Prayer Service for Christian Unity and Figel Lecture

Friends:

The Annual Prayer Service, delayed a week because of the blizzards, was a wonderful event.
It took place in Caldwell Hall at Catholic University

The Student Board worked diligently to put it together--and the co-Chairs Linwood Blizzard [who continued to enjoy kidding because of his name!] and Tracey Kelley, led us in reverent, song-filled, and uplifting prayer. Many Student Board members were present and all participated.

In the course of the Service, Marc Delmonico of CUA--and formerly of WTU--received the Consortium Certificate in Ecumenism.

Ambassador Clyde Taylor, Chairman of the Consortium Board of Trustees, presented the Consortium Ecumenism Award to his Eminence Metropolitan Kallistos. Metropolitan Kallistos is a leading Orthodox Scholar.

After a Reception, the crowd moved into the Happel Room for the Annual Figel Lecture.
Jack Figel was present and offered an anecdote explaining the snowy background to his cordial initial relationship with Metropolitan Kallistos begun years ago.

The Metropolitan spoke with great clarity.
He is a superb and interesting speaker.
He summarized the recent work of the International Orthodox-Catholic Dialogue--including the Ravenna Agreed Statement and the recent meeting in Cyprus. He outline issues that are on the horizon and will need discussion. His was both an encouraging and realistic assessment of the important progress being made and of the road ahead.

He fielded several important questions after his presentation.

All in all, the day was a most inspiring one:

• the insightful direction of the Board of Trustees [2:45 meeting],
• the dedication of the Student Board,
• the hospitality of Msgr. Irwin and Msgr. McPartlan,
• the hard work of Associate Dean Mark Morozowich,
• the humor and scholarship of Metropolitan Kallistos,
• the generosity of Jack Figel,
• the many people in attendance

were inspiring. Our ecumenical efforts continue--in a modest way--to build a positive and peaceful future.

Peace,
John