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2013-14 Winter Service Retreat
PLEASE SHARE THIS INFORMATION!
9th Annual Winter Service Retreat for Older Teens & Young Adults
This Year's Retreat Master/Speaker: Archimandrite Gerasim (Elil) - St. Seraphim's Cathedral in Dallas.
2013 Winter Service Retreat Arrival Time: Travel Day/Arrival: Sunday Evening, December 29th. If one is coming from North Texas, you could leave after Divine Liturgy and arrive here late Sunday night. If anyone wishes to on Saturday before Great Vespers (6 PM), we will be happy to accommodate you and can enjoy the weekend together.
END TIME: Friday morning, January 3th, 2014, after Divine Liturgy, Photos and Brunch.
Our new Tentative Schedule will be: Entire Retreat Film-Making Project: This year, we will be creating a FILM during the course of the retreat. This will be used to document our activities and to share and use to encourage other participants and parishes to provide similar youth activities as well! Come and be a part of this documentary and history!
Monday, December 30th: Pick up food from Food Bank of RGV and sort clothing. Retreat Speaker in Evening. Tuesday, December 31st: Distribution of Food, Blankets, Toys, etc. to St. George Food Pantry Recipients. New Year's Eve Party, Caroling & Talent Show in the Evening. Wednesday, January 1st: Service Project & Talks by Retreat Master Thursday, January 2nd: South Padre Island Beach Day; Vespers after Return Friday, January 3rd: Divine Liturgy, Group Photos, Brunch & Head Back Home
REGISTRATION FEE: This year's retreat registration cost will be $200.00 per person. Registration: I appologize for the delay in getting this information updated. We have been planning, but this year, my schedule has been overwhelmingly busy. My fault entirely. Please do the following: 1) Let me know if you plan to attend by sending me an email at: mateliza@aol.com. As long as I have a count, we are good. 2) Bring your registration papers and fee with you to the retreat. Looking forward to seeing you on December 29th. If you will be arriving in time for supper (or an evening snack), please let us know that as well so we can have something ready for you to munch on!
Please register NOW if you plan to attend! Registration forms and more information are found at:
http://www.stgeorgepantry.org/winteryouthretreat.html
Some retreat highlights include: * A Speaker/Retreat Master Sharing Talks on Topics the Participants Themselves Have Requested * Hands-On Orthodox Service Projects, including Preparing For and Staffing a special Nativity Season Distribution at our St. George Food Pantry - which has fed over 60,000 people in the last few years. * Working as Teams to Actively Help with Retreat Functions * Praying Together: Actively Participating in Reading, Singing, Praying & Participating in Liturgical Services * Time for Fun, Christian Fellowship, including a South Padre Island Beach Trip and Talent Show Who: Geared for Older Teens, College Students & Post-College Young Adults plus Adult Chaperones & Orthodox Clergy. Orthodox Christians, Catechumins, Inquirers and their Friends from All Jurisdictions are WELCOME
8th Annual Winter Service Retreat
This December, we will host our Eighth Annual Winter Service Retreat for Older Teens and Young Adults. Each year, we schedule this during the week after Nativity, when students are out of school for their winter break in studies. Our parish of St. George Orthodox Church (OCA) is located right on the Texas border with Mexico. In year's past, the week included a visit and work project in an orphanage for girls just across the border in Mexico. However, because of increased border violence in recent years, we no longer cross into Mexico. Thanks be to God, we have a Brand New Church Hall to help accommodate both our Retreat Participants and our Service Projects! Some retreat highlights include: * A Speaker/Retreat Master Sharing Talks on Topics the Participants Themselves Have Requested * Hands-On Orthodox Service Projects, including Preparing For and Staffing a special Nativity Season Distribution at our St. George Food Pantry - which has fed over 60,000 people in the last few years. * Working as Teams to Actively Help with Retreat Functions * Praying Together: Actively Participating in Reading, Singing, Praying & Participating in Liturgical Services * Time for Fun, Christian Fellowship, including a South Padre Island Beach Trip and Talent Show Who: Geared for Older Teens, College Students & Young Adults plus Adult Chaperones & Orthodox Clergy. Orthodox Christians, Catechumins, Inquirers and their Friends from All Jurisdictions are WELCOME Retreat Master: Fr. Dc. Joel Wilson & Others SPIRITUAL TOPIC: Why Become (or Remain) Orthodox? How Do We Stand Up for & Live the Faith? Expanded Version: Why become or remain Orthodox rather than simply following the "easier" more populated versions of Christianity practiced by friends and society in general? Why would/should we choose or continue on the more narrow path, which often includes isolation since most parishes are smaller and within which we have few if any peers? How are we to become knowledgeable "apologists" and stand on a firm foundation in the faith? In everyday life? In times when we face special challenges and/or temptations? How do we stand with our heads held high knowing that our beliefs are right and true? How do we do this without being prideful or thinking "low" of our brothers and sisters in Christ outside of the Orthodox Church? What are the real dividing lines which separate our Orthodox beliefs from those held by other Christians? Dates: This year's retreat begins the NIGHT of Sunday, December 30th and ends AFTER DIVINE LITURGY on Friday, January 4th. Cost: $190.00 Per Participant - Includes all Food, Lodging, Local Transportation and Fees. We try to keep our registration fees as low as possible so as many students and other young people (who often are financially challenged and/or do not have wealthy parents) can attend. To help with this, we even cook most of the food and the retreat staff do not receive salaries. We do this for the love of Christ and in hopes that this experience will touch the lives of the young people who attend.
Where: St. George Orthodox Church; Pharr, Texas - Rio Grande Valley of South Texas near the Texas-Mexico Border. See Driving Directions: http://www.stgeorgetx.org/directions.html The church is located at 704 W. Sam Houston in Pharr, Texas and overnight lodgings will be at the Valley Baptist Retreat Center in Mission, Texas. See the retreat center's website at: http://www.valleybaptistretreat.org/ What: A week of hands-on Service Work, Spiritual Talks & Sessions & Prayers, Christian Fellowship, & Fun. Reunite with your friends and make new friends in a wholesome and spirtually-profitable atmoshere. Special Dietary Needs: We do make and have available vegetarian and vegan food for our retreat participants, especially those who are still observing the OC Nativity Fast. Let us know if you have additional special dietary requirements or needs! To learn more or to see photos from previous year's Winter Service Retreats, see links at: Please let me know if you have additional questions at mateliza@aol.com or by phone at 956-781-2388. In Christ, Matushka Elizabeth Perdomo
Seventh Annual Winter Service Retreat This December, we will host our Seventh Annual Winter Service Retreat for Older Teens and Young Adults. Each year, we schedule this during the week after Nativity, when students are out of school for their winter break in studies. Our parish of St. George Orthodox Church (OCA) is located right on the Texas border with Mexico. In year's past, the week included a visit and work project in an orphanage for girls just across the border in Mexico. However, because of increased border violence in recent years, we no longer cross into Mexico. Thanks be to God, this year, we will have a Brand New Church Hall to help accommodate both our Retreat Participants and our Service Projects! Our Retreat Master will be Fr. Melitios Webber, Abbot of St. John of Shanghai Monastery in Manton, California. Some retreat highlights include: * A Speaker/Retreat Master Sharing Talks on Topics the Participants Themselves Have Requested * Hands-On Orthodox Service Projects, including Preparing For and Staffing a special Nativity Season Distribution at our St. George Food Pantry - which has fed over 50,000 people in the last few years. * Working as Teams to Actively Help with Retreat Functions * Praying Together: Actively Participating in Reading, Singing, Praying & Participating in Liturgical Services * Time for Fun, Christian Fellowship, including a South Padre Island Beach Trip and Talent Show Who: Geared for Older Teens, College Students & Young Adults plus Adult Chaperones & Orthodox Clergy. Orthodox Christians, Catechumins, Inquirers and their Friends from All Jurisdictions are WELCOME Retreat Master: Fr. Melitios Webber, Abbot of St. John of Shanghai Monastery in Manton, California will be this year's Retreat Master. Participants from past year's events requested that the following be our 2011-12 Winter Service Retreat topic: SPIRITUAL TOPIC: Why Become (or Remain) Orthodox? How Do We Stand Up for & Live the Faith? Expanded Version: Why become or remain Orthodox rather than simply following the "easier" more populated versions of Christianity practiced by friends and society in general? Why would/should we choose or continue on the more narrow path, which often includes isolation since most parishes are smaller and within which we have few if any peers? How are we to become knowledgeable "apologists" and stand on a firm foundation in the faith? In everyday life? In times when we face special challenges and/or temptations? How do we stand with our heads held high knowing that our beliefs are right and true? How do we do this without being prideful or thinking "low" of our brothers and sisters in Christ outside of the Orthodox Church? What are the real dividing lines which separate our Orthodox beliefs from those held by other Christians? Dates: This year's actual activities will begin on the morning of December 27th. People will travel, arrive and get settled in on the evening of December 26th. The event will end after Divine Liturgy and a meal on Sunday, January 1st, but anyone is welcome to stay until the following day before returning home. Cost: $225.00 Per Participant - Includes all Food, Lodging, Local Transportation and Fees. Note: If Adult Chaperones prefer an on-site Motel-type room, we can reserve one for an additional fee.We try to keep our registration fees as low as possible so as many students and other young people (who often are financially challenged and/or do not have wealthy parents) can attend. To help with this, we even cook most of the food and the retreat staff do not receive salaries. We do this for the love of Christ and in hopes that this experience will touch the lives of the young people who attend. Where: St. George Orthodox Church; Pharr, Texas - Rio Grande Valley of South Texas near the Texas-Mexico Border. See Driving Directions: http://www.stgeorgetx.org/directions.html The church is located at 704 W. Sam Houston in Pharr, Texas and overnight lodgings will be at the Valley Baptist Retreat Center in Mission, Texas. See the retreat center's website at: http://www.valleybaptistretreat.org/ What: A week of hands-on Service Work, Spiritual Talks & Sessions & Prayers, Christian Fellowship, & Fun. Reunite with your friends and make new friends in a wholesome and spirtually-profitable atmoshere. Special Dietary Needs: We do make and have available vegetarian and vegan food for our retreat participants, especially those who are still observing the OS Nativity Fast. Let us know if you have additional special dietary requirements or needs! To learn more or to see photos from previous year's Winter Service Retreats, see links at: Please let me know if you have additional questions at mateliza@aol.com or by phone at 956-781-2388. In Christ, Matushka Elizabeth Perdomo
Brief Overview: 6th Annual Winter Service Retreat
Who? Geared for Older Teens, College Students & Young Adults plus Adult Chaperones & Orthodox Clergy. Orthodox Christians, Catechumins, Inquirers and their Friends from All Jurisdictions are WELCOME! When? Early Evening of Monday, December 27th, 2010 until late morning of Saturday, January 1st, 2011 Where? St. George Orthodox Church; Pharr, Texas - Rio Grande Valley of South Texas near the Texas-Mexico Border. See Driving Directions: http://www.stgeorgetx.org/directions.html The church is located at 704 W. Sam Houston in Pharr, Texas and overnight lodgings will be at the Valley Baptist Retreat Center in Mission, Texas. See the retreat center's website at: http://www.valleybaptistretreat.org/ Cost? $200.00 Per Participant - Includes all Food, Lodging, Local Transportation and Fees. Note: If Adult Chaperones prefer an on-site Motel-type room, we can reserve one for an additional fee. What? A week of hands-on Service Work, Spiritual Talks & Sessions & Prayers, Christian Fellowship, & Fun. Reunite with your friends and make new friends in a wholesome and spirtually-profitable atmoshere. Spiritual Topic? This year's Spiritual Session topic will be: "Transfiguring our World By Being Reached, Reconciled and Restored" Spiritual Speaker/Retreat Master: Fr. Angelo (Evangelos) S. Pepps (see brief bio in section below) Food? To keep costs down, we prepare and cook most all of the meals for the week long event. We know that some of you have special food needs - those still observing the Nativity Fast who require Vegan Meals plus those with food allergies and such. Please let us know if you have special needs, and we will accommodate you as best we can! Will I Neeed a Passport & Will Participants go to Mexico? NOT THIS YEAR. Tragically, the across the border violence has spiked so we once again will not be crossing the border. We will, however, still be collecting and giving financial, food and other donations to the Casa Amparo Orphanage for girls located in Reynosa, Mexico, but the Mothers will once again be picking up those donations.
6th Annual Winter Service Retreat
Announcing the 6th Annual Winter Service Retreat for Teens and Young Adults, hosted by St. George Orthodox Church in Pharr, Texas, near the Texas border with Mexico. The event takes place the week after Nativity each year. This year, registrations will begin at 5 PM on Monday, December 27th, with the first event being a dinner, followed by a talk which is open to the Parish and the Public. The week will conclude on Saturday, January 1st after Divine Liturgy and a last, "send off" meal together. Because of increased across the border violence, we again will NOT BE going to the Casa Amparo orphanage for girls in Mexico. We will still be collecting financial, food and other donations for the Mothers to pick up and share with the girls, but it is not expedient for us to travel there this year. Because of this, retreat participants do NOT NEED PASSPORTS this year. This year's Spiritual Sessions Speaker & Retreat Master will be Fr. Angelo (Evangelos) S. Pepps of Kalamazu, Michigan. (See Father Angelo's bio in section below.) The spiritual focus for this year will be : "Transfiguring our World Through Reaching Out, Reconciliation, and Restoration" The Schedule for the week willl look something roughly like this: Monday, Dec. 27th - Arrivals - 1st event Dinner, Introductions & Opening Talk for Participants, Parish & Public - Blessing of Retreat Site Tuesday, Dec. 28th - Prayers. Spiritual Talk. Sort clothing & donations. Supper & Spiritual Talk. Wednesday, Dec. 29th - Prayers - Special Huge St. George Food Pantry Distribution - Spiritual Talk - Daily Vespers. Supper & Spiritual Talk. Thursday, Dec. 30th - Morning Prayers & South Padre Island Beach Trip. Pizza on return trip. Friday, Dec. 31st - Morning Prayers & Spiritual Talk - Local Service Project - Vespers - New Year's Eve Party & Talent Show Saturday, Jan. 1st - Divine Liturgy (in Spanish) - Final Meal - Goodbyes Because we know that many are suffering from financial challenges, even though the cost of lodging has increased, we are charging the same amount per participant as we have for the last 3 years. Registration Fee: $200.00 - Includes all food, lodging, local transportation and fees.
: "Transfiguring our World By Being Reached, Reconciled and Restored" will be this year's spiritual focus topic. Our presentor/retreat master will be Fr. Angelo Pepps. Fr. Angelo (Evangelos) S. Pepps is a seasoned speaker who has seen great growth in the communities he has served, including increases in membership, resources, and most importantly, people coming to enjoy their full inheritance in Christ. Father grew up in San Antonio, TX and spent seven years at Hellenic College/Holy Cross School of Theology where he was valedictorian in 1979, named (2x) to Who’s Who in American Colleges and Universities and was president of the Orthodox Inter-Seminary Movement and the HC Missionary Committee. Fr. Angelo has had the honor of learning from Frs. Anthony Coniaris and Nicholas Triantafilou both of whom he served in their respective communities as YOUth and Campus Minister, chief cantor, etc. After these five yrs. of full-time YOUth Ministry, Father was ordained in March, 1987 by His Grace Bishop Gerasimos of Avydou and of most blessed memory to the holy diaconate in San Antonio and to the presbyterate (“priesthood”) in Houston.Father Angelo’s articles have appeared in the Orthodox Observer, Solia, The Sword and Again Magazine and he has been heard on numerous television and radio stations. He is also, the founder of Share The Faith Ministries. Fluent in Greek, with a working knowledge of Spanish, Fr. Evangelos is a popular speaker, known for unifying Sunday of Orthodoxy messages in large metropolitan areas around the country. He has also enjoyed speaking on many college campuses including prominent universities throughout America. Living in Thessalonica Greece for one year, he was able to explore many other places including Mt. Athos (4x), Patmos, Istanbul, Ochrid, England, Bulgaria, Egypt, Mt. Sinai and the Holy Lands. The Pepps (Papakonstantinou in gk.) currently live in Kalamazoo, MI where Father Angelo, his wife Susan and three teenage children are attached to Holy Ascension parish in Albion. With other believers, he initiated the Transfigure.us Orthodox Christian Outreach to Greater Portage, MI (OCOGPM), which offers educational, worship, fellowship and service opportunities to those wanting to live and worship the way the first Christians did. Their demographics include approx. 45K college students now who live in the area. Father Angelo served Project Mexico’s boys’ home and missionary outreach in Baja California this past Holy Week. This follows a fairly recent eleven days at Guatemala City’s Hogar Rafael (Orphanage). . To learn more about Father Angelo, see: http://osb.squarespace.com/speakers/fr-evangelos-pepps.html
2009-10 Retreat Follow Up Report
Photos being uploaded to Flickr - can send as attachments. [PHARR] The 5th Annual International Winter Service Retreat, sponsored by St. George Orthodox Church and PRO-ORB (Orthodox Rio Bridges) Outreach Ministries in Pharr, Texas concluded with a Divine Liturgy in Spanish on Saturday morning, January 2nd. This year's week-long event was attended by 45 teens, college students and young adult participants from throughout the USA. The Spiritual Sessions Retreat Master for this retreat was Archpriest Chad Hatfield, Chancellor of St. Vladimir's Seminary in Crestwood, NY. This year's retreat chaplains included Father Antonio Perdomo, Pastor of St. George's and Director of the annual retreat, joined by Priest Seraphim Holland, from St. Nicholas Russian Orthodox Church in McKinney, Texas, as well as Fr. Chad Hatfield. Three Theological Seminaries were represented during the week, including St. Tikhon's Seminary, St. Vladimir's Seminary and Holy Cross. Participants represented various Orthodox Jurisdictions and Diocese in North America, including the Orthodox Church in America (OCA), the Antiochian Archdiocese, the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese (GOA) and the Russian Church Outside of Russia (ROCOR) who traveled from North Texas, New Mexico, Kansas, Minnesota, Pennsylvania, Massachusetts, Louisiana and Mexico. Participants and our guest speaker arrived on Monday afternoon and early evening. Activities began with our traditional borderlands green chile posole dinner, followed by introductions, welcomes and an overview of this region shared by Reader Stephen Shepherd. Archpriest Chad Hatfield then gave his opening, introductory talk during an event open to the Parish and Public. After settling in guests at their lodgings at the Valley Baptist Retreat Center and blessing the retreat center facilities, the first evening's events concluded. The week started off unusually chilly, unlike the normal season's weather pattern in the Rio Grande Valley. On that cold and drizzly Tuesday, after the morning's spiritual session talk, continuing the theme on Alaskan Saints, participant's spirits remained undaunted as they spent the remainder of the day sorting donated clothing and other items, barely sheltered under a canopy tent, on the church porch and in the church hall. Because of the cold, wet weather and recent uncertainties across the border in Mexico, Madre Natividad, Abbess of a Roman Catholic Monastery in Reynosa, Mexico and Director of the Casa Amparo Orphanage for Girls which the monastic community administers, came to visit us at St. George's. Madre Natividad spoke to the participants and thanked them for their generosity and efforts serving others. Donations collected for the orphanage were then loaded in her vehicle and she took them back across the border to distribute personally. On Wednesday morning, the day began early as some vehicles and participants joined Father Antonio as he picked up large amounts of food, diapers and more at the area's Rio Grande Valley Food Bank. While Father and his crew were off picking up food, the remaining participants set up tents, tables and more then brought out and arranged all of the blankets, coats and jackets, shoes, clothing items and toys which had been donated and sorted the day before. About 50 hand-made quilts and comforters were made and donated by the local Zion Mission Quilters from Zion Lutheran Church in nearby Alamo, Texas. Another hundred blankets were donated through fundraising efforts done by last year's Orthodox "Winter Texans" from Canada, Trevor and Rhonda Hammons, as well as through donations made by others both local and national. By what seemed to be a miracle, every family received one blanket and as many clothing items as they desired, in addition to a generous box of food. Handicapped items for the elderly, such as wheelchairs, walkers, canes, handicapped toilets and more were gladly received by the many elderly participants who receive no government assistance with those items. Both mothers of infants and those caring for the elderly were very happy with the children's and adult-sized "diapers" distributed that day. It was a full and rewarding day and by the day's end, over 150 families had been served. After the Vespers for the Circumcision of Our Lord, participants, plus some local guests, went back to the Valley Baptist Retreat Center for a New Year's Eve Celebration which included a tamale, nachos and more dinner, plus our annual talent show. The night ended with watching local fireworks before heading for bed. In year's past, we have taken donations and done work projects across the border in Reynosa, Mexico at the Casa Amparo Orphanage for girls. Since, as mentioned below, at the last minute this activities was not to occur this year, instead, after a lovely and meditative spiritual session led by Fr. Chad, a work day at St. George's filled out our day on Thursday. New paving stones replaced the old, broken ones which led to the church sidewalk, trees and shrubbery were trimmed, native species plants, donated by the church's neighbor, Alan Williams of Williams Wildscapes, were planted along with other native species plants at the back of the church property. In addition, ornamental plantings along the back of the old church hall were moved and replanted in a safe place, to make way for the building of a new church hall, Friday, January 1st was beach day at South Padre Island. All week, weather reports promised a warm and sunny day, but instead, it was a chilly, grey and windy day. Our dauntless participants nonetheless enjoyed the day, including the traditional soccer game on the beach and the obligatory stop at the sand dunes to watch the sunset. After a stop at Ci-Ci's Pizza on the way back to the Church, we had Vespers together before retiring for the night. . The climax of the week was the Divine Liturgy, in Spanish, which along with a goodbye brunch, ended this year's Winter Service Retreat. Many thanks to all who assisted, all who came and all who supported this year's event. Hope to see many more of you - same time, same place - next year! See more photos at: __._,_.___
"It's not too late to register for this year's retreat! Fr. Chad Hatfield will be the Spiritual Sessions speaker this year. We'd love to see our old friends and make new ones as well. The retreat is open to older teens and young adults from any Orthodox jurisdiction. If any have concerns about crossing the border into Mexico this year, or has not yet gotten a passport, we will have an alternate service project on the USA side of the border on the day the remaining participants go to the girl's orphanage in Reynosa, Mexico. This year, we will NOT be stopping to shop on our way back to Texas, but instead will try to get back early as that evening is also our Talent Show/New Year's Eve Party. In addition, we will be providing vegetarian options on our foods if you are still observing the Nativity Fast. Let us know so we can have a count on how many vegan portions we need to prepare. If you have other special dietary needs, let us know about those as well. Can't wait to see you! God be with you in your journeys!" __._,_.___
2009-2010 5th Annual Winter Retreat
5th Annual International Winter Service Retreat – 2009-10 First Notice: Please let your Parish's older teens, college students, young adults and others know about this upcoming Pan Orthodox event! Clergy, their families and other chaperones are also welcome to attend and help staff this wonderful event! *** Fifth Annual International Winter Service Retreat for Youth and Young Adults
Spiritual Session Speaker/Retreat Master: The Very Reverend Chad Hatfield, Chancellor of St. Vladimir's Theological Seminary in Crestwood, New York Spiritual Session Focus Topic: “Life Lessons from Alaskan Saints” – & More!
Dates: - Monday Afternoon, December 28th - Saturday Morning, January 2nd (Conclusion after Divine Liturgy in Spanish & Brunch)
Cost: $200.00 Per Participant
Location: Pharr - on the South Texas Rio Grande Valley Border (Frontera) with Mexico Service Activities Include: Sorting Donated Clothing Items, Staffing a Special Nativity Season Distribution at St. George's Food Pantry, Delivering Donations & Contributing a Work Project at Casa Amparo Orphanage for Girls in Reynosa, Mexico Other Activities Include: Daily Prayers; Spiritual Sessions Series; Trip to South Padre Island Beaches; New Year's Eve Party, Talent Show & Divine Liturgy in Spanish
Who Can Attend? The retreat, sponsored by St. George Orthodox Church (OCA), from its beginnings has created a Pan-Orthodox and International focus. The event is geared towards older teens, college students, other young adults - and any clergy and families who wish to participate. We welcome and encourage Orthodox young adults to attend from ‘both sides of the border’ as well as those from other parts of the world. Note: Participants younger than 13 years of age must be accompanied either by a parent or designated guardian. We do not have the staffing ability to supervise younger children. Married couples who wish to attend as chaperones/staff and who have younger children can rent on-site motel type rooms at a reasonable rate. All others will be lodged in bunk style rooms at a retreat center facility which we rent. A Pan-Orthodox international event, in the past, older teen and young adult participants have represented many Orthodox jurisdictions and several nations.
Special Dietary Needs? We provide fasting food options for monastics and those still observing the Nativity Fast (Old Calendar).
Lingustics: English, Spanish or Both? Both! Someone recently asked if this retreat was geared toward Spanish-speaking young people. I told them that some who come speak mainly English; some mainly Spanish; some are bilingual. It is a good way for Orthodox young people of both languages to become friends and help support each other in the faith. The service projects which we do at this retreat reach out to those who speak mainly/only Spanish - so Spanish skills are helpful at both the St. George Food Pantry Distribution and at the Casa Amparo Orphanage for Girls in Reynosa, Mexico. However, Spanish language skills are not a requirement to attend; nor is English! We welcome those of both or any other language!
What Do We Do? This retreat is a wonderful combination of prayer, liturgical services, hands-on Orthodox service activities, fellowship, friendship development and spiritual sessions. Those who have attended in the past have greatly enjoyed and benefited from the experience. Questions? Email us at mateliza@aol.com or padreantoniop@aol.com or by telephone at 956-781-2388. Photos, Updated Registration Forms & Information from Past Retreats found at: http://www.stgeorgepantry.org/winteryouthretreat.html More about this year's Spiritual Sessions Retreat Master from St. Vladimir’s website: Archpriest Chad Hatfield is the first chancellor of St Vladimir’s Seminary. The SVS Board of Trustees, during the most recent dean’s search, saw the need for a revision of the seminary’s governance model. Fr Chad came to SVS from St Herman Seminary in Alaska where he was serving as the dean. His wife, Matushka Thekla, is part of SVS seminary life where she continues to develop her interests in iconography and Byzantine music. Together they are the parents of Jason, who is married to Kasey, and who are the parents of Ryan, Morgan and Braedon Richard. They live in Austin, Texas where Jason is a physician. Sean is the youngest Hatfield son and he is a student at Valparaiso Law School in Indiana. Fr Chad was ordained to the diaconate and the priesthood by His Grace, Bishop Basil of Wichita. Education Chancellor (CEO) 1975 Southwestern College. Bachelor of Arts, History & Secondary, Winfield, KS 1978 Nashotah House Seminary Master of Divinity 1988 Nashotah House Seminary Master of Sacred Theology (STM). Thesis: “Baptism, Chrismation, Eucharist: Christian Initiation, A Recovery of the Primitive Pattern”. 2001 Doctor of Ministry, Pittsburgh Theological Seminary. Thesis: “An Examination of the Pastoral Rites for Ministry to the Sick as Found in the Orthodox Christian Euchologia”. The Fund Raising School, Center on Philanthropy at Indiana University: 2003 Principles and Techniques of Fundraising
2004 Developing Major Gifts
2005 Preparing Successful Grant Proposals
2008 Purposeful Boards, Powerful Fundraising Current Positions 2007 Chancellor and CEO of St Vladimir's Seminary 2005 Member, Editorial Advisory Board for Christian Bioethics. 2005 Member, OCA Board of Theological Education. 2003 Vice-President of the Orthodox Christian Mission Center. 2008 Ex-officio member of the St Herman Seminary Board. Past Positions 16 years of ministry in the Episcopal Church as parish priest, school chaplain, missionary in South Africa and as cathedral dean. 1994-2002 Founding Pastor of All Saints Orthodox Church, Salina, Kansas. 1995-2002 OCF Spiritual Advisor for Kansas State University, Manhattan, Kansas. 1995 – Present - Board Member of the Orthodox Christian Mission Center, St. Augustine, Florida. 1996-1998 – Book Review Editor, The Word magazine. 1996-2000 – SW Region Antiochian Archdiocese FORUM Spiritual Advisor. 1997 Religion Instructor, Bethany College, Lindsborg, Kansas. 1999 – 2002 – Priest-in-charge, St. Mary Magdalene Mission, Manhattan, Kansas. 2000 – 2001 – SW Region Antiochian Women Spirtual Advisor 2001 & 2004 – OCMC Team Leader to Guatemala. 2002 – 2007 – Member, Department of Evangelism OCA. 2006 – 2007 – Co-Chair, OCA Department of Evangelism. 2002-2007 – Dean of St. Herman’s Seminary, Kodiak, Alaska. 2003 – 2007 – Dean of the Kodiak Deanery, Diocese of Alaska. 2003 – 2007 – Member, Diocesan Council, Diocese of Alaska. 2005-2007 – Member of the Kodiak College Advisory Council. Articles and Presentations We Stand at the Door and Knock - Again magazine, Vol. 17 No 4, December 1994. One Step Too Far: Facing up to the Collapse of Liberal Christianity - Again magazine, Vol. 19 No. 3, September/October 1996. Anglican Options: Rome or Constantinople? From Alaska to Guatemala – OCMC Mission Magazine, Vol. 20, No 2, Fall 2004. From Masks to Icons – Presented for the Center for Ethics and Religion, University of Notre Dame, South Bend, Indiana, September 2004. Seminarians and Substance Abuse Training – Presented at the National Center on Addiction and Substance Abuse, Columbia University, New York, September 2005. Why Would an Episcopalian Want to Become Orthodox? – Orthodox TV and Orthodox Christian Sermons, Tulsa, Oklahoma. Sin, Sickness and Salvation – Christian Bioethics, Vol. 12, No. 2, August 2006. St. Tikhon and Bp. Charles Chapman Grafton - St. Tikhon's Commemoration Series, St. Tikhon's Seminary, 2007 Models for American Orthodox Missiology, Orthodox Education Day SVS, 2008 Podcasts and Archived Interviews Orthodox Christian Cassettes, Springdale, Arkansas, 1995 & 1998. Ancient Faith Radio, Chesterton, Indiana, 2005 & 2007. OCN – Come Receive the Light, Florida, 2005 & 2008. Voices From St. Vladimir’s Seminary – Ancient Faith Radio, weekly podcast, 2008 Find More Information and Registration Information at: http://stgeorgepantry.org/winteryouthretreat.html
Fifth Annual Winter Youth/Young Adult Service Retreat Tentative Schedule of Activities Because of Nativity/Christmas falling on Friday this year and our not wanting participants to travel during the sometimes precarious New Year's Eve Holiday, our schedule for this year's activities will be altered slightly from the past two year's events. Monday, December 28th: Travel - Registration - Supper Welcome - Introductions - Open Evening Talk (At St. George Orthodox Church) Welcome: Fr. Antonio Perdomo, Pastor, St. George’s Orthodox Church
Introductions – Orientation to the Borderlands Spiritual Session (Open to Parish & Public): Fr. Chad Hatfield
Fellowship ~ Evening Prayers ~ Blessing of Retreat Site (At Baptist Retreat Center)
St. George's Orthodox Church is located at 704 W. Sam Houston in Pharr, Texas. Church Phone: 956-781-6114; Cell: 956-358-8875
If you will arrive quite late, contact us by cell phone but come directly to the Valley Baptist Retreat Center, located at: 1600 E. Business Hwy. 83; Mission, TX 78572
NOTE: If you need directions, wish to update us on your travel progress or have trouble on the road, call us on our cell phones at: 956-358-8875 (Father Antonio) or 956-358-1941 (Analucia)
Tuesday, December 29th: Morning Prayers; Breakfast Spiritual Session; Lunch; Sorting Clothing & Donated Items; Supper; Spiritual Session
Wednesday, December 30th: Morning Prayers; Breakfast Pick Up at Food Bank of RGV Special Nativity Distribution at St. George's Food Pantry Late Lunch Spiritual Session Daily Vespers Final Spiritual Session
Thursday, December 31st: Early Prayers; Breakfast Drive to Casa Amparo in Reynosa, Mexico Service Project & Lunch at Orphanage Return to USA before dark (No shopping this year; sorry!) Vespers for the Circumcision of Our Lord New Year's Party & Talent Show
Friday, January 1st, 2010 Morning Services; Breakfast Trip to South Padre Island Beach Picnic on Beach Pizza on Return Trip Vespers; Confessions
Saturday, January 2nd, 2010: Hours & Divine Liturgy (In Spanish) Brunch Goodbyes!
(Any guests are welcome to remain for the weekend!)
Winter Service Retreat: Dec. 2008-Jan. 2009
ADVANCE NOTICE: Spiritual Retreat Sessions Focus: Finding and Living Our Calling In Christ - no matter who or where we find ourselves. Presentations by several Orthodox Priests.
This retreat is geared for Orthodox Youth and Young Adults, especially older teens, college students and other young adults. Families are also welcome to attend! Although we do not yet have some of the details worked out for the upcoming Winter Service Retreat for Youth and Young Adults, the tentative dates and schedule will be: Saturday, December 27th - Travel and gather - Great Vespers - Supper - Blessing of retreat facility Sunday, December 28th - Divine Liturgy and Brunch at St. George's - Afternoon activity - Evening Dinner at Church - 1st Spiritual Session in Early Evening - Open to Parish and General Public Monday, December 29th - Work Day - Sorting Donations - Spiritual Sessions Tuesday, December 30th - Casa Amparo Orphanage for Girls in Reynosa, Mexico - Delivery of donations, lunch & work project. Shopping in Mexico. Wednesday, December 31st - St. George's Food Pantry Special Distribution - Distribute food, clothing, blankets, toiletries, toys and more to hungry Valley families. Afternoon Spiritual Session. Great Vespers at 6 PM followed by a Pot-Luck New Year's Eve Singing Party. Thursday, January 1st - South Padre Island Beach Trip, Weather Permitting
Friday, January 2nd - Divine Liturgy in Spanish - Brunch at Church - Farewells & Photos Cost: $200.00 per Participant. Includes local lodging, meals and snacks, local transportation, beach and border crossing fees. More to come as we have information! We have just learned that Father George Dahdouh, Pastor at St. Elias Orthodox Mission of the Russian Orthodox Church Outside of Russia (ROCOR), located in Houston, Texas and his family will likely be attending this year's event to present part of our Winter Retreat Spiritual Focus Sessions. He will be sharing the opening address on Sunday evening, December 28th, as well as the Monday retreat sessions. Father Dahdouh, whose father is Egyptian, grew up in Sudan, Africa - and has had considerable missionary experience, especially in predominately Muslim settings. He will add greatly to our retreat spiritual topic of "Finding and Living Our Calling In Christ." We might also have another guest speaker as well. Hope to see many of you soon! For more information, see links at:  From the St. Elias Parish Website: Fr. George brings a rich life of experience and gifts to the parish life of St. Elias. Born in the Sudan of an Egyptian father and an Italian mother, Fr. George is multi-lingual and multi-cultural. He grew up in the Roman Catholic Church, and continued as a Melkite Catholic under the Pope of Rome. Fr. George felt a very specific call from God to serve Him with his entire life as a priest. As such, he enrolled in a Roman Catholic seminary and finished his period in the novitiate (as an apprentice monk). In fact, he was only some weeks away from taking his final vows when he realized this was not the capacity within which he was being called to serve God. Fr. George then took some time away and spent a decade working as a high-profile consultant in the field of corporate banking and finance. In 1986 he married the love of his life, Kh. Manal (Mary). Fr. George and Kh. Manal now have two teenage children. Despite the great salary and position, Fr. George never forgot his calling to the priesthood. He decided finally that it was time now to be a "mover and a shaker" for Christ and His eternal Kingdom. Fr. George went back to seminary, this time to St. Vladimir's Orthodox Seminary, where he earned his Master of Divinity degree. After being ordained to the holy priesthood, Fr. George has served in a few different parishes, willingly going where he was asked to go, serving where the need is greatest. In 2005, after serving for 8 years within the jurisdiction of the Antiochian Archdiocese of North America, Fr. George transferred to the Diocese of Chicago and Mid-America under the jurisdiction of the Russian Orthodox Church Outside Russia. Fr. George is certainly not the first Arab-speaking priest to serve under a Russian jurisdiction in America. St. Raphael (Hawaweeny) of Brooklyn (originally from Damascus, Syria) was the first-ever Orthodox bishop consecrated in America and served Arab-speaking (as well as many others) congregations throughout North America. He served under the jurisdiction of the Russian Orthodox Church. Fr. George would be the last to admit to any comparisons between himself and St. Raphael, but those who might think it strange for a Russian Orthodox Church to have an Arabic priest serving liturgies in the Byzantine Tradition and Arabic should know that there is great precedent for it! http://steliashouston.org/meet_our_priest.html *** News & Photos From Last Year's Retreat: This year, we'd love it if some of your young folks - high school, college age and other young adults - would join us for this wonderful experience in the borderlands. The week long event is an excellent blend of liturgical services and spiritual treat topics, intermixed with lots of Orthodox service activities and some fun, friendship and fellowship to boot. We help at an orphanage for girls in Reynosa, Mexico, as well as an expanded distribution of our own St. George's Food Pantry. Last year's retreat master, Fr. Joseph Hunneycut, a well known author and clergyman who now lives in Houston, has put five posts up on his "Orthodixie" blogsite, along with some great photos. We are now planning for another - our Fourth Annual Winter Service Retreat - to be held during the Christmas school break this winter. Next year, everyone will be required to have a US PASSPORT OR PASSPORT CARD. It is possible that having a photo ID and a copy of your birth certificate may suffice for this year. So, if you don't have a passport, be certain to bring these documents along. A Passport is better, however. So, if anyone you know would like to attend, plan now and have them get their documents together early, as it may take a few weeks to get them in hand.
Last year's Winter Retreat photos are found at:
Yours in Christ, Matushka Elizabeth Perdomo
Be PRO-ORB! | Be PRO-ORB! |
Third Annual International Winter Retreat Flyer
Photos and blog entries regarding the 2007-08 Winter Retreat found at Fr. Joseph's site at: http://southern-orthodoxy.blogspot.com/ Third Annual Orthodox Rio Bridges ~ Puente del Rio Ortodoxo International Orthodox Winter Service Retreat for Teens & Young Adults
December 29, 2007 (Travel & Evening Registration) through Friday Morning Divine Liturgy, January 4, 2008 St. George’s Orthodox Church; Pharr, Texas
Retreat Master/Presenter: “OrthoDixie” Father Joseph D. Huneycutt, Author & Pastor St. George’s Antiochian Church in Houston, Texas Spiritual Focus: "The Prayer of the Heart in the Life of the World" Other Activities Include: Service Experiences at St. George’s Food Pantry & Casa Amparo Orphanage in Reynosa, México; South Padre Island Beach Trip, Fellowship; Liturgical Services, some in Spanish Talent Show & Russian Movie Spiritual Retreat Sessions
Cost: $200.00/Includes Lodging, Meals, Border Crossing Fees Contact Information: Father Antonio or Matushka Elizabeth Perdomo 956-781-2388 or email at mateliza@aol.com Registration Deadline December 16th; Space Is Limited; Forms On-Line at: “Winter Youth Retreat” www.stgeorgepantry.org
Use On-Line PayPal or Mail Payment to: St. George's Orthodox Church; c/o Winter Retreat; PO Box 667; Pharr, Texas 78577 USA About This Year's Retreat Master... Fr Joseph Huneycutt was reared a Southern Baptist in North Carolina. After more than a decade as an Episcopalian, he converted to Orthodoxy in 1993. He received a BS in Communication Arts from Appalachian State University (1982), a Master of Divinity from Nashotah House Episcopal Seminary in Wisconsin (1992), and his Doctor of Ministry in the Eastern Christian Context from Pittsburgh Theological Seminary in conjunction with the Antiochian House of Studies in 1999. Fr Joseph’s writings appear regularly in The WORD magazine and on the Antiochian Orthodox webpage. He hosts a blog called “Orthodixie,” and delivers a weekly Podcast on Ancient Faith Radio by the same name. His book on American converts and their pastoral struggles, One Flew Over the Onion Dome - American Orthodox Converts, Retreads & Reverts, was published in 2006; his latest book, DEFEATING SIN: Overcoming Our Passions and Changing Forever was released in October, 2007 -- both published by Regina Orthodox Press. In addition to developing and leading Orthodox retreats and conferences, Fr Joseph spent ten years planting Orthodox Missions in the Southeast. He is currently the Associate Pastor of St George Antiochian Orthodox Church, Houston, Texas. He and his wife Elizabeth have three children: Mary Catherine, Basil, and Helen, and a black cat named Lily.
Fr. Joseph Hunneycutt | Fr. Joseph Hunneycutt |
Remembering our Past Winter Retreats...
Puente del Rio Ortodoxo - Orthodox Rio Bridges An Orthodox Christian Outreach Ministry Second Annual Winter Youth/Young Adult Service Retreat
PHARR: Last winter, together we tasted the true “sabor” of “¡Señor tempiedad!” and how to live as “una familia en Cristo.” Somewhere stirred within our daily prayers, we loaded food boxes, sorted warm coats and blankets for South Texas borderland families, dug a garden in the still-hot winter sun at a girl’s orphanage in Mexico, ate tamales and posole, splashed in warm Gulf waters and played invigorating games of beach soccer.
In the same “Orthodox Rio Bridges” spirit (or in Spanish, Puente del Rio Ortodoxo), the 2nd Annual Winter Youth/Young Adult Service Retreat promises to be an even more enriching experience for attendees. Sponsored by “PRO-ORB” and St. George’s Orthodox Church in Pharr, Texas, the event will begin on Tuesday evening, December 26th continuing until Saturday morning, December 30th when we will end with a Spanish-language Divine Liturgy. Guests who do not need to leave immediately are very welcome to stay throughout the weekend. Our spiritual Retreat Master this year will be Hieromonk John (Anderson) from St. Michael’s Skete in Cañones, New Mexico. This year’s retreat focus is entitled, “For the Love of God: Balancing Orthodox Asceticism with Life in the World.” In addition to spiritual topic sessions and daily liturgical services, some in Spanish, the foundational retreat focus rests on serving others in the name of Christ. To this end, we will again be assisting at St. George’s Food Pantry, which now serves over 100 families each time it opens. In addition, attendees will deliver Christmas stockings, toiletries and food items, as well as spend the day working at the Casa Ampara girl’s orphanage just across the border in Reynosa, Mexico. Last year, participants came from both the US and Mexico. This year, we hope to encourage others from Mexico – maybe even Canada? – to join us in this inspiring event. There will be plenty of opportunity for Orthodox fellowship, including a trip to the beach at South Padre Island. Yes, last winter, we actually went swimming in late December! Orthodox teens, college students and young adults, as well as adult chaperones and/or parents, are invited to participate. The cost will be $175.00 per attendee. Registration deadline is December 16th. Contact us by email, phone or look online for registration forms at: http://www.stgeorgepantry.org/winteryouthretreat.html To learn more, call Fr. Antonio Perdomo at 956-781-2388 or email him at padreantoniop@aol.com. See photos and write ups from last year’s event online at: http://www.stgeorgepantry.org/winteretreatphotos.html and http://www.stgeorgepantry.org/retreatwriteups.html ¡Cristo ha Nacido! ¡Glorifíquenlo!
Come Down to the Valley for Christmas Break!
Who? Orthodox Christian College Students, Young Adults, Older Teens (ages 14 and up) and their friends & adult sponsors/chaperones are invited to join us for a week Celebrating the Nativity of our Lord and Savior by serving others! We heartily welcome Orthodox participants and their friends from any canonical juristiction - from anywhere in Texas and the surrounding region, as well as from other parts of the USA and Canada. Younger siblings and families are also welcome to participate, but younger siblings must be accompanied and supervised at all times by a parent. Families with younger siblings must also provide their own accommodations. We will be glad to make suggestions! How Many? The number of participants is limited, so please register early! Clergy, parents and adult chaperones are welcome. When? Arriving: Early evening of Tuesday,December 26, 2006 (or, if necessary, on the morning of December 27th. Departing: Saturday morning, December 30th, after Divine Liturgy in Spanish. All who can are welcome to stay until Sunday after Divine Liturgy and the meal following Liturgy, or even until January 1st. See Driving Directions sections if you plan to drive. The nearest airports are in either McAllen or Harlengen, if you plan to fly. Please let us know so we can arrange for transportation from the airport to the Church if you plan to fly. Schedule of Activities: See our Tentative Schedule link. Cost: $175.00/Participant. (This fee basically just covers local bunk-room-type lodging, food & expenses for the retreat.) FOR ADULT CHAPERONES ONLY: If parents or other adult chaperones prefer a motel-type room (on-site), their cost would be adjusted accordingly. [Motel-type Rooms with 2 Queen-sized beds cost $30.00/night for 1 person; $35.00/night for 2 and $40./night for 3-4 occupants.]
Where? St. George's Parish is located in Pharr, Texas - in the Rio Grande Valley. To view maps and recommended routes, please see the "Driving Directions section of this website. If flying, the nearest airports are in McAllen and Harlingen, although Brownsville is also a possibility. What? A week filled with Fellowship, Church Services and Service Projects, as well as some fun outings to get a "taste" of the sabor of this unique region on the South Texas border with Mexico. The week will likely include most if not al of the following activities: * Helping with St. George's Food Pantry * A Trip to Casa Amparo Girl's Orphanage & Refuge in Reynosa, Mexico - to deliver food, clothing, toiletries, grooming supplies and to do a service project for them. * Christmas Caroling in the Neighborhood of the St. George's Church - in English & Spanish! * A visit to South Padre Island Beaches * Daily Liturgical Services - some in Spanish! * Talks and Discussions with Clergy. * Fellowship with other young Orthodox Christians & friends! Winter Youth/Young Adult Retreat on South Texas/Mexican Border
For the second year, St. George's Orthodox Church in Pharr, Texas, the new
PRO-ORB organization and the Perdomo family will host a Winter Retreat for
Youth and Young Adults, during the week after Nativity. We pray that participants
will come from Mexico, as well as from the USA. Activities will include
service projects on both sides of the border, prayers and liturgical services, in
Spanish and English, plus time for fellowship and fun with Orthodox youth
from Mexico and the USA. The retreat is planned for youth, ages 14 and up,
through those who are young adults or university-age students.
Spiritual Highlights will include:
~ The Spiritual Retreat, on the topic, "Leading an Orthodox Life in an Unorthodox World." Our retreat master and presenter will be Hieromonk John (Anderson) of St. Michael's Skete in Cañones, New Mexico, an Orthodox convert, recently returned from St. Herman's Seminary in Alaska. ~ Daily Prayers & Liturgical Services - bi-lingual ~ Divine Liturgy - Primarily In Spanish! Service Project Highlights will include: ~ Doing a project, plus delivering items, including Christmas Stockings, to the Casa Amparo girl's orphanage in Reynosa, Mexico. ~ helping distribute food boxes and Christmas Stockings to recipients of St. George's Food Pantry - see www.stgeorgepantry.org to learn more... Fellowship & Fun Highlights will include: ~ South Padre Island Beach trip or Santa Ana Wildlife Refuge (weather dependent) ~ Or a shopping Trip to Nuevo Progresso, Mexico ~ Talent Show by those in Attendance!
The cost is $175.00/participant (teens age 14 up, young adults and college students) plus adult chaperones or visiting Clergy. Remember, Space is limited! Registration forms & additional information are on-line at: If you are interested in receiving an Application Form or for more information, please contact Matushka Elizabeth Perdomo at: mateliza@aol.com
Summary Introduction to Retreat Topic Presentation
SPIRITUAL TOPIC FROM 2005: Living an Orthodox Life in an Unorthodox World Mark J. Cherry There has been a lot of publicity about the new millennium, about the 21st century, about entering a new age with new genetic technologies, new electronic communications, new global financial markets, and perhaps even a new post-traditional morality. In this series of presentations and case discussions, we will examine some of the challenges we will all face in preserving our moral understandings as Orthodox Christians in this new millennium. This new age invites us to approve of men and women living together without marriage, of the ordination of priestesses, of abortion as an element of responsible parenting, of homosexual marriages, and of physician-assisted suicide as an appropriate part of a death with dignity. In short, we are often asked by our culture to accept a way of life that the Fathers of the Church have consistently condemned. As we will discuss, it is a mistake to think of any one of these moral challenges as isolated from our general task of preserving and remaining true to our faith. Our moral life can only make full sense and survive if our faith survives. If we wonder why some of our friends and children at times express the morality of an often morally corrupt society, the answer lies in their not fully living the Orthodox faith. Maintaining our morality can only be understood in terms of the challenge of maintaining an Orthodox worldview and living one’s Orthodox faith. Morality only makes sense in terms of the metaphysics we live — that is, our deep commitments concerning the meaning of life and the purpose of the universe must be lived out in all that we do. ___________________________________ ______________________ Mark J. Cherry Department of Philosophy St. Edward's University 3001 S. Congress Ave., Box 844 Austin, Texas 78704 (512) 448 8536 markc@admin.stedwards.edu
¡Gloria a Dios por todo!
Direct your Questions, Comments or Feedback to (Por favor dirigir sus preguntas, dudas o comentarios al): 956-781-6114 or info@stgeorgepantry.org
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