50 Priests, Deacons and Diaconal Candidates from throughout the Greek Orthodox Metropolis of Atlanta gathered September 17–19 at the Alexios Retreat Center in Salem, South Carolina, for a three-day Diaconate Retreat centered on prayer, formation, practical training, and fellowship.
 
Led by His Eminence Metropolitan Sevastianos of Atlanta, the retreat brought together priests who have deacons serving with them, ordained deacons, and men in the Diaconate Program of Hellenic College Holy Cross.
 
The retreat was designed to strengthen and unify the ministry of the diaconate throughout the Metropolis by offering clear, consistent, and practical formation for those serving and preparing to serve. Particular emphasis was placed on the sacred calling of the deacon as a servant of Christ, the bishop, the priest, and the faithful.
 
The three-day program included Divine Services, spiritual reflections, liturgical instruction, hands-on practicum, question-and-answer sessions, and fellowship. Participants received practical training in the responsibilities of the deacon, including serving with a Hierarch, serving in the Holy Altar, entrances, litanies, use of the censer, preparation for services, Hand proper liturgical movement and order.
 
Time was also devoted to the pastoral and spiritual life of the deacon, including humility, obedience, prayer, family life, pastoral sensitivity, and the importance of serving with reverence and attentiveness.
 
The retreat provided an important opportunity for experienced clergy and deacons to mentor those preparing for ordination and for participants to learn from one another through discussion, practice, and shared experience. The goal was not simply to teach the mechanics of serving, but to help form a cohesive brotherhood of deacons grounded in prayer, sound formation, and faithful service to the Church.
 
A special word of gratitude is extended to the Metropolis Retreat Team — Fr. Mark Leondis, Fr. Christos Mars, Fr. Stavros Akrotirinakis, Fr. Anastasios Hallas, and John Voytilla — for their planning, leadership, and service.
 
The Metropolis of Atlanta is grateful to His Eminence Metropolitan Sevastianos for his fatherly guidance and vision, and to all those who participated in this important gathering dedicated to strengthening the ministry of the diaconate throughout the Metropolis.