On Tuesday, March 25, clergy of the Eastern American Diocese embarked on their journeys to Holy Trinity Monastery in Jordanville, NY for the start of the Northern Great Lenten Pastoral Retreat.

The cold, frigid weather still commonplace in this time of year for the rolling hills of Central New York was quickly replaced by the warm fraternal embraces of the clergy greeting one another. Newly ordained clerics of the Diocese were able to acquaint themselves with senior clergymen, exchanging contact information with one another.

At the appointed time, the clergy rose to greet the ruling bishop of the Eastern American Diocese, His Eminence Nicholas, Metropolitan of Eastern America & New York, and the abbot of the monastery, His Grace Luke, Bishop of Syracuse.

The day’s keynote speaker was Archpriest Peter Perekrestov (dean of Holy Virgin "Joy of All Who Sorrow" Diocesan Cathedral in San Francisco, CA), on the topic of "The Liturgical Legacy of ROCOR. A Case Study: Archbishop Anthony (Medvedev) and St. John’s Glorification." After its conclusion, a film dedicated to the 30th anniversary of the glorification of the Holy Hierarch John of Shanghai & San Francisco was shown.

After lunch in the monastery refectory, the clergy reassembled for an informal discussion between the hierarchs and clergy on pastoral topics.

Throughout the day, clergy were able to peruse the monastery bookstore, explore the renovated seminary facilities, and pray at the graves of the departed hierarchs, clergy, and laity of the Russian Church Abroad.

Following their classes of the day, the seminarians were granted the opportunity to join the clergy, asking important vocational and theological questions.

The administration of Holy Trinity Seminary presented various reports to the assembled clergy.

In the evening, Vespers and later Great Compline were served in Holy Trinity Cathedral, during which the clerics were able to confess their sins in preparation for the next day’s Divine Liturgy of Presanctified Gifts.