Crestwood, NY—From December 27-29, 2004, the seminary held its annual Christmas retreat for high school and college-aged youth. The theme this year was "The Passion of the Christ." The theme was chosen in part as a way for Orthodox Christian youth to discuss together the film of that title, which had been released earlier this year to strong and diverse reactions. But as Prof. Peter Bouteneff pointed out in his introductory talk, the Feast of the Nativity incorporates in its iconography and scripture readings the theme of the the cross and the tomb. "The cross is the center of everything in Christ's life," said Bouteneff. "There is no Nativity without the cross. There is no Transfiguration without the cross. There is no salvation without the cross."

The film "The Passion of the Christ" was screened on the opening night of the retreat, and was followed by a discussion of reactions. This set the tone for continued reflection on Christ's passion. Fr. John Behr began the second day of the retreat by speaking on three themes related to the passion. He noted that the Scriptures (i.e., the Old Testament) are the primary medium for our reflection on the Passion of Christ. He spoke of the unity of the Crucifixion and the Resurrection (that Christ tampled down death by death), and what this revelation of divine power in human form tells us about God. He concluded that this is the manifestation of the love of God in this world, and asked what this says about us and to us.

His Grace, Bishop Savas of Troas, was unable to take part in the retreat as planned due to the death of Metropolitan Anthony of San Francisco (GOA). In his place, Dr. Al Rossi addressed the topic, “Belonging to the Crucified Christ.”  In doing so he emphasized two words: "remember" and "follow." We are to remember and follow the voice of Christ in our lives today.

The retreat was grounded in the Church's worship life, and retreatants participated in Matins, Vespers, in the rite of confession, and in the Divine Liturgy. Social gatherings, and an excursion to the New York Botanical Gardens, rounded out the event.

• See original news release
• See retreat schedule and announcement