Archons of the Ecumenical Patriarchate in America convened their fourth annual National Archon Lenten Retreat at the headquarters of Ukranian Orthodox Church of the USA in Somerset, New Jersey on March 9 and 10.  A total of 29 Archons along with spouses and guests attended for a spiritually uplifting event.

Back by popular demand for his second retreat with the Archons, His Grace Bishop Savas of Troas and Chancellor of the Greek Orthodox Church of America, served as retreat master for the day and a half Lenten retreat.  His Grace led the group in prayer and religous instruction under theme, “Take Up Your Cross and Follow Me.” In addition to the discussions, Archons also participated in the Friday evening Saluations to Theotok o s and attended the Divine Liturgy on Saturday morning at the Ukranian Church of St. Andrew the Apostle — the patron Saint of the Order of the St. Andrew the Apostle. Ukranian Orthodox priests and His Grace Bishop Savas co-celebrated the services making for a wonderful and unique experience.

Dr. Anthony Limberakis, National Commander of the Order said, “The  panorthodox nature of this retreat punctuated the fact that His All Holiness Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew is indeed the “Ecumenical” Patriarch of the Orthodox faithful and that the spirit of love and brotherhood binds all Orthodox Christians together. The ability to deepen our understanding of our Orthodox faith during the Lenten period reminds us all of the religious freedoms we enjoy in this country and how important it is to protect and defend our inalienable rights for future generations.”