SOUTHHAMPTON, N.Y. – Members of the Order of St. Andrew, Archons of the Ecumenical Patriarchate from throughout the country attended the 14th annual National Archon Retreat at Kimisis tis Theotokou Church March 31-April 1.

This year’s theme was “Three Things are Needed: Prayer, Virtue and Humility,” presented by retreat master HCHC President Fr. Chris Metropulos.

The retreat also featured Robert Spencer, director of Jihad Watch, who presented a lecture on the nature and roots of Islamic extremism and terrorism.

Retreat hosts were Fr. Alexander Karloutsos, Kimisis Church presiding priest and Archons spiritual advisor, and Fr. Constantine Lazarakis, assistant priest. Archons Peter Skeadas and Michael Psaros served as co–chairmen.

Following the Friday evening Akathist service in the parish hall, Fr. Metropulos presented the first session on “How am I Supposed to Pray.”

“Most of us pray with our fists closed and clenched,” Fr. Metropulos said, “like we are in a boxing position…humans feel they always have to control what’s happening, not trusting God, but only in their own strengths. When we pray with open hands,” he continued, “we allow ourselves to relax and turn to the will of God rather than our own, opening ourselves to God’s love and direction.”

He continued, “We live in a troubled, big, fast-moving world…if a student uses a prayer rope five minutes a day, an executive should use it a half hour a day to keep himself grounded.

“It is about creating an inner space of quiet and peace… and it is important to find a place where there is silence…with no distractions…man was not ‘wired’ for be connected to everyone 24/7,” he said.

Fr. Metropulos offered a simple daily formula: five minutes to read a scripture passages, five of quiet time, five for specific prayer on certain issues - and trusting that God hears our prayers.

Fr. Metropulos also spoke about “Why Do We Find It So Hard to Live a Life of Humility and Virtue.” He noted that “virtue matters…the way you treat people matters.” When he is asked “can I really do good in the world for others...” he says “Yes, because God will help us” and reminds that “we can also observe the good done by others and emulate them.”

He then asked, “if we have the virtues by nature, why do we find it so hard to live a life of virtue?”

The question’s difficulty is partly rooted in the complexities of the human soul, and partly in man’s being under constant attack.

“If you think for one minute the devil doesn’t exist, I have a good psychologist you can go to. He does exist, and he is powerful – but not as powerful as the Lord.”

Fr. Metropulos illustrated the topic with an intriguing tour of ethics and spirituality, expounding on the negative passions and the virtues, and reassured that “in a mature, well-balanced human life, our intellect can discern, receive and obey the will of God…to guide us to bring order the two parts,” of the soul, the rational elements and the impulses.

He said that the goal, after participating in the Divine Liturgy and after receiving the light of the Resurrection on Pascha, “is to change ourselves. And it can be a glorious experience – if we allow it.”

He tells seminarians “it’s not up to you to go out and tell everybody what’s wrong with their lives – they already know that.”

Parishioners want to know “how do I fix it, Father?”

The priests’ job “is to put our hands out and lift them up to Christ,” and to show that for a Christian to practice virtue and overcome passion “the bottom line is that you have to rely on God and his help instead of our own strengths”– and to be protected from his attacker – the devil.

Humility is one of the keys.

“Real humility is not about making myself feel guilty…about how awful I think I am. It means recognizing that all my talents and virtues are gifts from God. Humility is about how I relate to others, and honoring the divine in others,” he said, which helps people accept service from others. “Don’t be embarrassed to say you have a need…to seek help from friends, family, others.”

Fr. Metropulos concluded the retreat with a talk about “Where Will the Next Generation of Leaders Come From and What Must They Possess Overall.”

He stressed that as the school of theology goes, so goes the Church,” but he did not focus only on the students and faculty after acknowledging “We can do better.”

Fr. Metropulos also spoke about HCHC’s 250 endowed scholarships and its building program.

He also highlighted special programs and initiatives, fundraising efforts, the Lily and Templeton foundations grants and a $250,000 grant from George Marcus for online education