Florence Community Center
Florence, Arizona
December 5-6, 2024
The conference will take place at the Green Tree Inn & Suites and the Florence Library and Community Center from December 5-6 on the theme: Torches of Truth: the Kollyvades Fathers and Their Successors. The conference speakers will explore the lives, teachings and times of the Kollyvades Fathers of Mt. Athos and Greece (late 18th and early 19th centuries) and also look at those who are "followers of the holy fathers" today -- their contemporary successors, including the holy Athonite Elder Ephraim of Philotheou and Arizona. The lectures and Q&A sessions will be followed by a round-table discussion. The conference is being held on the eve of the Memorial Service for Geronda Ephraim which will take place at St. Anthony's Greek Orthodox Monastery on December 7th. A rare gathering and an exceptional opportunity you won’t want to miss!
Tickets available now! This conference consists of two events in Florence, Arizona: 1) Friday lectures at the Florence Library and Community Center with Lunch included and 2) Thursday Reception at the GreenTree Inn's Banquet Hall with a meal and Q and A session. Your purchase of a ticket allows you to attend both events.
Speakers
- • Archimandrite Nikodemos (Barousis) Western Baptism: The “Study” of Dorotheos Voulismas, St. Paisius Velichkovsky, and the Kollyvades Fathers
- • Archimandrite Gregorios (Estephan) "Following the Holy Fathers": The Chief Characteristic of an Orthodox Christian Then and Now
- • Archpriest Peter Heers Successors of the Kollyvades: St. Joseph the Hesychast and Ephraim of Philotheou and Arizona
- • Constantine Zalalas The Essence of the Kollyvadic Spirit and Its Significance Today
Registration Details
What flight options should I explore?
To assist with your travel planning, these are the nearest airports to Florence:
1. Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport (PHX) Distance from Florence: 56 miles (approx. 1 hour drive) Phoenix Sky Harbor is the largest airport in Arizona, offering numerous domestic and international flights. Ground transportation options like car rentals, shuttle services, and ride-sharing (Uber/Lyft) are available to help you reach Florence.
2. Phoenix-Mesa Gateway Airport (AZA) Distance from Florence: 30 miles (approx. 40-minute drive) This smaller airport in Mesa offers domestic flights with budget carriers like Allegiant Air. It’s a convenient option for attendees traveling from certain cities in the U.S.
3. Tucson International Airport (TUS) Distance from Florence: 77 miles (approx. 1.5-hour drive) Located to the south, Tucson International offers domestic flights and is another option for reaching Florence, especially if you're coming from southern U.S. cities.
We recommend booking your flights as soon as possible to secure the best rates. Ground transportation services are available from all three airports, making it easy to get to the conference venue.
Where can I stay the night?
Lodging is booked separately. Uncut Mountain has a group rate with:
GreenTree Inn & Suites Florence
240 W. Hwy 287 / PO Box 2520
Florence, AZ 85132
King suite - $159+ per night
Double Queen - $169+ per night
For hotel reservations call:
Green Tree Hotel
(520) 868-9900
Group name: Uncut Mountain Press December Event
Green Tree offers a daily hot breakfast buffet from 6:30 am - 9:30 am. The hotel information and website link is: https://www.greentreeinn.com/hotels/az/florence. Reservations can be made starting on October 9th, 2024. No online reservations can access the discounted rate.
Rancho Sonora, very close to the monastery, is an RV Park with a few Casitas, Suites and Single rooms. There is availability, some of the rooms can sleep 6 people if needed. RV slots are also available. https://ranchosonora.com/contact-us/.
Another option is Best Western Gold Canyon Inn & Suites with rates start at $135+ per night depending on room/night with a complimentary Breakfast.
8333 E. Sunrise Sky Drive Gold Canyon, AZ
For reservations call hotel: 480-671-6000
Group Name: Uncut Mountain Press
Options for lodging are limited in the town of Florence. We recommend checking with the Green Tree Inn & Suites for availability, but also local rentals at https://www.airbnb.com/. More lodging options are available in the cities of Casa Grande and Queen Creek, Arizona.
Are the talks going to be recorded and offered at a later date? Some of the talks may be recorded and offered but that will be decided when the conference concludes. The overriding focus is to provide a meaningful retreat for the faithful with enriching fellowship.
How long do I have to refund my ticket purchase?
You have until November 20th to refund your purchase. After that we need to submit the information we have to lock in our event.
For all questions please email: [email protected] Follow Uncut Mountain Press on X and Telegram for updates.