Mid-Year Retreats of the Greek Orthodox Christian Society

Over the last few months, the various groups of the Greek Orthodox Christian Society held their winter retreats. The retreats offered unique opportunities for all to detach themselves from daily routines and responsibilities and come together for a weekend of spiritual growth and friendship.

Over one hundred high school boys and girls from across Sydney and Adelaide participated in the mid-yearly camps of the Orthodox Youth Omathes. Each of the Omathes (Youth Fellowships), which run in the parishes of the Resurrection of Our Lord Kogarah, All Saints Belmore, the Transfiguration of Our Lord Earlwood, St Ioannis Parramatta and now also in Adelaide, journeyed away from the distractions of the city for a few days of activities, games and lessons.

The Greek Orthodox Christian Society’s ladies’ group (Kyklos), held their annual retreat in Sydney’s Royal National Park, and the two younger men’s groups of the Greek Orthodox Christian Society (Enosis) held their winter men’s retreats on the Central Coast. 

The ladies retreat gathered over 125 women of all ages, including interstate guests from South Australia. The theme of this year’s retreat was taken from 1 John 1:7 “We walk in the light”. The question ‘how can I walk in the light of Christ?’ was reflected upon throughout the camp through spiritual talks, Bible Studies and group discussions. A large part of camp was devoted to the Panagia, being in the period of preparation for the Feast of the Dormition.

Although several different retreats were run over the course of a few weeks, the climax of each one was ultimately the same: the Divine Liturgy. For the groups based in Sydney, the liturgy was celebrated by the Archimandrite of the Ecumenical Throne Father Eusebios, Abbot of Pantanassa Monastery. The Adelaide retreats had the blessing of the Divine Liturgy being presided over by His Grace Bishop Silouan of Adelaide.