Who Is This Event For?

This retreat is for Orthodox men who are considering the vocation of priesthood within the Antiochian Archdiocese. If you are trying to discern this vocation, join His Eminence Metropolitan SABA and other Archdiocesan leaders for a long weekend of panel discussions, speaker sessions, church services, and socializing. You are welcome to bring along your wife, fiancée, or a supportive family member.

Before registering, please discuss with your Antiochian parish priest and have a letter of blessing sent by him to events@ancientfaith.com. Thank you!

What's on the Schedule?

• Speaker Sessions: Learn from experienced Antiochian clergy on discerning the path to the priesthood.
• Panel Discussions: Hear from Antiochian clergy and their wives at every stage of their ministry about what it's like to serve. 
• Church Services: Participate in the holy services in chapels on-site at Antiochian Village and pray at the relics of St. Raphael and many other saints.
• Socializing: Get to know other men interested in this path and clergy through icebreakers, trivia, and s'mores around the bonfire.

Event FAQs

Roommates: No roommates are assigned. If you would like to room with a friend, you are responsible for registering together with the double registration ticket. If you would like to attend with a supporter, please register with the single registration and accompanying supporter ticket and indicate your relationship in the registration questions in order for appropriate room assignments to be made.
Lodging Information: Lodging for the retreat is located at the conference center, not the camp. Rooms are configured like typical hotel rooms. For more information on accommodations and amenities, click here.
Driving: There is plenty of free parking at Antiochian Village, so if you’re within reach, this is a great way to come.
Airports: If you intend to fly, your best bet is Pittsburgh International Airport (1.5-2 hours drive from Antiochian Village). There are local airports in Latrobe and Johnstown, but airlines and flights are limited.
Airport Transportation: If you intend to fly, you must organize your own transportation between Antiochian Village and the airport. There is no shuttle or transportation organized for this event. 
What to Wear: Business/nice casual. The weather will be warm, so dress accordingly. We will be celebrating Divine Liturgy together on Sunday morning and attending services each day, so pack “church clothes." Weather permitting, walks on the meditation trail, bonfires, and outdoor activities will be available during free time.

Allergies & Dietary Restrictions: For information on accommodating allergies or a medically necessary diet, please click here. You must submit via Antiochian Village's website by 7/20/2026.

Cancellations & Refunds: Cancellations will be accepted and refunded until 7/20/2026. No refunds will be issued after this date. To cancel and receive a refund, email Ellie Bernasol (events@ancientfaith.com).
Ticket Transfers: Tickets are nontransferable. If a ticket holder is unable to attend, they may seek a refund before 7/20/2026.

Before Registering

• Review the details above regarding travel, sample schedule, ticket refunds and transfers, and dietary restrictions.
• Make a plan for submitting your letter of blessing to events@ancientfaith.com sooner rather than later. Registrations which do not have a letter submitted by 7/20/2026 will be cancelled.
• On "Order Summary," Zeffy automatically adds a suggested donation in order to keep their platform free for nonprofits, but you may remove this charge completely. Select "Other" and enter 0 to remove the fee. Ancient Faith cannot take responsibility if you do not remove the fee. If you do not remove the fee, Ancient Faith has no way of refunding you and you will need to contact Zeffy directly.
• Please have your roommate(s)'s contact information prepared when you register (email address and phone number). This is essential so all registrants receive important event information.