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Photo Galleries of the Various Institutions and Ministries of the Diocese
2023 Western Region Lenten Retreat
Over 60 people attended the annual Western Region Lent Retreat hosted by Christ the Saviour Orthodox Church in Rockford, IL. This year's keynote speaker was the esteemed Sofie Azmy, PsyD, HSPP, MBA, a licensed clinical psychologist in the states of Indiana and Illinois. She earned her Doctorate in Clinical Psychology from Wheaton College, where she received specialized training integrating spirituality and religion with evidenced-based therapeutic interventions. Born in Cairo, Egypt she moved to the States and is married to an Orthodox priest of the Coptic Orthodox Church where she also works with High School Ministry.
Dr. Sophie spoke on intentional living and being present to God who is only experienced in the present. Often we are distracted with ruminations of the past or worries of the future and missing the present. With anchoring ourselves with the Jesus Prayer and kindly refocusing on Christ we will find our focus and awareness becomes an offering to God and in turn we will be more
Following the presentation, Great Vespers was offered followed by a Lenten meal of diverse Middle Eastern dishes offered by a family from Jordan, and halushki with other items offered by parish faithful!
The day was a blessing!
Dr. Sophie spoke on intentional living and being present to God who is only experienced in the present. Often we are distracted with ruminations of the past or worries of the future and missing the present. With anchoring ourselves with the Jesus Prayer and kindly refocusing on Christ we will find our focus and awareness becomes an offering to God and in turn we will be more
Following the presentation, Great Vespers was offered followed by a Lenten meal of diverse Middle Eastern dishes offered by a family from Jordan, and halushki with other items offered by parish faithful!
The day was a blessing!
Rockford Parish priest Fr. Jonathan Bannon welcomes guests before introducing the speaker.
Promotional Poster for the event.
Dr. Sophie Azmey begins her presentation on Intentional Living.
Many clergy traveled to attend the annual retreat.
Chicago Dean Very Rev. Protopresbyter Fr. Sam Sherry, Very Rev. Fr. Gregory Allard, Rev. Fr. Alexis Miller and the newly ordained Deacon Justin Miller served with parish priest Fr. Jonathan Bannon and parish altar boys present.
Very Rev. Fr. Gregory Allard offers a prayer in the Great Vespers service.
Responses were kindly offered by Parish Board President Jeremy and his wife Parish Librarian Sara.
Following Vespers we took a group photo with our remaining guests.
