We sometimes think of the Church primarily in terms of our own parish—our worship, our choir, our friendships, our particular joys and difficulties. These things are precious, but the catholicity we confess in the Creed means much more. Through our bishop and our diocese, we share a common life with Orthodox Christians throughout this country and around the world. Their concerns are our concerns, their joys are our joys, and their experiences have something to teach us.

This year’s Diocesan Assembly will take place October 20–23 at Holy Theophany Orthodox Church in Colorado Springs. Clergy and lay delegates from throughout the Diocese of the West will gather with Bishop Vasily for worship, fellowship, and the sometimes less glamorous but necessary work of administering the Church.