At the initiative of the canonical Orthodox Bishops of the West, 106 priests and deacons gathered at St. Nicholas Diocesan Camp in Dunlap, California from December 1-3, 2009 for a retreat. His Eminence, Metropolitan Gerasimos (Greek Archdiocese), His Grace, Bishop Joseph (Antiochian Archdiocese), His Grace, Bishop Benjamin (OCA), and His Grace, Bishop Maxim (Serbian Patriarchate) encouraged their clergy to participate in this historic gathering. Each hierarch addressed a reflection to the group during one of the services.

His Grace, Bishop Illia (Katre) of the Ecumenical Patriarchate (and long-time pastor of St. John the Baptist Greek Orthodox Church in Las Vegas) was the retreat master and led everyone through the two-day discussion on the topic of “The Spiritual Father.” His Grace gave three keynote talks and then the assembled clergy broke into discussion groups for deeper and more intimate discussion of each aspect of the topic.

In addition to the talks and discussion, there were daily services offered at the women’s Monastery of the Theotokos of the Life-Giving Spring, which is on the campgrounds. Matins, Vespers and Liturgy were served and the chance to worship and commune together was the true focal point of the retreat. Fellowship between old classmates, colleagues and brand new friends was shared at meals, in dorms and in “down time” between sessions.

A pan-Orthodox gathering of clergy of this magnitude is perhaps unprecedented. The spirit of cooperation, friendship and fellowship was a breath of the Holy Spirit. It is hoped that this type of gathering will occur annually as part of the Nativity Fast. All those who could not attend missed a Grace-filled, moving experience of the One, Holy, Catholic and Apostolic Church gathered around the one thing needful.