Cathedral Junior A.R.O.Y. Hosts Retreat for Michigan Deanery Teens
by a Participant

On Saturday afternoon, April 1, 2006, teens from the parishes in the Michigan Deanery were invited to Saint George Cathedral by the Cathedral Junior A.R.O.Y. Chapter for a retreat entitled “School Life & Church Life.”  The guest speaker for the event was Rev. Fr. Romanos Malouf, Assistant Priest of the Basilica of Saint Mary Antiochian Orthodox Church in Livonia, Michigan.

In his talk, Fr. Romanos reminded the young people that we must do our best in everything that we do because we do it for God’s glory, leading to our salvation.  There is a “balancing act” that we must learn to deal with between church and school, but we should always have the courage to life our Faith in school.  He reminded everyone that God helps us in many ways.  Through fasting, we are reminded that we are empty without God and that we must find Him through prayer.  Furthermore, we must watch not only what goes into our mouth, but also those things that come out, such as gossip, insults, etc.  He also spoke about the importance of the Sacraments in our lives, especially Confession which brings us back closer to God.  “Whatever we encounter,” Fr. Romanos said, “God is our ally in our spiritual battle.”

Following the discussions, the attendees ate a light supper and then proceeded into the Cathedral for Great Vespers.

At the end of the service, V. Rev. Fr. Laurence Lazar, Cathedral Dean, thanked everyone for their participation and offered a few words in conclusion.  He reminded them that it is important for us to come together and worship as the Lord taught us to worship, and that it is up to all of us to preserve the Orthodox Faith for future generations.  “For 2000 years,” he said, “people have lived and died trying to please God....It must be something important for you and you will feel the reward for it.”

[Chapters represented at the retreat were Cathedral Junior A.R.O.Y., Sts. Peter & Paul A.R.O.Y. of Dearborn Heights and the newly established Grand-R.O.Y. of Grand Rapids.]