Lenten Retreat is a special occasion for the members of the Indian Orthodox Diaspora in Diocese of Delhi. Attended by participants from across spiritual organizations and parishes, the retreat is held in the serene Aravali hills situated at the His Grace (Dr) Paulose Mar Gregorios Retreat Centre. Attendees come every year undertaking a tedious drive up the hills to spend a quiet weekend of prayer and partaking in the sessions. The Lenten Retreat coincides with the beginning of the Great Lent or the 50-day lent
The Mar Dionysius Chapel within the retreat centre forms the main venue of the meditation and worship during the retreat. The delegates also get a chance to trek through the Aravali hills in a meditative ‘walk with nature’ session organized during the retreat.
The mandate to hold the annual Lenten Retreat for the Diocese at Shantigiri hill of Aravali ranges was given to Indian Orthodox Diaspora by its founder President and former Metropolitan His Grace Job Mar Philoxenos of Blessed Memory. He wanted youngsters and working professionals spread across the diocese to gather at this place once in a year for meditation and self-introspection
Indian Orthodox Diaspora’s annual Lenten Retreat became the first ever regular event of the Diocese to be held at Shantigiri Retreat Centre. Today, almost one-and-a-half decade later, the Retreat Centre and its venue has become a regular worship place for faithful both within and outside the diocese. There is a regular worshipping community spearheaded by the Orthodox Christian Youth Movement of the Diocese which meets every month at the Mar Dionysius Chapel and regular Holy Qurbana is also held.
