Antiochian Archdiocese to Hold Inaugural Young Adult Retreat in Michigan

LIVONIA, MI — The Antiochian Orthodox Christian Archdiocese of North America will hold its inaugural Young Adult Ministry (YAM) Retreat Nov. 6-8, 2026, bringing young adults from across North America together for a weekend of fellowship, spiritual discussion, and pilgrimage. With the blessing of Metr. Saba, the retreat will be held at the Embassy Suites in Livonia, Michigan.

The weekend’s main spiritual event will take place Saturday, when participants travel to Holy Dormition Monastery in Rives Junction, Michigan. The pilgrimage will include a tour of the monastery, a spiritual discussion and question-and-answer session with Abbess Mother Gabriella, and a Trisagion Service at the graves of Fr. Roman Braga and Mother Benedicta.

Following the monastery visit, participants will gather Saturday evening for dinner and a hafli (party or festival) celebrating the Feast of St. Raphael. The evening will feature food, music, dancing, and fellowship as young adults from throughout the Archdiocese gather together.

Organizers have reserved a room block at the Embassy Suites at a group rate and encouraged participants traveling from outside the area to book early. Registration includes additional information about the retreat schedule, travel, and lodging.

Early-bird registration is $50 through Sept. 30, after which the cost will increase to $75. Registration will remain open through Oct. 30, when it will close. Organizers are encouraging parish young-adult leaders and members of young-adult communities to share information about the retreat.

Previously, the UOJ reported that the OCF called parishes to remember college students on Aug. 23.