Old Slavonic text itself is a translation from the original Greek text.Father Elias refreshed participants’ memories by recalling that the first celebration of the Divine Liturgy in its newly-translated form was actually celebrated on October 3, 1999 at Pittsburgh’s David L. Lawrence Convention Center, site of the 75th Anniversary celebration of the Metropolia.
Sister Susan, who is also Director for Young Adult ministry for the Archeparchy, began her portion of the liturgical presentation by explaining that “we are striving to the best of our ability to make this Divine Liturgy truly ‘Heaven on Earth.’” She also assured the conference attendees that many of the new translation changes are stylistic or grammatical, and some are “just a better use of a word.” On the subject of the priestly prayers which are currently said silently, Sister Susan reasoned, “If you don’t hear those prayers, then how can you say ‘Amen’ to them?”
She concluded her presentation with an explanation of the rubrics – or rules – for standing, sitting and kneeling during the Divine Liturgy. “Every Divine Liturgy makes present to us the Resurrection of Jesus Christ,” she said. “Kneeling is a sign of penitence and humility, and we do that during the Great Fast. But during the Divine Liturgy every Sunday otherwise, we celebrate the Risen Christ by standing in the presence of the King.”
Following an exquisite lunch, participants had the opportunity to browse the vendor area for books, imported artifacts, icons and more. A detailed display of a Byzantine Catholic altar, dressings and clergy vestments as well as various pictorial representations filled the hotel’s Allegheny room. Special areas for children and teens were also set up in the hotel conference area. Catechists of the Archeparchy along with several of the presenters ensured an enriching day of spirituality for the conference’s younger attendees, who also found the liturgical display fascinating and educational.
Two afternoon presentations completed the day’s events. Professor J. Michael Thompson, Director of the Metropolitan Cantor Institute presented “Prostopinije: The Musical Treasure of the Byzantine Catholic Church.” In an explanation of text, ritual and chant - the three elements of the Byzantine Catholic “rite” - Professor Thompson detailed the roots of prostopinije, “a system of liturgical plainchant (that is, unharmonized, unaccompanied melody) designed to accompany the texts of the Byzantine-Slavonic rite.” Professor Thompson took the audience down the trail of prostopinije history, detailing the four distinct traditions which have been melded by time and practice into one well-structured whole. He likened this concept to Pittsburgh’s three rivers, comprised of two rivers which flow together to make one.
In commendation at the end of Professor Thompson’s presentation, Sister Marion stated, “Professor Thompson, you compared the prostopinije to four rivers flowing as one; your presentation was like an easy-flowing river through the history of prostopinije, and for your expertise, we are truly grateful.”
The final presenter of the conference was Father John (Jack) Custer, Academic Dean of The Byzantine Catholic Seminary of SS. Cyril and Methodius in Pittsburgh, Pa. Entitled “Worship: The Sacred Ladder – Holiness, Righteousness and the Kingdom,” Father Jack’s presentation was an energetic, passionate and well-articulated excursion into the heart of liturgical worship.
“The liturgy is not something which we choose to consume as we do so many other things,” he said. Citing Exodus 25: 8-9, Father Jack illustrated that “our plan of worship was divinely revealed to Moses by God.”Father Jack stressed the importance of liturgy as a bridge between earth and heaven which draws us closer to God not out of obligation, but by a genuine desire to be made worthy. “We are not made worthy to be in the presence of God just because we pay our parish dues,” Father Jack chided. “I can only mirror God if I am turned toward God.”
Enlightened and inspired by Father Jack’s presentation, all in attendance concluded the day’s activities with Great Vespers, celebrated by Very Reverend Archpriest John Petro, assisted by Deacon Lance Weakland of St. Michael Church, Canonsburg, Pa. and cantored by Professor Thompson.
“I feel so blessed,” beamed committee member Sister Marion, “Quite a number of people have said that this was the best Spirituality Conference ever.” Plans are already being made for the 2006 conference, which Sister Marion says will most likely be held in October at the same venue. |
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