Orthodox Young Adults Gather at St. John's Monastery for Annual LIFE School

MANTON, CA — Orthodox young adults from across the western United States gathered at St. John's Monastery in Northern California last month for the annual Orthodox LIFE School, a weeklong retreat focused on prayer, fellowship, service, and spiritual growth.

Held June 14–20, the program immersed participants in the daily rhythm of monastic life, allowing them to join the monastery's brotherhood for liturgical services, meals, work assignments, and spiritual discussions. Established as a weeklong retreat in 2017, Orthodox LIFE School aims to help young adults deepen their relationship with Christ while fostering lasting friendships and strengthening their commitment to serving the Church.

According to Hieromonk Innocent, superior of St. John's Monastery, the program was created to provide Orthodox young adults with opportunities to grow spiritually and learn how to bear witness to the faith in contemporary society. Throughout the week, participants explored the challenges and opportunities facing Orthodox Christians today while discussing practical ways to support one another in their spiritual journeys.

This year's presenters included Archpriest Damian Kuolt and Fr. Daniel York of St. Seraphim Cathedral in Santa Rosa, California. Fr. Daniel opened the retreat with reflections on Orthodox Christian identity, while Fr. Damian focused on the role of prayer in everyday life. Additional presentations were offered by Abbess Melania of Holy Assumption Monastery in Calistoga, Dcn. John Dibs of St. Nicholas Antiochian Orthodox Church in San Francisco, and Brendan O'Neill of St. Gabriel Church in Ashland, Oregon.

In addition to attending lectures and participating in the monastery's daily cycle of services, participants visited Sts. Cyril and Methodius Mission in Chico, California, where they undertook service projects supporting the parish's development. They also participated in an introductory street ministry experience designed to put into practice lessons learned during the retreat.

Participants praised the retreat's spiritual atmosphere, fellowship opportunities, and hospitality, with many expressing hope of returning in future years as the monastic brotherhood begins planning next year's gathering.

Previously, the UOJ reported that Greek Orthodox young adults will meet for the Rooted Conference.