New Gracanica Family Conference
Over the past 6 years, we have held our Mid-west Family Conference outside Madison, WI hosted by the St. Andrew the Apostle Serbian Orthodox Mission. Unfortunately, due to family commitments, Fr. Gregory and Popadia Ann Schultz were not able to host their inspiring conference this year. However, Fr. Milorad Loncar invited us to the New Gracanica Serbian Orthodox Monastery, with the blessing of His Grace, Bishop Longin, for this year’s Mid-west Family Conference. The Conference was held August 8-10 on the beautiful monastery grounds north of Chicago. All our services were held in the monastery church with its stunning frescos and striking architecture.
We had a small but inspired group of 30 participants who were very engaged in the lectures and activities. The hiermonk, Fr. Seraphim Baltic, gave an excellent lecture on “Living Orthodoxy in Modern America”, drawing on his experience of life in Serbia and Western Europe. Our guest lecturer from Chicago, Fr. Milos Vesin, joined Fr. Michael and Fr. Philip to round out the weekend instruction. Popadia Junia led the youth program with the aid of Popadia Ann Schultz. Fr. Gregory emceed our talent night which ended in an evening of song. The sisterhood of the local parish provided the meals and they were plentiful and delicious.
We had the honor of visiting with Bishop Longin, who administrates his Diocese from the monastery. Although he had to be away for the weekend, he said that he would like to be more involved next year, which would be a blessing for us. This Family Conference definitely will certainly grow as more people hear about it and we thank Fr. Milorad, Fr. Seraphim and the Sisterhood for their excellent support.
For information on the:
2009 New Gracanica Family Conference
hosted by New Gracanica Monastery, Grayslake, IL ~ August 7-10, 2009
Contact: Popadia Ann Schultz at: mrs_ann_schultz@charter.net or (608) 835-2565
or: Hieromonk Serafim Baltic at: frserafim@yahoo.com or (847) 223-4300