Diocesan Photo Gallery

Photo Galleries of the Various Institutions and Ministries of the Diocese

2014 Western Regional Lenten Retreat (4/5/14)

The Western Regional Diocesan Retreat took place on Saturday, April 5, 2014 at The Descent of the Holy Spirit Orthodox Church in Schererville Indiana.

During the retreat, all were blessed to hear His Grace Bishop Gregory guide their hearts concerning the Sacrament of Confession and its beauty. The Youth listened to this homily and then attended a youth activity learning about the armor of Christ they were given at their baptism when they "put on Christ!"

The host parish, under the leadership of Fr. Lev Holowaty was most welcoming and hospitable to the large number of faithful of the Diocese in attendance.

The posted photos show scenes from the spiritually refreshing Lenten Mission and Retreat.
On the Bus! The faithful of the Diocesan parishes in Niles and Rockford Ilinois made the trip to Indiana together.
Niles and Rockford Churches have arrived!
Beautiful Church of the Descent of the Holy Spirit in Schererville, IN
Fr. Sam Sherry, Dean was assisted at the altar by Diocesan Clergy of the Midwest Deanery during the Moleben to the Holy Cross Service.
The clergy pray together in the beautiful Sanctuary beautifully decorated with traditional Iconography.
The clergy pray together in the Sanctuary beautifully decorated with traditional Iconography.
Newly ordained Deacon Peter of St. Michael's Orthodox Church assisted the priests with the Moleben Service.
Deacon Peter reading the Gospel!
His Grace Bishop Gregory delivered a memorable and energetic homily!
In his homily, Bishop Gregory spoke about preparing for eternity and how to succeed at fighting the temptations of the fallen world.
Before the main youth activities began we had an ice breaker! Shoe Soup! The young people had to match a pair of shoes and find who they belong to and get to know each other! Goal: We need one another on the "road" to salvation! Let's hit the road!
In a Youth activity lead by Fr. Jonathan and Pani Marianna the young people learned about the armor of God. Here is the road to salvation with stumbling blocks that will be cast aside with the sword of the Spirit!
Pani Marianna leading a discussion with the younger kids.
Fr. Jonathan leading a discussion with the older kids.
The shields of faith are passed out! How well will the different sized shields hold up against the darts of the devil on our Lenten journey and throughout all of life!
Here the older youth look over the fiery darts of the devil from a dodge ball style activity. Opening each paper they read the temptation and discuss how to prepare for such things on the road of salvation!
Swords of the Spirit! The Youth showing how they are prepared for the road to salvation!
Group Photo!