YAR Spring 2026 | St Michael Orthodox

Young Adult Retreat

Friday May 22 - Sunday May 24 here at Saint Michael Orthodox Church in Southbridge, MA

Guest speaker Fr. Peter Heers, priest, professor, author, speaker, translator, publisher, and host of The Orthodox Ethos podcast.

Prices:

Full program: $100 (includes two lectures, five meals, and activities)

Saturday only: $65 (Includes lecture, two meals, and activities. Open to all ages!)

Family discounts and financial support are available; contact joshua@seigler.net.

Friday May 22

5:00pm - Registration & welcome

5:30pm - Ice breaker: square dancing with instructor Katie Ulibarri & team

6:30pm - Dinner

7:00pm - Lecture: The identity of marriage & the boundaries of relations

7:45pm - Break & preparing questions

8:00pm - Q&A

9:00pm - Bonfire, marshmallows, movie and popcorn

Saturday May 23 (open to all ages!)

9:00am - Divine Liturgy: concelebrants Fr. John Downie, Fr. Peter Heers and Fr. Constantin Semyanko

10:30am - Breakfast

11:30am - Lecture: The identity of Christ & the boundaries of the Church

12:30pm - Break & preparing questions

12:45pm - Q&A

2:00pm - Lunch

3:00pm - Workshops: how to make Komboskini (prayer rope), Koliva (commemorative wheat dish), or Prosphora (holy bread)

4:30pm - Sport games: volleyball, soccer, corn hole, chess, etc

6:00pm - Pan Orthodox Vespers

7:00pm - Dinner

8:00pm - Music - harp, piano, guitar, bagpipe, and Irish whistle

Sunday May 24

8:45am - Matins

10:00am - Divine Liturgy – Fr. John will serve together with fr. Peter; Fr. Peter will deliver the sermon

12:00pm - Coffee hour

1:00pm - Wrap up discussion - Summary of lectures and additional Q&A

2:00pm to 3:00pm - Pizza, ice cream, fellowship