Antiochian Clergy of the Midwest Gather for Annual Synaxis in Indiana
Diocese of Toledo and the Midwest clergy shared prayer, learning, and fellowship during a four-day retreat focused on pastoral well-being and brotherhood.
NASHVILLE, IN — The Antiochian Diocese of Toledo and the Midwest held its annual Clergy Synaxis from Oct. 21–24, 2025, at the Abe Martin Lodge in Brown County State Park, Ind. The gathering brought together priests and deacons from across the diocese for several days of prayer, learning, and fellowship.
According to a release from the archdiocese, each day of the Synaxis was centered around the Church’s liturgical rhythm, with the clergy praying Orthros and Vespers together in the Lodge chapel. The event concluded the morning of Oct. 24 with the Divine Liturgy, during which all present received the Holy Eucharist “as brother clergy in Christ.”
This year’s featured speaker, Fr. Nicholas Solak, Director of the Office of Pastoral Life of the Orthodox Church in America (OCA), led educational sessions on the spiritual and emotional health of clergy. His presentations offered practical tools for sustainable pastoral life and addressed common challenges in ministry.
Following each session, clergy participated in small-group discussions for reflection and mutual support. Outside of the formal program, participants enjoyed hiking, horseback riding, and fishing amid the park’s natural beauty, along with shared meals and fellowship.
The Synaxis was described as “a time of renewal, fraternity, and encouragement,” strengthening the bonds of the diocese’s clergy as they continue their shared ministry in Christ’s Church.
Previously, UOJ reported that Met. Saba gave an address in which he said the "century of evangelization has begun" for Orthodoxy in America.
