On Tuesday, April 2, clergymen of the southern deaneries of the Eastern American Diocese flocked to St. Mary of Egypt Church in Roswell (Atlanta), GA for the start of the Southern Great Lenten Clergy Retreat.

The morning began with a moleben to the Protectress of the Russian Diaspora ‒ the wonderworking Kursk Root Icon of the Mother of God. The clergy were greeted by the ruling bishop of the Eastern American Diocese, Metropolitan Nicholas of Eastern America & New York. "Memory Eternal" was sung for the newly reposed Archpriest Victor Trotsky (cleric of the Mid-American Diocese) and the ever-memorable Hieromonk Alexander (Lisnichuk), longtime cleric of St. Mary of Egypt Church, who reposed in the Lord in December 2023.

The day’s keynote speaker was Archbishop Peter of Chicago & Mid-America, who discussed the history of ROCOR and its relationship through history with other Orthodox Churches. The talk was followed by lively discussion.

After a delicious luncheon organized by the parish, Reader Nicholas Chapman briefly spoke about the activities of Holy Trinity Publications, and the number of new publications being produced this year.

The Diocesan Media Office provided the opportunity for clerics to update their directory information, as well as to purchase various photographs showcasing notable events in the life of the diocese.

An informal discussion was then held between Metropolitan Nicholas and the attendees, where they were able to obtain necessary counsel on several important pastoral matters.

Participants of the clergy retreat served Matins in the church, during which all were able to make their confessions in order to commune of Christ’s Holy Mysteries the following day. After a lenten supper, Small Compline was served, and all then returned to their rooms to quietly reflect on the day’s events and prepare themselves to serve the following day at the Liturgy of the Presanctified Gifts.