Strong Parish Support Fuels Early Registration for First Clergy Wives Retreat

Clergy wives from across the Orthodox Church in America are registering for the 2026 Office of Pastoral Life Clergy Wives Retreat, “Come Away and Rest,” which will be held July 27–30, 2026, at Antiochian Village Conference and Retreat Center in Bolivar, PA.

With less than three weeks remaining before registration closes, 25 clergy wives have already signed up for this first Orthodox Church in America-wide, in-person gathering of its kind. The early registrations reflect broad representation across the Church, with participants from a range of dioceses, ages, life stages, and ministry settings, including wives of parish priests, retired clergy, and clergy widows.

Reflecting on the early registrants, Matushka Carrie Foley, Director of Clergy Wives Ministry said, “We are excited to see the response. With such a wide range of ages and experiences represented, the stage will be set for rich conversation and organic mentorship.”

The Office of Pastoral Life is encouraging parish councils to help make attendance possible for clergy wives who wish to come. Supporting registration and travel expenses is a concrete way for parishes to care for their clergy families and to affirm the…