Dear Brother Priests, Deacons, Matushki, Brothers and Sisters on the Diocesan Council, and Friends,

Christ is born!

We look forward to hosting the 2016 Pastoral Conference at St. Symeon the New Theologian Church in Birmingham, AL on February 9-11. The Diocesan Council will meet prior to the Conference on Monday, February 8. 

Participants for the Conference should plan to travel on Monday, February 8. The Conference will begin with Divine Liturgy for the Leavetaking of the Feast of the Presentation of Christ on Tuesday, February 9, at 7:30am. Tuesday evening will feature a clergy gathering with our Locum Tenens, Metropolitan Tikhon, and our Diocesan Administrator,  Archimandrite Gerasim Eliel (See Conference Schedule below).

Dr. Stephen Muse of The Pastoral Institute, Columbus, GA, will be our speaker focusing in four sessions on pastoral issues we face today. Dr. Stephen, who is also a Deacon in the Church, has written two books available at the Conference and from St. Tikhon’s Press: “When Hearts Become Flame” and “Being Bread.”

Accommodations for the event are at the Springhill Suites Downtown UAB - 2024 4th Avenue South, Birmingham, Alabama 35233. 1-205-322-8600. The cost of a suite for the conference is $119.00 per night. Please use this link for room reservations: http://cwp.marriott.com/bhmsd/pastoralconfrence.

Note: Hotel Reservation Deadline:  January 20, 2016

Amenities include: Complimentary Breakfast, Complimentary Wi-Fi, Airport Shuttle, Complimentary Guest Laundry, Indoor Pool, and Fitness Center

The hotel is less than two miles from the church. All activities will be held at St. Symeon’s: St. Symeon Orthodox Church, 3101 Clairmont Ave. S. Birmingham, AL 35205 

Tel. 205-907-9447

If any Matushki are planning to attend, please contact Matushka Melanie Fecanin: matmelfec@yahoo.com.

Likewise, please feel free to contact me with any questions: fecanin@yahoo.com.

Blessed Holy Days to all!

Yours in Christ,

Fr. Alexander Fecanin