Eastern Diocese Winter Retreat

With the Archpastoral Blessings and the presence of His Grace Bishop Dr.Mitrophan, the Seventh Annual Diocesan Winter Retreat of the Eastern American Diocese was held December 28-30, 2015. The retreat was held at St. Archangel Michael Serbian Orthodox Church, Akron, Ohio.

The schedule for Monday and Tuesday including morning prayers and evening Vespers. During the mornings classes were held. The theme for the retreat was:: “Listening to Our Youth-Discussing the Future.”  On Monday morning, Father Milan Pajic spoke on the topic: Youth and Adult Participation in Parish Life.”

Also on Monday, Father Zivojin Jakovljevic and Father Aleksa Pavichevich discussed with the participants the topic: “Is the Priesthood in Your Future?” Monday afternoon included play practice, recreation in the hall and bowling.

Jovana Zaremba spoke of her experiences as the daughter of a priest and as the granddaughter of a nun. Tiana Vucenovich accompanied Jovana Zaremba on Monday. Following Vespers and the evening meal on Monday, Father Pajic gave the boys a lesson in the church about serving as altar servers. Popadija Jelena Pajic gave the girls a baking lesson.

On Tuesday morning, Sister Anastasia from Monastery Marcha spoke on the topic: “Learning about Orthodox Monasticism,” Father Rodney Torbic talked on “Living the Orthodox Life Each Day.”

On Tuesday afternoon, an additional play practice was held. Father Pajic oversaw the play practices. Bible-based games were played. The youths had free time in the parish hall. Confessions were heard on Tuesday evening

With His Grace Bishop Dr. Mitrophan in attendance, the youths performed the Christmas-oriented play on Tuesday evening. Parents, family members and parishioners were in attendance.

On Wednesday morning, His Grace officiated at the Hierarchical Divine Liturgy with five priests and a deacon serving. His Grace met with the youths following breakfast. The youths had the opportunity to ask His Grace questions and discuss their participation in the retreat. 

Father Pajic and Father Pavichevich,  Father Milan Medakovich and Father Dragan Goronijic participated all three days of the retreat. Father Jakovljevic participated on Monday and Tuesday and Father Deacon Larry Soper participated on Wednesday. Josh Vucenovich helped all three days and St. Sava School of Theology student Nebojsa Varagaic helped for two days.

Popadija Jelena Pajic enlisted helpers from St. Archangel Michael Church to help with the meals served each day. Anita Ondreyka helped with the singing in church. Thirty-two youths participated in the retreat.

Article by Fr Rodney Torbic

Source: Eastern American Diocese