With the blessings of His Eminence Archbishop Elpidophoros of America, the Rev. Dr. Nicholas G. Louh led the John Halecky, Jr. 18th Annual National Archon Lenten Retreat on April 8 and 9, 2022. The Retreat was held at the Dormition of the Virgin Mary Greek Orthodox Church of the Hamptons, hosted by Father Alexander Karloutsos, Archon Spiritual Advisor, and Father Constantine Lazarakis, who served as Retreat Pastors.
Fr. Nicholas addressed over one-hundred participants both in person and virtually. Focusing on renewal of one’s faith, one’s mind, and one’s purpose, Fr. Nicholas discussed how true renewal can begin in our lives, explaining five practical ways we can renew our faith today. Fr. Nicholas explained the meaning of repentance, and asked: “Who’s sitting in God’s throne in your life?” Fr. Nicholas stated: “Whatever’s sitting in that throne is controlling your life,” and elaborated on practical ways to ensure that God is enthroned in one’s life.
Fr. Nicholas also explained a “weapon” that God gives us: the power of our thoughts, and discussed what he called the “3 T’s” to help guide Orthodox Christian believers in “Doing Right because you are Thinking Right.” Expounding upon questions such as “What is my purpose? What am I called to do? Why am I here on earth?” Fr. Nicholas revealed what he referred to as God’s dream for our lives, along with eight practical steps to work towards it.
Dr. Anthony J. Limberakis, National Commander of the Order of Saint Andrew the Apostle, Archons of the Ecumenical Patriarchate in America, remarked: “Every year, we are blessed to have a speaker who deepens our understanding of our holy Orthodox Christian faith. Fr. Nicholas eloquently and effectively explained practical ways that we can revitalize our faith and make it more central in our daily lives, every day becoming more Christlike. His vivid use of practical illustrations drawn from ordinary life was as innovative as it was captivating.”
The Retreat began on Friday afternoon with the Akathist Hymn, followed by Lenten Fellowship Dinner. After dinner, Fr. Nicholas made introductory remarks. On Saturday morning, April 9, the day began with the Divine Liturgy, followed by a Memorial Service and the Inaugural Ceremony of The John Halecky, Jr. 18th Annual National Archon Lenten Retreat. After the Retreat sessions on Saturday, the Retreat concluded with Orthros and Divine Liturgy on Sunday morning.
The Rev. Dr. Nicholas Louh serves as the Senior Priest of St. John the Divine Greek Orthodox Church in Jacksonville, Florida. Fr. Nicholas is known in both local and global communities as a devoted pastor, motivational speaker, and compassionate champion for those in need, and a passionate advocate for interfaith dialogue and social justice. Fr. Nicholas has a heart for guiding people through the difficulties of everyday life, by providing practical means to bridge their faith into their everyday life. He is the co-host of a live weekly call-in radio show with his wife, Dr. Roxanne Louh, called “Live with the Louhs,” which can be found on Ancient Faith Radio (ancientfaith.com) on Tuesdays at 8 p.m. (Eastern).
Looking for some daily inspiration in your walk of faith? This year’s Lenten retreat speaker, Fr. Nicholas Louh of St. John the Divine Greek Orthodox Church in Jacksonville, Florida and his wife Dr. Roxanne Louh, a Clinical Psychologist, send out daily inspirational messages to encourage you in your journey of life. You can subscribe by clicking the button below.
