OCA Hosts Lenten Retreat for Widows of Clergy

Logo of the OCA's Clergy Wives Ministry. Photo: Orthodox Church in America

SYOSSET, NY — The Orthodox Church in America (OCA), through its Office of Pastoral Life and Clergy Wives Ministry, hosted an online Lenten retreat on March 28 for widows of reposed clergy, offering spiritual encouragement and reflection during the fasting season.

According to a release authored by Matushka Deborah Belonick, the retreat was led by Fr. Steven Voytovich, who presented on the theme, “Blessed are those who hear the Word of God and keep it.” His reflections centered on the life of the Mother of God, drawing from Scripture, the writings of the Church Fathers, liturgical hymnography, and the services of the Church.

Participants were also invited to consider the theological significance of the title “Theotokos” and the Virgin Mary’s maternal relationship to the Body of Christ. A group discussion followed, focusing on her role as a steadfast intercessor within the life of the Church.

The retreat concluded with the service of an Akathist to the Virgin Mary, offered for the participants gathered virtually.

Fr. Steven, who serves as Chancellor of the Diocese of New England and director of the OCA’s Office of Institutional Chaplaincy, is a longtime pastor and educator with extensive experience in parish ministry and theological formation.

A recording of the retreat can be found here.

Previously, the UOJ reported that the OCA was offering dedicated retreats for priests' wives and widows.

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