Diocese of the South
Pastoral Conference Registration
(February 4-6, 2026)
Welcome!
The faithful of Holy Cross Orthodox Church are pleased to welcome all our diocesan clergy and their matushki to Kernersville, NC for this year’s pastoral conference!
Below, you will find the schedule for this year’s conference—including times for various meetings, such as the Bishop’s council and Diocesan council, as well as information about our guest speakers, our new Matushki Meet-up track, and Hierarchical Liturgy.
Registration
Please register for this year’s Pastoral Conference through our private event link on EventBrite. This link has also been made available on the Matushki Meet-Up landing page. (Be sure not to double-book; each couple should submit only ONE registration containing details for both clergy and matushka.)
Onsite conference registration tables will be open on Wednesday, February 4th, at Holy Cross between 12pm–2pm for both clergy and matushki, at which time you will receive a welcome packet. If you are traveling with your wife, be sure to arrive early so she can participate in the Welcome Reception.
May God bless your travels and we look forward to seeing you soon!
Hotel
The host hotel we have selected is Embassy Suites located at 460 N Cherry St, Winston-Salem, NC 27101. You can book your room(s) here. This link has also been made available on the Matushki Meet-Up landing page so, again, be sure not to double-book.
Holy Cross is located approximately 15 miles east of Winston-Salem at 1320 Masten Dr. in Kernersville, NC. It’s about a 15–20 minute drive from the hotel, depending on traffic.
Airport Transportation
PTI airport in Greensboro is about 30 minutes from the host hotel, Embassy Suites in Winston-Salem, while RDU and CLT are both approximately 1.5 hours away from the host hotel. Clergy usually self-coordinate via carpooling, sharing an Uber, etc.
If you are in need of airport transportation special assistance, please email our event hospitality team at office@holycrossoca.org.
Matushki Meet-up Track
NEW FOR 2026!
This year, the Diocese of the South’s Pastoral Conference is excited to offer a dedicated track designed specifically for our Matushki! Join us for three days of fellowship, spiritual enrichment, and mutual encouragement.
This new track is intended to complement the theme of our Pastoral Conference and strengthen clergy marriages through a shared sense of mission as well as foster new and deeper relationships amongst sister matushki. The expanded programming incorporates pieces of the conference as well as matushki-only chats and excursions that allow for moments of refreshment and fellowship for our wives.
There are only 20 spots available for this track; any registrations over this number will be put on a waitlist. There is no cost for the Matushki Meet-Up beyond travel and hotel expenses.
Please share this link with your wife so she can learn more about our new meet-up track. If you have any questions, email Mka. Carrie Foley at clergywives@opl.oca.org.
Our Speakers
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Rev. Dcn. Seraphim Richard Rohlin brings nearly two decades of experience in data science and analytics to his role as Director of Analysis for the Orthodox Studies Institute (OSI), where he designs research instruments, builds data pipelines, and authors reports on critical trends facing American Orthodoxy—including the convert surge, clergy pipeline challenges, and demographic shifts. His analytical work combines rigorous quantitative methods with accessible storytelling, producing visualizations and briefings for both public audiences and Church leadership. A deacon in the Orthodox Church in America serving in the Diocese of the South, Dcn. Seraphim is uniquely positioned to translate complex data into actionable insights for parish and diocesan planning.Beyond his analytical work, Dcn. Seraphim serves as Chief Operating Officer of Symbolic World Press and is an active writer, speaker, and podcaster. He co-hosts The Great Tales Podcast and Medieval Universal History and has spoken at conferences including the Touchstone Conference, the CiRCE National Conference, and the Symbolic World Summit. His co-authored book The Wolf & the Cross: An Orthodox Christian Pilgrimage to Lithuania was published by Ancient Faith in 2025. He holds expertise in medieval literature, symbolism, and universal history, and resides in the Dallas–Fort Worth area with his family.
A brief summary of Dcn. Seraphim’s presentation for the 2026 DOS Pastoral Conference:
The Orthodox Church in America is experiencing an unprecedented influx of converts—but who are they, where are they coming from, and what do they need from us? This presentation examines the two waves of the convert surge, their distinct demographics and formation backgrounds, and the unique catechetical challenges each presents. Dcn. Seraphim Rohlin will share a detailed 15-year forecast for the Diocese of the South, identifying where mission planting is most urgent, how evangelistic efforts can be strategically focused, and what adjustments to catechetical practice will be required to receive and retain the faithful God is sending us. The goal is to equip our clergy with a shared understanding of the landscape ahead.
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Jennifer B. Lyday, J.D. (Genevieve) is a partner at Waldrep Wall Babcock & Bailey PLLC in Winston-Salem, North Carolina. Genevieve focuses her legal practice on Chapter 11 bankruptcy representations and related state court debtor-creditor representations. In addition to her legal practice, Genevieve currently serves on the Board of Trustees for St. Vladimir’s Orthodox Theological Seminary, chairing the Board’s Legal Committee and holding a seat on the Board’s Executive Committee. Genevieve also currently serves as the lay representative of the Diocese of the South to the Metropolitan Council of the Orthodox Church in America. Finally, Genevieve has served on the Parish Council of Holy Cross Orthodox Church since 2019, holding the office of Treasurer for several of those years.A brief summary of Genevieve’s presentation for the 2026 DOS Pastoral Conference:
From mandatory reporting to artificial intelligence, today’s clergy face new challenges with real legal consequences. This session will equip priests with the knowledge and practical tools needed to navigate confidentiality, child protection policies, artificial technology risks, and other legal responsibilities with confidence.
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Ana S. Iltis, PhD. is the Carlson Professor of University Studies, Professor of Philosophy, and Director, Center for Bioethics, Health and Society at Wake Forest University. She holds an appointment in the Department of Social Sciences and Health Policy at Wake Forest School of Medicine. She is a Past President of the American Society for Bioethics and Humanities, a Fellow of the Hastings Center, and a Non-Resident Fellow in the Baker Institute for Public Policy at Rice University. Dr. Iltis is Founding Co-Editor of Narrative Inquiry in Bioethics, Associate Editor of the Journal of Medicine and Philosophy, and Associate Editor of Christian Bioethics. She earned her Ph.D. in Philosophy at Rice University in Houston, Texas under the direction of Dr. H. Tristram Engelhardt, Jr. (Rdr. Herman). She and her husband, Steven, are members of Holy Cross Orthodox Church in Kernersville, North Carolina. She teaches Bioethics in the Doctor of Ministry Program at St. Vladimir’s Orthodox Theological Seminary and is a member of the Board of Trustees of the Seminary.
A brief summary of Ana’s presentation for the 2026 DOS Pastoral Conference:
Many difficult questions about bioethics topics, including reproduction, end of life care, and sexuality, arise in parish life. Clergy may be asked to guide individual parishioners, couples, and families on a wide range of ethical questions related to health and healthcare. This presentation will explore contemporary issues in bioethics as they arise in parish life. It will equip clergy to address some of the challenging and critical issues they face as they counsel and educate their parishioners.
Questions?
Please email our event hospitality team at office@holycrossoca.org with any event registration questions, and Fr. Christopher Foley at frc@holycrossoca.org or Mka Carrie Foley at clergywives@opl.oca.org with other questions about the conference.
Conference Schedule
NOTE: The schedule below may be adjusted. We will provide updates in the event of any changes. We ask all Clergy to arrive between noon and 2:00 on Wednesday, February 4th, and leave only after the travel blessing on Friday, February 6th.
Tuesday, Feb. 3 — Clergy
2:00-5:00
Bishop Council Meeting
Embassy Suites Hotel
6:00
Dinner
Wednesday, Feb. 4 — Clergy
9:00–11:00
Diocesan Council Meeting
Embassy Suites Hotel
12:00–2:00
Registration at Holy Cross
Hall
2:00–3:30
Session 1
The Harvest Before Us: Understanding the Convert Surge & Preparing for the Next Fifteen Years
Dcn. Seraphim Rohlin
Nave
4:00–5:30
Session 2
Legal Essentials for Today’s Clergy: Protecting Your Ministry in a Changing World
Jennifer Lyday, Esq.
Nave
5:45-6:30
Vespers
6:45-8:00
North Carolina BBQ Dinner
Hall
Wednesday, Feb. 4 — Clergy Wives
12:00–2:00
Meet & Greet
Massage & Mimosas
Narthex
2:00–3:30
Session 1
The Harvest Before Us: Understanding the Convert Surge & Preparing for the Next Fifteen Years
Dcn. Seraphim Rohlin
Nave
4:00–5:30
Book Club
Mka. Juliana Schmemann’s Joy to Serve
— Mka. Nikki Johnson
Hall - Bookstore Area
5:45–6:30
Vespers
6:45-8:00
North Carolina BBQ Dinner
Hall
9:00–11:00
Lady’s Lounge (optional)
Hotel Lobby
Thursday, Feb. 5 — Clergy
8:30–11:00
Hierarchical Liturgy with ordinations followed by a Greek Lunch
1:30–3:00
Session 3
Pastoral Realities of the Current Convert Surge (Panel Discussion)
- Archpriest Justin Patterson
- Archpriest Photius Avant
- Archpriest Ambrose Arrington
- Priest Thanasi Kombos
- Priest Alexander Earl
Nave
3:30–5:00
Session 4
Navigating Bioethics in Pastoral Life
Dr. Ana Iltis
Nave
5:15-6:00
Vespers
6:30–8:00
Deanery Dinners
8:30–10:30
Theology on Tap
- Archpriest John Parker
- Archpriest Bill Mills
- Archpriest Jason Foster
- Priest David Galloway
- Dcn. Seraphim Rohlin
Thursday, Feb. 5 — Clergy Wives
8:30–1:00
Hierarchical Liturgy followed by a Greek Lunch
1:30-3:00
Session 3
Pastoral Realities of the Current Convert Surge (Panel Discussion)
- Archpriest Justin Patterson
- Archpriest Photius Avant
- Archpriest Ambrose Arrington
- Priest Thanasi Kombos
- Priest Alexander Earl
Nave
3:30–5:00
Guided Discussion
Drinking from the Firehose: Sharing stories of awe and joy in the midst of church growth
— Mka. Carrie Foley
Hall - Bookstore Area
5:15-6:00
Vespers
6:30–8:00
Matushki Dinner with Bishops
Monte de Rey
8:30-10:30
Theology on Tap
- Archpriest John Parker
- Archpriest Bill Mills
- Archpriest Jason Foster
- Priest David Galloway
- Dcn. Seraphim Rohlin
Friday, Feb. 6 — Clergy
Hotel Breakfast
9:00–11:00
Clergy with
- Archbishop Alexander
- Bishop Gerasim
Nave
11:00-12:00
Final words: Prayers and Depart
Nave
Friday, Feb. 6 — Clergy Wives
8:30–11:30
Breakfast Debrief & Outing
Historic Old Salem
Meet at Lot 63 Bakery & Coffeehouse
12:00
Departure
Nave