Parish Life at St. Vladimir's

Orthodox Life and the Sacraments

At the heart of our parish and community activities is an aspiration to live according to the commandments of the Gospel, and correct our lives according to the age-old yet vital instructions of the Holy Fathers. With this goal in mind, and seeing the sacraments as the tools and weapons of Christian struggle, Baptism, Confession, and Holy Communion are central to our parish life. By attempting to confess and commune frequently, we draw closer in spirit to the Christians of the early Church who confessed and communed as often as possible. However, recognizing the awesome nature of the sacrament of Holy Communion means limiting it to baptized members of the Church, and as such St. Vladimir's does not practice open communion.

Annual Retreat on the Feast of the Dormition & Other Events

St. Vladimir's parishioners gather every year at Dormition Skete on the feast of the Dormition of the Mother of God. Dormition Skete is the residence of Fr. Andrew Kencis, and has a beautiful church and a small guest house on eighty acres an hour west of the city. For the feast of the Dormition, many parishioners camp at the Skete overnight or stay at a nearby bed & breakfast with private cabins. Games and activities are organized by the children and youth between church services, and we all break our fast together at the festal trapeza. Other events throughout the year include a camping trip in the Rocky Mountains, a winter retreat at the Skete after the feast of the Nativity, and frequent recreational outings by the youth group.

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