We were very pleased to have V. Rev. Michael Laffoon as our retreat conductor for the 2008 Advent Parish Retreat. Fr. Michael is the pastor of Saint Mark Antiochian Orthodox Church in Irvine, California. Fr. Michael has been a priest since 1985, and graduated in 1986 from St. Vladimir's Seminary in New York. He currently resides in Irvine.
The theme of the Advent retreat was examined in three sessions:
- Session 1 - What is the Orthodox Church?
- An informative look into the current size and state of the Orthodox church as it currently exists in the world.
- Session 2 - What is meant by "Post-Christian"?
- Christ is still present in his Church and he will still return so how should we understand this term? Fr. Michael gives a brief historical perspective of the growth and spread of the Church and "Christendom".
- Session 3 - How should we live in this world?
- Fr. Michael gives suggestions on what we should to to preserve our faith and pratice without becoming an insulated minority.