As with any first day, Friday was a relaxed and welcoming start, with attendees arriving throughout the afternoon at Milton Abbey. Participants travelled from across the UK, representing different Orthodox dioceses, and were warmly received by the OYP team and Chaplain, Fr Boniface Carroll. Time was given for tea, snacks, and fellowship, allowing everyone to settle in and begin getting to know one another.

The evening began with Great Vespers for the Apodosis of the Dormition, followed by the opening talk from Fr Boniface. He introduced the theme of the conference, “The Oil of Gladness,” reflecting on the call to serve God with joy through the grace of the Holy Spirit.

After dinner, attendees gathered for icebreakers and were divided into teams for the Apprentice Challenge, a weekend-long activity where each team would develop a practical idea to support parish sustainability. The day concluded with Small Compline and the Akathist, followed by fellowship, games, and opportunities for confession.

Day two began with morning prayers and matins, setting the tone for a full day of activity. After breakfast, attendees took part in workshops, including making olive oil, prayer ropes, and exploring iconography. These hands-on sessions reflected the theme of the conference and allowed participants to engage creatively in the life of the Church.

Later in the morning, Aidan Hart delivered the first talk of the day, reflecting on the words “rejoice always, pray without ceasing, in everything give thanks,” and their relevance to daily life.

In the afternoon, the much-anticipated Olympics Challenge took place on the abbey grounds. Teams competed in games such as tug of war, three-legged race, and egg and spoon, ending with an energetic game of capture the flag. The activities created a joyful and light-hearted atmosphere, encouraging participants to grow closer through shared experience.

The day continued with a panel discussion led by Fr Turbo Qualls and Aidan Hart, followed by vespers, dinner, and preparation for Holy Communion. The evening ended with fellowship, games, and confession, as attendees prepared for the Divine Liturgy on Sunday.

Sunday was the spiritual centre of the conference, beginning with matins and the Divine Liturgy. Attendees gathered together in the Abbey Church and received Holy Communion, uniting themselves in Christ at the heart of the retreat.

Afterwards, participants enjoyed a networking brunch, where they connected with others working in similar professional fields. The Apprentice teams then had time to prepare for their final presentations later in the day.

In the afternoon, Fr Turbo Qualls delivered a talk, followed by a walk to the nearby Church of St Catherine, where the Paraklesis to the Theotokos was prayed. This was a memorable moment, connecting the participants with the historic Christian heritage of the land.

The day concluded with the formal dinner in Abbot’s Hall, followed by the Apprentice Challenge presentations. Teams shared their ideas for parish sustainability, and the evening continued with celebration, music, and fellowship as the conference drew towards its close.

The final day began with morning prayers and matins, bringing everyone together once more before departure. After breakfast and clearing rooms, attendees gathered for a closing Q&A session led by Fr Boniface, offering space for reflection, questions, and encouragement.

This was followed by the OYP Annual General Meeting, where the work of the fellowship was reviewed and future plans were discussed. Attendees also shared feedback, helping shape the direction of future conferences.

The conference concluded with lunch and farewells. Participants departed with strengthened friendships, renewed spiritual focus, and a deeper sense of belonging within the Orthodox Church, carrying forward the joy experienced throughout the weekend.