updated 7/7/2025

Things You Need to Know

  • Password

    (tbd)

    Used for all buildings. You will have to connect to each building.

  • Need Something?

    Call or text:

    Pr.Christine 706-340-6366

    or Jamie 864-992-7268

  • In Case of Emergency

    Call day or night!

    Pr. Christine 706-340-6366

    Jamie Tarasidis 864-992-7268

    Fr. Anthony 706-340-5728

  • Tip the Staff

    If you would like to leave a tip for the DRC staff and cooks, please give it to Fr. Anthony by Friday morning. We will have small envelopes available by the fireplace if you prefer.

  • Safety Rules

    drive CLOCKWISE around the lake & no swimming this week & always wear a lifejacket when canoeing & always have 2+ persons when canoeing & do not walk or hike alone & tell someone at camp if you go on a walk & there is an infirmary on campus with basic supplies

  • Address

    Alexios Diakonia Retreat Center

    455 Quail Ridge Road

    Salem, SC 29676


Release of Liability Form

—You must sign, and submit this form: email or bring with you—

Your Time at the Bishop Alexios Diakonia Retreat Center

Arriving from the Airport

For those who are coming on the airport shuttle bus, I will email you separately with detailed information on how to get on the bus and give you the bus captain's contact information. When you arrive at the DRC, someone will meet you and help you find your room numbers.

Arriving by Car

For those who are driving, please park in one of the parking lots and walk down to the dining hall to register and to get your name tag, room number, and submit your DRC waiver form. If you will be driving in late, please let me know, as it is possible to get lost in the mountains of South Carolina. 706-340-6366

Arrival Day Dinner will be served

Dinner will be available from 6:00 to 6:45 pm on Sunday, followed by Evening Compline.

Parking

After unloading your luggage in your room, please move your vehicle to one of the parking lots before coming back for dinner.  There is no parking in front of the lodges or on the inner access road. There is limited parking near the cabins and dining hall, so if you do not plan to use your car, it is better to park in the upper main parking lot near the entrance. Most people prefer to walk to and from church; and there are some who prefer to drive and offer rides to anyone on the path. If you are a driver, it is a good idea to honk your horn in front of the cabins and lodges to see if anyone wants a ride.

Room Keys

For over 20 years, we do not lock our doors at the DRC and do not give out room keys. Take care NOT to lock the doorknob as you leave. If however, you feel you would like to have a key, please contact the Executive Director to see if one is available.

Clean Towels

Clean towels will be available in the Dining Hall on Wednesday, if needed.

Thermostats in the Lodges

The Lodge thermostats are located in the hallways, and we recommend that you keep all doors slightly open at night so that there can be even circulation in the hallways. If the doors are closed, then the thermostats keep running and your room will get either too hot (winter) or too cold (summer).

Porch Lights at the Cabins

Remember to turn off your porch light in the morning as you head for church and to turn it back on later in the day so your path will be lit.

“Checking out”

Please pile your sheets and pillow cases by your door, leave pillow and blankets (folded) on the bed, and hang towels and wash cloths on a hook or railing so they can dry.

Things You Can Bring

Art Exhibit & Party - bring your artwork from home

All students are invited enter their original art in our Thursday evening Art Exhibit. Bring any medium such as painting, sculpture, textiles, poetry, music, craft, etc.  There will be an evening party with specialty desserts and sparkling wine and sodas. Chanters are invited to submit artwork and come to the event.  Remember to write up a description card for each entry with Title, Medium, and Your Name. Cash for Tipping the Staff

It is our custom to collect tips for the DRC staff. If you would like to leave a tip for the DRC staff, please bring cash and give it to Fr. Anthony by Friday morning.

What to Bring

You may want to review our list of what to pack – here. We are "casual campy" at TLAA, so bring sturdy shoes and comfortable clothes. 
We do not require you to be "dressed up" for church in formal attire.

Social Contributions

You are welcome to bring wine or beer to share at dinner (on wine days) during the week. Also, we welcome homemade or specialty treats to share at the coffee break daily at 4:30 pm in the Iconography studio in St. Gregory's Hall.

Prosphora

Please let us know if you would like to bake and bring the liturgical offering bread.

Cash for Tipping the DRC Staff

It is our custom to collect tips for the DRC kitchen and facilities staff. If you would like to leave a tip for the DRC staff, please bring cash and give it to Fr. Anthony by Friday morning.

Charlie’s Room is in the Dining Hall

St. Gregory’s Hall is downstairs in the Church

Iconography Workshop

  • in St. Gregory’s Hall

  • Monday Evening Lecture in Charlie’s Room

Chant Workshops

  • Intermediate Class in Lodge 1

  • Master Class in Lodge 2

  • Advanced Class in Charlies Room

  • Chant Group Leaders Meeting in Panayia Chapel

  • Chant Group Meetings - tbd

Coffee Breaks 4:30 Daily

in St. Gregory’s Hall (downstairs of Panagia Chapel)