Clergy retreat marks start of Orthodox Lent

For the first weekend in Orthodox Lent, the Eastern Orthodox Clergy Association of Mahoning County is hosting Bishop Mark Maymon of the Aniochian Orthodox Diocese of the Midwest as the featured speaker at a clergy retreat today at St. John the Forerunner Greek Orthodox Church, 4955 Glenwood Ave., Boardman.
A hierarchical liturgy is planned at 9:30 a.m. Sunday at St. Mark Orthodox Church, 3560 Logan Way, Liberty. Bishop Maymon will ordain David Moretti, who is studying at St. Tihkon's Orthodox Seminary, South Canaan, Pa., to the deaconate.
Bishop Maymon also will offer blessings to Bill McCaughtry as subdeacon and George Mansour as reader and chanter for the church. Moretti, McCaughtry and Mansour are all converts to the Orthodox faith.
Bishop Maymon will be the main celebrant at a service at 5 p.m. at St. Mark's and speaker for vespers. After the service, refreshments will be served in the church social hall.
All area Orthodox churches are invited to participate. The Orthodox Lenten season began March 6 and continues to Pascha (Easter) on April 23. The first Sunday in Lent is dedicated to restoration of icons.