Orthodox Christian Fellowship (OCF) College Conference Midwest 12.27 - 12.30, 2016

The St. Iakovos Retreat Center of hosting OCF College Conference Midwest, the first time in a number of years that a conference such as this has taken in place in the Midwest. Participants stayed in the Tomaras Lodge for 3 nights, and shared in fun and fellowship while growing in faith together.  Over 40 students, speakers and leaders from across the Midwest, as well as representatives from the National OCF Office, to participate in this historic conference. The St. Iakovos Retreat Center feels truly blessed and honored to have been apart of the history of this conference. The Keynote speaker was our very own Fr. Panagiotis Boznos from Ss. Peter & Paul Greek Orthodox Church in Glenview, IL. Additional workshop leaders include Fr. Cyprian Sas from All Saints in Peoria IL, Fr. Kosmas and Presbytera Anna Kallis from SS. Peter & Paul in Glenview IL, and Fr. Gabriel Bilas St. Mary Magdalene Orthodox Church Flint, MI. The highlight of the conference was the special blessing and opportunity for students to venerate the Iveron Myrrh streaming Icon of the Panagia from Hawaii who visited the conference. 

To see more photo's and highlights from the conference check out our FlickR Album

St. Gregorios Malankara Syrian Orthodox Church Elmhurst, IL 12.26 - 12.27, 2016

The St. Gregorios Malankara Syrian Orthodox Church held  a second annual an overnight retreat for their youth at the St. Iakovos Retreat Center. Over 40 youth and leaders gathered in fellowship to grow in their faith and share in fun. Highlights include discussions, worship, prayer as well as a challenging round of a game like the escape room. We look forward to having to opportunity hosting them in December of 2017! 

 

Immaculate Conception Catholic Church Chicago, IL 11.25 - 11.27

The Immaculate Conception parish held a two night, three day, confirmation retreat at the St. Iakovos Retreat Center. 120 participants gathered the day after thanksgiving to share in fun and fellowship all while growing in faith. Highlights include worship and discussion as well as outdoor games and a visit to the barn. Participants participated in a scavenger hunt through the woods and a special candle activity in the evening. To see more highlights from the weekend visit our FlickR page. 

 

 

Holy Apostles Westchester, IL GOYA Retreat 11.13 - 11.15. 2016

The Holy Apostles Parish held an overnight GOYA Retreat at the St. Iakovos Retreat Center. Participants stayed in the cottages and prepared their own meals in the Log Lodge.  The GOYAn's not only shared in fun and fellowship, but they also participated in Diakonia by cleaning up the sledding hill in anticipation for winter. Highlights from the weekend include outdoor games, a visit to the barn and walking amongst the saints in the Proskinitaria forest. 

Faithlife Counseling Center 11.4-11.6.16

FaithLife Counseling Center from Bannockburn, IL held a weekend retreat with clients at St. Iakovos Retreat Center November 4-6, 2016. Members participated in group sessions, enlightening discussions and healing prayer while surrounded by beautiful fall foliage and the peace of autumn on our grounds.

St. John the Baptist Des Plaines, IL Jr. GOYA Retreat 10.28 - 10.29, 2016

The St. John the Baptist Greek Orthodox Church held an overnight youth retreat for their Jr. GOYAn's. Participants stayed in the cottages and shared in fun and fellowship while learning about their faith. Highlights include worship and discussion, along with ping pong, outdoor games, a trip to the barn and a walk amongst the saints in the Proskinitaria forrest. 

St. Iakovos Retreat Center Recepient of 2016 Hellenic Foundation Grant

The St. Iakovos Retreat Center is the proud recipient of a 2016 Hellenic Foundation Grant and this award will fund the launching of a new staff position at the Center.  In the summer of 2016 the St. Iakovos Retreat Center submitted a request to the Hellenic Foundation to partner with them in launching a new avenue of Ministry by funding the creation of a new staff position for a Program Director. This person would have the opportunity to create unique and dynamic programs for the parishioners of the Hellenic and Orthodox Community to engage in the Ministry of the St. Iakovos Retreat Center. The Hellenic Foundation enthusiastically responded to this proposal and has agreed to fund the launching of this new iniative. On behalf of the entire Board of Directors and the staff of the St. Iakovos Retreat Center, as well as the community of Hellenic and Orthodox Parishoners in the Midwest, we would like to thank the Hellenic Foundation, and its Board of Directors for this unique gift and opportunity!

To learn more about the work of the Hellenic Foundation and its Grant Opportunities please visit their website - www.HellenicFoundation.org

St. Demetrios Elmhurst, IL 10.29.2016

The Greek Orthodox Church of St. Demetrios from Elmhurst, IL held a day retreat at St. Iakovos Retreat Center October 29th.  Participants enjoyed games, a hay ride to the barn to visit the animals, and fellowship with friends.   To see all of the highlights from the day visit, check out our FlickR page!

Andrew Twito and Megan Miglautsch Engagement 10.21. 2016

On October 21, 2016 the St. Iakovos Retreat Center was the site of an exciting event. Andrew Twito, of Minneapolis, MN, proposed to Megan Miglautsch of Milwaukee, WI. Andrew is a member of the St. Mary's Greek Orthodox parish in Minneapolis, MN and Megan is a member of the St. Ignatius Antiochian Orthodox Church in Madison, WI. Andrew, after months of planning, completely surprised Megan by proposing to her on the deck overlooking friendship lake at sunset. Megan enthusiastically said accepted, and the couple was later joined by family and friends to celebrate the occasion. Kala Stefena to Andrew and Megan! 

 

 

St. John the Baptist Des Plaines, IL Sr. GOYA Retreat 10. 21 - 10.22. 2016

The Sr. GOYA of St. John the Baptist held an overnight retreat with over 25 youth. Participants stayed in the cottages and enjoy sharing in fun and fellowship while growing in faith. Highlights include worship, discussion, football, a visit to the barn and walking amongst the saints on the Proskinitaria trails. 

SS. Anargyroi Greek Orthodox Church Rochester, MN 10.21-10.22.16

St. Cosmos and Damianos Greek Orthodox Church from Rochester, MN held a 2 day retreat at St. Iakovos Retreat Center October 21-22, 2016.  Attending members enjoyed walks on the Proskinitaria Trails, a wagon ride to visit the farm animals, as well as growing in faith through fellowship and worship!  To see all of the highlights from the weekend, check out our FlickR page.

St. Demetrios Chicago Youth Retreat 10.14-10.15.16

St. Iakovos Retreat Center hosted St. Demetrios Greek Orthodox Church's Youth Retreat October 14-15, 2016.  Participants enjoyed attending sessions, walking the Proskinitaria trails, a wagon ride to visit the barn, spending time with friends, growing in faith and having fun!  To see all of the highlights from the weekend, visit our FlickR page!

Carthage College Campus Ministry 10.7-10.8.16

The Campus Ministry from Carthage College in Kenosha, WI held an overnight retreat at St. Iakovos Retreat Center October 7-8, 2016. Participants attended informative sessions, spent time exploring the retreat center and making new friends. 

St. Gregorios Orthodox Cathedral 10.7.-10.9.16

St. Gregorios Orthodox Cathedral in Bellwood, IL held a retreat at St. Iakovos Retreat Center October 7-9, 2016. Members enjoyed hiking, games and fellowship with friends and family while celebrating their faith.  To see all of the highlights from the weekend, check out our FlickR page!

OCF Fall Retreat 10.1-10.2.16

Orthodox Christian Fellowship held their Fall Retreat at St. Iakovos Retreat Center October 1-2, 2016. Members enjoyed time with friends in discussions, sessions and activites while growing in faith and strengthening their relationship with Christ.   To see all of the highlights from the weekend, check out our FlickR page!  

St. Paul Coptic Orthodox Church 9.30-10.1.16

St. Paul Coptic Orthodox Church from Chicago, IL visited St. Iakovos Retreat Center for an overnight Ladies Retreat September 30-October 1, 2016. Highlights of the Retreat included a sweet treat café, games, prayer and FUN!

St. George Antiochian Orthodox Church 9.9-9.11.16

St George Antiochian Orthodox Church from Cicero, IL held it family retreat at St. Iakovos Retreat Center Sept 9-11, 2016.  Families and friends enjoyed playing games, dancing, exploring the Proskinitaria Trails during a great time of fellowship and faith. To check out all the highlights from the weekend, check out our FlickR page

Family Synaxis Chicago Labor Day Retreat 9.2-9.4.16

The Greek Orthodox Metropolis Chicago Family Synaxis Retreat was held at St. Iakovos Retreat Center September 2nd-September 4th.  Participants enjoyed games, projects, prayer and fellowship while growing together in faith.  To see all of the highlights from the weekend, check out our FlickR page!