From October 17th to 19th, 20 teens and 7 young adults (ages 18–24), including 8 catechumens and inquirers, gathered in the Catskills at Frost Valley YMCA for a beautiful fall retreat. The weekend was filled with fellowship, team-building, prayer, and moments of stillness before God amid the splendor of His creation. Strong bonds of friendship and faith quickly formed as participants shared laughter, stories, and meaningful conversations. By the end of the retreat, many said they wished it could have lasted longer, having experienced a deep sense of community and spiritual connection that felt truly special.

The weekend began with a night hike beneath the bright stars, setting the tone for reflection and community. Saturday opened with the singing of the Akathist of Thanksgiving—a remarkable prayer written by a priest while imprisoned in a Soviet camp and awaiting death, yet filled with gratitude to God for all His blessings.

Following this, Archbishop Michael offered a heartfelt reflection on a portion of the Akathist on suffering, speaking about the trials we face and witness in our daily lives, and how even in suffering, God’s love and presence remain steadfast. His words led into a meaningful Q&A session with the participants.

The day continued with a nature hike featuring a cable bridge crossing and moments to pause and appreciate the beauty of God’s creation. In the afternoon, everyone took part in team-building games followed by a bookbinding activity, creating handmade journals that later became their own prayer journals.

Kristina Batkis guided the group in understanding the purpose of a prayer journal—a personal space to record prayers, Scripture verses, hymns, and reflections; to write down names of those we wish to pray for; and to express gratitude. She encouraged everyone not only to pray for friends and family but also for those they struggle with, cultivating a heart of forgiveness and love.

As the evening drew to a close, the group gathered for Vespers, with the choir—led by teen participant Honor Inlow—ending with the Jesus Prayer, “Lord Jesus Christ, Son of God, have mercy on me, a sinner” set to music. That same prayer could be heard later, softly hummed around the campfire under a sky filled with stars.

After Vespers, Fr. Martin Kraus offered a reflection on “Light in the Darkness,” recalling the night hike that began the retreat the night before and the difficulty in finding our way in the darkness and how easily we can fall into the pit. He then reminded everyone that even a small light can pierce the deepest darkness—that Christ Himself is the uncreated Light who enters the wilderness of our hearts and leads us safely along the path of life. The message invited participants to carry that light within them, to become beacons of faith and hope for others.

The retreat concluded Sunday morning with the celebration of the Divine Liturgy, where Fr. Martin preached on the Parable of the Sower. He reflected that if we truly invite Christ into our lives, He will till the soil of our hearts—breaking up the hardened ground of pride, watering the dry earth of neglect, and sowing the seeds of His grace. In this way, our hearts can yield fruit in patience and love, becoming fertile ground for God’s presence.

Everyone departed renewed in faith and fellowship; their hearts filled with thanksgiving to God for His abundant mercy and blessings and looking forward to the next event where we can be together again.

This retreat was made possible through the generous support of the Distinguished Diocesan Benefactors (DDB) of the Diocese of New York and New Jersey. Through their gifts, the DDBs sustain many of the Diocese’s most vital ministries, including: Youth and Young Adult Programs such as this retreat and our annual teen and young adult gatherings; Seminarian Support, assisting future priests and their families during their theological studies; Clergy Continuing Education, providing resources for pastoral development and renewal; Mission Parishes and Church Planting, helping new and growing parishes throughout New York and New Jersey; as well as workshops, and conferences, fostering fellowship and lifelong faith formation across generations.

Every DDB contribution directly strengthens the life of our Church and ensures that opportunities for spiritual growth—like this retreat—remain available for years to come. If you would like to join in supporting these efforts, please consider becoming a Distinguished Diocesan Benefactor. Your offering—large or small—helps build up the Body of Christ in our local Church. Click here to learn more or to make a secure online donation.