Organizations
The Diocese of Worcester and New England has four official organizations, each blessed by the Archdiocese of North America and the His Eminence Metropolitan Philip. These organizations are as follows:
Purpose of the Organizations
The purpose of these organizations is to provide a common basis for enhancement of the spiritual educations, fellowship and ministries of the members. Each of the organizations has it own ministries. The organizations ministries transcend all levels of the Structure of the Organizations.
Structure of the Organizations
The organizations are structured on a 3-tier basis. At the local parish level, all three of these organizations should exist. At the Diocese Level, the organizations have officers and members, consisting of the delegates from the various parish-level organizations. At the Archdiocese Level, the organizations have officers and the delegates are made up of the officers from the Diocese Level.
Participation in the Organizations
Every Orthodox Christian in the Diocese is eligible to participate in the organizations relative to their age. There are no other prerequisites, other than being an Orthodox Christian in one of the parishes in the Diocese. Everyone should commit to participating in the respective and appropriate organization and should attend the meetings and be a contributing member of the organizations. With regards to the Fellowship and the Antiochian Women, it is possible for a lady to be a member of both organizations.
Meetings of the Organizations
The organizations hold meetings on three levels. First, at the parish level, there are monthly or bi-monthly meetings of each of the organizations. Second, on the Diocese Level, there are meetings held at the delegates meetings (Fall, Winter, and Spring) and at the Parish Life Conferences (held at the end of June). Third, on the Archdiocese Level, there are meeting held at both the National Conferences (odd numbered years) and the off-year summer meetings (even numbered years) (both usually in late July), as well as meetings held in the winter (usually in early February).
Why me?
Remember, the organizations, any organization, are only as good as their participants and their goals and objectives for the organization. Your talents are important to the organizations. You are an individual, with individual knowledge, skills and abilities. It is the synergy of the knowledge, skills and abilities of all of the participants that make the organizations successful.
Participating in a Diocesan Organization and their ministries is a very important part of your Orthodox Christian Life.
If you have not already, then start now and commit yourself to being a participating member of the Diocesan Organizations.