STEVENS, PA [DOEPA]
From January 30 through February 1, 2026, the Diocese of Philadelphia and Eastern Pennsylvania held its Annual Winter Teen Retreat at Refreshing Mountain Retreat and Adventure Center. The retreat brought together teens from across the Diocese for a weekend centered on Christ, fellowship, and spiritual growth.
Following the 62nd Annual Diocesan Assembly, His Eminence Archbishop Mark traveled to Stevens, PA, accompanied by his kelenik, Reader Nicholas Hojnicki, Director of Communications, to preside over the retreat. Priest Paul Witek, Rector of All Saints Church in Olyphant, PA, and Academic Dean at St. Tikhon's Theological Seminary, served as chaplain.
The weekend began with Daily Vespers on Friday evening, followed by Daily Matins on Saturday morning. Throughout the retreat, question-and-answer sessions invited participants to reflect on the themes of sin, repentance, and spiritual renewal, offering the teens meaningful opportunities for honest discussion and personal reflection.
During the Retreat, Father Paul delivered a series of two talks, with a third session dedicated entirely to questions and answers, centered on the understanding of sin as “missing the mark” and the Church’s call to repentance. Drawing from the account of Adam and Eve, Father Paul spoke about humanity’s fall and God’s enduring invitation to return to communion with Him. He highlighted the Sacrament of Confession as a place of healing, restoration, and renewed relationship with Christ, emphasizing repentance not as punishment, but as a return to life in God. These reflections were further connected to the approaching season of Great Lent, encouraging the youth to prepare their hearts through self-examination, humility, and a renewed commitment to spiritual growth. Together, the sessions offered practical and theological guidance, helping young Orthodox Christians understand repentance as a central and life-giving aspect of their faith.
In addition to the discussions, participants took part in a variety of activities, including basketball, dodgeball, volleyball, an Uno tournament, football, sledding, and more. Despite the cold winter weather, the teens enthusiastically participated in the weekend’s activities and, above all, strengthened their relationships with fellow Orthodox Christians.
This year’s Winter Teen Retreat was a joyful and inspiring event for the youth of the Diocese and beyond, highlighting their dedication to the faith, with many partaking of the Holy Eucharist during the Divine Liturgy. The Youth Choir was led under the direction of Reader Samuel Regen. Many of the youth enthusiastically volunteered to sing.
Following the Divine Liturgy, His Eminence requested that the Rite of Forgiveness be done. This allowed Campers and Counselors the opportunity to ask forgiveness of one another because they may not have another opportunity before Great Lent begins.
The retreat welcomed more than 80 attendees and volunteers. In addition to participants from the Diocese, youth and counselors from the Archdiocese of Washington, D.C. (OCA), the Diocese of New York and New Jersey (OCA), the Diocese of Hartford and New England (OCA), the American Carpatho-Russian Diocese of North America, the Antiochian Archdiocese, and the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of America also participated.
After a weekend filled with faith, fellowship, and joy, the God-protected Diocese of Philadelphia and Eastern Pennsylvania looks ahead to St. Tikhon's Summer Camp, scheduled for June 28–July 4, 2026, with registration opening soon.
Photo credit: Mrs. Brigid O'Leary, Elijah Hojnicki, and others
Glory to God for all things!
Issued by the Diocesan Media Office
