The annual clergy retreat took place this year from September 30 to October 4. It was a much-anticipated event, held on the serene Hecla Island and led by the retreat master, Fr. John Sianchuk, CSsR. Over the course of four days, twenty-one archeparchial priests—including Metropolitan Lawrence Huculak and Bishop Andriy Rabiy—along with three religious brothers and one seminarian, gathered in an atmosphere of deep reflection, prayer, and brotherhood.
Hecla Island, situated in the heart of Lake Winnipeg, is renowned for its tranquility. The island’s quiet charm and natural beauty contributed significantly to the spiritual atmosphere of the retreat.
Fr. John Sianchuk, a member of the Congregation of the Most Holy Redeemer (Redemptorist Fathers), led this year’s retreat with a profound sense of spirituality, wisdom, and pastoral sensitivity. His sessions were both contemplative and instructive, guiding participants through a variety of spiritual reflections on the Scriptures and the teachings of the Church Fathers.
Throughout the retreat, Fr. Sianchuk drew upon the rich spiritual traditions of the Eastern Church, weaving together reflections on the Gospels with insights from the Fathers, Saints, and mystics, as well as his own personal experience. His teachings encouraged the clergy to examine their own spiritual well-being and their relationship with God, reminding them that their ability to minister effectively flows from their personal prayer life. He emphasized the vital importance of a deep connection with Christ in their vocation, urging them to find strength and renewal in the Sacraments.
The retreat schedule was carefully designed to foster an environment of prayer and reflection, balancing communal worship with personal time for contemplation. Each day began with the First Hour, followed by breakfast and the first conference with the retreat master. The Divine Liturgy was celebrated daily, providing the clergy with essential spiritual nourishment.
Vespers and evening reflections closed each day, offering participants time to meditate on the day’s teachings and their own spiritual journeys. The Moleben to the Most Holy Mother of God and the Moleben to Blessed Nykyta Budka were also central to the evening prayers.
While the retreat was primarily a time for individual reflection, it also provided a wonderful opportunity for the clergy to bond as a community. Meals were shared in a communal setting, providing a relaxed environment where participants could share stories, experiences, and spiritual insights. Many priests expressed how much they valued the sense of fraternity the retreat fostered, allowing them to discuss both the joys and the struggles of their ministry within a supportive circle of peers.
As the retreat concluded on October 4, the participants returned to their parishes renewed in spirit and faith. The time spent in prayer, the guidance of Fr. John Sianchuk, and the fellowship shared among brothers equipped the clergy to return to their ministry with a sharpened sense of purpose and energy. This year’s retreat was not only a season of spiritual nourishment but also a testament to the enduring bond of brotherhood among the clergy—a support system that will sustain them in the ministry ahead.
Department of Communications of the Archeparchy of Winnipeg
