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# ROCOR Southern Clergy Begin Great Lenten Retreat in Georgia
- URL: https://uoj.news/news/86677-rocor-southern-clergy-begin-great-lenten-retreat-in-georgia/
- Published: 2026-03-11T13:15:00.000Z
- Updated: 2026-09-23T17:57:34.000Z
- Description: ROCOR clergy gathered in Georgia for prayer, reflection, and pastoral discussion at the opening of their Southern Great Lenten retreat.
- Author: Tobias Straney
- Tags: #Category: News, ROCOR, Clergy Retreat, Lenten retreat

**ROSWELL, GA —** Clergy from the southern deaneries of the Russian Orthodox Church Outside of Russia’s Eastern American Diocese [gathered Tuesday](https://www.eadiocese.org/news%5F260310%5F1) at St. Mary of Egypt Church for the opening of the Southern Great Lenten Clergy Retreat.

The retreat began with a moleben before the wonderworking Kursk Root Icon of the Mother of God. Clergy welcomed the diocesan hierarchs, Metr. Nicholas of Eastern America & New York and Metr. Jonah (Paffhausen). Parish rector Archimandrite John (Townsend) offered greetings to the visiting clergy and hierarchs.

[![](https://uoj.news/content/images/2026/09/86585-rocor-offers-great-lent-lectionary-and-cue-cards-online.jpg)On this topicROCOR Offers Great Lent Lectionary and Cue Cards Online](https://uoj.news/news/86585-rocor-offers-great-lent-lectionary-and-cue-cards-online/)

The day’s keynote address was delivered by Archimandrite Peter (Karakozoff), bishop-elect of Seattle, who spoke on “The Mystical Prayers and the Prayer of the Third Hour: A ROCOR Perspective,” followed by discussion. Later, SubdeaconTimothy Zelinski presented updates from Holy Trinity Publications in Jordanville, New York.

Clergy also held pastoral discussions with Metr. Nicholas and prayed “Memory Eternal” for Metr. Laurus (Škurla) and Archpriest George Johnson. The day concluded with Matins, confessions, and evening prayers in preparation for the Liturgy of the Presanctified Gifts.

Previously, the [UOJ reported](https://uoj.news/news/86434-survey-launched-for-new-rocor-seminary-in-europe/) that a survey was launched for a new ROCOR seminary in Europe.