From Friday night through Sunday morning, the faithful of New York State came together at Greek Peak Mountain Resort as part of the New York State Deanery Youth and Family Retreat. With over 60 in attendance, the weekend began with activities for everyone's tastes. As some of the adults headed off for a quiet meal, the youth made their way to the Cascade Indoor Water Park. They were not seen for many hours, but the reports were that they had a fabulous time. After a long and tasty meal, and after prying the kids from their watery fun, everyone retired for some well needed rest. Some went to their rooms, while others returned home for the night.

            In the morning, all of the retreaters gathered once more in the Adirondack Conference Room to begin the day with morning prayers. At that time, the prayers were read by the young adults and led by the clergy of the deanery. Then the younger children were released to the water park while the older ones had their educational part of the retreat. Debbie Darling, who also organizes the whole weekend, presented several videos concerning the social struggles the teens are facing, and the Church's response to the issues. It was amazing to see how the youth of the deanery are willing and being prepared to confront these issues due to their grounding in the Church's life and teachings.

            A delicious lunch was served by the staff of Greek Peak. All of those participating in the retreat ate together; and the conversation was joyous and boisterous. But lunch was not what the teens were now looking for. They soon headed for the water park as the younger kids took their lesson. Debbie asked them the question: Who is your hero? She also asked the kids if a villain could someday become a hero. Using the modern example of Gru from Despicable Me, many encouraging answers came forth from the mouths of these babes.

            In the late afternoon, His Grace, Bp Michael, spoke to the gathered youth. He encouraged them to look for the good in things and for the things that are good. This was an engaging talk, and concluded with a spirited period of answers and questions. His Grace asked the kids to tell him what they had learned, and he commented on their attentiveness. There is a lot of hope for a bright future in this deanery.

            Again, back to the water park, though some headed to the mountain for a few runs down the hill. Dinner came, and it was followed by Vespers served by His Grace. Guess what happened next? More water park. The kids and many of the adults found their way to the water in order to find evening relaxation and recreation. At this time they were visited by Bp Michael, and he was pleased to see all of the retreaters enjoying the indoor fun.

            On the following morning, many of the retreaters made their way to Holy Apostles Mission Church in Lansing, only a short 30 minutes away for the Divine Liturgy. Bp Michael served, along with Fr James Worthington, Rector, Fr Alexey Karlgut, Dean of the New York State Deanery and Rector of Ss Peter and Paul Church in Endicott and Fr Timothy Holowatch, first priest of the mission and associate priest at Ss Peter and Paul. It was beautiful liturgy with an encouraging sermon from His Grace. Afterwards, the assembled faithful went to Crossroads Restaurant for a good lunch to end the retreat. At the restaurant, you could see the youth sharing phone numbers and making plans to keep in touch until the next event brings them together.