Young Adults Explore Ways to Live an Orthodox LIFE

Manton, CA –Young adults from across the diocese gathered at St. John’s Monastery here to experience practical, personal, and monastic encounters with our Lord, Jesus Christ. The event, held June 14-20 this year, is an annual retreat called Orthodox LIFE School. Participants follow the daily schedule of the monastics, participating in their daily cycle of liturgical services and work. They also gather for spiritual discussions and presentations led by guest clergy and laity.

According to Hieromonk Innocent, Superior of the Monastery, the brotherhood of St. John’s established “the Orthodox LIFE program as a setting to give Orthodox young adults an opportunity to deepen their spiritual lives, make friends, and learn how to serve the Church and be a witness in the world.”

Participants consider the challenges and opportunities faced by Orthodox Christians in today’s society, identifying ways of supporting one another, even across great distances, in taking up our crosses to follow Christ. “I loved my experience here and honestly would love to come back,” one participant remarked, adding, “The classes and services were very spiritually enlightening for me and it was super nice to meet young adults my age that share in the faith of Orthodoxy.”

Established as a week-long program in 2017, the Orthodox Life School provides women and men to learn more about Jesus Christ, the Orthodox faith and traditions, and themselves in a retreat setting.

This year’s presenters included Archpriest Damian Kuolt and Priest Daniel York of St. Seraphim Cathedral, Santa Rosa. While Father Daniel opened the retreat with a meaningful presentation on what it means to be an Orthodox Christian, Father Damian explored the role of prayer in our daily lives. “Father Damian’s talk on prayer resonated with me because prayer is something I am trying to understand and do better,” a participant said. “This session was helpful in growing my ability to pray.”

Other speakers include Abbess Melania of Holy Assumption Monastery, Calistoga, CA, Deacon John Dibs of St. Nicholas Antiochian Orthodox Church, San Francisco, and Brendan O’Neill of St. Gabriel Church, Ashland, OR. Their individual presentations engaged participants with thought provoking topics which led to discussions both in session and which working alongside the monastic brothers.

One participant said, “The liturgies and services were grace-filled and reverent. We took part in the work of the monastics and had great fellowship with Orthodox young adults all over the West Coast – even some from the other side of the country!”

The schedule for Orthodox LIFE School is centered on the routines of the monastery, with daily Divine Liturgy and breakfast. Attendees then engaged in retreat presentations and talks on the spiritual life before rejoining the brothers in the afternoon for work assignments. The day concluded with Vespers and dinner. Evening discussions allowed for less formal conversations and Q&A with retreat leaders.

This year, participants also visited SS. Cyril & Methodius Mission in Chico for service projects in support of the mission’s growth and well-being. They also participated in a introductory street ministry applying in real life what they learned during Orthodox LIFE sessions at the monastery.

The monastic brotherhood were gracious hosts and grateful to God for the interest of Orthodox young adults who want to grow closer to Jesus Christ through this event. Giving thanks to God for these annual gatherings, the brotherhood is already planning for next year’s gathering and will be posting information about the program on their website at monasteryofstjohn.org/retreats/

“The monastery is a real gem with a gracious abbot and an exemplary brotherhood,” said one participant, “The amazing food was a plus, and the speakers were powerful. I recommend this Orthodox LIFE School and a visit to the monastery for anyone interested in their faith as an Orthodox Christian.”