BOLIVAR, PA [DOEPA]

From July 27-30, 2026, five matushki from the Diocese of Philadelphia and Eastern Pennsylvania joined clergy wives from across the Orthodox Church in America for the inaugural Office of Pastoral Life Clergy Wives Retreat at Antiochian Village in Bolivar, PA. Held under the theme, "Come Away and Rest: Blueprint for Renewal and Resilience in Our Journey with the Lord," the four-day gathering brought together 33 clergy wives representing eight dioceses and stavropegial institutions of the Orthodox Church in America. The retreat offered participants an opportunity to step away from the demands of parish, family, and professional life for prayer, fellowship, spiritual reflection, and personal renewal.

The retreat was led by Dr. Ioana Popa of Team For The Soul® Institute, an Orthodox Christian spiritual coach and physician-psychiatrist with more than two decades of experience leading retreats. Through presentations, guided journaling, contemplation, and small group discussions, participants explored healthy approaches to managing the unique stresses experienced by clergy families while developing practical strategies for long-term spiritual and emotional renewal.

Throughout the retreat, the clergy wives also shared meals, conversations, and fellowship with one another, strengthening friendships and building connections with women serving throughout the Orthodox Church in America. Time was also set aside for quiet reflection along Antiochian Village's Meditation Trail and for the veneration of the relics of Saint Raphael of Brooklyn. On Thursday morning, the Divine Liturgy was celebrated by Priest Vjekoslav Jovicic, Rector of Holy Trinity Church in Stroudsburg, PA. Matushka Marina Garcia directed the responses.

Among those attending from the Diocese of Philadelphia and Eastern Pennsylvania was Matushka Jenn Franchak, wife of Archpriest Jason Franchak, Rector of St. Basil the Great Church in Simpson, PA, who reflected on the significance of the gathering, "For the first time in 17 years of being a clergy wife, I actually had the opportunity to connect with and learn from other women who understand this life and its challenges. Thank you so much for the care and effort that you put into this retreat. It was such a blessing for me, and has helped me in so many ways. I am so excited for next year!"

The Diocese of Philadelphia and Eastern Pennsylvania was grateful to have five matushki participate in this inaugural retreat, joining clergy wives from across the Orthodox Church in America in a shared experience of prayer, encouragement, and fellowship. Their participation reflects the Diocese's continued commitment to supporting the spiritual well-being of clergy families and strengthening the bonds of Christian fellowship throughout the Church. The inaugural retreat was organized by the Office of Pastoral Life's Clergy Wives Ministry under the leadership of Matushka Carrie Foley and was made possible through the generous support of hierarchs, parishes, volunteers, and benefactors from across the Orthodox Church in America. Plans are already underway for next year's retreat as the ministry continues its efforts to provide opportunities for renewal, encouragement, and connection for clergy wives throughout the Church.

Photo credit: oca.org

Glory to God for all things!

Issued by the Diocesan Media Office