Arrive at the Arizona Grand Resort, check in, connect with your brothers and enjoy exploring the resort, the beautiful hiking trails and the city of Phoenix.
Registration Fees / Register Today!
Early Bird
$475
Register by September 30, 2023
Discount hotel rate guaranteed
Why wait? Register early!
Regular
$525
About the Retreat / what happens there and why you should come
The vision of the APC is simply this: "Brothers who love and serve one another."
Its mission is "to serve the clergy of the Archdiocese by supporting our priests through spiritual growth, educational development and personal wellness. This mission is accomplished through retreats, continuing education, brother-to-brother outreach, ministry development, clergy family care and benevolence."
The biennial National Clergy Retreat is one of the most important ways the APC fulfills that vision and mission through refreshing, renewing and recharging the clergy of the Archdiocese of America, and through them the Church, ministries and families they serve and love.
All this happens through encounters with dynamic and personal speakers, engaging sessions with brother clergy, refreshing adventures to change the pace and plenty of time for great conversations, personal prayer and taking a break from our hectic daily schedules. And an professional fitness sessions add to the overall emphasis on wellness that empowers all who attend to be better stewards of their gift of heath.
It is a place where brothers who serve at the Holy Altar of Christ discover that they are not alone in their struggles and have others around them that can uniquely share their joy. It is also the only national gathering event in the life of the Archdiocese exclusvely for clergy.
Buzz / what brother clergy are saying about the retreat
We need each other!
"Personal expertise and seminary training may help us prepare for parish life, but we also need the support and community of our brother priests."
(2019 participant)
It's time for you to take care of you!
"I encourage you to start tending to those things that are keeping you from attending . . . the APC Retreat is for your benefit."
(2019 participant)
You don't know what you are missing!
"This was my third retreat and each time I come away impressed and better off. You don't know what you are missing!"
(2017 participant)
Event Speakers / encounters that challenge
HIS EMINENCE ARCHBISHOP ELPIDOPHOROS OF AMERICA
His Eminence Archbishop Elpidophoros (Lambriniadis) of America, Most Honorable Exarch of the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans, is the eighth Archbishop of America elected since the establishment of the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese in 1922. In March 2011, he was elected Metropolitan of Bursa, and in August of the same year was appointed Abbot of the Holy Patriarchal and Stavropegial Monastery of the Holy Trinity on the island of Halki. He has served as the Orthodox Secretary of the Joint International Commission for the Theological Dialogue between the Orthodox Church and the Lutheran World Federation and as a member of the Patriarchal delegations to the General Assemblies of the Conference of European Churches and the World Council of Churches. He was the Secretary of the Pan-Orthodox Synods in Sofia (1998), Istanbul (2005), Geneva (2006), and Istanbul (2008). He has been an active member of the World Council of Churches serving on its Central Committee and also serving on its Faith and Order Commission since 1996. On May 11, 2019, he was elected Archbishop of America by the Holy and Sacred Synod of the Ecumenical Patriarchate and was enthroned at the Archdiocesan Cathedral of the Holy Trinity in New York City on June 22 of the same year.
HIS GRACE BISHOP MAXIM
Bishop Maxim (Vasiljevic) was elected Bishop of Los Angeles and the Western American Diocese of the Serbian Orthodox Church in 2006. He graduated from the Faculty of Orthodox Theology, University of Belgrade, in 1993. He completed his Master of Theology at the University of Athens in 1996, and then three years later, in 1999, at the same university, he defended his doctorate in the field of Dogmatics and Patristics. He worked for one year on his post-doctorate in Paris and the Sorbonne in 2003-04, in the field of Byzantine History and Hagiography. During this time, he also delved in the theory and practical application of painting at the French Academy of Fine Arts in Paris. Bishop Maxim is a professor of Patristics and was teaching Christian Anthropology, Byzantine Philosophy, Canon Law, and Dogmatics at various universities and schools. He speaks Greek, French, Russian, and English. He was the editor of “Theology” – Journal of the Faculty of Orthodox Theology, University of Belgrade. He also leads the Diocesan school of iconography. Bishop Maxim’s scholarly books, studies, and articles include essays on Holy Fathers and Saints; he has also written on the hagiographical and iconographical themes.
Retreat Schedule / day by day
Open the retreat in prayer with your brothers as we celebrate Vespers together.
Enjoy a welcome reception hosted by His Eminence Archbishop Elpidophoros of America, who is looking forward to personally greeting each retreat participant. Find friends you haven't seen in a while, catch up on relationships and share stories. Get ready for a great retreat!
Find old friends or be adventurous and sit with someone you don't know for a great opening dinner at the Arizona Grand. Either way, it's a great way to unwind from your travels and settle in for a great stay.
Relax each evening in the APC Hospitality Suite with complimentary snacks and drinks. Catch up on quiet conversations, visit with friends and call it a day!
Begin the day and the entire retreat united in the Holy Mystery of the Eucharist as we celebrate the Divine Liturgy together.
Having been nourished with spiritual food in the Liturgy, enjoy a relaxed brunch with your brothers as the Retreat Team sets the tone for the days ahead.
Bishop Maxim offers his first of two Encounters on the Retreat theme. Then prepare to roll up your sleeves in an "Engagement" session afterwards where brothers all have an opportunity to share questions, concerns and stories with one another in a safe and trusting environment.
"Surveys of past retreats consistently ask for free and unstructured time to relax, decompress and to take time for ourselves. The Retreat Team takes your feedback seriously, so here it is!" Amble around the resort, grab lunch at one of its great restaurants, talk with friends, enjoy the free activities or immerse yourself in prayer and peace.
Don't just listen to words about "Wellness" - walk the walk! (Or maybe "stretch the stretch!") Three fitness sessions will be conducted by professional trainers who will meet you where you are and challenge you to go a little farther. Choose to "Get Moving" (light exercise), "Get Active" (moderate exercise) or "Get Intense" (a kick-it-up workout). A great an energizing way to start the day. Professional attention at no extra charge! (Be sure to pick the right fitness level when you register online!)
Bishop Maxim continues his second of two Encounters on the retreat theme. Once again, we will meet for our “Engagement” and Synaxis.
Everyone needs a break now and then, even at a retreat. Stretch, walk and breath in some relaxation as you make time for winding down.
Enjoy a fabulous dinner with your brothers in a relaxed atmosphere of good fellowship.
Relax each evening in the APC Hospitality Suite with complimentary snacks and drinks. Catch up on quiet conversations, visit with friends and call it a day!
Don't just listen to words about "Wellness" - walk the walk! (Or maybe "stretch the stretch!") Three fitness sessions will be conducted by professional trainers who will meet you where you are and challenge you to go a little farther. Choose to "Get Moving" (light exercise), "Get Active" (moderate exercise) or "Get Intense" (a kick-it-up workout). A great an energizing way to start the day. Professional attention at no extra charge! (Be sure to pick the right fitness level when you register online!)
Enjoy a leisurely breakfast in the beautiful Arizona Grand surroundings, included in your registration.
Choose from a bunch of great ways to spend the day with your friends outside the office! No extra charge unless otherwise indicated. Enjoy a round of golf at local golf course, take a scenic tour through Old Towne Scottsdale, enjoy a half-day hiking trip, Visit St. Anthony's Monastery, or enjoy a Harley motorcycle ride. Or just lay back, relax and hang out on your own or with friends. Your choice, but NOTE: Choice MUST be made a time of online registration.
An opportunity to enjoy the best the Arizona Grand Resort chef has to offer in their beautiful ballroom while enjoying the company of your brothers from around the country!
Relax each evening in the APC Hospitality Suite with complimentary snacks and drinks. Catch up on quiet conversations, visit with friends and call it a day!
"O Lord, in the morning you hear my voice" (Psalm 5.3). Start the morning worshiping the Lord in thanksgiving for the gift of the retreat experience and in prayer for safe travels for all.
Get a great start to the day enjoying breakfast with your brothers, then bring it all together with a wrap-up before departing for home.
Depart for home, family and re-energized ministry in the holy vineyard of Christ! Be sure to schedule your departure to stay until the end! Recommend scheduling flights for 2:00p or later.
Adventures / Hiking, riding, golfing ... whatever!
This “oasis in the desert” is dedicated to St. Anthony the Great, the father of monasticism, the renowned 3rd century desert dweller. There are chapels dedicated to Saints Seraphim of Sarov, Demetrios of Thessalonica, John the Baptist, George the Great Martyr, Nicholas the Wonderworker, and Panteleimon the Healer..
Looking for a leisurely afternoon with no schedule, no traveling and no plans? Try the Old Town Scottsdale Adventure.
Ready for the freedom of desert roads and endless sky? Take the Apache Trail Motorcycle Adventure! A drive on the Apache Trail is one of the most scenic drives near the Phoenix area. This well-traveled road affords visitors an incredible view of canyons, geologic formations, desert plants and trees, desert and lake views, and wildflowers in season. Requires a motorcycle license and previous experience.
Tee off to a relaxing day of Arizona golf.
Spend the day at the beautiful Arizona Grand Resort, taking advantage of the many amenities. Enjoy the company of other brothers, or find the quiet personal time you need.
Camelback Mountain is the world-famous icon that defines the northeast horizon of Phoenix. Towering about 1,400 feet above its base in the shape of a gigantic camel, it offers amazing views across the valley below and some of the best urban hiking in America. You’ll experience quiet tranquility and spectacular beauty overlooking the cityscape.
Hotel
Arizona Grand Resort
8000 South Arizona Grand E
Phoenix, Arizona 85044
Phone: 877-800-4888
Group Name: "APC National Clergy Retreat"
Dates: Oct. 30 - Nov. 2, 2023
Questions / everything else you need to know
Your parish. As cited in the Archdiocesan Presbyters Council Guidelines, "The National Clergy Retreat (NCR) of the Archdiocese of America will be organized by the Archdiocesan Presbyters Council and held biennially on the off year of the Clergy Laity Congress. All expenses for clergy participants are to be covered by their individual Parish, as per the Regulations of the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of America and the remunerative standards for clergy established by the Clergy Compensation Plan that is issued annually." Exceptions to this directive must be approved by the local Metropolitan.
Further, the Archdiocese Uniform Parish Regulations (Article 17 (Clergy), Section 8), state: "The Archdiocesan Council and the Archdiocesan Benefits Committee will establish remunerative standards for the Clergy. These standards, for the following year, shall be sent to each Parish annually, by September 30," and in the Clergy Compensation Guidelines referred to therein, it is noted: "The Parish must provide…Expenses for attending District/Metropolis Clergy-Laity Assemblies and Retreats, the Biennial Clergy-Laity Congress, Clergy Continuing Education Programs, and the Archdiocese Presbyters Council Retreat."
It depends on your choice in a number of factors: Registration, Hotel and Travel
Registration: $475-$525
Register by September 30, 2023 pay only $475 - a savings of $50 over the regular rate of $525.
Hotel: $239 + tax
Rooms are an affordable $239/night single or double occupancy, so save money by sharing a room with a friend and cut your cost for three nights to $358.50 + tax or $717 + tax for a single.
Travel: $250-$400
Airfares to Phoenix (PHX) are ranging around $250-$400. Book early! Add an Uber or taxi to get to the hotel at around $60.
That puts the total cost range between $1170 and $1652 depending on your choices of registration, rooming, transportation and location.
The APC understands that clergy schedules are subject to change due to issues beyond our control and has established the following refund policy. It allows a partial refund for cancellations by September 30, 2023.
By September 30, 2023
Cancellations requested by September 30, 2023 will receive a refund of the registration fee paid less a $100 cancellation fee.
After September 30, 2023
Cancellations requested after September 30, 2023 will not receive a refund due to guarantees and expenses incurred by the retreat as a result of the registration.
Important hotel cancellation note: Registrants who cancel are responsible for cancelling their hotel reservations. Failure to do so may result in hotel cancellation charges.
The APC wants to make this as all-inclusive and worry-free as possible for our hard-working brothers, and great efforts have been made to eliminate out-of-pocket expenses, so the registration fee includes:
All scheduled events
All scheduled meals*
All event transportation
All Adventures except golf club rentals
Hospitality Suite
*Notes: Tuesday and Wednesday lunches are not scheduled group meals and are on your own. Golf Adventure does not include club rentals.
The overall cost of the retreat is greatly lowered for all clergy through a generous grant from the Archbishop Iakovos Leadership 100 Endowment Fund. This makes the event more affordable for all.
Additionally, limited financial assistance is available for clergy with demonstrated need through the Leadershp grant and through APC and Metropolis Clergy Syndesmos resources. Clergy should contact their local Syndesmos representative for information. A list of representatives can be found here.
Important note: All requests for financial assistance must be received by the Early Bird registration discount date of September 30, 2023.
The National Clergy Retreat is, by definition and as indicated in the Registration information, a clergy only event, just as the National Sisterhood of Presvyteres is a women's retreat only. Our schedule, meals and other events are designed with the full participation of the clergy registrants in mind. Because attendance at any session, meal, adventure or other retreat function is limited to paid clergy participants, please understand that wives or others do not have the opportunity to do so.
The APC does, however, place a great emphasis on healthy clergy couple relationships, and since the Arizona Grand Resort is a beautiful location at a great price, clergy may want to enjoy some time there with their presvyteres before or after the retreat. So, wives and families are welcome to be present for the three days BEFORE the retreat or the three days AFTER, but are kindly asked to NOT be present on-site DURING the retreat itself.
We encourage all our Presvyteres to attend the NSP Retreat, Oct. 13-16, 2023 in Richmond.
The affordable registration and hotel rates are made possible as incentives to participate in the entire retreat, and all attendees are expected to receive the full benefit of the retreat by participating in all events.
IMPORTANT NOTE: The discounted hotel rate is available only to clergy who register and participate in the retreat events. Attendees who register but do not participate in the retreat will be charged full room rates.
Contact Us / ask questions - get answers
Have a question that wasn't answered here? Contact us at apc@presbyters.org