Come Away and Rest
This summer, clergy wives are invited to step away from the usual demands of parish life and gather for the first in-person Clergy Wives Retreat. Held July 27-30 at the Antiochian Village Retreat Center in Bolivar, Pennsylvania, the retreat is designed as a setting-apart for prayer, conversation, rest, and meaningful connection.
A SHARED UNDERSTANDING
A Gathering Set Apart
The Clergy Wives Retreat is being established as a regular gathering for women whose lives are shaped by the unique realities of parish and family life. More than a program to attend, it is time intentionally set apart, created for rest, fellowship, and quiet renewal among others who share a similar calling.
Held at the Antiochian Village Retreat Center in Bolivar, Pennsylvania, the retreat offers a setting that supports both ease and attentiveness. By gathering in one place, participants are free to focus less on logistics and more on prayer, conversation, and being together.
As a first in-person gathering, this retreat lays the groundwork for a steady rhythm of care and connection in the life of clergy families. Creating and sustaining spaces like this is central to the mission of the Office of Pastoral Life, which exists to encourage clergy and clergy families through thoughtful opportunities for connection, learning, and care over time.
WHY ATTEND
What This Retreat Offers
The setting has been chosen to make the retreat restful, accessible, and welcoming from beginning to end.
- ZSleep, dine, and gather in one building designed specifically for Orthodox groups
- ZInclude those with mobility concerns more seamlessly in all activities
- ZPray in the Sts. Peter and Paul chapel accompanied by the relics of St. Raphael
- ZRemain indoors and avoid the challenges of bugs, difficult weather, and unfamiliar roads
- ZChoose between single, double, and triple occupancy rooms to meet different needs for privacy and budget
- ZEnjoy the natural fellowship that grows from sharing one place together
- ZSpend time surrounded by 300 acres of beautiful nature around the conference center
AGENDA AT A GLANCE
A Gentle Rhythm of Rest
A gentle rhythm of prayer, fellowship, conversation, and rest will shape the retreat. More detailed schedule information will be shared as the event approaches.
Arrival & Welcome
Guests arrive, settle in, and begin the retreat together with time to gather and reconnect.
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.
Closing & Departure
The gathering concludes with final time together before departure.
- Arrival & Welcome: Check-in, settling in, and time to arrive peacefully into the retreat.
- Opening Gathering: A first opportunity to come together, reconnect, and begin the retreat in a spirit of rest and shared presence.
- Evening: Dinner, conversation, and a quiet close to the first day.
- Morning Prayer: Begin the day together in prayer and reflection.
- Conversation & Connection: Time set apart for meaningful discussion shaped by shared experience and common understanding.
- Rest & Renewal: Space for quiet, fellowship, or personal rest throughout the day.
- Evening: A relaxed time to gather again over dinner and conversation.
Wednesday
- Prayer & Presence: Another day anchored in prayer, attentiveness, and being together.
- Shared Time: Opportunities for conversation, encouragement, and unhurried fellowship.
- Quiet Rest: Time for reflection, walks, or simply stepping back from the usual pace of daily life.
- Evening: A final full evening together marked by gratitude and connection.
Thursday
- Closing Gathering: Final prayer and time together before departure.
- Departure: Guests check out and begin traveling home, carrying the retreat with them into the weeks ahead.
Take the Next Step
MAKE IT POSSIBLE
Help Make This Retreat Possible
Help make the 2026 Clergy Wives Retreat possible. Your gift helps create a welcoming space for prayer, fellowship, rest, and meaningful connection for clergy wives.
STAY CONNECTED
Questions & Registration
Questions about the retreat, registration, or support are always welcome. Whether you are planning to attend or looking for ways to help, we invite you to take the next step.