Registration Opens for OCA’s 2026 Pastoral Retreat
The OCA’s 2026 Pastoral Retreat will bring clergy together for prayer, learning, and renewal while addressing contemporary pastoral challenges facing the Church.
SPRINGFIELD, VA — The Orthodox Church in America Office of Pastoral Life has opened registration for its 2026 Pastoral Retreat, inviting clergy from across the OCA to gather for prayer, fellowship, and pastoral renewal from September 29 through October 2 at the University of St. Mary of the Lake in Mundelein, Illinois.
Organizers describe the annual retreat as an opportunity for priests and bishops to step away from the demands of parish ministry and reconnect with the essential rhythms of prayer, learning, and brotherhood. The event is designed to foster fruitful conversation and collaborative reflection in an environment that encourages clergy to listen carefully, engage deeply, and gain renewed perspective on their pastoral work.
The program will feature presentations by Fr. John Parker, Dean of St. Tikhon's Orthodox Theological Seminary, and Mother Christophora of Holy Transfiguration Monastery. Fr. John’s address, “Radical Growth and a Return to the Roots of Discipleship,” will examine evangelization and spiritual formation, while Mother Christophora will present “The One Who Endures to the End Will Be Saved: Clues from the Cloister,” drawing on decades of monastic experience.
Additional workshops will cover preaching, artificial intelligence and ministry, parish revitalization, hospitality, digital discernment, church finances, and vocations. The retreat will also include liturgical services, a hierarchical Divine Liturgy, fellowship events, and opportunities for clergy to strengthen relationships with fellow pastors from across the OCA. Registration for the event can be found here.
Previously, the UOJ reported that Metr. Saba urged seminarians toward compassionate pastoral care.
