Igumen Raphael [Vereshack] Leads Retreat on Acquiring the Mind of Christ at Christ the Saviour Church

HARRISBURG, PA [DOEPA]

On Saturday, September 26, 2026, the community of Christ the Saviour Church in Harrisburg, PA, was blessed to welcome Igumen Raphael [Vereshack], a hieromonk and member of the brotherhood of St. Tikhon’s Monastery in South Canaan, PA, for a retreat entitled “Acquiring the Mind of Christ: Embracing the Vision of the Orthodox Church.”

Following lunch and fellowship, Father Raphael led participants in a two-hour presentation centered on the call of Orthodox Christians to acquire the mind of Christ and embrace more fully the vision and life of the Orthodox Church. The retreat invited those gathered to reflect upon how their thoughts, choices, and daily lives may be shaped by Christ and grounded in the fullness of the Church’s life and Tradition.

Father Raphael led the retreat at the request of Archimandrite Sergius [Bowyer], Abbot of St. Tikhon’s Monastery, who was unable to attend because of illness. The faithful are asked to continue remembering Father Sergius in their prayers. The retreat provided parishioners and guests with a meaningful afternoon of spiritual reflection, instruction, and fellowship. Archpriest Stephen Vernak, Rector, and the community of Christ the Saviour Church extends its gratitude to Father Raphael for sharing his time and pastoral guidance and to everyone who gathered for the retreat.

Photo credit: Zoe Vernak

Glory to God for all things!

Issued by the Diocesan Media Office