On November 17th, Holy Virgin Cathedral hosted an educational seminar, organized by Priest George Kaplanov, entitled: Rivers of Living Water: A Christian Perspective on Environmental Challenges. 

His Eminence Kyrill Archbishop of San Francisco and Western America and a group of participants interested in this vital theme were in attendance. The key-note speakers were Priest Elijah Wu (Drake) and Frederick W. Krueger.

Frederick W. Krueger, the executive director for the Orthodox Fellowship of the Transfiguration (OFT), gave a talk entitled, The Earth is the Lord’s: The Christian Teaching on Taking Good Care of God’s Creation. In this talk, he walked through the Holy Scriptures starting in Genesis and going all the way to the Book of the Apocalypse showing the Theological foundation and consistent teaching of God’s love and care for Creation, and humanity’s invitation and responsibility to participate in this Divine love and care.

Priest Elijah, rector of All Saints Orthodox Church (Western American Diocese, ROCOR) in Lodi, shared a talk entitled, A Work Worth Doing. In this talk Priest Elijah shared his previous experience in sustainable agriculture and community development in Southeast Asia. His presentation focused on the importance of engaging in good works, such as caring for the ecology locally on a parish level, even if there do not seem to be sufficient resources and expertise at first. The talk focused on the importance of making humble beginnings. Father Elijah encouraged everyone stating that if a work is worth doing, then do it. Practice and experience will bring about improvements quickly.

The educational seminar closed with a Piano Sonata in C Major entitled ‘Stream’ in Four Parts written by Michael Abuali and performed by Anton Moroz, pianist. Michael’s writing style is heavily influenced by 20th century impressionistic composers, jazz pianists like Thelonious Monk, & Bulgarian folk music. Both Michael and Anton are graduates of Saint John of San Francisco Orthodox Academy.