Cathedral Website Launched
August 19, 2009
JOHNSTOWN, PA - A website for Christ the Saviour Cathedral was launched today as part of the comprehensive re-design of our diocesan website. It can be accessed at http://cathedral.acrod.org.
It is by God's providence that its release has coincided with the
Feast of The Transfiguration of Our Lord as observed on the Julian
Calendar. Its release today, is a visible sign of the miraculous
transfiguration that is taking place within the diocese on both the
technological and spiritual levels.
The newly designed cathedral and diocesan websites were made possible through a generous
anonymous donor from within the diocese and in partnership with the Greek Orthodox
Archdiocese Department of Internet Ministries through the SCOBA Information Technology Commission.
The redesign of the diocesan website has been a dynamic process. It is the
result of much prayer and reflection on the living history of the
diocese. The new website is intended to be a mirror of life in the
diocese, both past, present and future.
The graphic design is bright and colorful and prominently features the
icon of Christ the Teacher from Metropolitan Nicholas' chapel. Its
bold
and colorful design and user- friendly interface invites viewers who
"labor and
are heavy laden - to come and find rest" and refreshment in the bosom
of the
Orthodox Church. It is also challenges its users to offer the
stewardship of their
time, talent and treasures to further the Kingdom of Heaven on earth,
and the
work of the vineyard of our God- Saved Diocese in particular.
The new website incorporates the latest multi-media, information
and communications technologies. It includes an audio/video media
player, interactive learning stations, live and archived broadcasts of
divine services and lectures, podcasts, email list servers for the
dissemination of the latest news and ministry/apostolate specific
information, and interfaces key elements of the website with parish
websites, personal Facebook pages and internet accessible cellular
phones.
The incorporation of these emerging technologies will greatly
enhance the ability of the present and future diocesan apostolates to
reach the faithful within and outside diocese and provide timely and
useful resources. The site has also been designed to allow the staff of
the various apostolates to update and expand the content of their
particular web pages, using a built-in and highly user-friendly content
management system. The diocesan webmaster and information technology
team that is currently being comprised will be available to assist the
diocesan apostolates in using the available multi-media and
communication technologies for their specific needs.
The website is designed to be both inspirational and educational in
nature. By including an on-line prayer corner, the user is able to lay
aside all earthly cares for a few moments and read the daily scripture
readings, the lives of the saints, select quotes from the writings of
the Saints, and excerpts from the daily offices, as well as listen to
liturgical music, and view live and archived broadcasts of divine
services from Christ the Saviour Cathedral.
The viewer may also enter into the Orthodox Reading Room and learn
more about the Orthodox Faith. Those who wish to delve further into the
Orthodox Faith may wish to visit the Orthodox Learning Center which
offers various opportunities to take part in on-line seminars and
classes on various topics. The user will also have an opportunity to
purchase reading and devotional materials from our newly created
on-line store, Orthodox Goods.com, which features products from Christ
The Saviour Seminary Bookstore, Gloria Incense and Diocesan Liturgical
Publications.
Of keen interest to our youth is a special subsection called The
Arena. This section provides a gathering place for our diocesan youth,
where they can learn more about the faith. In a special blog forum,
they have the opportunity to take a stand and share their common
struggles in the arena of faith.
Our newly re-designed diocesan website offers our diocese an
exciting opportunity to preach the unchanging Gospel of Christ, in a
creative and innovative manner. Using the latest in multi-media and
communications technology, our new website will undoubtedly prove to be
an invaluable tool for strengthening the sense of community within the
family of the diocese, and empowering the essential apostolates of our
diocese to more effectively fulfill their apostolic labors. May our new
website truly serve as a blueprint for equipping the saints for
ministry in the challenging arena of the 21st Century.
