OCA Clergy Gather for Four-Day Pastoral Retreat in Illinois

MUNDELEIN, IL — About 100 bishops, priests, and deacons from across the Orthodox Church in America gathered September 29–October 2 for the OCA’s 2026 Pastoral Retreat, a four-day event centered on prayer, reflection, fellowship, and pastoral renewal.

Held at the University of Saint Mary of the Lake, the retreat was organized by the OCA’s Office of Pastoral Life under the theme “The Fields Are Ripe for the Harvest.” Along with presentations and workshops, clergy shared meals and conversation and had time to rest and strengthen their relationships with one another.

Prayer and worship remained central to the gathering. Participants took part in daily prayer and Great Vespers, as well as a Hierarchical Divine Liturgy for the Feast of the Protection of the Mother of God on October 1 at New Gračanica Monastery in Third Lake, Illinois.

Among the principal speakers were Archpriest John Parker, dean of St. Tikhon’s Orthodox Theological Seminary, and Mother Christophora, abbess of Holy Transfiguration Monastery. Fr. Parker addressed discipleship and pastoral growth, while Mother Christophora drew on monastic experience to discuss perseverance and faithful service.

Optional workshops covered preaching, aging parishes, hospitality, digital discernment, stewardship, parish growth, and priestly vocations. In opening remarks, Metr. Tikhon said that times of renewal help clergy return to their ministries “strengthened and re-energized.”

Previously, the UOJ reported that the OCA hosted inaugural retreat for clergy wives.