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Please have your roommate(s)' contact information prepared when you register (email address and phone number). This is essential so all registrants receive important event information.

ABOUT THE EVENT

Forge enduring connections with Orthodox brothers, strengthen your faith, be encouraged, and challenge yourself at the first-ever Ancient Faith Men’s Retreat. The retreat features four engaging speakers, daily services and Sunday Divine Liturgy, fellowship with like-minded Orthodox men, and more at the beautiful Antiochian Village Conference Center in Bolivar, PA.   This is a four-day event, beginning Thursday evening and concluding after liturgy on Sunday.

SPEAKERS

"Quit Yourselves Like Men": An Orthodox Approach to Manliness and Virtue | Hieromonk Basil of Holy Cross Monastery in Wayne, West Virginia

St. Paul exhorts the Corinthians to "quit themselves like men." Throughout the hymns of the Church, our saints - even female ones - are praised for their "manliness of soul." What do these phrases mean for us today? At a time when masculinity is often seen as "toxic," the answer is vital. This talk articulates a vision of authentic manliness rooted firmly in the Orthodox tradition.

Orthodox Men and Parish Evangelization | Fr. John Strickland of St. Elizabeth Orthodox Church in Poulsbo, Washington, and author of the Paradise and Utopia series and the podcast of the same name

More than a decade ago, Frederica Mathewes-Green published a reflection on the dramatic rise in male conversions to Orthodox Christianity. Throughout America, parish priests report that this development has only grown since then. What developments in the distant and recent history of the West have caused this? What role do Orthodox men have in evangelizing women?

The Wilderness Few Dare to Tread | Fr. John Oliver of St. Elizabeth Orthodox Christian Church in Murfreesboro, Tennessee, and author of Touching Heavenand Giver of Life and host of the "Hearts and Minds" podcast

The man will become unwell who is in the Church for any other reason than to become well. The Church, then, is a Regenerative Culture where is created the Regenerated Man. For no other reason does it exist on earth than this. But regeneration requires an exploration and awakening in the most perilous terrain—the mind, the heart, the interior life.

Could Restore Us to Sanity: A Sober Vision for Life's Battles | Fr. Michael Marcantoni of St. John Chrysostom Orthodox Church in Nashville, Tennessee, and host of the "On the Battlefield" podcast

The Orthodox verbiage of sin blinding and distorting our spiritual senses is more literal than most prefer to admit. Repentance and sobriety both represent a call to sanity to face life's struggles and joys forthrightly as they exist in the ultimate Truth of the Gospel.

DETAILS

Who’s Invited: The Ancient Faith Men’s Retreat is for Orthodox men who are college age and up! This is an openly Orthodox event. You do not have to be Orthodox to attend - if you want to be there, we want you there.
Roommates: Ancient Faith does not arrange roommates. You are responsible for finding your roommate and arranging to purchase your registration together.
Lodging Information: Lodging for the retreat is located at the conference center, not the camp. Rooms are configured like typical hotel rooms. For more information on accommodations and amenities, click here.
Driving: There is plenty of free parking at Antiochian Village, so if you’re within reach, this is a great way to come.
Airports: If you intend to fly, your best bet is Pittsburgh International Airport (1.5-2 hours drive from Antiochian Village). There is a closer, smaller airport in Latrobe, but airlines and flights are limited.
Airport Transportation: A shuttle is arranged for those flying into Pittsburgh International Airport for an additional cost. You are welcome to make separate arrangements, but do keep in mind that Uber and Lyft will not provide service to Antiochian Village to or from the airport. Please be sure your flights align with the shuttle schedule (details on the ticket description).
What to Wear: Please feel free to wear comfortable clothes. There will be activities available outdoors, although all the sessions will be indoors in the conference center. We will be celebrating Divine Liturgy together on Sunday morning, so pack “church clothes."
Cancellations & Refunds: Cancellations will be accepted and refunds until July 22, 2024. No refunds will be issued after this date. To cancel and receive a refund, email Ellie Bernasol (ellie@ancientfaith.com).
Ticket Transfers: Tickets are nontransferable. If a ticket holder is unable to attend, they may seek a refund before July 22, 2024.

Questions: Please don’t hesitate to contact the guest coordinator, Ellie Bernasol at ellie@ancientfaith.com with any questions.
We are looking forward to being with you in August!

A complete schedule will be announced soon, but you may view a sample schedule draft here.