The St. Iakovos Retreat Center was a long time vision and goal, not only of the Hierarchs, but of many dedicated parishioners of the Greek Orthodox Metropolis of Chicago; encompassing the states of Illinois, Wisconsin, Minnesota, Iowa and Missouri. The search began in the early 2000’s to find a property, which would become the home for Metropolis ministries, as well as for the successful youth camping program, Fanari. After a long search, members of the Retreat Center Board discovered a beautiful 137 – acre property located in the quaint town of Kansasville, Wisconsin, nestled between Kenosha and Racine. Not only was the setting perfect, but also conveniently located just a little over an hour north of Chicago, IL and a half hour South of Milwaukee, making it a central location for the churches of the Metropolis of Chicago.
Since the original purchase in 2006, much effort has been placed into building this home, which had been so longed for. In May of 2013, ground was broken for the first phase of building, which included a 26-room main lodge featuring individual style accommodations and two cottages featuring communal style accommodations. With the completion of this phase of building, the total capacity of the facility increased from just over 20 (twenty) individuals to over 200 (two hundred) individuals. In addition to the lodging accommodations the facility also includes a variety of indoor meeting and gathering rooms, over two miles of trails for walking, a campfire pit, an outdoor pool, and various outdoor activities such as basketball, tennis, sand volleyball, soccer, Octoball, softball, cornhole and a large playground for children. In addition to the activity area, we offer boating on Friendship Lake.
Future plans for the St. Iakovos Retreat Center include the continued development of the permanent activity area which will feature softball, soccer, basketball, and bocce ball. However, most importantly our greatest dream, and the master plan, will not be complete until a full Byzantine style Church is erected on the property. The Church location has been identified over a decade, and it will sit in the center of the property just across from the Tomaras Lodge.
Clergy Laity Assembly 2021 - Retreat Center Three Year Strategic & Business Plan
On October 7th 2021 the St. Iakovos Retreat Center made a presentation during a Plenary Session at the Clergy Laity Assembly in St. Louis Missouri. The presentation consisted of a detailed summary of the recently prepared and implemented 3-year Strategic and Business Plan, as well as a video showing the long-term capital vision. Historically, the Retreat Center Board of Directors has requested annual support from the Metropolis of Chicago Parishes, however, because of the supportive funding available to the Retreat Center through the Multi-Year Renaissance Fund grant a request for annual support was not made. Below you fill find the Slide deck presented as well as the Video showing the Long Term Capital Vision.
Clergy Laity Assembly 2019
On September 26th, 2019 the St. Iakovos Retreat Center made a presentation during a Plenary Session at the Clergy Laity Assembly which took place in Minneapolis Minnesota. During this presentation members of the Board of Directors spoke on behalf of the Retreat Center including its history and background, as well as its current financial situation. In person testimonials were given by Mr. Paul Karos of Minneapolis, sharing the impact and value of the Retreat Center’s Ministry. Lastly, the Retreat Center Board of Directors asked the assembly to continue the parish support of the Retreat Center for 2020 and 2021, a motion which passed by overwhelming majority.
Additionally, the Board of Directors is seeking support from the Parishes, Philoptochos Chapters and Parishioners of the Holy Metropolis of Chicago for the 2019 budget shortfall of $270,000.00.
It was asked that the materials shared during the presentation be made available on our website so that they can be shared at the parish level. Here you will find all the materials needed to share with your parish. Please note that the presentation deck asks that you watch two videos, this can be done one of two ways; 1) using the link below, click on the title of the video and open the video in a new tab to be played via YouTube. Or 2) Watch the videos which are embedded directly in this page.
Video’s Via YouTube Link
Just click on the title below and a new browser window will pop open with your video via the Retreat Center’s YouTube Channel. While you’re there, become a subscriber!
Video 1: Experience the St. Iakovos Retreat Center
Video 2: Why Should We Own the Retreat Center
Embedded Video’s
Below are both video’s you are asked to watch through the above decking, just hit play on each video when the deck asks you to!