G12 is yearly expedition of Orthodox Christian youth  into the backcountry of the Canadian wilderness.

What is the purpose?

There are many purposes of G12. First of all, we love our faith and seek to study and learn it any way we can. So the first pupose is, and will always be, to draw to near to Jesus Christ through study and community. Secondly, we love the natural world which God created, and we seek to draw near to Him through living closely and in harmony with it. Thirdly, we seek to draw near to each other in Orthodox fellowship. Lastly, our purpose is to learn important life lessons through the natural challenges of surviving together in the remote backcountry.

What do you do?

We hike for seven days into remote areas and study the Orthodox faith along the way. We worship in the morning and in the evening, and always celebrate the Lord’s day with a Divine Liturgy (which been celebrated on mountainsides and lake sides so far). We work hard together, cook for each other, support each other, and have a great time.

When do you make your expedition?

Every summer so far, but we might be going more often in the future.

Who is allowed to go?

Any Orthodox Chistian over the age of eighteen. Of course, a ‘twelver’ must be physically and mentally capable for the demanding enviorment, and they must be in good standing with their parish and priest. However, if you are accepted you are allowed to go only twice (due to high demand).

Any exceptions to the above?

Yes, we cannot accept catechumens or couples, since bothe change the dynamics of the group quite ddramatically for different reasons.

What specifically do you study?

Since we are the Group of Twelve and there are twelve feasts, we choose a feast which fits the terrain and study that. We have studied the feast of the Transfiguration, Theophany, and the feast of St Peter and Paul so far. Each person on the group is responsible for leading one two-hour seminar on the topic during the trip, and so ample study before leaving is a must. Most find they run out of time. Everyone learns from each other.

Do you have a priest?

Yes, the priest who has led us on every trip is Fr John Hainsworth, pastor of All Saints of Alaska Orthodox Church in Victoria, BC, and frequent author and podcaster on Ancient Faith Radio.

Is this done with the blessing of a canonical Orthodox bishop?

Of course! The Group of Twelve is a ministry of the Archdiocese of Canada (OCA), and has been the enthusiastic blessing and support of His Eminence, SERAPHIM, Archbishop Ottawa and All Canada.

Has any one ever got hurt?

Thank God, no! Everyone has got bruises and scrapes and sore feet, though. But there is no doubt that it has been dangerous, but the backcountry always is. Respect for nature is an absolute must.

How do I go?

You can fill out an application from this website. Someone will contact you soon enough. The sooner the better, though, if you want to go, since there is always a waiting list.

I have more questions - how do I get more answers?

Contact us through our contact form, or else call Fr John. His number is on the Contact Us page.