Young Adult Retreat
Fall 2025

Fri Sept 19 - Sun Sept 21

St Michael Romanian Orthodox Church

16 Romanian Ave

Southbridge, MA 01550

Guest Speakers

Fr. Menas Thomas

Saint Paul the Apostle Orthodox Monastery, Wisconson, USA

Fr. Octavian Blaga

Author, "Iubirea" ("The Love")

Schedule

Friday, September 19

5:00 pm Welcome/Registration

5:30 pm Dinner

6:00 pm Ice breakers, team trivia - theological & general culture

6:30 pm Lecture: Spiritual Life - the Way for Salvation - Fr. Menas Thomas, Superior of Saint Paul Orthodox Monastery, WI. Disciple of Geronta Ephrem from Arizona for 25 years

7:15 pm Break & collect questions for Q&A

7:30 pm Q&A with Fr. Menas

8:30 pm Bonfire

Saturday, September 20*

8:30 am Pan Orthodox Divine Liturgy with Fr. Menas & Fr. John (host priest)

10:00 am Breakfast

10:30 am Lecture: Spiritual Life, continued - Fr. Menas

11:30 am Break & collect questions for Q&A

11:45 am Q&A with Fr. Menas

1:00 pm Lunch

2:00 pm Games (outdoors if weather permits)

3:00 pm 1-on-1 time for personal discussions with Fr. Menas

5:30 pm Vespers & Litia

6:30 pm Cookout, traditional dances, bonfire

* This day is open to all ages from breakfast through the end of lunch, including Fr. Menas' lecture

Sunday, September 21

9:00 am Matins

10:00 am Divine Liturgy

12:00 pm Coffee hour & Lunch

1:00 pm Zoom Lecture: The Love - Fr. Octavian Blaga, author of Romanian bestseller "Iuberia" (translated "The Love")

2:30 pm Q&A with Fr. Blaga