MOA Summer Gathering 2025

All are welcome irrespective of race, gender, creed, old timers, newcomers.
“Even if you have broken your vow a thousand times – come, come again.”

Plan to join us July 16-21 at the Claymont Retreat Center in West Virginia for zikr, Sema, sohbet, art, contemplation and meşking.

This year we intend to explore the transformative spiritual relationship (Dost) that is at the core of our tradition. Every account of our Mevlevi path begins with the relationship of Mevlana and Shamsi Tabriz through which Mevlana was transformed into the mystical fountain of meaning that inspires seekers worldwide to this day.

Claymont is very important to the origin of Mevlevi Order of America. In the late 1970’s a beautiful cooperation was established between Suleyman Dede of the Mevlevis and Pierre Elliot Director of the Gurdjieff/Bennett school at Claymont at that time. Pierre became a student of Dede’s and Dede sent his son Jalaleddin Dede to study with Pierre as well as to teach at the school. This cooperation was important enough to Dede that he wrote that he wished the two ways would remain together always; and reportedly important enough to Sheikh Pierre that his Destar i Sherif was buried with him at his request.

For more information about Claymont, go to https://claymont.org/about-us/

More information about the retreat coming soon!

Retreat Dates: July 16-21
The retreat begins with dinner the evening of Wednesday, July 16 and concludes after breakfast on Monday, July 21. Join us at the Claymont Retreat Center, near Charles Town West Virginia. Check in time is 12:00 on July 16. We must leave the premises by 5:00 pm on July 21. Lunch will not be served on July 21.

Rates For Camp
5 nights – 14 meals – Camping $500.00
(No equipment provided)
5 nights – 14 meals – Triple $736.00
5 nights – 14 meals – Double $856.00
5 nights – 14 meals – Single $1044.00

More information on the retreat program and details on shorter stay rates and commuter options will be provided to you soon in a follow up email.

How To Register
All of the information regarding your stay will be collected via a shared spreadsheet document. Please fill out the form to register and our registrar will follow up to confirm payment. If you have any questions about the process, please contact Jason Bennett, retreat registrar, at moaregistrar@gmail.com Registration closes on June 30, 2025.

Initiation of Suleyman Hayati Loras as Jelaleddın Dede’s Successor In Konya, Turkey, 2016