Third Lake, Illinois, October 31, 2025
Youth retreat at New Gračanica Monastery. Photo: gofundme.com
The Serbian Orthodox Diocese of New Gračanica–Midwestern America has announced two winter retreats for young people, offering high school and college students opportunities for spiritual renewal during the final days of 2025.
High school students in grades 9 through 12 are invited to attend a winter youth retreat from December 26 through 30 at New Gračanica Monastery in Third Lake, Illinois. The annual gathering brings together students from parishes across the diocese for prayer, fellowship, and spiritual formation within the monastery setting, the diocese reports.
The program features daily prayer services and Divine Liturgy, discussions and workshops with clergy and guest speakers, fellowship activities, opportunities for spiritual guidance and confession, and community-building activities. Participants will reside on the monastery grounds throughout the retreat.
Meanwhile, college students can participate in a separate retreat taking place December 27 through 30 at the Nativity of the Mother of God Monastery in New Carlisle, Indiana. The retreat is designed to provide Orthodox college students with time away from academic life for prayer, reflection, and connection with fellow Orthodox young adults.
The college retreat includes daily services and spiritual reflections, group discussions and workshops on faith and vocation, fellowship and community activities, and opportunities for confession and spiritual counsel. The program is organized by the Youth Department of the Diocese of New Gračanica –Midwestern America.
Registration for both retreats is currently open through the sites linked above. The diocese is also seeking volunteers to assist with the high school retreat at New Gračanica Monastery.
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