Ancient Faith Ministries

### Context Profile for Ancient Faith Ministries

1. **Organization Mission & Cause**:
   - **Mission**: Ancient Faith Ministries aims to promote the Orthodox Christian faith through various media, including podcasts, books, and community events. Their mission emphasizes nurturing spiritual growth and providing resources that support Orthodox Christian families and individuals.
   - **Cause**: They focus on educating and engaging Orthodox Christians, particularly families with young children, to deepen their understanding and practice of the faith.

2. **Type of Activities**:
   - **Events**: Regular community gatherings such as "Little Flock Story Hour," which includes storytelling, songs, and fellowship for toddlers and their parents.
   - **Fundraising Campaigns**: Various campaigns to support their media initiatives and community programs.
   - **Community Programs**: Educational resources, podcasts, and family-oriented events designed to foster a sense of community and spiritual growth.

3. **Tone of Voice**:
   - The tone is **friendly**, **welcoming**, and **inspiring**. Communications are designed to create a sense of community and belonging, particularly for families. The language is accessible and engaging, making it suitable for a broad audience, especially parents and young children.

4. **Emoji Usage**:
   - The organization uses emojis sparingly, primarily to add a friendly touch to communications. For example, a wink emoji (😉) is used in event descriptions to create a light-hearted and approachable tone. Emoji usage is not frequent but is strategically placed to enhance engagement.

5. **Key Facts**:
   - **Founding Info**: Ancient Faith Ministries has been established to support Orthodox Christian communities through various media and educational initiatives.
   - **Scale**: The organization has conducted 6 forms and 21 email campaigns, indicating an active engagement strategy with their audience.
   - **Impact Metrics**: While specific metrics are not detailed on the website, the emphasis on community involvement and family engagement suggests a focus on building a supportive network for Orthodox Christians.
   - **Volunteer Info**: Information on volunteering opportunities is not explicitly mentioned on the website, but community events imply a potential for volunteer involvement.

6. **Writing Guidelines**:
   - **Style**: Use a conversational and friendly tone that resonates with families and individuals. 
   - **Structure**: Keep content clear and organized, using headings and bullet points for easy reading. 
   - **Engagement**: Incorporate questions or prompts that invite interaction and community participation.
   - **Clarity**: Avoid jargon; use simple language that is accessible to all ages, particularly when addressing families with young children.
   - **Visuals**: Consider using images or emojis to enhance engagement, particularly in social media and event promotions.

This context profile provides a comprehensive understanding of Ancient Faith Ministries, enabling AI assistants to generate personalized and relevant content that aligns with the organization's mission and audience engagement strategies.

LXCL:This ticket includes only meals and sessions for 1 person (no lodging).

Commuter registration

LXCL:Join the wait list to be notified when a room becomes available. You must claim your room within 24 hours of being notified. Rooms can sleep up to 3 in separate beds.

Wait list

LXCL:This ticket upgrades an existing single registration to a double registration. Email ellie@ancientfaith.com for questions.

Upgrade from single to double registration

LXCL:This ticket upgrades an existing double registration to a triple registration. Email ellie@ancientfaith.com for questions.

Upgrade from double to triple registration

LXCL:This upcharge includes gluten-free meals for 1 person. You must submit your dietary request to Antiochian Village by 1/20/2025 and indicate your intolerance in order to be accommodated (Celiac, gluten sensitivity, wheat allergy, etc.): <a href="https://www.antiochianvillage.org/special-diet-requests/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer" class="lxcl-link" dir="ltr">www.antiochianvillage.org/special-diet-requests/</a> In the questions on the next page, please enter the details for the person who needs the gluten-free menu.

Gluten-free menu charge

LXCL:This registration is for a private room and bath, all meals, and sessions for 1 person.If you have not been notified it's your turn by Ellie, do not purchase.

Single registration

LXCL:This registration is for a shared private room and bath, all meals, and sessions for 2 people.If you have not been notified it's your turn by Ellie, do not purchase.

Double registration

LXCL:This registration is for a shared private room and bath, all meals, and sessions for 3 people. If you have not been notified it's your turn by Ellie, do not purchase.

Triple registration

Hello <span contenteditable="false" data-custom-variable="{{firstname}}" fr-original-class="fr-deletable styled-tag-chip " fr-original-style="" style="background-color: rgb(248, 248, 255); border: 1px solid rgb(191, 191, 255); border-radius: 4px; color: rgb(42, 42, 196); padding: 1px 8px; font-size: 11px; display: inline-block; margin: 0px; overflow-wrap: anywhere; user-select: none; box-sizing: inherit;">First name , Thank you for registering for the 2026 Ancient Faith Singles Retreat 30+ at Antiochian Village Conference Center in Bolivar, PA, January 15th to 18th, 2026. We are looking forward to hosting you in January! If you have any questions about your registration or the event, please do not hesitate to reach out to me. You may reference <a fr-original-style="" href="https://drive.google.com/file/d/1G01EiwyebdCGV7uQSU69xf7zoy4Gbscc/view?usp=sharing" rel="noopener noreferrer" style="text-decoration-color: initial; user-select: auto; box-sizing: inherit;" target="_blank">this sample schedule</a> for arranging your travel. The finalized schedule will be emailed to registrants when available. If you are not already a member of our singles group on Facebook, you can join that <a fr-original-style="color:inherit;text-decoration:inherit;user-select:auto;box-sizing:inherit;" href="https://www.facebook.com/groups/383665733400086" style="color: inherit; text-decoration: inherit; user-select: auto; box-sizing: inherit;">here</a>. EVENT FAQSLodging Information:&nbsp;Lodging for the retreat is located at the conference center, not the camp. Rooms are configured like typical hotel rooms. For more information on accommodations and amenities, click <a fr-original-style="color:inherit;text-decoration:inherit;user-select:auto;box-sizing:inherit;" href="https://www.antiochianvillage.org/" style="color: inherit; text-decoration: inherit; user-select: auto; box-sizing: inherit;" target="_blank">here</a>. Driving: There is plenty of free parking at Antiochian Village, so if you&rsquo;re within reach, this is a great way to come. Airports: If you intend to fly, your best bet is Pittsburgh International Airport (1.5-2 hours drive from Antiochian Village). There is a closer, smaller airport in Latrobe, but airlines and flights are limited. Airport Transportation: If you intend to fly, you must organize your own transportation between Antiochian Village and the airport. There is no shuttle or transportation organized by Ancient Faith. If you would like to coordinate sharing a rental car with other participants, please submit your information <a href="https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSeU-ABmexIOv68SHK7sFs_MK7ZCBRp8ZFmeCeZ845her2q2uQ/viewform?usp=header" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" fr-original-style="" style="text-decoration-color: initial; user-select: auto; box-sizing: inherit;"></a><a fr-original-style="" href="https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSeU-ABmexIOv68SHK7sFs_MK7ZCBRp8ZFmeCeZ845her2q2uQ/viewform?usp=header" rel="noopener noreferrer" style="text-decoration-color: initial; user-select: auto; box-sizing: inherit;" target="_blank">here</a> and view submissions <a fr-original-style="" href="https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1UjJ00KiUZ03HP_nYS5Np4cZCjwDxrmCW9xSydfPGSU0/edit?resourcekey=&gid=408789519#gid=408789519" rel="noopener noreferrer" style="text-decoration-color: initial; user-select: auto; box-sizing: inherit;" target="_blank">here</a>. What to Wear:&nbsp;This retreat is a come-as-you-are party! Please feel free to wear comfortable clothes. The weather will be cold, so dress accordingly. Bring boots and clothing that can keep you warm at a winter bonfire. We will be celebrating Divine Liturgy together on Sunday morning, so pack &ldquo;church clothes.&quot;Allergies &amp; Dietary Restrictions: For information on accommodating allergies or a medically necessary diet, please click <a fr-original-style="color:inherit;text-decoration:inherit;user-select:auto;box-sizing:inherit;" href="https://www.antiochianvillage.org/special-diet-requests/" style="color: inherit; text-decoration: inherit; user-select: auto; box-sizing: inherit;" target="_blank">here</a>. You must submit via Antiochian Village&#39;s website by 12/10/2025.Cancellations &amp; Refunds: Cancellations will be accepted and refunds until 12/15/2025. No refunds will be issued after this date. To cancel and receive a refund, email Ellie Bernasol (ellie@ancientfaith.com). Ticket Transfers:&nbsp;Tickets are nontransferable. If a ticket holder is unable to attend, they may seek a refund before 12/15/2025 If you have any questions, please email me at <a fr-original-style="color:inherit;text-decoration:inherit;user-select:auto;box-sizing:inherit;" href="mailto:ellie@ancientfaith.com" style="color: inherit; text-decoration: inherit; user-select: auto; box-sizing: inherit;">ellie@ancientfaith.com</a>. In Christ, Ellie Bernasol Director of Marketing &amp; CommunicationsAncient Faith Ministries<a fr-original-style="color:inherit;text-decoration:inherit;user-select:auto;box-sizing:inherit;" href="mailto:ellie@ancientfaith.com" style="color: inherit; text-decoration: inherit; user-select: auto; box-sizing: inherit;">ellie@ancientfaith.com</a>

Rooms are about to sell out. Commuter registrations are available and the waitlist is open for those who would like to be contacted should a room become available. PLEASE NOTE: On "Order Summary," Zeffy automatically adds a suggested donation in order to keep their platform free for nonprofits, but you may remove this charge completely. Select "Other" and enter 0 to remove the fee. Ancient Faith cannot take responsibility if you do not remove the fee. If you do not remove the fee, Ancient Faith has no way of refunding you and you will need to contact Zeffy directly. Please have your roommate(s)'s contact information prepared when you register (email address and phone number). This is essential so all registrants receive important event information. ABOUT THE EVENT The Ancient Faith Singles Retreat 30+ is a gathering of Orthodox Christians who are at least 30 years of age, unmarried (single, divorced, widowed), and living in the world. The weekend will include daily matins and vespers, and Sunday Divine Liturgy. The group will participate in interactive, leader-led discussion sessions, opportunities for community service, games, and social activities, and free time for relaxation and fellowship.  What's on the Schedule? <div><div><div>Speaker Sessions</div></div><div><div>We welcome Fr. Nick Belcher of St. George Antiochian Orthodox Church in Little Falls, NJ and Drs. David and Mary Ford of St. Tikhon's Seminary to share their wisdom with us. </div></div><div><div>Speed Dating</div></div><div><div>Break the ice and get to know all your fellow retreat attendees with our speed dating sessions! Whether you are extroverted or introverted, speed dating will give you the excuse to meet every other single in attendance. You don’t want to miss what is sure to be a lively and eventful afternoon of fun.</div></div><div><div>Trivia Night</div></div><div><div>Start studying, because at this year's singles retreat, we will host a trivia night with questions written by Ancient Faith staff and contributors. Where is the largest Orthodox church building in the world? How did Enoch get to heaven? Get ready for a fun challenge and opportunity to work as a team!</div></div><div><div>Film Screening: American Orthodox</div></div><div><div>Travel to California’s coastal Fort Ross, where an icon mysteriously washed ashore, sparking a legacy of faith. Encounter St. Peter the Aleut, a Native American saint who courageously planted the seeds of Orthodoxy and gave his life as a martyr. Through the lives of early saints, this evocative film reveals the hidden stories and sacred connections that continue to shape America’s spiritual landscape.</div></div><div><div>And Much More!</div></div><div><div>We will also be eating meals together at the Cedars Dining Hall, enjoying bonfires on the AV grounds, and attending many church services. There will also be opportunities to hike on the wooded Meditation Trail and venerate the relics of St. Raphael of Brooklyn.</div></div><div><div> </div></div></div> DETAILS Who’s Invited: The Ancient Faith Singles Retreat is for Orthodox Christians who are at least 30 years of age, unmarried (single, divorced, widowed), and living in the world. Roommates: Ancient Faith does not arrange roommates. You are responsible for finding your roommate(s) and splitting the cost amongst yourselves. Lodging Information: Lodging for the retreat is located at the conference center, not the camp. Rooms are configured like typical hotel rooms. For more information on accommodations and amenities, click <a href="https://www.antiochianvillage.org/" target="_blank">here</a>. Driving: There is plenty of free parking at Antiochian Village, so if you’re within reach, this is a great way to come. Airports: If you intend to fly, your best bet is Pittsburgh International Airport (1.5-2 hours drive from Antiochian Village). There is a closer, smaller airport in Latrobe, but airlines and flights are limited. Airport Transportation: If you intend to fly, you must organize your own transportation between Antiochian Village and the airport. There is no shuttle or transportation organized by Ancient Faith. After registration, you may submit your flight information to a Google form to be shared with other participants in order to coordinate rental cars. Uber/Lyft does NOT serve the area. What to Wear: Please feel free to wear comfortable clothes. The weather will be cold, so dress accordingly. We will be celebrating Divine Liturgy together on Sunday morning, so pack “church clothes."Allergies &amp; Dietary Restrictions: For information on accommodating allergies or a medically necessary diet, please click <a href="http://www.antiochianvillage.org/special-diet-requests/" target="_blank">here</a>. You must submit via Antiochian Village's website by 12/10/2025.Cancellations &amp; Refunds: Cancellations will be accepted and refunded until 12/15/2025. No refunds will be issued after this date. To cancel and receive a refund, email Ellie Bernasol (ellie@ancientfaith.com). Ticket Transfers: Tickets are nontransferable. If a ticket holder is unable to attend, they may seek a refund before 12/15/2025. Questions: Please don’t hesitate to contact Ellie Bernasol at <a href="mailto:ellie@ancientfaith.com" target="_blank">ellie@ancientfaith.com</a> with any questions. You may reference <a href="https://drive.google.com/file/d/1G01EiwyebdCGV7uQSU69xf7zoy4Gbscc/view?usp=sharing" target="_blank">this sample schedule</a> for arranging your travel. We are looking forward very much to spending time with you in January!

Ancient Faith Ministries

2026 Ancient Faith Singles Retreat 30+

140 Church Camp Trail