As can be expected with any first day of an event, Friday was a relaxed afternoon, with people arriving at Milton Abbey throughout the afternoon and evening. Some people arrived by bus, others by car or carpooling which had been arranged on WhatsApp the day before.

Around 16:30 we had some ice breaker activities, followed by vespers at 18:30. Vespers, just like most of the church services, was served in Milton Abbey Church (pictured to the right), which was founded in 935 by King Athelstan, before the Great Schism. As part of our worship, we brought two large icons (one Christ, the other of the Theothokos) which could be unpacked and serve as the iconostasis. Other attendees were also welcome to bring their own icons.

After vespers, dinner was served by the Milton Abbey School team who worked in the canteen. This gave attendees a chance to enjoy a warm meal and socialise, before later settling down with some free time, and prayers. When everyone was ready to go to bed, we each went to our own rooms. There were some shared rooms / bunks, although many of the attendees were able to enjoy private rooms with shared bathroom facilities.

Day two began with waking up, getting ready to go out, and walking to the nearby abbey for matins. People were able to wake up at their own times, and so could wake up earlier or later, whether to take a walk or rest. After matins, the priests stayed longer for those who wanted to do confession. Throughout the event there were opportunities for this sacrament, either during the day or later on in the evening. Meanwhile the others enjoyed breakfast and got ready for the first talk from Fr. Stephen Platt.

The OYP Team organised a treasure hunt for participants to do, which allowed them to get to know other attendees as well as explore the grounds. Church services were done in Milton Abbey Church, while accommodation was in the nearby Milton Abbey School building, which were separated by male and female dormitories. In addition to these two buildings though were the huge surrounding sports fields, hills, and farm lands where Milton Abbas was resided. At the top of a hill nearby there was a smaller chapel, pictured in the photo to the right.

At around 15:30, attendees go the opportunity to pick from taking a formal tour of the abbey and grounds, or participate in a workshop. After the workshops, at 17:00, there was a second talk by speaker Melangell Roe-Stevens Smith, followed by vespers, dinner, free time, and finally preparation for Holy Communion on Sunday.

Sunday began with matins and Divine Liturgy in Milton Abbey Church. This was the central service of the weekend, and after preparing the night before, many attendees received Holy Communion together. The koliva prepared during Saturday’s workshop was also blessed at the end of the service.

After brunch, Fr Boniface Carroll gave a talk based on the Gospel of the day, focusing on faith, trust, and how we discern God’s will in our lives. He reflected on Peter stepping out onto the water and encouraged attendees to trust Christ even in uncertain or difficult circumstances.

In the afternoon, there was some free time before a panel discussion led by Fr Stephen Platt and Fr Boniface Carroll, where attendees were able to ask anonymous questions and hear thoughtful answers on different aspects of the Orthodox faith. Later, the group walked to the nearby pre-schism Church of St Catherine and prayed the Ninth Hour together.

The day ended with the formal dinner in Abbot’s Hall, followed by music, dancing, and fellowship. This gave everyone the chance to celebrate, relax, and enjoy one another’s company as the conference began drawing to a close.

The final day of the conference began with matins, followed by breakfast and time to clear rooms and prepare for departure. Later in the morning, Metropolitan Archbishop Silouan delivered the final talk of the conference. His Eminence spoke about the practical steps required to live as a Christian in today’s world. He encouraged attendees to read the lives of the saints and to follow the commandments of Christ with commitment and perseverance, showing that a life of sacrifice is lived out through daily faithfulness.

After the talk, there was a short OYP meeting and feedback session, giving attendees the opportunity to reflect on the weekend and express interest in supporting future events. The conference then concluded with lunch and farewells, as people began their journeys home after four days of prayer, learning, and fellowship.