On the weekend of May 25-28, 2018, a meeting of young men and men titled Gentlemen's Retreat took place at the future monastery dedicated to the Protection of the Mother of God in Allegan, Michigan. The proposal was initiated by ROYA young people following the model of retreats of the AROLA women's organization that have been very successful, inspiring the men of our communities to come together. Men joined being very motivated by a meeting with other members of the community and by participating together at the feast of Pentecost celebrating the foundation of the Church by the Descent of the Holy Spirit on the apostles.
Desiring a closer relationship with the other men and youth of the community, organized in a natural open environment and conducive to communication, prayer and work together, the 21 participants from Canada and the US have spent together a weekend that most want to be reorganized at each summer start.
Besides outdoor work, prayer, but also relaxation, it was a good opportunity for mutual knowledge and sharing of everyone's experience of faith, family life, the difficulties and opportunities of Orthodox Christian family life in America.
The discussions were interactive, cheerful and with a strong sense of communion that was felt in the discussions of both the good moments and the challenges of daily life, especially in terms of improving family life. Coordinated by Father Atanasie, as a result of reading on thematic topics, the talks extended until late at night with a special emphasis on the empathy that all men of sensitivity (Gentle Men) must prove first and foremost in the home of the family and in the present society the principle of true Orthodox behavior we are called to, and the awareness of the full responsibility that men have in improving the atmosphere in their home.
The relationship between husband and wife and the role of the husband in the family was the most motivating discussion where the ladies had the opportunity to express beforehand, in writing to the organizer, the things they think should be better established for the family and the relationship between spouses to be truly Christian, leading to as much peace and joy as possible. After talking, someone wanted to share his impression: "Know that the talks persuaded me to try and put a new good start in my family life with a greater emphasis on humility and love."
The time has been too short, and although all the planned things have not been achieved, they all hope for the 2019 meeting when the full operation of the monastery Protection of the Mother of God is planned.
Lucian Drăguș
