Archpriest Pimen Simon, of the Church of the Nativity, participates in a processional along with parishioners around the church on September 2, 2007. (Lauren M. Anderson / Erie Times-News)
Published: June 14. 2008 6:00AM
The last time Erie's Church of the Nativity of Christ hosted an Orthodox Conference, the building burned.
The fire just days before the 1986 meeting has been on the Rev. Pimen Simon's mind as he plans the 2008 version, set to begin Tuesday.
"Please God, don't let us face something like we did the last time," Simon has prayed.
Despite a blaze that collapsed the ceiling and buckled walls, the 1986 conference went on. Now, 22 years later, the Russian Orthodox church is celebrating several historic events by once again welcoming people to learn about the faith.
"The reason we're doing the conference is because for the parish, it's the 25th anniversary since we restored priesthood to our parish and joined ourselves to the Russian Orthodox Church Outside of Russia," Simon said.
His church is Russian Orthodox Old Rite. A break from the Russian Orthodox Church in the 1600s left the Old Ritualists without church hierarchy or priests.
In 1983, the Erie parish became the only Old Rite church to unite with the Russian Orthodox Church Outside Russia.
"A year ago, the Russian Orthodox Church Outside Russia reconciled itself to the church in Russia," Simon said. "This will be one of the first really public events that are part of that reconciliation and the Russian Church in Russia is sending a delegation and one of its bishops to participate in the conference."
Simon also said the new head of the church outside of Russia, Metropolitan Hilarion, will attend the conference.
Hilarion, of Australia, had agreed to participate before being chosen in May to succeed Metropolitan Laurus, who died in March.
"Even though he is elected now as the first hierarch of the church outside of Russia, he still will be here for the entire conference," Simon said.
It's expected to draw about 200 people, not all of them Orthodox.
The public is welcome at the entire conference or individual services and panels, Simon said. The theme is "Orthodox Christianity in the 21st Century."
Simon said services at the church will include matins, the early morning service celebrating the coming of Christ; vespers, the evening service commemorating the creation of the world; and divine liturgy, commemorating the life of Christ and including Eucharist.
Sessions and panels will take place at Mercyhurst College. Topics will include issues Christians face today, such as beginning-of-life and end-of-life decisions. Separate programs will be offered for children.
"We've got a program for people of all ages," Simon said.
He said the conference is geared toward families.
"It really is a very spiritually enlightened event and when all parts of the family are able to participate in that, then I think the entire family benefits by having that kind of spiritual awakening," Simon said.
Mary Wassell, 11, of Millcreek Township, is excited about meeting other Orthodox Christians her age.
But, she said, "What I'm looking forward to most is the hierarchal liturgy that will be served on Saturday because it will be cool to see all the bishops and priests from around the country serving in our church."
Simon said Metropolitan Hilarion, four bishops and about 20 priests will take part.
Mary, her parents and her older brother plan to attend the liturgy and the rest of the conference. They're one of about 160 Church of the Nativity families.
Mary's father, Mark Wassell, 50, said, "Christ should be a central part of everyone's life. This sort of gives me an opportunity for one week to really focus on something that should be a central part of life."
Wassell, an attorney, said he took vacation time for the conference.
"I think it should be very spiritually uplifting," he said.
KNOW BEFORE YOU GO
What: Orthodox Conference
When: Tuesday through June 21
Details: Services at Russian Orthodox Church of the Nativity of Christ, 251 East Front St.; Sessions and panel discussions at Mercyhurst College, 501 E. 38th St. Public is welcome at single events for free. Costs to attend the entire conference vary.
Call: 459-8515 or visit www.churchofthenativity.net for more information
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