The Metropolis of San Francisco offered a Deacon’s Retreat at Saint Nicholas Ranch and Retreat Center in Squaw Valley, CA from November 1 – 3, 2019. The retreat welcomed Deacons and Diaconal Candidates from the West Coast as well as from Montana, Tennessee, and Texas. Under the direction of His Eminence Metropolitan Gerasimos, this retreat was designed to provide training to enhance the ministry of the Deacons, as well as provide a basis for Diaconal candidates studying at Holy Cross Greek Orthodox School of Theology in Brookline, MA.
In his opening remarks, Metropolitan Gerasimos commented, “This retreat is part of the ongoing formation and development of your ministry as a deacon of the Church. I am always reminded of the words of Saint Ignatius of Antioch who, as he faced certain martyrdom in the arena said, ‘Now I am learning to be a disciple.’” He continued on to share, “Each stage of life has its issues and challenges for development. Each stage in our ministry has distinct issues and challenges. In both, we must be willing to take time for prayer, reflection, conversation, and guidance from trusted others, so that we may grow in our discipleship and service to Christ and His Church.”
The featured speaker was Rev. Father John Chryssavgis, Ph.D, Archdeacon of the Ecumenical Patriarchate. His presentation highlighted the role of the Deacon today, bringing not only the important historical perspective of the Diaconate, but his own personal experience serving as a Deacon for many years.
Other presenters at the retreat included Rev. Father Steven Tsichlis, presiding priest at Saint Paul Church in Irvine, CA, who shared his experience with how a Deacon enhances the life of the parish. Rev. Deacon Euthym Kontaxis, M.D., from Saint George Church in Palm Desert, CA, offered his experience on the importance of maintaining a balance between church, work, and family.
The weekend culminated with a prayerful Divine Liturgy at the Monastery of the Theotokos the Life Giving Spring, which is adjacent to Saint Nicholas Ranch and Retreat Center. The Deacon’s Retreat was planned as part of the Metropolis of San Francisco Clergy Continuing Education ministry which was established in conjunction with the Metropolis Strategic Plan in 2012.