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.

This registration is for a private room and bath, all meals, and sessions for 1 person.

Single registration - RESERVED FOR WAITLIST

This registration is for a shared private room and bath, all meals, and sessions for 2 people.

Double registration - RESERVED FOR WAITLIST

This registration is for a shared private room and bath, all meals, and sessions for 3 people.

Triple registration - RESERVED FOR WAITLIST

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

Commuter registration

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.): www.antiochianvillage.org/special-diet-requests/
In the questions on the next page, please enter the details for the person who needs the gluten-free menu.

Gluten-free menu charge

All rooms are sold out. If you'd like to join the wait list, submit your information <a href="https://forms.gle/zNC4RdeLcJNFstiP6" style="text-decoration-color:initial;user-select:auto;box-sizing:inherit">HERE</a>. Commuter tickets are still available (meals & programming included) and you can book lodging locally. Below is a list of local hotels. Ramada in Ligonier, 12 min from AV: <a href="http://www.ramadaligonier.com/?utm_source=google" style="text-decoration-color:initial;user-select:auto;box-sizing:inherit">http://www.ramadaligonier.com/?utm_source=google</a><a href="http://www.ramadaligonier.com/?utm_source=google&utm_medium=organic&utm_campaign=gbp_listing&fbclid=IwZXh0bgNhZW0CMTAAAR04-IRMYK1xfvFogpV1eU2kVGme0LaxdnQqz0jmI2FYS0tP5MMMmFbB02c_aem_v3aELJPrerOz96kH1qvtWQ" rel="noopener noreferrer" style="text-decoration-color:initial;user-select:auto;box-sizing:inherit" target="_blank">...</a> Hampton Inn Latrobe, 25 min from AV: <a href="https://www.hilton.com/en/hotels/ltbpahx-hampton-latrobe/" style="text-decoration-color:initial;user-select:auto;box-sizing:inherit">https://www.hilton.com/en/hotels/ltbpahx-hampton-latrobe/</a><a href="https://www.hilton.com/en/hotels/ltbpahx-hampton-latrobe/?SEO_id=GMB-AMER-HX-LTBPAHX&y_source=1_MTIzNTg4NDAtNzE1LWxvY2F0aW9uLndlYnNpdGU%3D&fbclid=IwZXh0bgNhZW0CMTAAAR1IfxVqC1tnrxcmRxJQTPu01FrHf-uqk9vYyEO_JREjZLX5UvdKOl3GA_I_aem_PpMPj2Z7mIjoNF5-aUueKg" rel="noopener noreferrer" style="text-decoration-color:initial;user-select:auto;box-sizing:inherit" target="_blank">...</a> SpringHill Suites in Latrobe, 25 min from AV: <a href="https://www.marriott.com/.../pitlt.../overview/" style="text-decoration-color:initial;user-select:auto;box-sizing:inherit">https://www.marriott.com/.../pitlt.../overview/</a><a href="https://l.facebook.com/l.php?u=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.marriott.com%2Fen-us%2Fhotels%2Fpitlt-springhill-suites-pittsburgh-latrobe%2Foverview%2F%3Fscid%3Df2ae0541-1279-4f24-b197-a979c79310b0%26fbclid%3DIwZXh0bgNhZW0CMTAAAR3FsOVm-KAQ_nblAQs8flvEk3C8tKONdkFveLdnUsyCgLy5MPeMmxXNLMM_aem_o6gLoKsjgntAtu1ivsRePQ&h=AT0dycSX7MMN6_Kc8Ng_4IkzrTJqVfUxBbftZGWOQdwqAVs2DLrc6QKia2KqrOsgJa5OpuvYHezk1Rc9T-2awX6gYo-ZUrozGaXmcX7_kB5ny-Ug1dfBDfbd5qinrgtlsl9L-OCDVQ&__tn__=R]-R&c[0]=AT3vwzxpkjDJmz9_QLV19uJ0qn3SeDTxTzPf8ZxLW3pJdzU1Ci_vC-2UtehFd7uQF6k7cK6nbjzk_1m_V1Ffqknn13jQ-3wIuJIPKpD9Co-5Ob2-1WlcOuqflNZNSHV46wFi63uTbkRGIZZWCoGgWw8x4SMzYXR2bEIcaRwbjiolcNyCiJnWLuAPQx-FuRO9lXZi4tzSPIEm4KRtTdG2h2ElYttI1qI2" rel="noopener noreferrer" style="text-decoration-color:initial;user-select:auto;box-sizing:inherit" target="_blank">...</a> Hampton Inn Blairsville, 27 min from AV: <a href="https://www.hilton.com/.../blapahx-hampton-suites.../" style="text-decoration-color:initial;user-select:auto;box-sizing:inherit">https://www.hilton.com/.../blapahx-hampton-suites.../</a><a href="https://www.hilton.com/en/hotels/blapahx-hampton-suites-blairsville/?SEO_id=GMB-AMER-HX-BLAPAHX&y_source=1_MjA4NDY5Mi03MTUtbG9jYXRpb24ud2Vic2l0ZQ%3D%3D&fbclid=IwZXh0bgNhZW0CMTAAAR0ydBhDz0mAbtsV0SiYkr4sr-8ZYjowcbekXiQ72kacHoO0Z3P0CEFdG1E_aem_J6rV76B1TWUBBStACUxj3Q" rel="noopener noreferrer" style="text-decoration-color:initial;user-select:auto;box-sizing:inherit" target="_blank">...</a> 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. LecturesSingle. Orthodox. American.Elissa Bjeletich DavisEach of these aspects of a person’s identity brings its own complicated set of concerns, and the combination of all three is uniquely challenging. It’s hard to be single and looking for the right spouse, trying to solve the puzzle of how to select—and attract—the best choice for a lifelong marriage. As modern Americans, we’re impatient, and we’re surrounded by mixed messages and misleading influences. And as Orthodox Christians, we’re hoping to find a match who belongs to a fairly niche religious group—all the while defeating the passions and growing closer to God. Is it even possible to do it all? Elissa Bjeletich Davis hosts four popular Ancient Faith Radio podcasts: Life Streams In, Raising Saints, Everyday Orthodox, and together with Kristina Wenger, Tending the Garden of Our Hearts. She is the co-author of Tending the Garden of Our Hearts: Daily Lenten Meditations for Families (Ancient Faith Publishing, 2019) and also of Blueprints for the Little Church: Creating an Orthodox Home (Ancient Faith Publishing, 2016). She is the author of Welcoming the Christ Child: Family Readings for the Nativity Lent (Sebastian Press, 2017), and In God’s Hands: A Mother’s Journey through Her Infant’s Critical Illness (Ancient Faith Publishing, 2013). Don’t Panic: It’s Going to Be Okay: Waiting for God’s Will (to Walk Through the Door)This talk explores the Orthodox Christian perspective on discerning God's will for marriage and finding a spouse. Rooted in the teachings of the Church Fathers, the discussion will address the spiritual principles that guide the pursuit of a Christ-centered relationship, focusing on prayer, patience, and trust in God’s timing. Participants will learn how to balance personal desires with the will of God, the role of virtue and spiritual growth in preparation for marriage, and the importance of seeking wise counsel and community support. The talk will also delve into the practical aspects of navigating modern relationships while holding fast to Christian values, offering insights into how faith can shape one's journey as a single Orthodox Christian. Fr. Tom Soroka is the priest at St. Nicholas Orthodox Church in Mckees Rocks, Pennsylvania. He is also the host of the daily AFR podcast The Path and the host of the Tuesday-afternoon talk show Ancient Faith Today Live. A native of Pittsburgh, he holds a degree in Music from Duquesne University in Pittsburgh and attended St Vladimir's Orthodox Theological Seminary. He currently oversees the work of the Departments of the Orthodox Church in America and serves on the Diocesan Council of the Archdiocese of Pittsburgh and Western Pennsylvania. Fr. Tom is a frequent speaker in parishes on various spiritual topics including parish revitalization, growth, and leadership, and directs the Pan-Orthodox Choir of Pittsburgh. Singles Town HallHere’s your chance to express your fears, desires, questions, and comments regarding singles ministry or the lack thereof. Led by two of your fellow retreat attendees, this will be an open-mic forum whose goal is to arrive at a sensible, practical, and achievable blueprint for effectively ministering to Orthodox singles both at home and abroad. Speed DatingYes, you read that correctly. This year Ancient Faith will present our first-ever official and fully licensed speed dating event. Get to know all of your fellow retreaters right away—and in one fell swoop—with plenty of time afterward and throughout the weekend to follow up with your new friends and acquaintances. You don’t want to miss what is sure to be a lively and eventful morning of fun. Service ProjectOnce again, we will be assembling hygiene kits for IOCC on site at Antiochian Village. All of the materials will be provided for you, and this time we will have plenty of band-aids! Last year, we exhausted all of our supplies, and we hope to do so again. We just need able bodies and generous hearts to make a big difference in the lives of others. And Much More!We will also be eating meals together at the fabulous Cedars dining hall, enjoying bonfires on the AV grounds, and attending a variety of church services. There will also be opportunities to hike on the wooded Meditation Trail and venerate the newly exhumed relics of St. Raphael of Brooklyn. 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/" 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’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 chilly, so dress accordingly. We will be celebrating Divine Liturgy together on Sunday morning, so pack “church clothes."Allergies & Dietary Restrictions: For information on accommodating allergies or a medically necessary diet, please click <a href="http://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's website by 1/20/2025.Cancellations & Refunds: Cancellations will be accepted and refunded until 1/20/2025. 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 1/20/2025. Questions: Please don’t hesitate to contact Ellie Bernasol at <a href="mailto:ellie@ancientfaith.com" style="color:inherit;text-decoration:inherit;user-select:auto;box-sizing:inherit" target="_blank">ellie@ancientfaith.com</a> with any questions. You may reference <a href="https://drive.google.com/file/d/1IL2wv91HwyAua-0FP_7-rXU2T_2rvHGQ/view?usp=drive_link" style="color:inherit;text-decoration:inherit;user-select:auto;box-sizing:inherit" target="_self">this sample schedule</a> for arranging your travel. We are looking forward very much to spending time with you in February!

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);display:inline-block;margin:0px;padding:1px 8px;font-size:11px;line-height:16px;overflow-wrap:anywhere;user-select:none;box-sizing:inherit">First name , Thank you for registering for the 2025 Ancient Faith Singles Retreat 30+ at Antiochian Village Conference Center in Bolivar, PA, February 20th to 23rd, 2025. We are looking forward to hosting you in February! If you have any questions about your registration or the event, please do not hesitate to reach out to me. You may reference <a href="https://drive.google.com/file/d/1IL2wv91HwyAua-0FP_7-rXU2T_2rvHGQ/view?usp=drive_link" style="color:inherit;text-decoration:inherit;user-select:auto;box-sizing:inherit" target="_self">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 href="https://www.facebook.com/groups/383665733400086" style="color:inherit;text-decoration:inherit;user-select:auto;box-sizing:inherit">here</a>. EVENT FAQSLodging 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/" 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’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://forms.gle/DfWka6QqyBcuKgaS7" style="text-decoration-color:initial;user-select:auto;box-sizing:inherit">here</a> and view submissions <a href="https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1JFjo8Sj67Wb9TLGtLOK1ssPY7QMENsp1Voou1Bk6x1s/edit?usp=sharing" style="text-decoration-color:initial;user-select:auto;box-sizing:inherit">here</a>. What to Wear: This retreat is a come-as-you-are party! Please feel free to wear comfortable clothes. The weather will be chilly, so dress accordingly. We will be celebrating Divine Liturgy together on Sunday morning, so pack “church clothes."Allergies & Dietary Restrictions: For information on accommodating allergies or a medically necessary diet, please click <a 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's website by 1/20/2025.Cancellations & Refunds: Cancellations will be accepted and refunds until 1/20/2025. 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 1/20/2025 If you have any questions, please email me at <a 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 & CommunicationsAncient Faith Ministries<a href="mailto:ellie@ancientfaith.com" style="color:inherit;text-decoration:inherit;user-select:auto;box-sizing:inherit">ellie@ancientfaith.com</a>

All rooms are sold out. If you'd like to join the wait list, submit your information <a href="https://forms.gle/zNC4RdeLcJNFstiP6">HERE</a>. Commuter tickets are still available (meals &amp; programming included) and you can book lodging locally. Below is a list of local hotels. Ramada in Ligonier, 12 min from AV: <a href="http://www.ramadaligonier.com/?utm_source=google">http://www.ramadaligonier.com/?utm_source=google</a><a href="http://www.ramadaligonier.com/?utm_source=google&amp;utm_medium=organic&amp;utm_campaign=gbp_listing&amp;fbclid=IwZXh0bgNhZW0CMTAAAR04-IRMYK1xfvFogpV1eU2kVGme0LaxdnQqz0jmI2FYS0tP5MMMmFbB02c_aem_v3aELJPrerOz96kH1qvtWQ" target="_blank">...</a> Hampton Inn Latrobe, 25 min from AV: <a href="https://www.hilton.com/en/hotels/ltbpahx-hampton-latrobe/">https://www.hilton.com/en/hotels/ltbpahx-hampton-latrobe/</a><a href="https://www.hilton.com/en/hotels/ltbpahx-hampton-latrobe/?SEO_id=GMB-AMER-HX-LTBPAHX&amp;y_source=1_MTIzNTg4NDAtNzE1LWxvY2F0aW9uLndlYnNpdGU%3D&amp;fbclid=IwZXh0bgNhZW0CMTAAAR1IfxVqC1tnrxcmRxJQTPu01FrHf-uqk9vYyEO_JREjZLX5UvdKOl3GA_I_aem_PpMPj2Z7mIjoNF5-aUueKg" target="_blank">...</a> SpringHill Suites in Latrobe, 25 min from AV: <a href="https://www.marriott.com/.../pitlt.../overview/">https://www.marriott.com/.../pitlt.../overview/</a><a href="https://l.facebook.com/l.php?u=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.marriott.com%2Fen-us%2Fhotels%2Fpitlt-springhill-suites-pittsburgh-latrobe%2Foverview%2F%3Fscid%3Df2ae0541-1279-4f24-b197-a979c79310b0%26fbclid%3DIwZXh0bgNhZW0CMTAAAR3FsOVm-KAQ_nblAQs8flvEk3C8tKONdkFveLdnUsyCgLy5MPeMmxXNLMM_aem_o6gLoKsjgntAtu1ivsRePQ&amp;h=AT0dycSX7MMN6_Kc8Ng_4IkzrTJqVfUxBbftZGWOQdwqAVs2DLrc6QKia2KqrOsgJa5OpuvYHezk1Rc9T-2awX6gYo-ZUrozGaXmcX7_kB5ny-Ug1dfBDfbd5qinrgtlsl9L-OCDVQ&amp;__tn__=R]-R&amp;c[0]=AT3vwzxpkjDJmz9_QLV19uJ0qn3SeDTxTzPf8ZxLW3pJdzU1Ci_vC-2UtehFd7uQF6k7cK6nbjzk_1m_V1Ffqknn13jQ-3wIuJIPKpD9Co-5Ob2-1WlcOuqflNZNSHV46wFi63uTbkRGIZZWCoGgWw8x4SMzYXR2bEIcaRwbjiolcNyCiJnWLuAPQx-FuRO9lXZi4tzSPIEm4KRtTdG2h2ElYttI1qI2" target="_blank">...</a> Hampton Inn Blairsville, 27 min from AV: <a href="https://www.hilton.com/.../blapahx-hampton-suites.../">https://www.hilton.com/.../blapahx-hampton-suites.../</a><a href="https://www.hilton.com/en/hotels/blapahx-hampton-suites-blairsville/?SEO_id=GMB-AMER-HX-BLAPAHX&amp;y_source=1_MjA4NDY5Mi03MTUtbG9jYXRpb24ud2Vic2l0ZQ%3D%3D&amp;fbclid=IwZXh0bgNhZW0CMTAAAR0ydBhDz0mAbtsV0SiYkr4sr-8ZYjowcbekXiQ72kacHoO0Z3P0CEFdG1E_aem_J6rV76B1TWUBBStACUxj3Q" target="_blank">...</a> 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. LecturesSingle. Orthodox. American.Elissa Bjeletich DavisEach of these aspects of a person’s identity brings its own complicated set of concerns, and the combination of all three is uniquely challenging. It’s hard to be single and looking for the right spouse, trying to solve the puzzle of how to select—and attract—the best choice for a lifelong marriage. As modern Americans, we’re impatient, and we’re surrounded by mixed messages and misleading influences. And as Orthodox Christians, we’re hoping to find a match who belongs to a fairly niche religious group—all the while defeating the passions and growing closer to God. Is it even possible to do it all? Elissa Bjeletich Davis hosts four popular Ancient Faith Radio podcasts: Life Streams In, Raising Saints, Everyday Orthodox, and together with Kristina Wenger, Tending the Garden of Our Hearts. She is the co-author of Tending the Garden of Our Hearts: Daily Lenten Meditations for Families (Ancient Faith Publishing, 2019) and also of Blueprints for the Little Church: Creating an Orthodox Home (Ancient Faith Publishing, 2016). She is the author of Welcoming the Christ Child: Family Readings for the Nativity Lent (Sebastian Press, 2017), and In God’s Hands: A Mother’s Journey through Her Infant’s Critical Illness (Ancient Faith Publishing, 2013). Don’t Panic: It’s Going to Be Okay: Waiting for God’s Will (to Walk Through the Door)This talk explores the Orthodox Christian perspective on discerning God's will for marriage and finding a spouse. Rooted in the teachings of the Church Fathers, the discussion will address the spiritual principles that guide the pursuit of a Christ-centered relationship, focusing on prayer, patience, and trust in God’s timing. Participants will learn how to balance personal desires with the will of God, the role of virtue and spiritual growth in preparation for marriage, and the importance of seeking wise counsel and community support. The talk will also delve into the practical aspects of navigating modern relationships while holding fast to Christian values, offering insights into how faith can shape one's journey as a single Orthodox Christian. Fr. Tom Soroka is the priest at St. Nicholas Orthodox Church in Mckees Rocks, Pennsylvania. He is also the host of the daily AFR podcast The Path and the host of the Tuesday-afternoon talk show Ancient Faith Today Live. A native of Pittsburgh, he holds a degree in Music from Duquesne University in Pittsburgh and attended St Vladimir's Orthodox Theological Seminary. He currently oversees the work of the Departments of the Orthodox Church in America and serves on the Diocesan Council of the Archdiocese of Pittsburgh and Western Pennsylvania. Fr. Tom is a frequent speaker in parishes on various spiritual topics including parish revitalization, growth, and leadership, and directs the Pan-Orthodox Choir of Pittsburgh. Singles Town HallHere’s your chance to express your fears, desires, questions, and comments regarding singles ministry or the lack thereof. Led by two of your fellow retreat attendees, this will be an open-mic forum whose goal is to arrive at a sensible, practical, and achievable blueprint for effectively ministering to Orthodox singles both at home and abroad. Speed DatingYes, you read that correctly. This year Ancient Faith will present our first-ever official and fully licensed speed dating event. Get to know all of your fellow retreaters right away—and in one fell swoop—with plenty of time afterward and throughout the weekend to follow up with your new friends and acquaintances. You don’t want to miss what is sure to be a lively and eventful morning of fun. Service ProjectOnce again, we will be assembling hygiene kits for IOCC on site at Antiochian Village. All of the materials will be provided for you, and this time we will have plenty of band-aids! Last year, we exhausted all of our supplies, and we hope to do so again. We just need able bodies and generous hearts to make a big difference in the lives of others. And Much More!We will also be eating meals together at the fabulous Cedars dining hall, enjoying bonfires on the AV grounds, and attending a variety of church services. There will also be opportunities to hike on the wooded Meditation Trail and venerate the newly exhumed relics of St. Raphael of Brooklyn. 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 chilly, 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 1/20/2025.Cancellations &amp; Refunds: Cancellations will be accepted and refunded until 1/20/2025. 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 1/20/2025. 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/1IL2wv91HwyAua-0FP_7-rXU2T_2rvHGQ/view?usp=drive_link" target="_self">this sample schedule</a> for arranging your travel. We are looking forward very much to spending time with you in February!

Ancient Faith Ministries

2025 Ancient Faith Singles Retreat 30+

140 Church Camp Trail

Single registration - RESERVED FOR WAITLIST

$540

Double registration - RESERVED FOR WAITLIST

$880

Triple registration - RESERVED FOR WAITLIST

$1,210

Commuter registration

$275

Gluten-free menu charge

$24