During Great Lent this year the pastoral retreat of the Western American Diocese is scheduled for March 29 and 30, 2016. The theme of the conference is Orthodox Mission.

Two key-note speakers have been invited. Priest Martin Person, Rector of St. Herman of Alaska Mission in Sunnyvale, CA, will speak on missionary work among Americans and Igumen Ignaty (Sidorenko), Rector of Holy Protection Church in Issyk, Kazakhstan, will share his experiences of spreading Orthodoxy amidst Muslims.

On Wednesday March 30, the pastoral retreat will close with a Liturgy of the Pre-sanctified Gifts. His Eminence Archbishop Kyrill will preside accompanied by the clergy of the diocese. For the first time in the history of the New Cathedral the Liturgy is scheduled for 6:00 pm. All are invited to this unique Divine Service.

More information about the Pre-sanctified Liturgy here.