Pacific Northwest Clergy Gather for Annual Retreat with Bsp. Anthony

GOLDENDALE, WA — From Sept. 15–18, 2025, 33 Orthodox priests and deacons from as far south as St. George, Utah, and as far north as Wasilla, Alaska, gathered at St. John the Forerunner Greek Orthodox Monastery for the annual Pacific Northwest Deanery clergy retreat of the Antiochian Orthodox Christian Archdiocese of North America. Led by His Grace Bishop Anthony, the retreat centered on the theme inspired by St. Ignatius of Antioch: “Where the bishop is, let the people gather.”

Throughout the week, Bishop Anthony offered teachings on the eschatological role of the holy priesthood, drawing deeply from Scripture, the Divine Liturgy, and rich Orthodox tradition. With his signature style, he urged the clergy to serve with reverence, faith, and love.

Addressing the challenges of ministering across a vast and growing diocese, His Grace also facilitated open dialogue about improving pastoral care and travel logistics, encouraging collaboration among clergy and laity alike.

Hosted for the sixth time in seven years by the monastery’s sisterhood, the retreat was filled with prayerful services, including two Divine Liturgies and a 2:30 a.m. Paraklesis. Bishop Anthony expressed heartfelt gratitude to the nuns, many of whom have Antiochian roots, calling their liturgical life a model of sacred order and beauty.

"The clergy returned home feeling edified, educated, and energized, as well as refreshed, renewed and reinvigorated to continue laboring in the Lord's vineyard," a release from the Archdiocese states. "They look forward to returning next year, God-willing, with a few more days of retreat and rejuvenation with their beloved hierarch."

Previously, UOJ reported that the second annual Antiochian Men Conference and Retreat is scheduled to take place Nov. 5-8, 2025, at the Woodland Christian Camp and Retreat Center in Temple, GA, located an hour west of Atlanta.