Retreats
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Sessions:
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The early second-century work and apocalypse, The Shepherd of Hermas, is one of the earliest pieces of Christian literature extant outside of the New Testament. In early Christian times it was so highly regarded in some circles that some Christian writers, such as Irenaeus of Lyon, Clement of Alexandria, and Origen, regarded it as canonical scripture. Although advocacy for its canonicity soon faded, The Shepherd was still considered spiritually beneficial, as reflected in the Muratorian Canon and the works of Athanasius of Alexandria, Rufinus, and Jerome. This apocalypse sets forth a final call to repentance before the end of the current age. As such, it is a stirring testimonial to the efficacy of repentance. It also reflects the spirituality of the common Christian in an age wherein the works of the New Testament were recently composed, in which memories of Christ’s sojourn on earth were not so distant, and in which the nearness of Christ’s Second Coming was still strongly felt.
There is NO COST for this event.
Lunch will be provided. (Free-will offerings will be accepted)
Please register so we may plan accordingly: email [email protected]
Download the flyer.
Retreat Schedule:
09:30 am: Coffee and welcome
10:00 am: Third Hour and First Presentation:
Introduction: About Hermas and His Work
11:15 am: Break
11:30 am: Second Presentation:
Repentance: Its Character, Time, and Place
12:45 pm: Lunch
02:00 pm: Sixth Hour and Third Presentation:
Paraenesis: What underlies Hermas' Ethics?
03:15 pm: Break
03:30 pm: Fourth Presentation:
Ecclesiology: The Church as Hermas understands it, and Final Conclusion and Q&A
All are welcome to remain for coffee, fellowship, and Vespers at 6:00 pm.
Dr. Fitzgerald also has a series of online Patristic-related lectures freely available at:
https://sites.google.com/site/brianephrem/adult_patristic_studies
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Click here for the flyer. Did you miss our retreat? Watch the recordings at: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EWm5uTClRiY&list=PLFYcXZWNEhe6F6T1f5asFoNiOQ4eGNgfm |
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Sessions:
Saint Irenaeus of Lyons: His Life, Times, and Works
The Economy of God's Salvation
Saint Irenaeus' Biblical Hermeneutics
Wrapping up the Apostolic Kerygma, and Q & A
Saint Irenaeus, Bishop of Lyons (c. 130-202), was born in Smyrna in Asia Minor and had childhood memories of the life and teachings of Saint Polycarp of Smyrna (c. 70-156). In his adulthood he migrated to the Roman West, probably spending some time in Rome where he very likely encountered Saint Justin the Martyr (c. 100-165), under whose influence he clearly fell. During the reign of Marcus Aurelius (r. 161-180) Saint Irenaeus became a presbyter in Lyons and would soon be made bishop of that see. As the author of Against Heresies and On the Apostolic Preaching, he is the first of the great Patristic Fathers of the Church. Having known Saint Polycarp, a living bridge to the Apostolic era, and having studied the works of Saint Justin Martyr, Saint Irenaeus opens the Patristic era with firm roots in both the Apostolic and sub-Apostolic eras. Yet he is more than a transitional figure. He is the first in the line of the great Patristic Fathers, proclaiming a mature message of the economy of God's plan of salvation as well as defending the true faith against the multi-headed threat of heresy. He is a great resource for and proclaimer of the Orthodox Christian faith.
Dr. Fitzgerald also has a series of online Patristic-related lectures freely available at the URL:
https://sites.google.com/site/brianephrem/adult_patristic_studies
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Did you miss our Lenten Retreat? Watch the recordings at https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLFYcXZWNEhe5w4Zc4IDposd8ZhpdUULEF |
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Saturday, March 25, 2023
Saint Polycarp: Bishop, Martyr, and Teacher of Apostolic Tradition
Presented by Brian Ephrem Fitzgerald, PhD
Saint Polycarp, Bishop of Smyrna and Holy Martyr (c. 69 - c. 156) is one of the Apostolic Fathers of the Church, i.e., one of the early witnesses and teachers of the Apostolic traditions of the Christian Church. As a witness, he led a life of heartfelt purity and ended his earthly sojourn as a faithful martyr for his Lord. The narrative of his martyrdom is the first Christian narrative of a martyrdom outside of the New Testament. As a teacher, he was a diligent transmitter of the Apostolic traditions which he had received. Please join us in this harvest of true wealth!
Click here for the flyer.
Click here for the handouts.
Dr. Fitzgerald also has a series of online Patristic-related lectures freely available at the URL:
https://sites.google.com/site/brianephrem/adult_patristic_studies
Saint Polycarp: Bishop, Martyr, and Teacher of Apostolic Tradition
Presented by Brian Ephrem Fitzgerald, PhD
Saint Polycarp, Bishop of Smyrna and Holy Martyr (c. 69 - c. 156) is one of the Apostolic Fathers of the Church, i.e., one of the early witnesses and teachers of the Apostolic traditions of the Christian Church. As a witness, he led a life of heartfelt purity and ended his earthly sojourn as a faithful martyr for his Lord. The narrative of his martyrdom is the first Christian narrative of a martyrdom outside of the New Testament. As a teacher, he was a diligent transmitter of the Apostolic traditions which he had received. Please join us in this harvest of true wealth!
Click here for the flyer.
Click here for the handouts.
Dr. Fitzgerald also has a series of online Patristic-related lectures freely available at the URL:
https://sites.google.com/site/brianephrem/adult_patristic_studies
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Did you miss our Fall Retreat? Watch the recordings at www.youtube.com/watch?v=B5IJYW1P1EY&list=PLFYcXZWNEhe5Ab3Or7dj1SC3_I6cq52_S |
Saturday, November 12, 2022
Saint Ignatius of Antioch: His Life, Time, and Teachings
Presented by Brian Ephrem Fitzgerald, PhD
Saint Ignatius of Antioch, Bishop of Antioch during the reign of Roman Emperor Trajan (r. 98-117), was martyred for His faith in Christ around AD 107 His seven letters to local churches in Anatolia, Rome, and to Bishop Polycarp of Smyrna (d. 155) leave us a vibrant impression of his person, life, and thought. What we know of Saint Ignatius, we know from these letters, as well from brief notices in Saint Polycarp’s letter to the Philippians. These Ignatian letters also give us a telling glimpse into the life, settings, and struggles of the early second-century Church, especially in and around Antioch, but also western Asia Minor. This study will analyze his seven letters, which were written when he was en route to Rome to be martyred.
Dr. Fitzgerald also has a series of online Patristic-related lectures freely available at the URL:
https://sites.google.com/site/brianephrem/adult_patristic_studies
Saint Ignatius of Antioch: His Life, Time, and Teachings
Presented by Brian Ephrem Fitzgerald, PhD
Saint Ignatius of Antioch, Bishop of Antioch during the reign of Roman Emperor Trajan (r. 98-117), was martyred for His faith in Christ around AD 107 His seven letters to local churches in Anatolia, Rome, and to Bishop Polycarp of Smyrna (d. 155) leave us a vibrant impression of his person, life, and thought. What we know of Saint Ignatius, we know from these letters, as well from brief notices in Saint Polycarp’s letter to the Philippians. These Ignatian letters also give us a telling glimpse into the life, settings, and struggles of the early second-century Church, especially in and around Antioch, but also western Asia Minor. This study will analyze his seven letters, which were written when he was en route to Rome to be martyred.
- His Life, Time, and Settings
- His "Primitive" Theology
- His Theology of Salvation
- His Theology of the Church
Dr. Fitzgerald also has a series of online Patristic-related lectures freely available at the URL:
https://sites.google.com/site/brianephrem/adult_patristic_studies
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Did you miss our Lenten Retreat?
Watch the recordings at https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLFYcXZWNEhe6Cs_1tjeEDCI1EkfbGkrJa 
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Saturday, April 9, 2022
The Didache: Snapshot of Early Christianity Dr. Brian Ephrem Fitzgerald
Dr. Fitzgerald also has a series of online Patristic-related lectures freely available at the URL: https://sites.google.com/site/brianephrem/adult_patristic_studies |
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Did you miss our November 6 Retreat?
Watch the recordings at www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLFYcXZWNEhe5tvdnx6mSey9Rjk4RDud1Y 
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Saturday, November 6, 2021
Dr. Brian Ephrem Fitzgerald
Dr. Fitzgerald also has a series of online Patristic-related lectures freely available at the URL: https://sites.google.com/site/brianephrem/adult_patristic_studies |
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Saturday, November 7, 2020
Dr. Brian Ephrem Fitzgerald Click here for an outline of the presentations. Click here for source materials. Dr. Fitzgerald also has a series of online Patristic-related lectures freely available at the URL: https://sites.google.com/site/brianephrem/adult_patristic_studies |