We were blessed by your prayers for our 8th Annual Sacred Arts Festival and Open House on June 21 and 22, 2008 and it was a wonderful festival indeed; (See pictures below). Even with the recent Midwestern states' flood problems and rising prices for travel, people came to be with us and hear the presentations and tours, and worship with us in St. Nicholas Church.

We have recorded the presentations, and soon they will be added and available to hear at our website.  Please keep us in your prayers, and know that we continue to pray for you.

Some Highlights from the Sacred Arts Festival & Open House

	St. Nicholas Church                                       Front valley

	Presentations            The start of the presentations / Father Simeon provides the introduction Fr. Simeon introducing Youth Panel of guest speakers

	Presentations        Anna Simons starts the youth presentations - followed by Catherine Simons        Third presenter was Jacob Ruegemer - followed by Gregory Walsh   An attentive audience listens

	St. Isaac's Icon Studio         Two of the Iconographers from St. Isaac's Icon Studio  demonstrate icon writing at the Festival                          Left - Brendan Kulp                            Right - Ephraim Rama

	Guided Tours               St. Nicholas Church                                         Back valley                    Common Monastic Building

	Monks and Clergy at Festival Mother Elizabeth in front of Convent                                         Father Anthony                                             Father Gregory                    Father Raphael and Father Thomas

	Divine Liturgy Concelebration                        In St. Nicholas Church                        Fr. Anthony gives musical direction

 

	Visitors Enjoying       Enjoying food and drink  /  Andrew Simons with daughters Catherine and Anna