Upcoming Opportunities
Beloved in the Lord,
There are two events that I am aware of that would be of interest. There is a young adult event in Chicago that is an international gathering of Orthodox. And there is a Men’s Retreat being put on by Ancient Faith Ministries. Please prayerfully consider these opportunities - and if you are planning on going let me know! - Fr Daniel
What is Chicago 2024
The Diocese of the Midwest of the Orthodox Church in America in conjunction with Suprasl: A World Fellowship of Orthodox Youth, is hosting “Chicago 2024 – An International Orthodox Youth Encounter” which will be held in Chicago from June 21-28, 2024. This international event will bring together Orthodox youth from around the world for a week of worship, fellowship and action.
Who is it for?
Participation in Chicago 2024 is open to Orthodox Christian youth aged 18- 30. Priority will be given to participants who are actively engaged in Orthodox youth work.
𝐇𝐨𝐰 𝐜𝐚𝐧 𝐈 𝐩𝐚𝐫𝐭𝐢𝐜𝐢𝐩𝐚𝐭𝐞?
You can apply here now: https://forms.gle/pSmCb35zhW1BmvWi7
𝐁𝐚𝐜𝐤𝐠𝐫𝐨𝐮𝐧𝐝
Recognizing the need to network, connect, and gather in fellowship the youth of the Orthodox Church worldwide, nearly 100 youth from around the world gathered in Suprasl in July 2022 for the first World Gathering of Orthodox Youth. Motivated by their experience and desire for more opportunities to meet and share their Orthodox faith, the participants decided to establish an organization called Suprasl: A World Fellowship of Orthodox Youth. Chicago 2024 will be the first event organized by Suprasl in the United States.
𝐖𝐡𝐚𝐭 𝐭𝐨 𝐞𝐱𝐩𝐞𝐜𝐭
First and foremost we will come to gether in community to pray and worship our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ. Each day will begin and end with prayers and clergy will be available each evening for confession, and each morning a brief homily will be offered on the scripture of the day. Taking place over the feast of Holy Pentecost, the participants will have the unique opportunity of participating in the Divine Liturgy for the feast at Holy Trinity Cathedral.
The theme of Chicago 2024 "Orthodoxy Unleashed" will be explored by a series of discussions offered by Archbishop Daniel of Chicago and Bishop David of Alaverdy of the Georgian Orthodox Church. Participants will be encouraged to offer their own reflections on the theme.
Taking place between the Feasts of Pentecost and Saints Peter and Paul, Chicago 2024 will provide a unique opportunity for theological reflection and discussion on the practical actions youth can take to share the Gospel and the light of Jesus Christ.
A key aspect of this year's gathering will be the participation in the 20th Anniversary celebrations of the return of the Tikhvin Icon of the Mother of God. To mark this anniversary the participants will lead a three mile urban pilgrimage with the icon through the streets of Chicago from Holy Trinity Cathedral to Christ the Savior Church.
Other workshops will include:
•Sharing our Faith in the World Today
• Orthodox Action: the life and work of St Maria of Paris
• Liturgical Music
And other practical workshops: prayer rope making, cheese making, and folk dancing.
The participation fee for Chicago 2024 is $350.00 and includes all meals, accomodations and excursions.
To get an idea of what to expect you can view a photo gallery of past events here
Ancient Faith Men’s Retreat
ABOUT THE EVENT
Forge enduring connections with Orthodox brothers, strengthen your faith, be encouraged, and challenge yourself at the first-ever Ancient Faith Men’s Retreat. The retreat features four engaging speakers, daily services and Sunday Divine Liturgy, fellowship with like-minded Orthodox men, and more at the beautiful Antiochian Village Conference Center in Bolivar, PA. This is a four-day event, beginning Thursday evening and concluding after liturgy on Sunday.
SPEAKERS
Hieromonk Basil of Holy Cross Monastery in Wayne, West Virginia
Fr. John Strickland of St. Elizabeth Orthodox Church in Poulsbo, Washington, and author of the Paradise and Utopia series and the podcast of the same name
Fr. John Oliver of St. Elizabeth Orthodox Christian Church in Murfreesboro, Tennessee, and author of Touching Heaven and Giver of Life and host of the "Hearts and Minds" podcast
Fr. Michael Marcantoni of St. John Chrysostom Orthodox Church in Nashville, Tennessee, and host of the "On the Battlefield"podcast
DETAILS
Who’s Invited: The Ancient Faith Men’s Retreat is for Orthodox men who are college age and up! This is an openly Orthodox event. You do not have to be Orthodox to attend - if you want to be there, we want you there.
Roommates: Ancient Faith does not arrange roommates. You are responsible for finding your roommate and arranging to purchase your registration together.
Lodging Information: Lodging for the retreat is located at the conference center, not the camp. Rooms are configured like typical hotel rooms. For more information on accommodations and amenities, click here.
Driving: There is plenty of free parking at Antiochian Village, so if you’re within reach, this is a great way to come.
Airports: If you intend to fly, your best bet is Pittsburgh International Airport (1.5-2 hours drive from Antiochian Village). There is a closer, smaller airport in Latrobe, but airlines and flights are limited.
Airport Transportation: A shuttle is arranged for those flying into Pittsburgh International Airport for an additional cost. You are welcome to make separate arrangements, but do keep in mind that Uber and Lyft will not provide service to Antiochian Village to or from the airport. Please be sure your flights align with the shuttle schedule (details on the ticket description).
What to Wear: Please feel free to wear comfortable clothes. There will be activities available outdoors, although all the sessions will be indoors in the conference center. We will be celebrating Divine Liturgy together on Sunday morning, so pack “church clothes."
Cancellations & Refunds: Cancellations will be accepted and refunds until July 22, 2024. No refunds will be issued after this date. To cancel and receive a refund, email Ellie Bernasol (ellie@ancientfaith.com).
Ticket Transfers: Tickets are nontransferable. If a ticket holder is unable to attend, they may seek a refund before July 22, 2024.
Questions: Please don’t hesitate to contact the guest coordinator, Ellie Bernasol at ellie@ancientfaith.com with any questions.
We are looking forward to being with you in August!
A complete schedule will be announced soon, but you may view a sample schedule draft here.