24th – 27th October 2025, Brandwell-in-Sea
With the blessing of His Eminence Metropolitan SILOUAN, the second Archdiocesan Family Retreat was held at the Othona Community, Brandwell-in-Sea. What began as a parish initiative of St George’s Cathedral has grown into a wider gathering of our Archdiocese, drawing over 50 participants – adults, youth, and children – from across our parishes and beyond.
Retreat Coordinator: James Shraiky
Chaplain: Fr Alexander Haig, Parish Priest of the Twelve Apostles Church, Eastleigh
The retreat built on the theme of the 2023 St George’s Parish Retreat: Building an Authentic Orthodox Community, as well as the 2024 First Archdiocese Family Retreat, The Church as Family – Strengthening Bonds in Christ. The programme was structured around four key pillars:
- Worship: Daily services including Matins, Vespers, Compline, as well as Divine Liturgy on Sunday.
- Fellowship: Shared meals and time spent together.
- Learning: Talks and discussions on spiritual and parish life.
- Community Activities: Team games and evening gatherings.
Click here to view the program of the 2025 retreat.
Building on the successful structure of last year, participants were organised into teams, sharing responsibilities, meals, and activities throughout the weekend.
With nearly 15 children ranging in age from 1 to 15, the retreat made a concerted effort to include them meaningfully in both the liturgical and social life of the event. A parallel children’s programme was offered, featuring three age-specific subgroups with tailored talks, activities and game.
Retreat Highlights by Day
Day 1 – Friday, 24th October
Guests began arriving throughout the afternoon and were warmly welcomed as the retreat officially opened with Vespers at 5:30pm. Following dinner, participants took part in icebreaker and team-building activities across all age groups, encouraging fellowship and new connections.
The day concluded with Small Compline, confession, and informal fellowship, setting a prayerful and joyful tone for the retreat.
Day 2 – Saturday, 25th October
The first full day began with Matins, followed by breakfast in teams. Participants then took part in parallel talks for adults, children, and youth, centred on the Church as family, faith in daily life, prayer, and life in Christ, with time for group discussion and shared reflection.
The afternoon included outdoor activities, further talks, and team rehearsals for Sahra Night.
The day concluded with Great Vespers, an evening of games and fellowship, and Small Compline with the Canon of Preparation for Holy Communion, preparing all for the Divine Liturgy the following morning.
Day 3 – Sunday, 26th October
The day began with Matins and the Divine Liturgy, presided over by His Eminence Metropolitan SILOUAN and served at the ancient Chapel of St Peter-on-the-Wall.
Following breakfast, adults, children, and youth attended parallel talks reflecting on Christian life, family, spiritual struggle, and community.
The afternoon included free time and a keynote talk by His Eminence on building Orthodox community.
The day concluded with Vespers and the much-anticipated Sahra Night, filled with creative performances, laughter, and fellowship, before closing with Small Compline.
Day 4 – Monday, 26th October
The final day began with Orthros, followed by breakfast and preparations for departure.
A closing Q&A session with His Eminence Metropolitan Silouan and Fr Alexander Haig allowed both adults and children to reflect openly on faith, family life, and the Christian struggle.
After a final shared meal and words of gratitude, participants departed with renewed hearts, strengthened friendships, and a lasting reminder that the Church is one family in Christ.
Thank you!
We give thanks to God for this retreat. Sincere thanks to:
- Our father and Metropolitan SILOUAN for his blessing and presence
- Our chaplain, Fr Alexander, for his prayerful guidance.
- Fr Philip and Fr Jonathan, our guest speakers, for their inspiring words.
- All volunteers and organisers, especially James Shraiky.
- And most of all, to every participant, for their presence, joy, openness, and contributions.
It was a truly edifying experience. An extended weekend in which we did not just talk about community, but lived it.
We look forward to seeing you at next year’s retreat – God willing!