Running Away to a Monastery

“But he withdrew to the wilderness and prayed.” Luke 5:16

There is an indelible mark on the human psyche to yearn for the “pure state”.  There is a quiet inner ache to let go of one’s mental load, simplify and de-clutter one’s environment, and return to a baseline of spiritual and emotional balance.  The Holy Church recognizes this need and creates monasteries to be the wilderness where all earthly cares are shed and the “one thing needful”—our relationship with God—(at least for a time) to be the sole focus of our life.

The path to the wilderness, however, is often fraught with obstacles.  The Enemy has many strategies to keep “would-be” pilgrims from arriving at the monastery.  This list of cares that must be attended to before a trip can be considered are endless.  “Maybe after this project is done, then there will be plenty of time.”  “Maybe next year.”  In monastic terminology, all these “thought obstacles” are called “temptations”—fiery (yet subtle) darts that divert us from doing the will of God and caring for our soul.

The Monastery of St John provides one such focused retreat called the Orthodox LIFE School.  Established in 2017 as a regular week-long retreat for young adults, the School is an instructional and practical week-long experience.  The “LIFE” stands for Liturgy, Inspiration, Faithfulness, and Experience.  Students in this School will learn about and participate in private prayer and corporate prayer.

We will gather for the morning and evening services with the monks in the chapel.  We will listen to inspirational speakers and interact with them and each other.  They will work alongside the monks for in the daily monastery tasks.  They will prepare themselves and “go to the streets” with the message of Christ and His Church.

When: June 14-20, 2026
Where: Monastery of St. John of San Francisco
Who: Ages: 18 – 35 (men & women)
Cost: $ 250
Application due by: June 7^th

There are still spaces available.  

Want to go, but can’t afford it?  Don’t let that stop you.  Scholarships are available.  Please email us.

Read more on Facebook:

https://www.facebook.com/events/981539407682571/

Apply online

https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSeSLs8YAegqt6KJh4XaAqN_l78rYfZWAi0s2pgzriaUjwQlAw/viewform?usp=header

–by Fr Innocent, Monastery of St John