December 29, 2009
The four Hierarchs and their clergy gather outside the Katholikon of the Monastery of the Theotokos the Life Giving Spring in Dunlap, California.
Over 100 priests and deacons joined four hierarchs for the first-ever west coast Pan-Orthodox Clergy Retreat on December 1 - 3, 2009 at St. Nicholas Ranch and Retreat Center in Dunlap, CA. The groundbreaking gathering, which generated emails from as far away as Greece congratulating the effort, was the result of the united vision of the canonical spiritual leaders of the west: His Eminence Metropolitan Gerasimos of the Greek Orthodox Metropolis of San Francisco, His Grace Bishop Joseph of the Antiochian Diocese of Los Angeles and the West, His Grace Bishop Maxim of the Serbian Orthodox Western American Diocese, and His Grace Bishop Benjamin of the Orthodox Church in America Diocese of the West. The planning committee for the retreat was led by V. Rev. John Bakas, Dean of Saint Sophia Greek Orthodox Cathedral in Los Angeles, California, V. Rev. Nicholas Ceko, Dean of Saint Steven Serbian Orthodox Cathedral in Alhambra, California, and V. Rev. Dr. Michel Najim from Saint Nicholas Antiochian Cathedral in Los Angeles, California.
"This retreat developed through the ongoing gatherings of the West Coast Orthodox Bishops, as we collectively recognized the important need for continuing education for our clergy to enhance their ministry to thousands of Orthodox faithful. By combining our resources, this retreat provided an environment of spiritual growth and the strengthening of the brotherly bonds of our clergy," stated His Eminence Metropolitan Gerasimos of San Francisco.
The hierarchs chose a revered brother, His Grace Bishop Ilia of the Albanian Orthodox Church of America, as retreat master, and asked him to focus on the theme, "The Parish Priest as Spiritual Father." Bishop Ilia was the obvious and practical choice to speak to the clergy, as prior to his elevation he served many years as a married parish priest.
During the three days, the hierarchs and clergy worshiped together in the magnificent katholikon of the Monastery of the Theotokos the Life-Giving Spring, which is adjacent to Saint Nicholas Ranch.
His Grace Bishop Ilia opened the first session with the provocative question, "So you want to be a spiritual father, eh?" This set the tone for his three presentations that basically brought home the message to the clergy that they can only direct and guide their flocks to the extent that they are growing spiritually - in prayer and their personal lives, in love and service, and in sensitive and discerning pastoral care of those they shepherd.
Following each session, the clergy broke into small groups that were facilitated by a hierarch and allowed for deeper reflection and practical application. The brothers were also given many opportunities to connect at mealtime, and late into the evening.
The highlight of the retreat was the Hierarchical Divine Liturgy, at which the celebrant, His Grace Bishop Maxim of the Serbian Orthodox Diocese of the West, emphasized in his homily that our unity is fully realized in the Eucharist. Following the Liturgy, the hierarchs led a Trisagion for the Monastery founder, His Eminence Metropolitan Anthony, and His Holiness Patriarch Pavle of Serbia, who recently reposed in the Lord.
During the closing remarks, many of the clergy expressed their appreciation to the Hierarchs for their vision and brotherly leadership in making this retreat possible, with the hope that this historic event will be the first of an annual gathering.
WEST COAST HIERARCHS: (L-R) His Grace Bishop Benjamin (OCA), His Grace Bishop Joseph (Antiochian), His Eminence Metropolitan Gerasimos (Greek Orthodox) and His Grace Bishop Maxim (Serbian).
BISHOP ILIA: Retreat Master His Grace Bishop Ilia of Philomelion.
CLERGY: Clergy from throughout the west coast open the retreat by singing hymns and joining together in prayer.
4th Thursday after Pascha
