The Chicago Deanery Lenten Retreat was held on Saturday, April 1st at Saint Michael’s Orthodox Church in Niles, IL.

The afternoon began with the service of the Moleben to the Holy Cross. Joining host pastor and Dean of the Chicago Deanery Churches, Father Samuel Sherry, at the altar were Father Lev Holowaty (Descent of the Holy Spirit Church in Schererville, IN), Father Alexis Miller (Holy Transfiguration Mission Parish in Crawfordsville, IN), and Father Jonathan Bannon (Christ the Savior Church in Rockford, IL).

At the conclusion of the service, a collection was taken for the Chicago Deanery Relief Fund. This fund is available to help Chicago Deanery faithful who may experience a hardship and be in temporary need of financial assistance.

A presentation, Orthodox Icons – Aids to our Salvation, given by Father Jonathan Bannon for the adults in attendance, began with some slides of his recent trip to Thessaloniki in Greece. He noted how Orthodoxy is a way of life there … showing pictures of churches, icons, and prayer shrines. In his presentation, Father Jonathan explained that icons are tools to aid or helps us on our path to salvation. He said icons are not a snapshot in time, but rather each icon tells a story.

Father Alexis Miller met with the young people in attendance, sharing how to Get to know God. The youth learned some simple ways to be closer to God: praying with family at mealtime, reading the Bible daily, praying in the morning and evening, and coming to church weekly.

At the conclusion of the presentations, Deanery Clergy heard confessions. The afternoon concluded with a delicious Lenten Meal and fellowship.