The 2025 Retreat was held from Friday 19th December to Tuesday 23rd December in Geelong. The Retreat was hosted by the Russian Orthodox Church Geelong “Joy Of All Who Sorrow” parish, led by the parish priest, Fr Yaroslav Belikow.

Metropolitan Siluan (Serbian Orthodox Church) gave a talk on the 1st Ecumenical Council held 1,700 years ago. Fr Nicholas Karipoff spoke on the theme of “I’m the Good Shepherd”. Workshops were on topics that included confession, saints of the 20th centuary, meaning of the vigil and changing relationships with parents.

On Sunday 21st December Liturgy was concelebrated by attending clergy with reader Lawrence Boikov leading the choir comprising Retreat attendees.

Delicious food was provided by the parish sisterhood and helpers and there were opportunities for attendees to socialise, play games, go to the beach and ask questions.

Congratulations and thank you to the organisers, led by Fr Yaroslav, for hosting such a warm and welcoming Retreat for the Diocesan teenagers.