From July 28 to August 9, clergy, counselors, and young campers attending St. Seraphim Camp concluded its 32nd year in picturesque Blakeslee, PA.
More than 220 young people were registered for arguably the largest Orthodox summer camp in the entire Russian Church Abroad. This year, for the first time ever, camp activities were expanded to a second week thanks to the help of more than 100 volunteers, some being previous campers themselves.
St. Seraphim Camp is traditionally held on the first week of August to coincide with the feast of Venerable Seraphim Sarov (August 1 n.s.). Every day begins with morning prayers, followed by breakfast and classes on the Law of God. These classes are led by a group of 8-10 priests from across the Diocese, who take time out of their busy schedules to spend time with the children. Classes are rather informal and usually take place outside, where the children are divided into groups based on gender and age.
On Saturday the 3rd and Sunday the 4th of August, the feast of the Holy Equal-of-the Apostles Mary Magdalene, the First Hierarch of the Russian Church Abroad, Metropolitan Nicholas of Eastern America & New York, visited the camp. Under the protection of tents from the summer rain, His Eminence officiated the All-Night vigil. Virtually all attendees were able to confess their sins in preparation for Divine Liturgy the next morning.
In the morning, Metropolitan Nicholas celebrated Liturgy, joined by the first vicar of the Western American Diocese, Bishop Theodosius of Seattle, camp director Archpriest Alexis Duncan, and a host of diocesan clergy. A youth choir adorned the services with masterful singing.
At the conclusion of Liturgy, Metropolitan Nicholas addressed those gathered with a sermon, in which he imparted on the youth to remain steadfast in their faith, and to ensure that the blessed interaction that occurred over the past few days continue throughout the year. Fr. Alexis thanked His Eminence for his annual visit and for the great attention that he shows towards young people.
