Fifteen women, of varying ages, from four different Diocesan parishes, braved the weekend’s frigid weather to attend this retreat which centered on the life and witness of St. Olympia the Deaconess.  This intimate gathering offered the opportunity to reflect on the steadfast faith, courage, and service of, not only St. Olympia, but also St. Matushka Olga of Alaska. 

Dr. Jessica Suchy-Pilalis, hymnographer and professor of music, led sessions on the development of liturgical hymnography. Drawing from the seventeen extant letters of St. John Chrysostom to Olympia and additional historical sources, she composed a vigil service in the Byzantine tradition, portions of which were taught and sung during the retreat. Participants learned hymns for a Service of Intercession, Vespers, and the Divine Liturgy, gaining insight into how theology, history, and tradition are prayerfully woven into sacred music.

Saturday morning, His Eminence, Archbishop Michael joined the ladies at Camp Shiloh. Following the Service of Intercession to St Olympia, Archbishop Michael offered a thoughtful reflection on the striking contrasts—and deep unity—between St. Olympia and St. Olga of Alaska. He noted that Olympia was born into extraordinary wealth and influence in Constantinople. She possessed vast resources, was highly educated and widely known in her day, and had access to the highest levels of society and Church life. Her generosity funded ministries, supported clergy, built monasteries and aided the poor on a large scale. In contrast, Matushka Olga lived in the small and remote village of Kwethluk, Alaska. She had limited material resources, lived simply, and was largely unknown beyond her local community during her lifetime. Yet, Archbishop Michael emphasized, holiness is not measured by wealth, recognition, or scale of influence. What united these two women was not circumstance but love—love for the Lord and love expressed concretely in service to others.

Saturday afternoon was devoted to reflection and discussion on St Olympia’s life led by Matushka Dennise Kraus. Women shared what they had learned. Conversations moved naturally from theology to lived experience: endurance in suffering, quiet service, despondency and hope, faithfulness in hidden labor and prayer.

Vespers on Saturday evening and Divine Liturgy on Sunday morning were served by V. Rev. Martin Kraus, during which the newly composed hymns were sung beautifully by the retreat participants. The liturgical prayer of the Church became the heart of the weekend, uniting learning with worship. In his sermon for the Sunday of the Prodigal Son, Fr. Martin reflected on the parable as a story not only of repentance, but of endurance and the courage to return to the Father. Drawing on the life of St. Olympia, he reminded participants that God goes out to meet both sons in the parable, revealing a mercy that seeks us first and invites us home with compassion and joy.

It was a simple, yet delightful, weekend of inspiration, encouragement, spiritual growth and the making of new friends – not just with one another but with Saint Olympia and St. Matushka Olga as well.   

This retreat was made possible through the generous support of the Distinguished Diocesan Benefactors (DDB) of the Orthodox Church in America – Diocese of New York and New Jersey. 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. Visit Vision for Future to learn more or to make a secure online donation.