Eastern American Diocese (ROCOR) Southern Great Lenten Clergy Retreat
Atlanta, GA – Clergy from the Southern deaneries of the Eastern American Diocese gathered earlier this week for the Southern Great Lenten Clergy Retreat.
The retreat was hosted by St. Mary of Egypt Orthodox Church, a thriving Orthodox community in the northern Atlanta suburb of Roswell.
Having opened on March 18, the retreat was especially blessed by the presence of three hierarchs, who were warmly welcomed by the clergy: His Eminence Nicholas, Metropolitan of Eastern America and New York—First Hierarch of the Russian Church Abroad; Metropolitan Jonah (Paffhausen); and His Grace Irenei, Bishop of London and Western Europe.
UOJ spoke with St. Mary of Egypt’s Rector, Archimandrite John (Townsend), about the retreat: “It was a great honor for our parish. It’s always a beautiful thing to see our fellow priests, deacons, and clergy together—to support one another and, most of all, to rejoice with one another.”
St. Mary of Egypt Orthodox Church has hosted the Lenten Retreat for several years and has earned a reputation for its commitment to spiritual integrity, liturgical precision, and steadfast adherence to Orthodox faith and tradition. As Orthodox parishes across the country report a noticeable increase in conversions, we asked Fr. John whether he has seen a similar trend in his parish. “[We’ve grown] probably by about 40 or maybe even 50 people. Thanks to God—it’s all His.”
The retreat opened Tuesday morning with a Moleben dedicated to the Kursk Root Icon of the Mother of God, revered as the Protectress of the Russian Diaspora.
Following a warm welcome from Archimandrite John (Townsend), Bishop Irenei delivered a talk on the vital role of the priest as Spiritual Father. Correcting mistaken narratives, Vladyka emphasized the importance of providing pastoral care at the proper time and place, and prioritizing spiritual guidance over purely practical advice.
During the conference, we had the opportunity to sit down with His Eminence Nicholas, Metropolitan of Eastern America and New York. Reflecting on Bishop Irenei’s talk, he shared:
“[Bishop Irenei of London and Western Europe] flew in from London to be with us. He spoke to the clergy about spiritual life and spiritual guidance, which was very, very edifying... There were questions and answers, along with various comments which helped all of us gain a knowledge of that needed and important obedience. The clergy must be truly spiritually strong themselves, but, also, to help the faithful, to guide them spiritually.”
Following a lunch prepared by parishioners, Reader Timothy Zelinski offered a brief update on the recent efforts of Holy Trinity Publications, including the new books and projects set to be released this year. Titles were available for purchase at the conference, including Bishop Irenei’s own the Pursuit of Godliness, released by HTP in February of this year.
Closing out the day’s discussions, Fr. John (Townsend) reminded those present of the upcoming Youth Symposium which the parish will host in May. He especially urged rectors of southern parishes to encourage their parishioners to participate and send representatives.
The following morning, the attending clergy gathered to celebrate the Hierarchical Liturgy of the Pre-Sanctified Gifts. The sober and penitential Lenten service was infused with joy, as several priests were elevated to the rank of Archpriest in recognition of their steadfast service to the Church.
As the conference came to a close, Metropolitan Nicholas graciously sat down with UOJ-America for an interview (full interview available here). With the retreat drawing to an end, attendees bid one another a warm farewell. Strengthened by edifying instruction and sanctified by the Holy Mysteries of Christ, they set off for their parishes and homes—continuing their Lenten journey toward the Bright Resurrection of Christ.
Luke Albanese is a parishioner at St. Mary of Egypt Orthodox Church in Roswell, GA. He is a member of the St. Zosima Society.
