| National Altar Boy Retreat
Thursday, Friday, Saturday & Sunday Dear +Reverend Fathers & Youth Workers of the Metropolis of Atlanta! With the blessings and support of His Eminence Archbishop Demetrios of America and the Holy Eparchial Synod, the Department of Youth and Young Adult Ministries and the Office of Admissions of Hellenic College/Holy Cross Greek Orthodox School of Theology are pleased to announce the first annual National Altar Boy Retreat. The retreat will take place on the grounds of our beloved school from April 7-10, 2005, while participants will be staying at the newly renovated Sheraton Needham Hotel, approximately 20 minutes away. The retreat proper will begin on Friday evening; however, we are hopeful that many of the participants will arrive on Thursday night in order to participate fully in Seminary life on Friday, including Chapel and classes. A keynote address offered by His Eminence Metropolitan Methodios, didactic workshops, practical training, as well as opportunities for fellowship, will be offered for Altar Boys of GOYA age (12-18). Altar boys, or acolytes, have a very important responsibility in the Sanctuary, as they are in proximity to some of the holiest places and most sacred actions of our Church. Acolytes are mentioned as early as the year 251 AD by Cornelius, Bishop of Rome, described as persons appointed as servants to Priests, helping clergy to perform their sacred work. Our acolytes today can be placed in the same category as early acolytes, as they do dedicate themselves as servers to the Priest in his sacred work, ready to serve as the angels serve God. The National Altar Boy Retreat promises to be an invaluable opportunity for our young men, not only to learn more about their service in the Altar, but also to visit our Seminary. It is our hope that this retreat will better prepare our altar boys in the proper and reverent performance of their duties, as well as their spiritual enrichment and love for Jesus Christ Our Lord and Savior. All retreat information, including registration forms and hotel information, has been distributed to parishes nationwide. Please contact your local parish or Metropolis Director, Hellenic College/ Holy Cross at 866-424-2338, or the Archdiocese Department of Youth and Young Adult Ministries at 646-519-6180 for more information. You may also go on-line to our Metropolis Website! Please visit if you have never done so before! The address is: www.atlanta.goarch.org Click on the heading "Metropolis Resources"…click on "Youth Diakonia"….click on "Acolytes & Myrofores". As always….please call me at The Metropolis at any time! Faithfully,
Greek Orthodox Metropolis of Atlanta |
