FAQs

  • No, you may only participate in either the chant or iconography academy because the instructional classes run concurrently. If you are interested in more than one, think about coming back the next year!

  • TLAA seeks primarily to help Orthodox Christians learn, cultivate, and apply techniques of the Orthodox Christian sacred arts in, and for, an Orthodox Christian environment. Being primarily a religious enrichment program and not an arts workshop, TLAA gives admission priority to those who are in good standing in a canonical Orthodox Christian church.

    Please note that in the Chant Academy, only Orthodox Christians in good standing may chant the divine worship services. Exceptions may be made for catechumens with a written blessing from their priest for them to join the instructors at the analogion and chant the worship services during The Liturgical Arts Academy. 

    Attendees who are not Orthodox Christian are welcome to participate in the Academy classes and social gatherings. As regards corporate prayer and worship, non Orthodox (or non-Christian) participants at TLAA are welcome to prayerfully attend services.

    The Holy Eucharist and other Sacraments of the Church, are only available to those of the Orthodox Christian faith in good standing. This is in adherence to the universal norms of Orthodoxy.

  • This program is discounted, thanks to the support of our donors.  Our average cost per student is $1250 - $1400.  These costs are reduced so you may attend and and study the liturgical arts.  We encourage you, if and when appropriate, to seek additional assistance from your parish, especially if you volunteer and the parish will benefit from your work.

  • There is a limited number of cabins available.  Upgrade assignments will be based on availability and the date we receive your deposit.  Married couples have first priority for cabins. Please reference the Lodging Page for more details.)

  • Meals at the Diakonia Center are served buffet-style for the group. Meal selections will follow an Orthodox Christian fasting schedule (i.e. no meat/dairy on Wednesday and Friday).

    The DRC is a not-for-profit Christian ministry with the goal of keeping costs reasonable for attendees. The ability to control food costs is based on economy of scale and the ability to serve one meal option to many people. If you have a medical condition or allergy that requires certain dietary restrictions, please let us know as you register.

  • In the spirit of worship and spiritual focus, it is our hope that all participants (students and non-students) plan to restrict cell phone use while at the Diakonia Retreat Center.  We all have responsibilities and understand that there may be a need to "check in" with family or work, but we ask that during the daytime and in public gathering spaces we focus on the here and now and limit cell phone use. We believe that we will reap many blessings from this time of "retreat" and will be strengthened in our holy work of chanting or iconography.  Wi-Fi is also available, but the current infrastructure does not accommodate heavy use.

  • Yes, you may bring your spouse or parent to come and enjoy a spiritual retreat at the Diakonia Center. They must be respectful of the workshops in progress and of the serene atmosphere.  See the Registration page for the rate for accompanying non-students in a double occupancy cabin or lodge with a student.  They would be on their own in regards to their schedule (or lack thereof!) They are welcome to join us at meals, daily worship and evening activities, and to enjoy the amenities of the DRC. The surrounding area has much to explore - lakes, trails, and waterfalls - but a car would be needed to do so.

  • Not at this time. Our program is currently available only to persons over 18 years of age. Minors may not attend as accompanying non-students, keeping in compliance with all youth safety guidelines.

Workshop-Specific FAQs:

FAQs: Chant

 

FAQs: Iconography

What to Pack:

  • The Diakonia Retreat Center is a beautiful mountain camp with comfortable buildings and facilities.   Plan for a “camp” atmosphere with gravel paths, a lovely lake and outdoor trails.  We will have daily worship in the chapel and you are welcome to wear your casual “campy” clothes as this is an informal gathering.  Wear sturdy and comfortable shoes to walk around the property.  The walk to the church is almost half a mile on a gravel path, and although we have shuttles for those who prefer to ride, many enjoy the walk around the lake.

  • Pillows, linens, blankets and one towel will be provided, but you may bring your own pillow, washcloth, and extra towel(s) if you like. We will have our meals at scheduled times in the dining hall, and there is a beverage and snack area that is open all day.  

Optional Items:

  • Your favorite pillow

  • Washcloth, an extra towel, shower shoes

  • Reusable water bottle and/or coffee mug

  • Flashlight

  • Antihistamines, bug spray, sunscreen

  • Specialty foods, snacks, soft drinks for your cabin or lodge refrigerator.  

  • If staying in the lodge, a tote bag is handy for taking your clothes and toiletries to the bathroom.

  • Your Bible or other reading

  • Fishing rod, boat shoes

  • Artwork or a handicraft for our exhibit (with description card)

  • Items listed below for your particular workshop 

  • Wine to share at the family style dinners 

  • Homemade baked goods to share at the daily coffee breaks before Vespers

  • Cash to tip the DRC staff ($10-20 per person suggested, entirely optional)

Suggested Items to Pack:

  • Casual clothes

  • A sweater for chilly, air-conditioned rooms

  • Comfortable, sturdy shoes

  • Rain jacket or umbrella

  • Shampoo and soaps (not provided)

  • Hairdryer (not provided)

  • Pens, pencils, highlighters, notepad for class (not required but may be handy)

  • Items listed for your particular workshop

For Byzantine Chant:

  • An iPad or other device can be used to read the texts and music for Orthros and Vespers daily, but it is not required. If you do not have one, you do not need to purchase one.  Students often share during the services.

  • If you usually wear a chanter robe and have one available to bring, please do. Robes are not required. 

  • Byzantine Chant: The Received Tradition textbook by John Michael Boyer

For Iconography:

  • Old brushes for mixing paint

  • Painter’s smock or apron

  • Magnifying glass

  • Painter’s bridge and/or easel  (not required) -- You may purchase a custom designed iconographer’s easel with bridge from Image and Likeness Iconography. You may choose to have it shipped to you or delivered at TLAA. To order online go to: http://www.imageandlikeness.com/iconographers-easel/ 

  • seat cushion

  • table lamp (optonal)

  • small spray bottle

For Foods in Faith:

But we encourage you to bring the following items*: 

  • Mixing bowls (med, large)

  • Whisk, spatula, wooden spoons

  • Rolling pin

  • Measuring cups for liquid and dry ingredients

  • Small decorative bowl or platter with sides for Koliva

  • Digital scale

  • Tea towels

Optional Items:

  • Mortar and pestle (optional)

  • Prosphoron stamp (optional)

  • Stand mixer** with dough hook (optional)

  • Books, crafts, walking shoes, etc.

What to Pack - printable list