This has been such a difficult and trying year for so many around the world. We pray you've been able to find comfort in Christ while staying safe and healthy (both mentally and physically). No one is immune to the impacts of the coronavirus pandemic, and we continue to keep you in our prayers. While we've postponed our in-person Dallas, TX conference to 2021, we still thought it very important to create an opportunity for us to gather together - albeit virtually - to deepen our connections to each other and Christ. On Saturday, October 3, we'll host a virtual mini-conference with a lineup of incredible speakers, breakout conversations and prayer services from coast to coast. Our speakers this year will be responding to the new realities we've faced over the past few months, especially related to the topics of relationships, mental health and power.
The cost of the conference is $15 and you can register here
2020 Virtual Conference Speakers
Dr. Albert Rossi-"Mental Health During a Pandemic" These pandemic times provide a huge challenge to our stability and mental health. We all need clarity and coping mechanisms in our search for true healing. This talk will address some of the major issue involved.
About The Speaker Dr. Albert S. Rossi is a licensed clinical psychologist and Christian educator who has spoken and written widely on these topics. Dr. Rossi was a member of the SCOBA Commission on Contemporary Social and Moral Issues for six years. He is currently Director of Field Education and serves as the resident clinical psychologist at St. Vladimir's Seminary. He hosts the podcast Becoming a Healing Presence on Ancient Faith Radio.
Paula Marchman - "Eyes Wide Open" Only the brave and broken are willing to be honest enough to journey beneath the fast-paced surface of life to honor their connection to God and themselves in self discovery. This may sound selfish, but to truly love and accept another human being we must be willing to look deep within ourselves to what makes us unique in God’s kingdom so we can value the divine uniqueness in others. As Orthodox Christians we are blessed to be part of a sacramental church that lights our path on this journey and gives us the guides to help us.
About The Speaker Paula Marchman, MA, LPC, is the Managing Director of Family Life Ministry of the Greek Orthodox Metropolis of Atlanta. She practices Christian Psychotherapy in a private Counseling Office in Atlanta, Georgia. She received her Baccalaureate degree in Biology/Chemistry from Georgia State University and her Master’s degree in Professional Counseling. She is a member of theAnnunciation Greek Orthodox Cathedral. Paula and husband Tom Lekas enjoy spending time with their seven grandchildren.
Dr. Richard Benton - "The Problem of Power" Focusing on recent scholarship for his book on Hosea, Dr. Benton will propose the thesis that a major theme of Scripture is the problem of power, inviting hearers to reflect on the connection between the holy texts and contemporary events.
About The Speaker A graduate of St. Vladimir’s Orthodox Seminary, Dr. Benton received his Ph.D. in Hebrew and Semitic Studies from the University of Wisconsin-Madison. While working in the Information Technology world, he also devotes time to co-hosting the weekly Bible as Literature podcast.
Interested in getting your parish involved with Connect? Drop us a line. We're looking for cities to host our 2022 conference and we can't wait to hear from you. See you in October!