Ann Arbor/Dexter, MI – The Fifth Annual Ann Arbor Russian Festival took place on September 16-17, 2017 on the grounds of St. Vladimir Church here. This is the parish's single largest outreach to the surrounding community of the year and the entire parish works together for almost an full year between festivals to prepare for these two important days. The festival offered the best of Russian, Ukrainian, and Slavic Culture from dancing, to music, to food, to games, to educational information about the historical lands and people of Ancient Rus, to the most important aspect of the festival: the Church Tours. Church Tours were offered every few hours beginning with a concert featuring the parish choir, and followed by a short presentation by Priest Gregory Joyce, Rector of this community. The presentation focused on interesting aspects of Orthodox theology, liturgics, hymnography, and art juxtaposed with the guests' more familiar understanding of Western Christianity. All were invited to stay after each of the formal presentations and ask questions of Fr. Gregory or one of the other members of the parish family who had been prepared to fulfill this duty of welcoming new people to the parish temple during the festival. In addition to Church Tours the parish church is open for the entirety of the festival and is staffed by the same specially trained clergy and parishioners as were present for the Church Tours. We are thankful to the merciful Lord that He blessed our efforts and we look forward to the 2018 festival set for September 15 and 16. All are welcome! A Participant

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