As part of the peer ministry retreat and training for the coming year, Fr. Kevin and the peer ministers attended a conference last week celebrating the 1700th anniversary of the Council of Nicaea. The event was hosted by Bishop Robert Barron and Metropolitan Nathanael Symeonides at the Holy Anargyroi Sts. Kosmas and Damianos Orthodox Church in Rochester.
Bishop Robert Barron spoke about the historical importance of the Council of Nicaea and how essential it was in Christianity, particularly as it proclaimed the divinity and humanity of Jesus. He spoke about the difficulty in understanding who Jesus was from a theological standpoint and how Nicaea helped clarify the language to be used when speaking about Jesus, true God and true man. Metropolitan Nathanael Symeonides spoke about how beautiful traditions have emerged in both the east and west and how the saints in both traditions are an excellent example. Both leaders spoke of the reality of the division that does exist between their communities, but the mutual respect and esteem that they showed each other was a great witness and hope for unity.
Saint Mary’s peer ministers are students who demonstrate a life of faith and of service for the Saint Mary’s community and for their fellow students! The peer ministers for the upcoming year are Anna Rolli, Cole Smith, Grace Hardel, Joe Hakanson, Madi Wittman, and Susie Mettler.
Grace Hardel said, “Attending the Anniversary of the Council of Nicaea was a beautiful experience, and it was a beautiful Orthodox church where we got to see so many Catholics and Orthodox gather together. It was great to see the unity of these Christian Churches. I got to learn so much about the Council of Nicaea, and how similar the Catholic Church and the Orthodox Church’s theology is.”
Reflecting on her experience, Anna Rolli wrote, “It was a privilege to have the opportunity to listen to both Bishop Robert Barron and Metropolitan Nathanael Symeonides speak on an Ecumenical Council that provided such an essential understanding of who the Person of Jesus is, especially during the Council’s anniversary! What resonated with me the most was the earnestness with which each man expressed a desire for greater ecumenical unity. This event was an exciting experience that helped to form my understanding of the relationships between eastern and western traditions and inspired in me a greater hope for unity.”
We wish all of the peer ministers well in their ministry this coming year!
