"Create in me a clean heart..."
a Discourse on Love & Forgiveness
It is with hearts full of gratitude that Orthodoxy Today continues to feature monastics from Holy Cross Monastery, WV in the late days of summer. We are thrilled to share our forthcoming one-day retreat with you as we bring Priestmonk Macarius back to talk about the foundational importance in our daily spiritual lives of love, forgiveness, repentance, and confession, gleaned from his life as a monastic and confessor at Holy Cross Monastery.
We have the capacity to comfortably seat 150 guests and last time we filled the space, so hit the “Register” button now to ensure your seat!
Please help us by sharing the news of this event with your friends!
This is a FREE event. Your donations are welcome and will help support the building of a new church at Holy Cross Monastery.
We have the capacity to comfortably seat 150 guests and last time we filled the space, so hit the “Register” button now to ensure your seat!
Please help us by sharing the news of this event with your friends!
This is a FREE event. Your donations are welcome and will help support the building of a new church at Holy Cross Monastery.
Location
Holy Virgin Protection Cathedral
1800 Lee St, Des Plaines, IL 60618
1800 Lee St, Des Plaines, IL 60618
Date & Time
Saturday, August 16, 2025
11:00 AM -4:00 PM
11:00 AM -4:00 PM
Guest Speaker
Priestmonk Macarius (Ruegemer) joined Holy Cross Monastery in the summer of 2010. For 12 years he served as the cell-attendant for the recently reposed abbot of Holy Cross, Schema-Archimandrite Panteleimon (Voepel) of blessed memory. Fr. Macarius was ordained to the priesthood in 2018. You can learn more about the monastery and its brotherhood by following this link.
Priestmonk Macarius
F.A.Q.
Why are you hosting this event?
There is something very special about the way the brotherhood of Holy Cross Monastery in West Virginia welcomes their pilgrims. A monk's prayerful face is sure to stretch into a kind, hospitable smile, and a measured, deliberate and discerning conversation may follow. The Orthodoxy Today team has had the gift of many spiritual conversations with the brotherhood of Holy Cross Monastery. It is a blessing that the brotherhood is just as pleased to visit us once a year, bringing stillness, discipline and the wisdom of monastic life into our busy lives.
Do we just listen to a presentation the entire time?
We invite you to explore the retreat theme by discussing the material with your peers. Following the talk, at each table an informal discussion will take place. You and your fellow participants will have the unique opportunity to exchange your experiences and ideas around the topic, helped along as needed by a facilitator (volunteer, clergy, monastic, etc.)
Will I have an opportunity to ask the speakers questions?
Yes! This event allows for a 45 minute Q&A at the end.
Should I pack a lunch?
We offer plenty of coffee and tea, along with a provided lunch. This event falls during the Dormition Fast for many participants, so lunch will be lenten.
How much does this cost?
This is a free event. However, a donation of $20 is suggested. Please donate to support the building of the new monastery church at Holy Cross Monastery in West Virginia.
Why should I donate?
This event benefits Holy Cross Monastery and the building of their new temple. All proceeds will be forwarded directly to the monastery.
When donating to Holy Cross you are supporting a community of both seasoned monks who have lived very full monastic lives for decades, as well as younger monks who bring a youthful vigor and energy to the monastery. The monastery has outgrown its small, intimate chapel. Additionally, the flow of pilgrims and visitors is creating the need for more space. With your help they are building a larger temple to accommodate both pilgrims and future monastics.
Your donation also means that you are commemorated in prayer as a benefactor at the monastery's daily Divine Liturgy.
I want to come, but have no one to leave my children with. Do you have help?
Yes! Children 5 years of age and above who require childcare during the event (11am - 4pm), must be registered ahead of time. Lunch is provided. Cost is $20 per child.
What language will be spoken?
Despite the linguistic diversity of our audience, English will be the primary language for presentations and communications.
Contact Us
For any additional questions, please contact us via email and we will do our best to respond to you promptly.