Saint Emmelia Ministries
Sacred Arts Conference
for Orthodox Homeschool Teens
This four-day event will allow teens to go deep into iconography OR Byzantine chant, while also learning the art of baking holy bread, and knotting prayer ropes.
In addition, there will be at least two daily services each day, talks on prayer/inner stillness, and free time for fellowship.
This year, there are 20 spots available, as well as a waitlist. Please pray that we can expand in future years!
How to apply
Applications are open to current 10th, 11th, or 12th graders or alumni who graduated in 2023 or later. Applicants must be homeschooled Orthodox Christians in good standing with the Church, and must earnestly wish to deepen their relationship with Christ through the practice of the Sacred Arts.
To apply, please submit the following information to office@saintemmelia.com, no later than December 10th:
A personal letter that includes: your name and grade, home parish (including jurisdiction), previous involvement with Saint Emmelia ministries, which track you are interested (iconography or Byzantine chant), and why you wish to attend
A letter of support from your parents
A recommendation letter from your priest
If you wish to be considered for a scholarship, please include a paragraph briefly outlining your need. Email Mindi (office@saintemmelia.com) with any questions about the application process.
Registration
If you are accepted, you will be given a link to register. The cost of the weekend is $175 per student, and includes all meals and accommodations, as well as workshop supplies and speaker/instructor fees. Students are responsible for their own travel arrangements. Please note that scholarships are available!
You will need to register prior to January 1st. If you have not registered by then, we will give your slot to someone on the waitlist.
Schedule & Instructors
Check in will begin at 4:00pm on Thursday, February 12th. We recommend that teens traveling from far away consider coming into town early in case of travel delays.
Over the weekend, teens will participate in three in-depth workshops on their chosen track. There will be whole-group workshops on bread baking and knotting prayer ropes, as well as talks on prayer/inner stillness and time to ask clergy questions about the spiritual life. Any students interested in singing during the regular cycle of services will also have choir rehearsals. Finally, teens will be expected to take turns helping prepare and clean up after meals.
Throughout the day, teens will have breaks to hang out. In the evenings, there will be a game/open mic night, bonfire, and St. Valentine’s Day Dance (featuring various line dances and swing dances).
Divine Liturgy will be served each morning, and a different prayer service each night (Compline, Paraklesis, and Vespers). Teens are invited to join the congregation at St. Philip’s for Orthros, Divine Liturgy, and coffee hour on Sunday, departing by 2:00pm.