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Please have your roommate(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 Lord of Spirits Conference is returning in 2025! The podcast that opens up the visible and invisible world of angels, demons, and saints is back for a live, in-person conference at Antiochian Village in Bolivar. PA. Meet Fr. Stephen De Young, Fr. Andrew Stephen Damick, Fr. Joseph Lucas, Dn. Seraphim Richard Rohlin, and more, for discussion, prayer, and fellowship centered on the ancient Biblical, historical, and liturgical sources that have made Lord of Spirits by far one of the most popular Orthodox Christian podcasts in the English language.

SPEAKER SESSIONS

Easy Answers to Giant Probems by Fr. Stephen De Young, pastor of Archangel Gabriel Orthodox Church in Lafayette, LA, host of the Whole Counsel of God podcast and co-host of the Lord of Spirits podcast • Get excited!

The Thrice-Dying Prophet by Fr. Andrew Stephen Damick, Chief Content Officer of Ancient Faith, and co-host of the Lord of Spirits podcast • Ancient and other pre-modern people told Biblical tales in their particular idiom for their audiences. What would such a tale look like if it were told in our time? Fr. Andrew attempts a recovery of this traditional approach with the Biblical story of the prophet Jonah.

Behold the Bridegrom: Nuptial Imagery as a Sign of Salvation by Fr. Joseph Lucas, pastor of Christ the Savior Orthodox Cathedral in Miami Lakes, FL and professor of patristics • The hymnody of the Orthodox Church is a unique form of art where the deep symbolism of Holy Scripture and the fine precision of theological doctrine coalesce in a symphony of verse and melody. This is particularly true regarding the immense mystery of salvation. We will examine how the Church Fathers have combined these two realities in their liturgical compositions to describe union with God.

Stars and Planets are Angels: What to do with all of the astrology in the Bible by Dn. Seraphim Richard Rohlin, co-host of The Great Tales, Wolf & the Cross, and Amon Sul podcasts • In this talk, Dn. Seraphim will explain the roots of the Bible’s many references to astrology—a cosmic vision where the heavens proclaim the glory of God (though some planets go to Hell!). What do we do with such Scripture references, how do they mesh with the Church Fathers' frequent condemnations of astrology, and did St. Mercurius kill Julian the Apostate for the sin of heliocentrism?

SCHEDULE

Check-in for the event opens at 3 pm on Thursday, October 2nd. Programming begins with Vespers in the afternoon, followed by dinner and a welcome session. Friday and Saturday will be filled with lecture sessions from our speakers, church services, meals, free time, and other activities (to be announced). There will be bonfires on Friday and Saturday nights. On Sunday, October 5th, we will celebrate liturgy and enjoy brunch together. There is no other programming on Sunday. The building will close after check-out at 1:30 pm. A detailed schedule will be released to registrants when finalized. 

DETAILS & EVENT FAQS

After reading through these details, please direct further questions to Ellie Bernasol (ellie@ancientfaith.com), Director of Marketing and Communications at Ancient Faith.

Who’s Invited: This event is open to Lord of Spirits fans, teenaged and older. This is an intentionally Orthodox event. You do not have to be Orthodox to attend. If you want to be there, we want you there! Teenagers under 18 must attend with an adult.
Roommates: Ancient Faith does not arrange roommates. You are responsible for finding your roommate and arranging to purchase your registration together.
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 here. For Antiochian Village's Guest Info sheet, click here.
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. Ridesharing apps (Uber, Lyft, etc.) do not serve the area.
What to Pack: Please feel free to wear comfortable clothes. The weather may be chilly, so dress accordingly. We will be celebrating Divine Liturgy together on Sunday morning, so pack “church clothes." Most of the programming is indoors, but it's recommended to bring clothing and shoes for walking around Antiochian Village's beautiful grounds and to enjoy the evening bonfires. You are encouraged to bring camp chairs for the bonfires and board and card games for free time.

Allergies & Dietary Restrictions: Registration includes all meals from Thursday dinner to Sunday brunch. For information on accommodating allergies or a medically necessary diet, please click here. You must submit via Antiochian Village's website by September 2, 2025 at 5 PM CT in order to be accommodated. Please submit through Antiochian Village's form and forward the confirmation to Ellie Bernasol (ellie@ancientfaith.com)–thank you!

Cancellations & Refunds: Cancellations will be accepted and refunded until September 2, 2025 at 5 PM CT. 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 September 2, 2025

We are looking forward to spending time with you in October!