2012 SF Symposium on Liturgical Symbolism

The Sts. Cyril & Athanasius Institute is pleased to announce its first regional symposium, to take place in San Francisco from 17th-18th February 2012 on the theme of experienced symbolism and the inner meaning of the Orthodox Liturgy.



The first regional symposium of the new Sts. Cyril & Athanasius Orthodox Institute will take place Friday-Saturday, 17th-18th February 2012, on a theme critical to both the study and experience of Orthodox Christian life: the symbolism and inner meaning of the Divine Liturgy. This three-part symposium will provide participants with a rich exposure to the dynamic meaning of the various actions, movements and events of the Church's chief liturgical celebration, drawn both from the explanations of the Fathers as well as the vibrant liturgical heritage of the local Orthodox Churches.

• PART I: Symbol, Reality, and the Experience of Liturgical Movement
  Speaker: Archimandrite Meletios (Webber)
  This opening session will examine the meaning of 'symbol' and 'reality' as these terms are defined by the liturgical tradition of the Church. What does it mean to speak of the 'symbolism' of the Divine Liturgy, and how does the rich symbolism of such things as clerical roles and vestments, liturgical movements and actions, etc., effect a participation in the reality of God's Kingdom? And in what ways can a deeper awareness of this symbolism create a more engaged experience of the Liturgy amongst the faithful?
• PART II: Entering Into the Whole of Creation: The Chief Symbolism of the Divine Liturgy
  Speaker: Archimandrite Irenei (M.C. Steenberg)
  Our second session will provide an exploration of the specific symbolism of various key motions of the Divine Liturgy, demonstrating how the liturgical service draws the faithful into the whole story of creation and redemption -- often in ways far deeper than are commonly understood. How does the entry and enthroning of the Bishop relate the saga of the lost sheep being presented to the Father? How does the choir symbolise the chorus of the prophets? How does the processional taper symbolise St. John the Forerunner? In what ways are the angelic hierarchies symbolised by the priestly ranks and orders? Such are the questions and symbols, amongst many others, that will be examined in this central session.
• PART III: The House of God: A Consecrated Temple & Consecrated People
  Speaker: V. Revd. Archpriest Josiah Trenham
  The final session will be devoted to the significance of the Church Temple itself, in the unique measure of its consecration, and how this relates to the consecration of the people of God as a whole -- becoming 'temples within a temple'. What is the unique symbolism of the faithful laity in the divine services. It is not only the clergy who are living icons in the rich symbolism of the Divine Liturgy, but also the laity who have a key role in the coherent symbolism of Orthodox worship.
• CONCLUSION: Question-and-Answer Session with Speakers.
  The symposium will conclude with a question-and-answer period with all the symposium speakers.

The program will begin in the late-afternoon on Friday, with an optional visit to numerous sites in San Francisco relating to the legacy of St. John the Wonderworker of Shanghai and San Francisco, and will conclude Saturday in time for evening services -- in this way the Symposium is accessible to those who work, as well as those involved in parish activities.

The following is the tentative schedule for the symposium. Details are still prone to change, and all registered participants will receive a final schedule in advance of the event.

Friday, 17th February:

• 2:00 - OPTIONAL ACTIVITY: Guided visit to various sites in San Francisco associated with St John the Wonderworker.
• 4:30 - Registration / welcome begins
• 5:30 - Welcome remarks & introduction to the symposium
• 6:00 - LECTURE I: 'Symbol, Reality, and the Experience of Liturgical Movement' (Archimandrite Meletios)
• 7:30 - Symposium dinner at Old Cathedral Hall
• 8:30 - Question-and-answer / Speaker discussion

Saturday, 18th February:

• 7:00 - Morning prayers / service
• 7:30 - Light breakfast in Hall
• 8.00 - LECTURE II: 'Entering Into the Whole of Creation: The Chief Symbolism of the Divine Liturgy' (Archimandrite Irenei)
• 10:00 - Coffee
• 10:30 - LECTURE III: 'The House of God: A Consecrated Temple & Consecrated People' (Archpriest Josiah Trenham)
• 12:30 - Lunch in Hall
• 1:30 - Presentation on the Institute's mission, work and programs
• 2:00 - CONCLUDING SESSION: Panel discussion and Q-and-A with all lecturers
• 3:30 - Departure
• 4:00 / 5:30 / 6:00 - Evening service take place at various San Francisco area parishes (details will be provided for those desiring to take part)

Participation in this symposium is open to everyone, and we invite you to come and receive the insights that the tradition of the Church provides for the rich experience of her worship, as well as learn more about the new Institute, its mission, projects, publications and future programs.

Cost and registration details: The cost for the three-part symposium is $80.00 if booked in advance ($85.00 at the door), and includes coffee/tea between sessions as well as dinner on Friday evening, breakfast and lunch on Saturday (accommodation is not included in the registration cost for this regional symposium; participants travelling from further afield may click here for information on a recommended nearby hotel). Registration is through the Institute's web site, via the link below.

By special arrangement, participants in this Symposium will be able to register for an independent pilgrimage to several holy sites in southern California, to take place over the three days immediately following, at a specially discounted rate. Click here for pilgrimage details.