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| Fr Daniel Sysoev |
Today is the anniversary of the Martyrdom of Fr. Daniel Sysoev. Fr. Daniel Sysoev was killed in Moscow, Russia, on the 20th November 2009. He was famous for his missionary work among immigrants from ex-Soviet republics. May his memory be eternal!
Here's an article written by Fr Daniel which relates to Orthodox missiology: http://www.pravmir.com/article_1030.html
"Some of Fr Daniel’s practices–for example people gathering after Divine Liturgy to “drink tea or coffee together”–are the norm in American Orthodox parishes. Other things, like the daily recitation of the Psalms and the regular reading of Holy Scripture during the priest’s communion at Liturgy, are practices worth introducing here in America.
On the other hand Fr Daniel’s strong emphasis on religious education, especially catechesis and Bible study are rather unevenly practiced in America. Some of our parish have well developed religious education programs for children and adults, while other do nothing at all. The majority of our parish however limit religious education to catechetical classes for children. Unfortunately even these are often only poorly attended....
... Fr Daniel’s ministry offers us in American a solution. What is needed is clear, solid catechesis and effective spiritual formation for all, laity and clergy alike are essential. Catechesis, in sermons and religious education classes for children and adults, tells us what we believe. Spiritual formation tells us, or better yet, helps us, answer personally questions such as “Who am I in Christ?” and “What is Christ asking of me?” Spiritual formation is concerned with answer questions of personal identity and vocation. In other words, formation is about discipleship, about a personal, life-long commitment to Christ. While the tradition of the Orthodox Church is almost unbelievably rich, it seems to me that we seriously neglect the formation of our laity (and as a result, our clergy)."
"becoming Orthodox is not something that you can do just after 6 months of catechesis and a little bit of chrism on your forehead. It’s a life-long process, because it’s being transformed into Christ."
And one more article for mission parishes:
Parallels between Fr. Daniel’s Parish and Missions in North America
http://www.pravmir.com/article_1073.html
