On Tuesday, March 10, clergy of the southern deaneries of the Eastern American Diocese gathered at 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 greeted the ruling bishop of the diocese, His Eminence Nicholas, Metropolitan of Eastern America & New York, as well as Metropolitan Jonah (Paffhausen).

Parish rector Archimandrite John (Townsend) greeted the esteemed guests.

Archimandrite Peter (Karakozoff; Bishop-elect of Seattle), delivered the day’s keynote address, entitled "On the Mystical Prayers and the Prayer of the Third Hour. A ROCOR perspective." The talk was followed by lively discussion.

After a delicious luncheon organized by the parish, Subdeacon Timothy Zelinski briefly spoke about the activities of Holy Trinity Publications in Jordanville, NY 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.

The clergy intoned "Memory Eternal" for Metropolitan Laurus (Škurla) in proximity to the anniversary of his blessed repose (March 16, 2008), and for Archpriest George Johnson, who reposed the day prior.

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.