Youth Retreat at Frost Valley Strengthens Faith and Fellowship

Photo: nynjoca.org

FROST VALLEY, NY — The Diocese of New York and New Jersey of the Orthodox Church in America (OCA) held its annual Spring Youth and Young Adult Retreat, bringing together teens and young adults for a weekend of prayer, fellowship, and spiritual reflection.

The retreat welcomed 20 teens and eight young adults, alongside chaperones, with participation continuing to grow. Activities included outdoor challenges, group discussions, and communal prayer, beginning with the Akathist “Glory to God for All Things,” which set a tone of gratitude for the weekend.

Abp. Michael visited the group, offering guidance during a question-and-answer session. Despite rainy conditions, participants engaged fully in hiking, indoor activities, and discussions on faith and personal challenges.

Worship remained central, with Vespers and Divine Liturgy concluding the retreat. "Though much of the weekend was marked by rain, it did little to dampen the spirit of the retreat," the diocese stated. "Through prayer, fellowship, and shared experience, it became a living reminder that even in challenging conditions, Christ is present, calling us forward to His divine grace and mercy."

Previously, the UOJ reported that a youth pilgrimage to Serbia was announced for August 2026.

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