St. Methodios Faith & Heritage Center

Nestled in the tranquil woods of New Hampshire in the historic town of Contoocook, the St. Methodios Faith & Heritage Center of the Metropolis of Boston has been termed “a beacon of Orthodoxy and Hellenism.”

The Center, situated on an idyllic 199-acre piece of property with two beautiful lakes, accommodates hundreds of children who enjoy winter and summer camp programs, and hundreds more who participate in year-round retreats. Currently under construction is a magnificent Retreat House on the shores of one of the lakes which will fulfill yet another vision of Metropolitan Methodios of Boston by expanding the programs offered at the Faith & Heritage Center, reaching out to adult members of the community. The Retreat House will have 40-double bedrooms, two handicapped accessible bedrooms, conference rooms and many amenities. Priests, Parish Council members, Philoptochos Women, Senior Citizens, Catechetical and Greek School teachers and other community groups will have a place to experience and celebrate their Faith and Culture.

The Faith & Heritage Center is a testimony to the visionary leadership of Metropolitan Methodios, whose dream when he assumed the leadership of the Metropolis 25 years ago was to establish a Camp and Retreat Center where young and old could rest and relax, and at the same time learn about their faith and cultural heritage.

The faithful in the Metropolis, many of who are prominent members of Leadership 100, responded with generosity to his vision and his dream. Today, the St. Methodios Faith & Heritage Center hosts campers from throughout the country. The newest cabin houses youngsters who participate in “Embracing the Children” camp experience, which is dedicated for children with special needs, the only such program of the Greek Orthodox Community of America. Experience has shown that the special needs of these youngsters do not diminish their enthusiasm and thirst to learn and to enjoy all activities, especially Greek dancing! The programs are supervised by specially trained counselors who offer one-to-one teaching.

Every September hundreds of faithful from throughout New England gather at the St. Methodios Faith & Heritage Center to worship and to enjoy fellowship. Metropolitan Methodios presides at the Hierarchical Divine Liturgy in the Chapel of St. George and leads a procession of clergy and laity to the lake for the blessing of the waters, and the retrieval of the cross from the lake by campers. A luncheon is served under the tent and in the state of art dining room of the Center. Participants enjoy walking around the property, admiring both the natural beauty and the improvements of the property.

The St. Methodios Faith & Heritage Center welcomes groups and individuals to meet and retreat on its grounds which are open year-round.