Our Lord Himself knew the importance of a place away from the crowd, where peace and solitude allow for deep connection with our Father. In His love for us and through the efforts of His Eminence Metropolitan Alexios, our Lord has blessed our Metropolis with a great gift--the Diakonia Center. In this beautiful and comfortable setting--two hundred and ten wooded acres with three ten bedroom lodges, cozy cabins, a beautiful new dining hall, meeting and worship space, sports facilities, a lake for fishing and canoeing and trails for walking. At the Diakonia Center, God has offered us a place of prayer and refreshment; a place for fun and fellowship; a place for fun and fellowship; a village for us all. Since its establishment in 2003, more than a thousand people a year have visited the Diakonia Center, helping the Metropolis of Atlanta achieve its goals in many ways.

Summer Camps: Prior to the Diakonia Center, our St. Stephens Summer Camp program was limited to one week at a facility owned by the Episcopal Church; at the Diakonia center the program has grown to three weeks in an Orthodox setting, increasing its effectiveness and adding immeasurably to the sense of unity as Orthodox faithful;

Other Youth Events: Besides summer camp, the Diakonia Center hosts Lenten retreats and Advent Retreats at which our young people continue their growth in the Orthodox faith while cementing friendships with Orthodox brethren from across the Metropolis; an annual HDF Panyageri and Workshop Retreat has drawn dance specialists and dancers from across the country for a very special event;

OCF and YAM Retreats: College students and young adults enjoy spiritual and volunteer work retreats, helping the Center with their youthful energy, growing spiritually and confirming their bond with their Orthodox faith;

Parish Retreats: Many parishes have used the Center for spiritual and strategic planning retreats, returning year after year to this setting which enhances their sense of mission and allows them to focus on the spiritual and strategic needs of their parishes.

Father George Savas Executive Director
Atlanta Metropolis welcomes the NEW Executive Director of the Diakonia Center, Fr. George Savas!

NEW! We have recently opened a gift shop on the grounds! There are official Diakonia Retreat Center merchandise with our logo on adult and youth clothing, athletic bags, water bottles, coffee mugs, footballs, and more! The shop also has religious keepsakes including necklaces, friendship bracelets, cell phone charms, bookmarks, toys, stuffed animals, and other great gifts. All profits return to the Diakonia Retreat Center to help fund its programs. We thank you for you support!