Winter Retreat 2024

8:00 PM - Icebreakers

8:45 PM - Set up altar

9:00 PM - Tasbeha

10:00 PM - Dinner

8:30 AM - Liturgy

10:30 AM - Picture

11:30 AM - Lunch

12:15 PM - Talk 1

1:00 PM - Discussion 1

1:40 PM - Quiet Time

2:00 PM - Activities

5:45 PM - Dinner

6:45 PM - Talk 2

7:30 PM - Discussion 2

8:15 PM - Games

9:00 PM - Bonfire

8:15 AM - Agpeya

8:45 AM - Breakfast

9:30 AM - Talk 3

10:15 AM - Discussion 3

11:00 AM - Pack

11:30 AM - Leave

Talk 1 - Structure of the Liturgy
1. How can I prepare myself for the liturgy

2. How can I enjoy the liturgy

3. Why do we have to attend so much liturgies

4. Why the liturgy takes so long

5. It’s the same liturgy over and over, how can I have a unique experience every time?

Talk 2 - Symbolism in the Liturgy
1. Why did the church implement all this symbolism into the liturgy?

2. Is it important to learn the symbolism in the liturgy? Why?

3. How can knowing the symbolism help me during liturgy?

4. How will knowing this information change how I approach praying the liturgy?

5. Is there a difference between “attending” and “praying” the liturgy?

6. How can I learn the symbolism in the liturgy effectively?

Talk 3 - How do we benefit from the Liturgy?

- Questions are interspersed throughout the talk.

Talk 1 - Structure of the Liturgy
1. How can we prepare ourselves for the Liturgy to truly benefit from the theme?

2. In what ways does the Liturgy offer a sense of unity among it’s worshipers

3. How do hymns and chants enhance the worship experience during the Divine Liturgy, and why are they important in our worship?

Talk 2 - Symbolism in the Liturgy
1. How can I prepare myself for the liturgy ?

2. How can I enjoy the liturgy?

3. Why do we have to attend so many liturgies ?

4. Why does the liturgy take so long?

5. It’s the same liturgy over and over, how can I have a unique experience every time?

Talk 3 - Life after the Liturgy
1. How do we honestly view the liturgy when we go to church?

2. How can we make the liturgy the peak of our spiritual lives with Christ when we go every week?

3. What are some ways that you can take the liturgy into your life?

4. How do our schedules during the week impact our ability to live the liturgy?

5. What are some ways we can emulate St. Photini, St. Paul, and St. Dismas?

6. How do we combat fatigue from our spiritual high points?

Talk 1 - What Rules My Heart?
1. What are some examples of “idols” (attachments, sins, ideologies) that displace God from taking the lead of our hearts?

2. After you’ve thought about those examples, think about these questions:
a. How do they displace God?
b. How are they deceptive?
c. What do you tell yourself (and/or others) when confronting these?
i. Excuses to choose going after those “idols”
ii. Helpful thoughts to avoid them those “idols”

Talk 2 - Seek First the Kingdom of God
1. From the examples that were shared in the talk about when we do not seek God first, which of them resonated with you the most? Why?

2. What are some OTHER examples you can think of when we do NOT seek God first, but rather something/someone else?

Talk 3 - Blessings of Being Spiritually Minded
1. What blessings from being spiritually minded appeal to you the most?

2. What are some other blessings that we didn’t discuss today that motivate / encourage you?

3. How do you feel about the idea of “redefining prosperity / redefining blessings”?
a. Is it difficult to do?
b. Do you see the peace that comes from reframing our perspective?

4. Read the following passages and reflect on what they mean to you:
a. Philippians 3:7-8
b. 1 Timothy 6:3-10, 17-21