www.byzcath.org Forums General Discussions Town Hall ByzFest 2008: A Modest Proposal

ByzFest 2008

As I sat here (sleepless in Tokyo), I was thinking about what a pleasure it would be to meet all (or many) of you in a fun, faith gathering of sorts. I realize that you are spread out across the various coasts, but I am curious how many would be interested in getting together for a mini-retreat of sorts, perhaps somewhere in PA or VA or the North East for all or part of a weekend.

My thought is that it would be part-retreat, part-fellowship time. We could invite a couple of speakers, perhaps pray together (Horologion), maybe have a social event, etc. etc.

It is only just a thought to float out there. I realize that many would not be able (or even inclined!) to make it. But I believe this forum is a fellowship that offers something unique among Orthodox and Catholics alike.

Just a thought...

We could, of course, also try to get to one of the 2008 Orientale Lumen conferences and meet afterwards for cofee, too...

God bless,

Gordo

Gordo,

I have often thought that too. Hmmm. Perhaps after the holidays, we should plan to rent a room some place for a gathering, maybe in the Spring. I'm seriously interested.

And, I wish you well in getting some sleep; and know that you are well regarded by many; and you are not alone, because you are in our solicitude and our prayers.

-- John

Thanks, John, for your thoughts and prayers! I am sleeping in spurts...3-4 hours at a time.

Gordo

I would LOVE to get together. Count me in, depending on where and when. I have some health problems (spinal surgeries) that make it hard to travel long distances. But it would be a great pleasure to sit down and spend some time talking about anything--but most of all the thing we all have in common--religion!

Tim

This is a terrific idea! I like the 'retreat' spin. If you're able to pull some plans together for spring or summer I'd be interested in attending.

Jason

well - some of us do manage to get together very very occasionally

I have now met 3 members at different times in the UK

Sounds good to me - but might I be so bold as to suggest a group cruise - perhaps from London or Dublin to St. Petersburg? Comfort, pleasant, everything we would need, and not too horribly expensive. For those with children, child care is usually available.

Fr. Serge

Now that's the way to think. Plenty of time to relax and enjoy the sights as well as talk about a large number of topics. Maybe a few presentations? Divine Liturgy in a multiple of languages and ways. I would LOVE to attend a Melkite Liturgy or Syro-Malabar or Syro-Malankar Liturgy. And, of course, Ukrainian Liturgy. Need I mention Church Slavonic?

Sign me up, a sea cruise would do me the world of good. I really could use it.

Tim

In all honesty, if a sea cruise would prove too expensive, the Antiochian Village in Ligonier, Pennsylvania has been a wonderful resource for Eastern Catholics through out the Pennsylvania/Ohio/Virginia/New York area. I have not been there myself, but everything I hear about it is only positive. The Pittsburgh Metropolia holds their Pre-Cana retreats there, I believe. I know it is used by numerous Eastern Catholic Churches for a variety of events.

here's some more info: http://www.antiochianvillage.org/

Some food for thought.

Tim

Antiochian Village may be a great option. Great suggestion, Tim. We could also look at Northern Virginia/D.C. area for the sake of the southern states.

I wonder if we should set up a poll to find out who would be interested in such an event and when/where they would like to have it. Also, any theme or topic that comes to mind for the retreat? The Jesus Prayer, perhaps? The Theology and Spirituality of St. John Chrysostom? Maybe we could get the SSJC involved somehow...

Just a few thoughts.

Gordo

I'm up for almost any topic. I like the idea of having different Liturgies, though. I would love to experience a Liturgy in Aramaic. That would be a mind blower, hearing the Our Father in the same language Jesus would have used when he gave it to us!

There are lots of places in the D.C. or Virginia area that would be great, as well. I think it is definitely something to pursue.

Now if we can just think of a pretext for an Eparchy to pay the way for Father Serge and Our Lady's Slave to attend....

Tim

Come to Texas. D/FW is a centralized flight locale for most airlines.

I could make it to Dallas, I'm going near there for Thanksgiving!

There's more than the 2 of us across the Big Pond from you

One can also, of course, do various group cruises from the USA - the Caribbean and Alaska both come to mind immediately.

And here's an alternative that doesn't sound religious but manages to combine luxury, convenience, and frugality: Las Vegas! If you can honestly refrain from gambling, you can save a bundle. Consider:

a) plane tickets can be had at bargain rates, and WITHOUT the requirement of the weekend stay!

b) hotel rates are low

c) food is abundant and low-priced.

the reason for these bargains is obvious - they want you to come and gamble. If gambling tempts you, stay away. It doesn't tempt me in the least (C. S. Lewis, when invited to get into any sort of gambling game, would ask his prospective host how much the host expected to win, and then offer him that same sum of money if the host would promise never to mention gambling again around Jack - I'm not that generous).

There is, of all things, an Italo-Greek parish in Las Vegas (gee, I wonder why).

But let's get back to a cruise. Much less hectic and frenetic, calming, in a calm atmosphere (unless you take the kind of cruise that features casinos, dubious shows, and other such undesirable "attractions"), and if we are so inclined we can stop and see some interesting things almost anywhere we choose to go.

The other advantage of a cruise could well be that few jurisdictions claim authority over the high seas (although Iakovos had the title "Exarch of the Oceans Atlantic and Pacific - even the fish had no escape).

If you want to stay on terra firma most of the time, there's Domus Pacis at Fatima, Portugal - just avoid the 12th and 13th of the month, when reservations are not to be had. Nice place, gorgeous Byzantine chapel, meeting rooms, etc. etc. and interesting things within reach.

Fr. Serge