March 14, 2020

Glory to Jesus Christ!

After speaking with His Eminence, Archbishop MICHAEL this morning and having reviewed the statement from the Holy Synod of Bishops on the Coronavirus (COVID-19), the Department of Youth Ministry is POSTPONING its Annual Teen Retreat, which was originally scheduled for April 3-5th in Huguenot, New York, to a later date. This is being done out of an abundance of caution and in concurrence with the suggestions made by the Holy Synod and the United States Centers for Disease Control and Protection (CDC).

One of my priorities as your Youth Director is to ensure that our events are inclusive, safe, and spiritually uplifting. Our retreats are an opportunity for young people to rejuvenate, recharge, and reevaluate their relationships with God and neighbor. I do not want that solace to be lost in the midst of this cancellation.

My prayer is that we will all make an effort to help our youth find comfort and spiritual renewal by sharing with them the teachings of holy scripture, the lives of our saints, and leading by example through good deeds and actions for those in need as we continue on our lenten journey to the Feast of feasts, Holy Day of holy days: Great and Holy PASCHA! There are many resources available on the OCA's Department of Christian Education website that can be utilized: http://dce.oca.org.

Please take proper precautions to remain safe, but I urge you to NOT be afraid! As our Lord reminds us in the Gospel of John, “In the world you will have tribulation; but be of good cheer, I have overcome the world.” (16:33)

With love in Christ,
Danielle Geeza
Chair, Department if Youth Ministry
OCA Diocese of New York and New Jersey
Email: nynjocayouth@gmail.com

Glory to Jesus Christ!  Glory forever!

The Great fast is quickly approaching which means our Annual Lenten Teen Retreat is, as well!  Please mark your calendars- AND REGISTER- for the weekend event being held April 3-5, 2020 at a new venue, Greenkill YMCA Retreat Center in Huguenot, New York, conveniently located on the borders of New York State, New Jersey, and Eastern Pennsylvania near Port Jervis!  

All jurisdictions and dioceses are welcome to attend.

The registration deadline is Thursday, March 19th. After that date, we cannot guarantee your participation.

Below you will find additional information about the event, as well as links to register online. Our weekend discussions will be centered around Prayer and Saint Herman of Alaska, in honor of the 50th Anniversary of his consecration as North America's first saint.

Our new venue this year has excellent amenities and lots of fun activities! Please plan to join us, and reach out to me with any questions!

With love in Christ,

Danielle Geeza
Chair, Department of Youth Ministry
OCA Diocese of New York & New Jersey
Email: nynjocayouth@gmail.com
Visit us online: http://nynjoca.wixsite.com/nynjocayouth