Come Away and Rest
July 27-30, 2026
Antiochian Village Retreat Center
in Bolivar, Pennsylvania
Come away by yourselves to a quiet place
and rest a while.
— Mark 6:31
You Are Invited
July 27-30, 2026 – Antiochian Village Retreat Center in Bolivar, Pennsylvania
Clergy wives spend much of their lives caring for others—supporting their husbands, strengthening their parishes, welcoming strangers, and quietly carrying the many unseen responsibilities of church life.
It is a beautiful calling.
And it is a demanding one.
In the midst of that life, it is not always easy to find space to rest.
This retreat was created as a response to Christ’s invitation:
to step away, even briefly, and be renewed.
A Few Days Set Apart
Come Away and Rest is a gathering of clergy wives from across the Orthodox Church in America. This is not a conference. This is a retreat.
It is a place to receive.
A Quiet Place
What You Can Expect
The setting has been chosen to make the retreat restful, accessible, and welcoming from beginning to end.
- You will not need to explain your life.
Everyone here understands the rhythms and realities of ministry. - You will have a faithful, Orthodox retreat leader.
Strategies and encouragement to complement your spiritual father’s guidance. - You will have time to rest—truly rest.
No crowded schedule. No pressure to perform. - You will experience beautiful Orthodox prayer and restorative activities.
No expectations, just refreshment. - You will meet women who share your calling.
Fellowship among clergy wives is rare—and precious. - You will return home strengthened.
Not removed from your calling, but renewed within it.
Our Retreat Leader
Dr Ioana Popa is a physician-psychiatrist, educator, executive coach, Christian spiritual-care provider, speaker, trainer, a mother, wife, and grandmother. She is the co-founder and CEO of Team For The Soul® Institute, where she helps Christian professionals and servant leaders prevent burnout, move from grief to hope, and grow toward their highest potential in Christ. Dr Ioana also holds a Master of Theological Studies from Holy Cross Greek Orthodox School of Theology. Through her Thriving In Christ podcast, conferences, workshops, and retreats, she equips servant leaders to support others with renewed strength, clarity, and purpose. Having experienced burnout herself, she loves to help Orthodox Christian women navigate full lives in sustainable ways.
Our Topic
Dr Ioana will lead attendees through several interactive sessions where we will explore how incorporating the practice of rest in our lives can bear fruit in our hearts, marriages, and ministries for years to come. Incorporating her signature interactive style, Dr Ioana works to help participants digest her presentation material through participation, small and large group discussion, as well as break out sessions.
Come to Me, all you who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.
— Matthew 11:28
AGENDA AT A GLANCE
A Gentle Rhythm of Rest
A gentle rhythm of prayer, fellowship, conversation, and rest will shape the retreat. Each day will unfold with morning prayer, talks and discussions on rest led by Dr. Ioana, and several hours of unscheduled time. We’ll close each evening with time for easy conversation in more intimate gatherings according to shared interests. Below we’ve prepared a sketch of how you can expect your days to unfold. A printed schedule will be waiting for you upon arrival.
Arrival & Welcome
Guests arrive, settle in, and begin the retreat together with time to gather and reconnect with old friends and make new ones over sips and nibbles
Prayer & Conversation
The retreat continues with opportunities for shared prayer, meaningful conversation, and time set apart from daily demands
Rest & Fellowship
Space is made throughout the retreat for quiet rest, informal connection, and the simple gift of being together
Nourish & Return
Our time together concludes with Divine Liturgy at the Lord’s table followed by a shared brunch with our sisters in Christ
Retreat Flow*
*Retreat Flow is subject to change.
Monday, July 27th
- 3pm – Arrive in the late afternoon, drop your bags in your room, and head to the wine and charcuterie meet & greet to catch up with old friends and meet new ones
- 5:30pm – Gather for dinner followed by Vespers in the chapel where the relics of St Raphael of Brooklyn lie in repose
- 7:30pm – A few words of introduction and welcome followed by some light hearted fun designed to help us get to know one another
- 9:00pm – Structured programming concludes for the evening (but you can stay up later if you want!)
Tuesday, July 28th
- 8am – Morning Prayers will be offered followed by breakfast
- 9:15am – Dr Ioana will share some encouraging words about rest during two short talks this morning. After each talk, we’ll break into small groups, where trained facilitators will help us think through the information and discuss ways to incorporate rest into our daily lives.
- 1pm – Enjoy a leisurely lunch you don’t have to prepare or clean up after.
- 2pm – Unstructured time to rest, take a walk around the property, catch up with a friend, explore the bookstore, journal, pray, or enjoy one of several relaxation opportunities offered
- 4:45pm – Reconvene with your small group to reflect on your quiet afternoon.
- 5:30pm – Dinner and Vespers anchor the day
- 7:30pm – Enjoy some great conversation over wine and cheese in the Mini Mixer rooms this evening. Several rooms will be labeled according to common life experiences (think Retirees, Healthcare Professionals, Deacon’s Wives, or Home Schoolers, for example). Opt into any intimate gathering you wish to spend unscripted time getting to know some sisters with life in common.
- 9:30pm – Structured programming concludes for the evening (but you can head to bed sooner!)
Wednesday, July 29th
- 8am – Morning Prayers followed by breakfast
- 9:15am – A second morning full of great encouragement from Dr Ioana and time to unpack her message with your same small group. Again, we’ll break this time up into two short talks, each followed by a break out session.
- 1pm – Break for lunch
- 2pm – Unstructured time to unwind, connect with a new friend, write a letter, nap, read a book, hike, sing, or enjoy a massage
- 4:45pm – Gather with your small group to reflect on your afternoon
- 5:30pm – Enjoy a delicious dinner followed by Vespers
- 7:30pm – Spend some time in fellowship with your sisters before settling in for the night. Tonight’s Mini Mixer menu will include an olive bar and the room labels will differ from the previous night.
- 9:30pm – Structured programming concludes for the evening (but you can head to bed sooner!)
Thursday, July 30th
- 9am – Divine Liturgy
- 10:30am – Brunch & Final words
- 12pm – Travel blessing and depart renewed and refreshed
Who This Retreat Is For
This retreat is for:
- ZWives of priests and deacons in the Orthodox Church in America
- ZClergy widows
- ZWomen new to clergy life
- ZRetired clergy wives
- ZWomen who are of zeal
- ZWomen who feel weary
- ZWomen seeking friendship
- ZWomen longing for quiet
WE OFFER OUR SISTERS IN CHRIST
An Invitation
If something in you longs for even a small space of quiet…
for fellowship that does not require explanation…
for the rest our Lord asks us to observe…
We warmly invite you to join us.
Registration
Lodging & Costs
Costs vary according to the types of room chosen at registration and include room & board and all activities for the entire retreat:
- \$640 Single Occupancy (private room, no roommate)
- \$525 Double Occupancy (room with a friend, or make a new one)
- \$460 Triple Occupancy (room with two friends, or make new ones)
- \Commuters can register for $350 to participate in all retreat meals and activities.
The physical address of our retreat is:
Antiochian Village Conference & Retreat Center
140 Church Camp Trail
Bolivar, PA 15923
Lodging rooms are in the same building as all retreat meals and activities. Each room has it’s own bathroom. Sisters with special dietary needs or mobility concerns should read our FAQ.
Retreat costs listed DO NOT include travel – airfare, rental car, gas, etc.
If costs are a concern, we encourage participants to begin by seeking support from their parish council for retreat registration fees and travel. Metropolitan Tikhon has asked parishes to view this retreat as an investment in the well-being of clergy families, and it is entirely appropriate to pursue that support through your husband or, in the case of clergy widows, by approaching your parish directly. If your parish is not able to cover the full cost, you are welcome to request scholarship assistance or select another payment arrangement, including payments over time.
Frequently Asked Questions
What sort of clothes should I pack?
The main building of Antiochian Village where we will sleep, meet, eat, and pray is entirely climate controlled and comfortable in the summer months. If you plan to spend time outdoors on the lovely grounds, please check the weather in Bolivar, PA, before you come and plan accordingly. There is no expectation that you pack anything other than casual clothing for this event; pack clothing for Divine Liturgy according to your own practice and judgement!
Will there be childcare?
Unfortunately, we cannot offer childcare.
This is too expensive for me, how can I get financial assistance?
Metropolitan Tikhon has made an appeal to parishes to support their clergy wives attending this retreat; he is asking them to consider this an investment in the wellbeing of clergy families, not an unnecessary extra. It is perfectly appropriate for you or your husband to follow up with your parish about the Metropolitan’s appeal and request that funds to support your attendance be allocated out of the parish budget or collected via a special collection.
If your parish is unable to assist you fully, please indicate your need for financial assistance during the registration process; it is our hope to be able to help everyone who needs financial assistance. We have solicited funds from the wider OCA community for both registration scholarships and travel stipends and will make these available on a first come, first served basis. We can also offer payment plans for your registration fees if paying over time would be helpful. Please be aware that some airlines and rental car services also allow payment via payment plan options with 0% interest.
Conversely, if you are able to sponsor a sister’s registration or travel expenses, click here.
What is the closest airport?
The closest major airport to the Antiochian Village Conference Center in Bolivar, Pennsylvania, is Pittsburgh International Airport (PIT), approximately 1 hour and 45 minutes away by car. This airport offers a wide range of domestic and international flights, making it a convenient option for travelers.
Additionally, there are smaller regional airports nearby:
–Arnold Palmer Regional Airport (LBE): Located about 20 miles from Antiochian Village, this airport offers limited commercial flights.
–Johnstown–Cambria County Airport (JST): Approximately 35 miles away, this airport also provides limited commercial services.
Will there be a shuttle/Can I get in touch with others who might want to share the cost of a rental car from the Pittsburg airport?
We will not be coordinating a shuttle from the airport but rental cars are indeed available and we encourage you to carpool with friends or soon-to-be-friends! You can opt in to share travel info as part of registration, which will help you connect with carpool buddies!
I eat a special diet, can Antiochian Village accommodate it?
Antiochian Village accommodates dietary restrictions (such as vegetarian, gluten-free, or allergies) when notified fifteen days in advance. Each guest must submit her own Special Diet Request Form through Antiochian Village’s website. Indicating your dietary needs on our registration portal is only a first step and DOES NOT confirm your dietary request. Note: A $8 per day surcharge may apply for gluten-free diets. For diets involving food pairing and special proportions, etc, know that food will be served cafeteria style, so you will be able to choose what goes on your plate. For all other special diets, please reach out to Antiochian Village directly.
I have mobility issues, will I be able to navigate the building?
While some areas of the Antiochian Village grounds may not be accessible to those with mobility issues, the main building where we will sleep, meet, eat, and pray is indeed handicap accessible. Additionally, the facility has a few wheelchairs and one electric scooter available for use. Please indicate to us if you will need a handicap accessible room; the Village has only two available (with additional room for a wheelchair and a roll-in shower), so we’ll want to make sure you get one. Other rooms can be provided with shower chairs and grab bars as needed. If you have other accessibility concerns, please reach out to Antiochian Village directly.
Will there be coffee?
There will always be coffee. But, blessed be God, you shouldn’t need as much as you usually do!
Will there be free time to rest?
Yes. There is planned open time each afternoon in which you can choose to do activities or rest. Further, you can always choose to forgo any part of the program to rest or simply hang out with friends.
Do I have to attend all of the planned activities?
No. Participate in those activities that feel restorative to you. We do encourage you to participate in all the talks and their accompanying break-out groups. Dr. Popa is an experienced counselor, well regarded in her field, and very sensitive to our particular challenges as clergy wives—so this will be a great opportunity to receive truly helpful insight and guidance, tailored specifically for us. The break-out groups will be an efficient and enjoyable way to get to know your fellow matushki.
Can I request a specific roommate?
Yes. Indicate your desired roommate when registering. Be sure to check with your roommate before registration to see who will be registering first so you can indicate this appropriately on the form and avoid double registrations. On the registration form, you can also ask to be assigned a roommate to reduce costs and indicate your preferences for what sort of roommate (to ensure early birds don’t get paired with night owls!
What activities are planned?
We don’t want to go into too many details, in case things evolve, but know that there will be a mix of active and less active ways to unwind, all of which are designed to help you de-stress and all of which will be optional.
This retreat was made possible by a grant from the Elsie Skvir Ganister Foundation Fund.
Rest in the LORD, and wait patiently for Him
— Psalm 37(36):7