SAVE THE DATE!
Pan Orthodox Conference
"THERAPEIA"
June 12th – June 15th, 2025 at
Holy Trinity Serbian Orthodox Church
Butte, Montana
Embark on a spiritual journey amid the picturesque landscapes of Montana at the annual MontaNIKA Conference, hosted by the vibrant Orthodox community of Holy Trinity Orthodox Church in Butte, MT. Guided by the esteemed His Grace, Bishop Maxim, MontaNIKA has evolved into a cherished tradition, inviting you to join in the excitement this year.
Why MontaNIKA?
More than just a conference, MontaNIKA is a celebration of Orthodox faith, community, and the unique allure of Montana as a haven for spiritual growth. Born out of the growing demand for a sacred space to share, explore, and foster Orthodox values, this event has become an annual pilgrimage for those seeking a deeper understanding of Orthodoxy and an opportunity for growth in this beautiful state.
Therapeia
With the official blessing and guidance of His Grace, Bishop Maxim, we are proud to announce this year’s Orthodox MontaNIKA conference. The theme of the MontaNIKA conference for 2025 has been carefully chosen to be “Therapeia.” We invite you to join us next year to learn the meaning of Orthodox therapeia from the very best scholars, speakers, and licensed Orthodox therapists, including priests and bishops (His Grace, Bishop Maxim being the Keynote Speaker). Explore the various topics and issues related to Orthodox therapeia, as well as benefiting from actual workshops. Discover the true meaning of Orthodox therapy and healing. Discover the true Faith! Discover the meaning of Orthodoxy!
The Beauty of Montana
Montana’s natural beauty, expansive landscapes, and peaceful surroundings set the stage for an immersive Orthodox experience. The conference not only delves into theological discussions but also allows attendees to connect with the wonders of Montana, offering a unique blend of spiritual enlightenment and appreciation for the state’s scenic charm.
Embrace Montana’s Potential
Montana provides an ideal setting for those interested in contributing to the growth of Orthodoxy, not just locally but nationally. The freedom to nurture and expand Orthodoxy in Montana serves as a template for the rest of the country, making MontaNIKA a unique opportunity to explore the potential of Orthodox life in the state.
What to expect:
- Theme: Therapeia
- Speakers: An incredible lineup, including workshops with licensed Orthodox therapists.
- Culinary Experience: Enjoy meals prepared by our professional cook, featuring local Montana meats.
- Music Hospitality Night: A live bluegrass band will give you a taste of Montana music.
- Monastery Visit: Explore our local monastery with organized tours.
Speakers
Bishop Maxim
Bishop Maxim (Vasiljevic) was elected Bishop of Los Angeles and the Western American Diocese of the Serbian Orthodox Church in 2006. He graduated from the Faculty of Orthodox Theology, University of Belgrade, in 1993. He completed his Master of Theology at the University of Athens in 1996, and then three years later, in 1999, at the same university, he defended his doctorate in the field of Dogmatics and Patristics. He worked for one year on his post-doctorate in Paris and the Sorbonne in 2003-04, in the field of Byzantine History and Hagiography. During this time, he also delved in the theory and practical application of painting at the French Academy of Fine Arts in Paris. Bishop Maxim is a professor of Patristics and was teaching Christian Anthropology, Byzantine Philosophy, Canon Law, and Dogmatics at various universities and schools. He speaks Greek, French, Russian, and English. He was the editor of “Theology” – Journal of the Faculty of Orthodox Theology, University of Belgrade. He also leads the Diocesan school of iconography. Bishop Maxim’s scholarly books, studies, and articles include essays on Holy Fathers and Saints; he has also written on the hagiographical and iconographical themes.
Father Vasileios Thermos
Rev. Vasileios Thermos, M.D., Ph.D. studied at the Medical School of Athens University and the Theological Schoo. He was specialized in Child and Adolescent Psychiatry which he still practices in Athens. In 1986 he was ordained and keeps serving at the diocese of Viotia. He has been engaged into training programs for clergy in Greece, Cyprus, and the USA. He was also a Visiting Scholar at Harvard Divinity School; he took classes also in Harvard School of Arts and Humanities, Boston College, Boston University, Andover Newton Theological School. In 1997 he received his PhD in Pastoral Psychology from the Theological School of Athens University. In 2014 he worked for 3 months as a Visiting Research Scholar at the Institute of Medical Humanities of the Medical School of Texas University. He has also conducted a research on clergy health and burnout. He has written numerous books and articles in Greek and is the editor of a journal in Greek (Psyches dromoi: Ways of the Soul). He has been a member of scientific committees organizing conferences on the relationship between theology and psychiatry/psychology. He has also given thousands of lectures to seminars, parents groups, clergy assemblies, camps, high schools, radio and TV etc. Fr. Vasileios was a Visiting Professor of Pastoral Psychology and Psychology of Religion in the Theological Academy of the Orthodox Church of Albania. He currently teaches Pastoral Theology and Pastoral Psychology in the University Ecclesiastical Academy of Athens as an Associate Professor.
Father Panayiotis Tekosis
With the blessing of Bishop Maxim of the Serbian Diocese of Western America, Fr Panayiotis Tekosis moved to Saint Herman's Orthodox Christian Parish in August of 2021. He is married to Matushka Kathryn and together they have six children. Fr Panayiotis was born and raised in the Orthodox Church in Greece. He was formed in the Orthodox faith by the piety of the priests serving at the parish of his youth and the many notable Orthodox theologians teaching the generation of his time. Fr Panayiotis, who is fluent in both English and Greek, completed formal theological studies at St Tikhon's Orthodox Theological Seminary and St Stephen's House of Studies at the Antiochian Village. He studied Orthodox patristics and pastoral theology under the late Metropolitan of Diokleia, Kallistos (Ware) of the Ecumenical Patriarchate of Constantinople. Fr Pan studied existential-phenomenological psychotherapy in England and worked in mental health and human services for over a decade. He also holds degrees in business and organizational behavior.
Father Deacon Ananias
Fr. Deacon Ananias Sorem, PhD is CEO, Founder, and President of Patristic Faith, as well as the Founder and Organizer of Orthodox MontaNika. Father is an Orthodox apologist and teaches Philosophy at Carroll College. He serves with Fr. Russell Rodoicich at Holy Trinity Serbian Orthodox Church in Butte, MT. Fr. Deacon has a BA in Liberal Arts from Thomas Aquinas College, together with an MA (Honors) and PhD in Philosophy (Epistemology; Philosophy of Science; Philosophy of Mind) from University College Dublin. His current academic work focuses on philosophical theology, epistemology, and the philosophy of science. Father is the author of several articles and peer-reviewed papers. He is also known for his YouTube channel, the Norwegian Nous (now Patristic Faith), where he provides content on theology, apologetics, logic, and philosophy.
Schedule of Events
6/11 Wednesday
NO OFFICIAL CONFERENCE EVENTS ON WEDNESDAY1
- Arrivals
- Butte Meet-ups
6/12 Thursday
Opening Banquet Dinner
- Arrivals
-
St. Peter’s Monastery Tour
TBA
This is optional and voluntary
Rides not provided -
Opening Banquet Dinner
7pm - 10pm
[Conference officially begins]
6/13 Friday
Day 1 of Speakers
-
Morning Prayers
8:30am - 9:00am -
Breakfast
9:00am - 10:00am -
Fr. Dcn. Ananias
10:00am - 10:30am -
Therapeia Workshops
10:30am - 12:15pm -
Lunch
12:30pm - 2:00pm -
Fr Panayiotis Tekosis
2:00am - 3:30pm -
Optional Afternoon Tours
3:30pm - 6:30pm -
Explore Butte for dinner
Guests are on their own -
Women's Group Dinner Night
4:00pm - 7:00pm -
Live Professional Band and Evening Hospitality
7:30pm - 10:00pm
6/14 Saturday
Day 2 of Speakers
-
Morning Prayers
8:30am - 9:00am -
Breakfast
9:00am - 10:00am -
His Grace, Bishop Maxim
10:00am - 11:30am -
Therapeia Workshops
11:30am - 12:30pm -
Lunch
12:30pm - 2:00pm -
Outdoor Activities
2:00pm - 3:30pm -
Fr Vasileios Thermos
3:30pm - 5:00pm -
Vespers
5:30pm - 6:30pm -
Closing Banquet Dinner
6:45pm - 8:30pm -
Evening Meet-Up
8:30pm - 10:30pm
6/15 Sunday
Church & Conference Close
-
Divine Hierarchical Liturgy
10:00am -
Brunch
12:30pm - 2:00pm
Price and Registration
- TBA
- Children under 12 are free; Orthodox priest and their families are free (voluntary donation), but they need to register early, since there is limited capacity.
- Please note that speaker lineup is subject to change at any time due to unforeseen circumstances, scheduling conflicts, or other reasons beyond our control.
- Free camping option available.
- Hotel discount provided with our partner hotel.
- NO REFUNDS
Questions?
Send us a note.
Subscribe & Connect
Subscribe to the Patristic Faith newsletter for updates on the conference and other exciting events. Join us in Montana and become part of a transformative experience that goes beyond the conference room, weaving together Orthodox fellowship, spirituality, and the unparalleled beauty of the Montana landscape.