In February of 1998, Fr. Stephen converted to Orthodoxy along with his wife and children. He was ordained to the priesthood in the Orthodox Church in March of 1999. He is the author of numerous articles on theology and modern culture. His books include Shaping Our Future (1994) and Everywhere Present: Christianity in a One-Story Universe (2011). He is the author of the popular blog site Glory to God for All Things , with an average of over one million views per year! He also authors the podcast Glory to God, heard on Ancient Faith Radio.

WORKSHOPS:

FRIDAY NIGHT 9 pm Intro Workshop: Writing my way to Heaven

This talk will include some biography and Fr Stephen's journey into Orthodoxy, and will use reflections on two writers who have been important to him, Dostoevsky and Solzhenitsyn.

SATURDAY Workshop 1: Living the Mystery

St. Porphyrios said, “In order to become a Christian, one must first become a poet.” This will look at our daily lives as sacrament with a focus both on how this is possible as well as how we actually live it.

SATURDAY Workshop 2: Mystery of Shame

The Elder Sophrony once said, “The way of shame is the way of the Lord.” It is also true that shame is among the most destructive things in our lives. How can both of these things be true? We’ll look at this profound mystery and see the primary place it should hold in our lives.

ACTIVITIES:

Meet&Greet, meals, family free time, family olympics, worship services including Divine Liturgy

Weekend Retreat Pricing includes meals, materials, workshops, and activities

• $225 for the first two registrations (eg husband and wife) plus....

$50/child 12+

$25/child 4-11 year

(children 3 and under free)

• Family price capped at $375
• Registration price increases Aug 18

NEW OPTION:

Special Day Rate for families not staying at the Retreat Center (only includes lunch on Saturday and Saturday workshops)

• $125/family (up to 5 people) plus...

$12/additional family member ages 4+

• Day Rate capped at $150

This unique Day Rate is being offered due to the popularity of our speaker and the space limitations of the overnight facilities.

Lodging Prices

Hotel-style rooms (for up to 6): $99/night

Cottages (ideal for families with children aged 5+): $50/family/night

Lodging will be assigned in the order that registrations are received, so don't delay!

When you register, you will provide information about your children's ages, as well as your lodging preferences. Within a week, you will receive an invoice based on this information. You may pay this invoice online with a credit card or by check, which you can mail to St. John the Baptist Greek Orthodox Church in Des Plaines, Ill.

Registration will open at 7 am on Wednesday July 12

If you have any questions, concerns, comments, or need help, please feel free to contact us at chicago.family.synaxis@gmail.com!

We look forward to seeing you soon!