Archbishop of Chicago and the Midwest - Parish Health Articles

Lessons from the Books of Corinthians

Part one of a new series from Fr Steven Kostoff explores the church at Corinth with lessons for today's Orthodox parish.

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What is a Healthy Orthodox Parish?

Vicki Jones, Parish Council President, Holy Trinity Orthodox Church, Overland PK K S

During any of the fasts of our Church, it is appropriate to ponder the attributes of vitality.

Anne Marie Gidus-Mecera Lay Vice Chair, St. Gregory Orthodox Church, Columbus OH

Since Orthodoxy is not the major religion in our society, we need to work within our culture to make the Truth accessible to the people of our society.

Parish Council, St Alexis Orthodox Church, Clinton CT

Just as a family believes in education, regular income, a decent house, neighborhood visibility, extended connections, a functional structure, assigned chores, regular attendance at meals and leadership based on sound principles -- so should a parish family!

Fr Thomas Hopko

Keynote article Orlando AAC

Parish Health Pillar, Toronto AAC

Particularly the portions titled “Healthy Parish” (pg 6), Healthy Parish of the Future, pp 11-14.

Miscellaneous Articles

Five Practical Suggestions for Your Parish

In preparation for the launch of the Parish Health Ministry we visited each Deanery. Here are some practical impressions left by these visits. By Joseph Kormos

1. Get a New Sign

2. Cut the Lawn

3. Clean up the messy hall

4. Get a flip chart for meetings

5. Buy an LCD projector

Parish Health Event Summaries

Canton Workshop

On Saturday September 22, parish leaders from Holy Assumption parish in
Canton OH met to explore future directions and plans for their parish
community.

Chicago's Holy Trinity Cathedral Holds Vision Workshop

On July 7 leaders of Holy Trinity Cathedral parish in Indianapolis gathered for a Parish Vision
workshop assisted by the Diocese' Parish Health Ministry.

Cleveland Deanery Hosts "Breaking Our Insularity Workshop"

On Saturday May 5, over 40 clergy and laity from the Cleveland Deanery
spent a beautiful sunny spring Saturday cloistered in a conference hall
exploring how to let the Light of Orthodoxy shine more brightly in
Northern Ohio, and more specifically in the neighborhood of their
parish.

The workshop, titled "Breaking Our Insularity", focused
on the causes and effects of operating our parishes as if they were
closed to outsiders -- unaware of the spiritual and charitable needs of
our local communities.

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Indianapolis Parish Hosts Vision Workshop

On March 9-10, leaders of St John
the Forerunner parish in Indianapolis gathered for a Parish Vision
workshop assisted by the Diocese' Parish Health Ministry. read more