The Diocese of Los Angeles and the West was well-represented at the Antiochian Archdiocese Mid-Summer Meetings, presided over by His Eminence, Metropolitan PHILIP. More than 25 Diocesan clergy and lay delegates made their way to the Antiochian Village for the weekend of July 21-23, 2006. The delegates played active roles in the Archdiocesan organizational meetings (Fellowship of St. John the Divine, Antiochian Women and Teen SOYO), gathering information to take back with them to our Diocese for continued growth in our Lord Jesus Christ.

The Archdiocese also held the annual North American Council (NAC) Oratorical and Bible Bowl Festivals. The Diocesan Judge's Choice in the Oratorical and the winner of the Diocesan Bible bowl participated in these festivals. We are proud of them for their God-inspired work and their growth in the knowledge of the Faith.

The weekend concluded for the adult delegates with the Hierarchal Divine Liturgy, celebrated by His Grace, Bishop ANTOUN of the Diocese of Miami and the Southeast. Fr. Michael Tassos, pastor of Holy Cross Mission in Palmdale, California, assisted in the Liturgy along with other clergy and subdeacons from across the Archdiocese.

The Teen SOYO delegates are staying at the Village for almost four days of intensive leadership training, led by Fr. Joseph Purpura, the Director of the Archdiocesan Department of Youth Ministry. They are being given the skills to become leaders of the Church not just for the future, but for the present.

By Subdeacon Peter Samore