During the months of June-August, the Boys and Girls Fellowships (Ομάδες), as well as the young men of the Greek Orthodox Christian Society held their separate mid-year retreats at Mangrove Mountain, about 90 minutes north of Sydney. The Boys mid-year retreats were spread over three weekends in June-July, with 60 boys attending and 12 leaders overall. The Girls retreat took place on the first weekend of the July winter holidays. Approximately 30 girls and leaders attended, with the theme of their Retreat was: “Give me your heart”. The girls discussed the importance of developing a relationship with Christ, learning to love Him with their whole heart and mind and soul. Apart from the usual Retreat activities such as Bible studies, talks, craft, games and Divine Liturgy, the girls also had the opportunity to cook and prepare their every meal! The young men’s retreat was held from Friday 31st July till Saturday 1st August at Landmark Camp Centre, Mangrove Mountain, with about 25 men attending.
The Boys Fellowship of Earwood at their mid-year retreat
The Boys Fellowships (Ομάδες) of Bankstown, Belmore, Kogarah and Parramatta outside the main church of Pantanassa Monastery following the Divine Liturgy
The Girls Fellowships with Fr Eusebios, Abbot of Pantanassa Monastery
The young men of the Greek Orthodox Christian Society at their mid-year retreat