Clergy Wives Find Support, Fellowship at Recent Gatherings
By: Protinica Elizabeth Powell
On two unique occasions over the last couple of months, clergy wives of the Diocese of the West spent time together in sisterly fellowship. First, at a luncheon on October 25th during the Diocesan Assembly, and then again in November, retreating at the Monastery of St. John in Manton, CA.
The sixteen clergy wives who gathered at the Diocesan Assembly got the chance to catch up over lunch in the comfort of the parish rectory. Stories, laughter, and words of encouragement painted this candid scene of women with similar paths. His Eminence Archbishop Benjamin was able to take time out of the busy assembly schedule to eat lunch with the wives, many of whom shared fond memories with him . His Grace Bishop Alexei of Alaska, a guest speaker at the assembly, was also able to join the gathering. All were grateful to our hosts, Matushka Ann and Fr. Lawrence Margitich, who graciously welcomed us into their home, and to all who helped make a delightful gathering for our clergy wives.
A few weeks later, on Friday, November 10th, a group of eleven clergy wives from the Bay area, the Pacific Northwest, and the Rocky Mountain Deanery, trickled into the Monastery of St. John in Manton, CA on what would turn into a beautiful weekend. Upon gathering, the retreatants registered and received their “grab bags” that had been thoughtfully prepared for each one. After settling in, enjoying a hearty dinner and vespers, the group gathered for introductions and the first installment of the retreat topic, “Our thoughts determine our lives”, based on the writings of Father Tadej of Vitovnica. Throughout the weekend they thoughtfully dove into this topic with Hieromonk Innocent, who shared a memorable picture of a solid, unyielding mountain, unpenetrated by the weather around it. While they gathered for meals with the brotherhood in the refectory, the spiritual talks were hosted just for the wives in the comfort of the Holy Trinity room where a wood-fired stove, hot beverages, and comfortable seating made for easy bonding throughout the weekend.
On Saturday the clergy wives joined the brotherhood at the Divine Liturgy and also participated in a Panikhida for Venerable Matushka Olga of Alaska. A reverent celebration in response to the announcement of her glorification! On this day the wives enjoyed making piroshki and cinnamon rolls for the brotherhood to freeze, got a close-up look at the monastery bees (through a screen door), bought gifts at the bookstore, toured the candle making facility, and enjoyed the beautiful autumn weather of the Sierras. After dinner they enjoyed a wine and cheese social and then ended this fine day with Vigil.
On the last day, the clergy wives formed a choir to sing the responses at the Divine Liturgy, after which they enjoyed lunch and fellowship not only with the brotherhood but also with some of the local residents. After a final talk on the theme, and photos amidst the beautiful autumn foliage, it was time to say goodbye. Renewed in body and spirit, the clergy wives left the monastery grounds with grateful hearts and peaceful souls, hopeful for another such gathering next year. The plan is to gather every year on the Veteran’s Day weekend. Next year’s dates will be the weekend of Nov. 8-10th.
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