Orthodox LIFE School to Host Week-Long Monastic Retreat for Young Adults

Photo: Monastery of Saint John of Shanghai, Manton, CA / Facebook

MANTON, CA — The Monastery of St. John of San Francisco will host its Orthodox LIFE School from June 14–20, 2026, offering young adults a structured week of spiritual formation, communal worship, and hands-on participation in monastic life. The program emphasizes immersion in the daily rhythm of the monastery, combining prayer services, instruction, and service work. Organizers describe the initiative as a retreat into the “wilderness” of prayerful simplicity, echoing the Gospel theme of withdrawal for communion with God.

The school, established in 2017, stands for Liturgy, Inspiration, Faithfulness, and Experience. Participants will attend morning and evening services with the monastic community, hear from speakers, and engage in daily tasks alongside the monks. The program also includes outreach activities that encourage students to share their faith beyond the monastery setting. The retreat draws from the idea of setting aside distractions to focus on spiritual renewal and intentional community life.

Open to men and women ages 18–35, the program costs $250, with scholarships available for those needing financial assistance. Applications are due June 7, and organizers note that spaces remain open for interested applicants. 

Previously, the UOJ reported that the Antiochian Archdiocese opened a new retreat center in Mexico.

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