JOHNSTOWN, PENNSYLVANIA — The American Carpatho-Russian Orthodox Diocese will host its Annual Diocesan Altar Boy Retreat from June 28 to July 1 at Christ the Saviour Cathedral and Seminary in Johnstown, Pennsylvania.

Participants will take part in daily prayers and services, educational sessions led by Clergy and Seminarians, and activities that foster brotherhood and leadership. Servers will be given an opportunity to tour the new Seminary, and take a day trip to Pittsburgh. The retreat also provides an opportunity for Altar Boys to meet peers from other Parishes and build lasting friendships rooted first in common faith.

“The Altar Boy Retreat started in 1957. Nothing lasts that long that isn’t good. You’re always an Altar Boy,  we’re always discerning our vocation to serve,” said Father Jim Dutko, longtime Chaplain at the Altar Boy Retreat, “and this retreat reveals to the young men in our Parishes that the Seminary is not some weird place, it’s a good place, where faithful men are transformed into Priests who serve God’s people.” 

This event has tried to be replicated by other Dioceses, and continues to  offer formative experiences for future Church leaders both Clergy and lay.

This year’s retreat will be led by its new Co-Directors, Father Matthew Stagon and Father Matthew Dutko, both former participants in the Altar Boy Retreat. Having served for several years as Chaplains to the program, they bring firsthand experience, pastoral insight, and deep enthusiasm to their new role as Co-Directors. They succeed Father Nathaniel Choma, who hands off a ready-made successful program, and now serves as the new Director of Camp Nazareth.

Registration will open on April 1.

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