2026 Retreat Reflection
Clean, coldly sharp mountain air takes away my breath as I walk out of the cabin on an early weekend morning. The sun peeps from behind puffy, white clouds that look like creamy, foamy ocean waves, trying to lend some golden warmth to chase away the chilliness of this glorious morning…
by Sophia, SEM Intern
Clean, coldly sharp mountain air takes away my breath as I walk out of the cabin on an early weekend morning. The sun peeps from behind puffy, white clouds that look like creamy, foamy ocean waves, trying to lend some golden warmth to chase away the chilliness of this glorious morning. The dewy grass kisses my feet which are exposed since I put on sandals without realizing they weren’t appropriate for the morning walk. Mountains all around–the biting air seeping into my skin hurries me on my way to the simply beautiful St. Ignatius Chapel for liturgy, the thought of the homey and grace-filled wooden chapel snug with the sweet scent of incense embracing me; a beautiful liturgy I was invited to chant at, along with wonderful and pious teens.
The East Saint Emmelia Ministries conference was such a blessing to be at and experience. Every morning started with a six thirty liturgy, where the youth chanted the whole service in Byzantine style. Liturgy concluded with a blessing from the priest, then everyone headed to the dining hall for breakfast. A spacious, cabin structure ringing with the conversation of parents talking over morning coffee and children’s happy banter. After Father gave the blessing, we all lined up to partake of bagels and cereal, coffee and warm tea. My favorite part of breakfast was probably sitting at the table with all the teens, debating controversial topics. The raffles we did at each meal were quite an entertainment, though. Miss Mindi had us, the interns, do the raffles with the help of “little friends”--the younger kids. Something was going on in those raffle boxes, for whoever pulled out the name would realize that it was their own name or their parent’s name that they saw, smiling back up at the befuddled individual. Breakfast would conclude with a prayer, then everyone went to their assigned activities.
As teens, we had lots of outdoor activities, both fun and humbling to the youth’s spirit. My personal favorite activities were the talk with Mr. Andrew Kern on technology and the very creative talent show. The talk with Mr. Andrew Kern was especially edifying. He approached us in an unexpected manner, asking us what he was going to tell us about technology. The conversation diverted to AI, where pros and cons were listed (mostly cons). What stuck out to me most was Mr. Kern making us realize that AI is not a toy to be used lightly, nor should we overlook it superficially. The ending message he gave us to remember was this: make yourselves dangerous, in a way that danger won’t turn you over your head. Inform yourself on the wiles of the world so you know how to combat them.
The talent show was a piece of captivating acts of art coming alive right in front of our eyes. From the iconic Anakin vs Obi Wan lightsaber duel, to mesmerizing piano recitals, the famous Sir Lancelot and King Arthur joust, groovy gospel band, and a sentimental solo song “She Used to be Mine”, the evening was surely a success.
Late evening would take us each night to a small but cheery bonfire, with sticky s’mores and hot tea. After our fill of warm treats and newly-acquired knowledge gained from deep discussion around the fire’s crackling flames, everyone trudged to the chapel for a compline service.
Overall, the conference was a beautiful time of prayer, a time spent with inspiring and fun people, a time of revival and joy. It was truly a blessing to be there!
4 Reasons YOU Should Attend the NEW ENGLAND Conference
“Oh, I guess that won’t matter, since you’ll be at the Saint Emmelia conference,” I said, looking at the little square on my screen that housed Fr. Noah’s face. We were heading towards hour two of a ministry meeting for our parish, working out logistics for an upcoming project.
“Well…we might be having the conference here…” Fr. Noah replied, his voice as calm as ever. I laughed, not realizing that he was serious and that hours later, I’d be frantically sending emails to our parishioners, looking for accommodations for 30 Saint Emmelia families.
by Mindi Popovich-Schneider
“Oh, I guess that won’t matter, since you’ll be at the Saint Emmelia conference,” I said, looking at the little square on my screen that housed Fr. Noah’s face. We were heading towards hour two of a ministry meeting for our parish, working out logistics for an upcoming project.
“Well…we might be having the conference here…” Fr. Noah replied, his voice as calm as ever. I laughed, not realizing that he was serious and that hours later, I’d be frantically sending emails to our parishioners, looking for accommodations for 30 Saint Emmelia families.
Weirdly, all through the chaos of the next 24 hours, I was thrilled. Actually…it wasn’t that weird at all. My husband and I had come to the very difficult decision that we needed to sit this conference out as I wasn’t even six weeks postpartum. We had both been really sad because the conferences are so special to us–and not just because I work for Saint Emmelia Ministries. And we were both so thrilled to be able to participate in the conference again this year, even though the circumstances weren’t ideal. So what makes the conferences so special that we were so excited to be thrust into a weekend of nonstop activity?
As we draw closer to the 2025 NEW ENGLAND Conference, I’ll share with you my top four reasons why YOU should attend!
4. It’s homegrown. Like all of our conferences, the NE Conference is planned by local moms who truly have a heart for homeschooling, Orthodoxy, and community. Each conference has a unique flavor, and one of the “spices” of the NE Conference is the dancing! The kids usually ask for more opportunities to dance, and it’s such a special way for them to connect with kids in other age groups, and to learn to interact with each other in a new context.
3. It’s the people. I mentioned how amazing our volunteers are–and I really can’t emphasize that enough! But there is something so special about being with people who are on a journey similar to yours, people who have struggled or are struggling with the same challenges, people who have rejoiced in the same achievements or beautiful moments. People who value the same things. People who are family–the body of Christ, coming together to raise our children in faith in and love of Christ.
2. It’s edifying and educational. Usually at the conferences, I’m zipping about, ensuring that everything is running smoothly, so I don’t always get to hear the talks. My time comes later, when I’m editing the recordings! I’m so grateful that I have to sit and listen to those recordings, because they are always so inspiring. This year, our keynote speaker is Fr. John Boddecker. His talks at the 2023 EAST Conference were amazing, and on top of that, he’s just a delight to talk to. In addition to that, there will be opportunities to learn from more experienced homeschooling moms, to get support and ideas for your own homeschooling!
1. It’s the prayer. My husband and I always feel so refreshed after the conferences, and while all the things I mentioned above play into that, I think the biggest thing is that we get to spend a weekend focused on our faith and the work that God has put before us in educating our children to the glory of His Name. Standing together with other families and praying for our children and spouses, knowing that saints like St. Emmelia and her holy family are standing with us, is one of the most life-giving things we have done since as a family.
Don’t miss out! Join us
Saturday, October 18th
St. George Antiochian Orthodox Cathedral
Worcester, MA