On October 31st, the St. Iakovos Retreat Center was host to a harvest day celebration for families from various churches in the Chicago Metropolis. Participants enjoyed a day filled with harvest activities including decorating pumpkins, cookies and games. The day finished with a campfire and dinner held in the cafeteria.
On October 27th 2015 over 500 guests gathered at the the Chateau Ritz to celebrate the feast day of His Eminence Metropolitan Iakovos. The Clergy Syndesmos hosted the dinner in honor of His Eminence and donated all the proceeds to the St. Iakovos Retreat Center. We thank the Clergy Syndesmos for their continued love and dedication to the Ministry of the St. Iakovos Retreat Center and the Metropolis of Chicago!
On October 24th, 2015 the St. Demetrios Parish from Elmhurst, IL held a Jr. GOYA Retreat at the St. Iakovos Retreat Center. Over 15 youth participated in a day of faith and fellowship together. Activities included prayer in the chapel, discussions, lunch, soccer, basketball, a walk through the Proskinitaria trail, Diakonia, and a wagon ride with and animal visit. View all the pictures in our FlickR Photo Album
On October 24th the Holy Cross Parish from Justice, IL held a community Retreat at the St. Iakovos Retreat Center. over 45 participants enjoyed faith and fellowship with each other. The day began with a tour of the entire property. After the tour a service was celebrated in the chapel followed by a wonderful lunch prepared by a few of the participants. We rounded the day out with a wagon ride through the proskinitaria trails and a visit to the animals where we ran into the St. Demetrios GOYA from Elmhurst, IL and took a group photo all together! We look forward to hopefully having the Holy Cross Parish retreating with us again soon!
The St. Demetrios GOYA from Chicago, IL hosted and overnight Retreat at the St. Iakovos Retreat Center from October 16 - October 17, 2015. GOYAn's participated in Worship and prayer, as well as discussion and fellowship with each other. Activities included Soccer, Volleyball, a Proskinitaria walk, Campfire, Smore's, and a wagon ride with a visit to the animals. To see all the photos from the retreat please visit our FlickR Album
On October 10th 2015 over 15 GOYAn's from the St. Haralambos Parish in Niles, IL participated in a day retreat at the St. Iakovos Retreat Center. Activities included discussion, prayer, worship, soccer, volleyball, wagon ride and an animal visit. Participants also made kits which were donated to IOCC for distribution to people in need.
On October 9th, 2015 the Sr. GOYA from St. John the Baptist Parish in Des Plaines, IL held an overnight retreat at the St. Iakovos Retreat Center. They were soon followed by the Jr. GOYA for an overnight retreat on October 11th, 2015. In all over 50 youth and advisors participated in the two retreats. Activities included discussions, prayer, worship, a Proskinitaria walk, soccer, basketball, football, Volleyball, Diakonia, a wagon ride and trips to see the animals.
Over Columbus day weekend over 20 young adults from the Antiochian parish of St. Mary's in Chicago IL participated in a 3 day retreat at the St. Iakovos Retreat Center. The weekend was focused on faith and fellowship together while exploring what it means to be a servant. Activities included discussions, prayer, hanging out, enjoying the grounds, and many walks in the wood visiting the Proskinitaria. To see all photos visit our FlickR Album
On October 9th 2015 the St. Iakovos Retreat Center was host to the Great Lakes Church that held an out of the office staff day. Over 20 full and part time staffers from the Church spent the day at the Retreat center, in the peace and beauty, brainstorming and growing together in order to enhance their ministry and parish life. We look forward to having the Great Lakes Church back in the future and with them good strength in their continued ministry!
On October 3rd, 2015 over 25 participants from across the Metropolis of Chicago gathered to share in a very special retreat at the St. Iakovos Retreat Center. Families and participants from all the parishes were invited to participate in a day long retreat for youth with disabilities led by Presbytera Toni Mihalopoulos. The activities for the day included fellowship, worship, a session to learning and making Prosphoro, a serious jam/music session, wagon rides and a visit to the animals. The day was a true joy and the St. Iakovos Retreat Center looks forward to the Pick Up Your Cross Retreat next year! To see all the pictures from the day visit our Flickr Album
On September 26th, 2015 the Sts. Constantine and Helen Parish from Merrillville, IN held a day long retreat at the St. Iakovos Retreat Center. Over 45 parishioners of all ages participated in a faith and fellowship together all while having fun! The activities of the day included a tour of the entire property, soccer, volleyball, a beautiful lunch, wagon rides, a group walk through the Prokinitaria trails and of course a visit to the animals. To see all the pictures from this beautiful day visit our FlickR Album
On September 19th over 400 participants from across the Metropolis gathered in Des Plaines to attend the annual Metropolis of Chicago Philoptochos luncheon. This year the luncheon benefitted not only the St. Iakovos Retreat Center, but also the St. Nicholas Shrine. Participants were honored to be blessed with the presence of His Eminence Metropolitan Iakovos, His Grace Bishop Demetrios as well as Ms. Maria Logos, National President of the Ladies Philoptochos Society. The St. Iakovos Retreat Center would like to thank the Metropolis of Chicago Philoptochos, as well as the individual chapters in the Metropolis of Chicago, for their continuous love, dedication and love of our ministry as well as many the many other ministries the ladies work so hard to support.
The year of 2015 has been full of firsts for the St. Iakovos Retreat Center, and Labor Day Weekend 2015 was no exception! From September 4th - September 6th the SIRC was home to over 190 participants from throughout the Metropolis of Chicago who were participating in the Annual Family Synaxis Retreat Weekend. Families from all over gathered to share in Faith and Fellowship together and grow as individuals and depend their connection to each other and God. It was a beautiful weekend, one that we will look forward to every year! To view the full album from the weekend visit FlickR Album
From August 20 - 22, 2015 the Christ the Savior OCA Parish in Chicago, IL held an overnight family and community retreat at the St. Iakovos Retreat Center. over 25 Families tented, stayed in the log lodge and in the Tomaras Lodge. The days were filled with lots of swimming, softball, kickball, soccer, walks in the woods, worship, prayer and wagon rides visiting the animals.
In August of 2015 the Parish of the Assumption Cathedral had a day retreat at the St. Iakovos Retreat Center. Over 70 participants spend the day in faith and fellowship together. Activities included a BBQ, Wagon Rides, Proskinitaria Walk, Animals Visits, Soccer, Volleyball and Swimming. For More Photo's Check out our FlickR Album
As the sun rose over the St. Iakovos Retreat Center this morning, memories filled with 4 weeks of blessings flooded our minds. Since June 15th the Retreat Center has been a buzz with the sights and sounds of hundreds of Staff and Campers laughing, smiling, and engaging their faith in a real and vibrant way. As words fail to accurately describe our indescribable God, they also fail to describe a real and true experience of Him. Therefore, the last four weeks of the Retreat Center’s life cannot be put into words. However, falling short of describing the true Joy that was lived this summer, we will summarize it the only way that seems remotely appropriate; Fanari has found a home in the St. Iakovos Retreat Center, and the St. Iakovos Retreat Center has been brought to life through Fanari.
Both of these realities have been through the blood, sweat and tears of so many throughout the Chicago Metropolis. All who dedicated their time, talents and treasures to the building up of both of these ministries. The existence of these ministries is made possible through the unwavering guidance and love of His Eminence Metropolitan Iakovos.
The late Fr. William Chiganos, a spiritual giant of Fanari, and the man upon who’s back the program itself was literally built, passed away just before he could see that which he loved and worked so hard for, finally come home. However, Director Nick Kirkeles reminded us all “that this is a place that he would be really pleased to see; a place where Orthodox Christians and young people can put away the rest of the world… Come and be apart of something based in faith, on love and in friendship.”
We look forward to Fanari 2016 with much Joy and anticipation, and as our halls quiet and the sun sets on Fanari 2015, we say to all the campers and staff “Every time I think of you, I thank my God” – Philippians 1:3
Live everyday of this monumentus journey through the Fanari Blog
See every moment of action through the Fanari FlickR
A special thanks to all the campers who participated in this historical year, as well as all the staff who gave not only of their time, but of themselves to this unique ministry. A special thanks to Directors Dcn. Chris Avramopoulos & Nick Kirkeles as well as the core staff Diakonissa Nicole, Maria Pentaris and Alex Magdalinos who work tirelessly year-round to make this ministry possible. We appreciate you!!!!
It is no secret that one of the goals behind purchasing and building the St. Iakovos Retreat Center was so that the wildly successful Fanari Camping Program would finally have a place to call its own. Fanari has been in existence for over 40 years and literally changed the lives of thousands of campers. In 2015, this programs will move for its final time to the St. Iakovos Retreat Center, a place that it will call home for generations to come.
Take this EPIC journey with us through the Fanari Blog and see all the photos via the FANARI FLICKR
On June 13th 2015 over 250 faithful gathered in prayer to celebrate the Grand Opening of the St. Iakovos Retreat Center. The Service of the Agiasmo was officiated by His Eminence Metropolitan Iakovos, assisted by His Grace Bishop Demetrios of Mokissos, Dcn. Chris Avramopoulos and other Metropolis Clergy. In attendance with the many faithful was Mr. Chris Tomaras the Grand Benefactor of the St. Iakovos Retreat Center and Mr. John Papaps son of the late Theodore Pappas a Great Benefactor of the Retreat Center.
In a symbolic moment the ribbon to the new facilities was literally cut by His Eminence Metropolitan Iakovos of Chicago and His Grace Bishop Demetrios Of Mokissos, as well as Mr. Tomaras and Mr. Pappas. Additionally, Mr. Bill J. Vranas the president of the St. Iakovos Retreat Center Board of Directors and Mr. George Vorvoulis, the "God Father" and finder of the Retreat Center property, participated in this historic moment.
The day was overflowing with joy to see this home and dream of His Eminence finally open its doors. Thanks and gratitude filled the air for those who have worked so hard, giving of their time, talents and treasures to launch this unique ministry of the Metropolis of Chicago.
See All the Grand Opening Photos on the St. Iakovos FlickR
A Special word of thanks to the St. Iakovos Retreat Center Board of Directors who have provided guidance for this ministry since its inception.
Almost a decade ago the dream of His Eminence Metropolitan Iakovos was to have a place of peace. Where the parishes and parishioners of the Metropolis of Chicago could connect with each other, rejuvenate, and grow in their faith. Additionally, the hope and prayer was to also finally build a home for the wildly successful camping program Fanari, which has changed the lives of thousands of campers in its over four decades of youth ministry. Through the love, dedication, and contributions of so many in the Metropolis of Chicago these hopes, prayers, and dreams have finally become a reality. Therefore, it with great honor that we cordially invite all to join us in celebrating the Grand Opening of the St. Iakovos Retreat Center on Saturday June 13, 2015 at 11:00 am.
The day will begin at 11:00 am with the liturgical celebration of an Agiasmo Service and blessing of the new facilities, followed by lunch. Tours will be offered as well as wagon rides and visits to the barn. Additionally, the walking trails featuring the beautiful Proskinitaria will be open for those seeking tranquility amongst God's creation.
The cost for the event is a freewill donation that can be made to the St. Iakovos Retreat Center.
RSVP's for the event can be made through your local parishes office. If you are not associated with a local parish, contact us at Office@GoSIRC.org.
Parking is limited check with your local parish for transportation opportunities.
We hope and pray that the entire metropolis family can gather together; the day has finally arrived to celebrate and launch this unique ministry of our Church.
Download Flyer by Clicking Here
Question? email us - Office@GoSIRC.org
920 224th Ave Kansasville, WI 53139
Bright Friday April 17th, 2015 the St. Iakovos Retreat Center will be hosting the annual feast day celebration of our beloved Chapel. All are welcome to join His Grace Bishop Demetrios of Mokissos, assisted by the Metropolis Clergy, in celebrating Heirarchical Diving Liturgy together followed by Lunch and an Open House. Lunch will be served in our new Cafeteria by the St. Iakovos Retreat Center Board, Metropolis of Chicago Ladies Philoptochos and Volunteers.
9:00 am: Diving Liturgy
12:00 pm: Lunch & Open House
