SKSS Women’s Lenten Retreat
The 20th Annual Diocesan Kolo Srpskih Sestara Lenten Women’s Retreat was held at the Saint Steven’s Serbian Orthodox Church in Alhambra, California on Friday, March 31st and Saturday, April 1st, 2017. Participants included women from the Greek, Russian, and Serbian Orthodox Churches from nearby parishes and from parishes as far away as Phoenix, Arizona.
On Friday, March 31st, the weekend festivities began in the early evening with the Akathist Service followed by dinner and a warm welcome and engaging introductory talk on Fasting, Confession, and the Eucharist, given by V. Rev. Predrag Bojovic, the new Spiritual Advisor of the SKSS and parish priest of the Saint Sava Church in San Gabriel, California.
Day two of the Retreat began with the Divine Liturgy celebrated by Fr. Predrag Bojovic, with responses by the Dean of the Saint Steven’s Cathedral, V. Rev. Nicholas Ceko, and visiting seminarian Milorad Delic from Serbia.
Following the Liturgy the ladies gathered for refreshments and pasties outside on the pavillion patio where they enjoyed the warmth of a beautiful sunny California morning and fellowship with their fellow sisters.
Shortly after, His Grace Bishop Maxim joined the Kolo Sprskih Sestara for a special video presentation by Elissa Bjeletich on the topic, Raising Saints: Finishing the Work of the Parish at Home & Vice Versa. In the video Elissa discusses an approach to youth ministry that not only includes parents as partners, but which includes parents themselves as the targets of ministry as she suggests that one of the best things the Church can offer youth is good and holy parents. At the completion of the video, His Grace elaborated further on the presentation which then led to a discussion on the role of parents and their participation in educating their children in the faith at home.
Following a delicious lunch, His Grace Bishop Maxim welcomed questions and comments on all topics. After a few hours of discussion, the ladies enjoyed a nice break before confessions and the evening Vespers Service. The Retreat concluded with a final meal and another opportunity for fellowship.
Please mark your calendars and make plans to attend the 21st Annual Lenten Women’s Retreat which will be held during the fifth week of Great Lent on the March 23-24, 2018 at the Saint Steven’s Serbian Orthodox Cathedral in Alhambra, California.
