Serbian Midwest Diocese Shares Photos from Winter Youth Retreat
One of the youth receives Holy Unction from Bishop Serafim. Photo: Youth of the New Gracanica - Midwest Diocese/Facebook
THIRD LAKE, IL — The 2025 Winter Youth Retreat was recently held at New Gracanica Monastery, where participants gathered in prayer and fellowship. A Holy Unction service was celebrated and presided over by His Grace Bishop Serafim, together with clergy of the Serbian Orthodox Diocese from the Chicago Metropolitan Area.
As previously reported by UOJ, the event included:
- Daily prayer and Divine Liturgy
- Discussions and workshops led by clergy and guest speakers
- Fellowship activities and reflections
- Opportunities for confession and spiritual guidance
- Winter fun and community building
- Participants stayed on the monastery grounds, fully immersed in the life of the Church alongside peers who share their faith and values
Photos from the event can be found here.
Read also
OCA Marks 250th Anniversary of the United States
The Orthodox Church in America honored the nation’s 250th anniversary with thanksgiving, reflection, and a call to repentance in a statement from the Holy Synod.
Patriarchs Renew Appeal for Missing Aleppo Bishops
A 13-year-old mystery continues to symbolize both suffering and steadfast faith among Middle Eastern Christians.
Church of Cyprus Rebuts Claims of Collusion and Misconduct
Cyprus Church leaders push back against allegations from legal team of Metr. Tychikos while reaffirming disciplinary actions and calling for trust.
Renovations Improve Conditions at Georgian Care Facility
Infrastructure upgrades in western Georgia - carried out by International Orthodox Christian Charities - restore safety and dignity to a residential facility serving vulnerable adults.
Archim. Roman Braga Remembered on 11th Anniversary of Repose
Orthodox faithful honor the life of the revered confessor, former communist prisoner, and spiritual father as efforts continue toward his glorification in the Orthodox Church in America.
OCA Holy Synod Accepts Abp. Alexander’s Retirement from Diocese of the South
Archbishop of Dallas and the South to step down in July while continuing to serve as ruling bishop of the Bulgarian Diocese.