Swiss monastery retreat introduces Romanian youth to prayer of the heart

Les Sciernes d’Albeuve, Switzerland, April 15, 2025

Photo: basilica.ro

Children from the Romanian Orthodox community in Antwerp, Belgium, recently attended a special religious camp at the Protection of the Mother of God Monastery in Switzerland.

The week-long program, called “The Little Hesychast Camp,” took place last week and focused on introducing young participants to monastic traditions and prayer practices, reports the Basilica News Agency.

Throughout their stay, the children joined in daily services with the monastery’s nuns, practiced the Jesus Prayer, engaged in meaningful discussions with Abbess Antonia, and participated in various workshops led by the sisters.

“This experience was for many a true opening toward the mystery of silence and the prayer of the heart. We hope that this seed of hesychia will sprout and bear fruit in the hearts of the little ones, becoming a foundation for a life established in Christ,” said Fr. Mario Mihai from the Antwerp parish.

The camp balanced spiritual activities with recreation. Attendees visited the Aquatis aquarium, rode the scenic Belle Époque train, and enjoyed outdoor sports, storytelling sessions, and campfires on the monastery grounds.

The event was organized for children and teenagers, with the aim of connecting them more deeply with monastic life and prayer traditions.

The monastery church was consecrated and Mother Antonia was installed as abbess in Romanian hierarchs consecrate church, install abbess at Switzerland’s first Romanian monasteryA great spiritual event was celebrated on Saturday, as the church at a Romanian Orthodox monastery in Switzerland was consecrated and the abbess of the community was officially installed.