OCA Clergy Invited to 2026 Office of Pastoral Life Pastoral Retreat
Clergy of the Orthodox Church in America are invited to register for the 2026 Office of Pastoral Life Pastoral Retreat, which will take place September 29–October 2, 2026, at the University of Saint Mary of the Lake Retreat Center in Mundelein, IL.
The theme of this year’s retreat is “The Fields Are Ripe for the Harvest.” The retreat will offer clergy time set apart for prayer, reflection, fellowship, and renewal in the company of brother clergy from across the Orthodox Church in America.
In many places, Orthodox parishes are experiencing significant growth, with new inquirers, catechumens, and seekers coming to the life of the Church. This is a blessing, and it also brings new pastoral challenges. At the same time, many priests continue to serve faithfully in quieter settings, in smaller communities, or in parishes facing their own particular burdens and opportunities. This retreat is offered for all of today’s pastors as they seek to serve Christ and His Church with faithfulness, discernment, and hope.
The retreat will include presentations from Mother Christophora, Abbess of Holy Transfiguration Monastery in Ellwood City, PA, and Archpriest John Parker, Dean of Saint Tikhon’s Orthodox Theological Seminary. Their presentations will invite clergy to reflect on the spiritual life of the priest, the work of pastoral ministry, and the hopeful labor of serving the Church in this season.
A highlight of the retreat will be the celebration of the Divine Liturgy for the Feast of the Protection of the Mother of God at New Gracanica Monastery on Thursday, October 1. The retreat schedule will also include opportunities for shared meals, conversation, rest, and informal fellowship.
“The Office of Pastoral Life is grateful to offer this gathering for our clergy,” said Archpriest Nicholas Solak, Director of the Office of Pastoral Life. “Our hope is that priests will come away encouraged, strengthened, and renewed for the pastoral work entrusted to them.”
