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IMPORTANT NOTE! Due to a problem with email, recent emails were not getting through. If you sent your registration in the past few weeks, please resend it! Thank you!
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2008 St. Herman's Youth Retreat “Midwest”
Guest Speakers
As the world around us drifts away from Christian life and values, Orthodox youth are met with unique challenges. Even though living an Orthodox Christian life becomes more of a struggle, the opportunities to express our Faith become even greater. The speakers for this Conference will provide insight and guidance on this path through their experiences.
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Kathryn Saclarides
"The Sacrifice of Love: Service in the Orthodox Church"
Kathryn has worked with numerous Orthodox service organizations around the world, from Albania to Africa. She will first discuss the dilemmas that face many young people as they grow into a "life of their own in Christ"- beyond attending Church services, then opportunities for young people here in the States to serve others. Her goal in this presentation is to inspire young people to accept their responsibility as an Orthodox Christian to serve the Church through ministering unto others.
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Nikolai Breckenridge
"All things needful: The importance of Orthodoxy in a changing world"
Nikolai is a former Episcopalian, now enrolled in St. Tikhon's Orthodox Seminary. He will tell his story, that of a convert, and why he feels that in todays world, living Orthodoxy is the only thing that really matters.
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Matushka Anna Lardas
“Why to say no”
The mother of teenagers, Matushka Anna will entertain and enlighten everyone with her stories and experiences. She will talk about the struggle of being young and Orthodox, and how being a good Orthodox Christian can be a positive example among peers.
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With the blessing of Bishop Peter of Cleveland, the Diocese of Chicago and Mid-America will be hosting a St. Herman's Youth Retreat. The Retreat will be hosted at St. Herman's Russian Orthodox Church in Lake Odessa/Woodbury, Michigan. Meeting God: Real life in a virtual world
December 26-28, 2008
Hosted by St. Herman's Russian Orthodox Church, Lake Odessa, MI
COST: $75 per person
The cost includes meals and lodging for 2 nights.
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What is the St. Herman's Youth Conference? The St. Herman's Conference is an annual gathering of high school and college aged Orthodox Youth. The conference is held near the feast of St. Herman of Alaska, which is the same day as Western Christmas.
Isn't there already a St. Herman's Conference? In past years, there was one St. Herman's Conference, and it was held at different sites around the US. Beginning last year, it was decided to have more regional conferences. This year, there will now be a St. Herman's Conference 'Midwest', along with St. Herman's Conference East and West.
Who can come to the St. Herman's Conference? The conference is open to high school and college aged Orthodox Christians (or those interested in Orthodoxy). The minimum age is 15.
What can I expect at the St. Herman's Conference? The Diocese of Chicago and Mid-America has very active youth groups. The past youth retreats have been very rewarding for young people, not only in lectures and discussions, but in meeting other Orthodox Youth who share their same experiences. This Conference will have lectures and discussions about contemporary issues that effect your life. There will also be opportunities for interaction and fellowship among the gathered Youth.
Does the registration fee include 'the beer'? NO! This conference will be short and there will be a lot going on. Any kind of bad behavior or disruption -- particularly underage smoking or dringing -- will not be tolerated. The offending persons will be asked to leave the conference immediately. All participants are expected to participate in all lectures, discussions, Church Services, and other events of the Conference. There will be no exceptions and the group will stay together at all times.
Will there be more than just lectures and Church services? Yes! The Retreat Center has activities including snow tubing (if there is snow). You are also encouraged to take the opportunity to meet and interact with other Orthodox Youth.
Where will the Conference take place?
The Conference will take place at Michawana Retreat Center and St. Herman's Orthodox Church. There is a tentative schedule below.
Where is Lake Odessa? Lake Odessa is a small resort community nestled around Jordan Lake in central Michigan between Grand Rapids and Lansing. It is less than a 4 hour drive from Chicago, a 2 hour drive from Detroit, and 4 hours from Cleveland.
How do I get there? Besides being within easy driving distance from major Midwest cities, there are other ways to get here. The Megabus has 2 trips daily from Chicago to Ann Arbor (University of Michigan). Generally, these tickets can be purchased for $15-$30. You can also fly into the Detroit airport. If you plan to arrive in one of these cities (or another nearby city), please indicate that in your registration, and transportation to the Retreat can be arranged.
Do I have to come to all 3 days? This is preferred, but if you are only able to make it to a portion of the Conference, just email stherman08@chicagodiocese.org and arrangements will be made.
OK! I want to come to the St. Herman's Conference 'Midwest'. What do I do now? First, you need to fill out the registration. If you are under 18, you will have to have your parent fill out a simple waiver as well. There's no need to send money yet, you can bring your fee with you to the Conference. If you like, you can simply send an email with all the registration info to stherman08@chicagodiocese.org Here are the forms.
Registration Form Under 18 Waiver
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