4th Annual Retreat for Orthodox Men
Abba Anthony:
A Desert Father for Our Times
18 – 20 September 2026
ABOUT the RETREAT
St. Anthony the Great (AD 251–356) is called the “father of monasticism.” St. Athanasius, who knew Abba Anthony personally, wrote his life shortly after his death. It is not only one of the earliest examples of hagiography — it was written to show that Abba Anthony's life is an epitome of the spiritual life for every Christian. Following Abba Anthony's story from his youth near Alexandria in Egypt through his death in 'the far desert,' the Life shows every stage of the spiritual life from its most basic beginnings through the heights of holiness.
This retreat will be based on the first ten chapters of the Life of Anthony, showing how the young man came to follow Christ, begin his journey, and confront the temptations that face all of us in the early steps of our spiritual journey. Combining lessons from Abba Anthony's life with the full cycle of monastic services offered by Holy Dormition Monastery, this retreat will be an immersive experience of Orthodox Christian spirituality.
Holy Dormition Monastery is a convent of mostly Romanian nuns situated on 160+ acres of rural Michigan farmland, forest, and meadows.
This retreat will have a radically different character and tone from previous retreats. Because of the monastic setting, our time together will be built around the daily cycle of services. The structure and content of the retreat takes full account of the daily services, so everyone will be expected to attend them — they are an integral part of the retreat experience.
For those who want to stay through Sunday evening, the 19th Annual Male Bonding Party will begin later Sunday afternoon in nearby Albion, MI.
The Weekend
18 September
19 September
20 September
Men Who Made The Move
Men who came to the retreat expecting one thing and left changed. These are their words.
Claim Your Spot
SAR50
Option One
Retreat Only
- All retreat sessions (Friday night through Sunday Liturgy)
- All meals (Friday night through Sunday brunch after Liturgy)
The Full Experience
Retreat + Male Bonding Party
- St. Anthony Retreat (all sessions and meals)
- Male Bonding Party XIX
Option Two
Male Bonding Party Only
- Full access to MBP XIX fun and activities
- Dinner, snacks, and non-alcoholic beverages
Early bird pricing ($50 off) applies to Retreat and Retreat + Party registrations through August 31, 2026. Enter code SAR50 at checkout.
I help men optimize their lives.
The Very Rev. Archpriest Michael Butler recently retired as rector of Holy Transfiguration Orthodox Church (OCA) in Livonia, MI after 31 years as a priest. He holds degrees in archetypal psychology and theology, and a PhD in Church History and Patristics.
His engagement with men’s formation work began over 35 years ago. He is particularly interested in rites of passage, masculine archetypes, sacred space and time, initiation, and in how traditional Orthodox psychology and spirituality can help men become the best they are capable of being.
The Journey In
Four stops from wheels-down to lights-out.
Fly into Detroit Metro (DTW)
The closest major airport to the monastery. Book here and pick up a rental for the drive out.
66 Miles · ~70 Minutes
Head west from DTW toward Rives Junction. A straight shot down I-94, then country roads to the gate.
Holy Dormition Monastery
3389 Rives Eaton Rd, Rives Junction, MI 49277
Open in Google MapsPick Your Bed
Two options for the weekend. Guest house beds go fast, so lock yours in when you register.
21 beds, plus 3 upper bunks if needed. First-come, first-served, Friday & Saturday nights.
Reserve · $100Several nearby hotels available to you, all 10 minutes from the monastery.
Pick your stayQuestions, Answered
There are several good reasons:
- To disconnect from your ordinary life and reconnect with yourself for a few days.
- To challenge yourself to step out of your comfort zone.
- To spend time in fellowship with like-minded brothers who can encourage you to be better than you are.
- To take a significant step in your relationship with Christ and His Church.
- To gain a little insight (probably) and have a lot of fun (definitely).
No. The content of this retreat and the lessons to be presented are completely different from Beloved Sons, Cry of the Forerunner, or The Prodigal Son. Also, the monastic setting will make this retreat very different from previous ones.
Since we will be guests at Holy Dormition Monastery, their rules for dress and behavior apply. Read their visitor guidelines here.
The retreat sessions will take place in an outdoor pavilion on the monastery grounds. Depending on the weather, warm clothing and a jacket will likely be appropriate. The Male Bonding Party is also an outdoor event, so dress accordingly.
Absolutely. There is a group on Telegram, the St. Anthony Retreat Chat, to ask questions, coordinate rides, share rooms, and stay updated on the latest news.
Join the St. Anthony Retreat Chat on TelegramCell phone use at the monastery is limited to free times. Even then, the monastery is in a rural setting and cell service is poor when it's available at all. Plan accordingly.
The MBP is a casual outdoor party for men, a place and time to gather and enjoy the company of other men. Male relatives and friends are welcome to register and attend.
This year the MBP will be held at the community center of Holy Ascension Orthodox Church, 13526 29 Mile Rd, Albion, MI.
Traditional elements of the MBP include:
- A meal (meat!) that we eat with our hands.
- A big fire to stand or sit around after the meal.
- Feats of strength (no airing of grievances, however).
The cost of admission covers the meal, snacks, desserts, soda, and water. BYOB your favorite six-pack or harder if you want it, to share or not. Cigars and a lawn chair are also encouraged.
Be at peace. You don't need to be an Orthodox Christian man to attend. However, the retreat takes place at an Orthodox monastery and includes long monastic Orthodox services. If you're comfortable with that and want to be here, we're glad to have you.
If the cost is a genuine obstacle, contact Fr. Michael using the form at the bottom of this page. In past years, a generous donor has covered the cost for several men who couldn't afford to pay. Don't let cost be the reason you don't attend.
There is a Waiver of Liability form for the Male Bonding Party, which you will be required to sign as a condition of participation. It will be provided at the event.
Read a copy of the waiver hereWaiver PDF link to be added when available.
Use the message form at the bottom of this page. Or join the St. Anthony Retreat Chat on Telegram (link above).
What Are You Waiting For?
