FOS: Forum On Orthodox Spirituality
FOS News
We are pleased to announce a new 2-week Lecture series by
Rev. Fr. Mark Arey
Interim Priest, Archdiocesan Cathedral of the Holy Trinity
&
Director of Inter-Orthodox, Ecumenical and Interfaith Relations of the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of America
on
The Communion of Marriage
7:00 – 8:30 p.m.
Thursday, February 2, 2012: The Betrothal
Thursday, February 9, 2012: The Crowning
The series will explore the Sacrament of Marriage and each of the unique roles of the feminine and masculine in this salvific relationship.
Cathedral Center Ballroom
337 E. 74th St. (1st & 2nd Ave.)
FOS OVERVIEW
In response to the need for continual spiritual illumination and nourishment NY area professionals, the Cathedral inaugurated the Forum on Orthodox Spirituality ("FOS") ministry on February 12, 2008. The aim of FOS is to transform lives by drawing attendees into a fuller understanding of Orthodox faith and worship, all in the context of contemporary culture and society. FOS also seeks to build strong relationships and a sense of community.
FOS welcomes Cathedral members, non-members and individuals of all faiths. Individuals are welcome to join at any point.
FOS generally meets as follows (please check this website for updates there are breaks in between series):
Tuesdays
7:00 – 8:30 pm
Holy Trinity Cathedral
337 E. 74th St. (1st & 2nd)
FOS covers a particular topic for a certain number of consecutive weekly sessions. Fr. Frank draws on Scripture, Holy Tradition, Church Fathers' writings, Theology and Liturgical Worship for his exegesis on these topics.
FOS encourages suggestions for topics and events as well as tough questions on religion. God wants questioning believers and not blind obedience. According to Fr. Frank, one must use all their resources and strength to dialogue and debate, and wrestle and grapple with issues of faith. Within this struggle, one opens oneself to the reality of God, an experience that each individual must own personally.
Loyal to the aim of building community, FOS also offers an opportunity for those attending the session to gather afterwards at any one of the neighborhood restaurants (typically Hi-Life on 78th St. and 2nd Avenue).
To be on the distribution list for announcements or discussion summaries, please send an e-mail to Dorothy at fos.cathedral@gmail.com or dorothy@thecathedralnyc.org
Please also see the Welcome Brochure and Brochures of past series below.
FOS SUMMARIES
A FOS Summary generally attempts to capture the wisdoms gleaned from the sessions and share them with as many people that may be thirsting for them. We update by adding to the list the latest summary from the FOS meetings as they become available.
You can see the FOS Summaries here.
FOS IN THE MEDIA:
For the "FOS in the Media" page, please click on the "FOS" tab under "COMMUNITY" or click here
www.thecathedralnyc.org/fos-media
For articles on FOS in the Cathedral VOICE newsmagazine, please click the Cathedral VOICE tab.
www.thecathedralnyc.org/newsletters/cathedral-voice
FOS EVENTS:
In addition to the Tuesday night discussions, FOS sponsors a variety of other activities:
Movie Nights:
FOS periodically hosts movie showings where Fr. Frank discusses spiritual themes in contemporary films. In The Lord of the Rings the major themes are: the ring represents power either for corruptibility or for good, for disfigurement or transformation; God uses broken and imperfect people to accomplish His Will; the power in mercy and forgiveness are the greatest of messages that Tolkien wished to convey. Previously, FOS featured The Matrix followed by a group dinner. Fr. Frank discussed the film’s Christian and non-Christian undertones (whether intentional or unintentional by the writers as in any artistic piece). Some of the most significant Christian themes are: God seeks and finds us and never gives up on us; our free will is never taken from us and, at every turn, we always have a choice in how to respond; when we are cut off from God, we lose our way and/or give up; nothing else has power over us when God’s Love resurrects us.
Outreach:
FOS also sponsors Outreach cocktail gatherings prior to the start of a new series. The most recent one was held at the Onassis Cultural Center on January 14, 2010. Previous ones were held at various venues including Kellari-Parea Bistro, Thalassa Restaurant, the Greek Press Office of the Permanent Mission of Greece to the UN as well at the Cathedral. These events serve to introduce what FOS offers as well as to meet the other participants and Fr. Frank. They are also relaxed get-togethers for both current and new FOS participants.
Philanthropy
FOS held a homeless run with the Midnight Run organization, Christmas gift drives for Toys for Tots benefiting disadvantaged and disabled Queens elementary school students and sponsored a bone marrow drive for a woman suffering from lymphoma. FOS also visited with the children of St. Basil Academy.
Social
In addition to the Outreach Events, FOS has also hosted annual Christmas parties.
Retreats
FOS sponsored its first Lenten Retreat led by Fr. Frank for approximately 60 people from the New York and Boston metropolis on March 12-14, 2010 at the St. Methodios Faith & Heritage Center in New Hampshire. The topic was Avatars of Spirituality: Rediscovering the Parable of the Prodigal Son and was discussed in the context of Holy Scripture and contemporary culture.
To see photos of the retreat, please click below
www.thecathedralnyc.org/photo-gallery/fos-lenten-retreat-0
To see retreat program, please scroll down to see brochure.
NYC Council Honors FOS
The New York City Council honored FOS with a Proclamation for Greek Independence recognizing the contributions of FOS to the Greek-American Community in New York City. The Consuls General of Greece and of Cyprus, Aghi Balta and Koula Sophianou, respectively, offered their remarks and Fr. Frank offered the invocation. Fr. Frank and Dorothy Poli accepted the award on behalf of FOS at the ceremony, which was held on April 26 in the City Hall Council Chambers.
To see photos of the event, please click below:
http://www.thecathedralnyc.org/photo-gallery/fos-honored-nyc-council
FOS Brochures:
