HALIFAX, PA [DOEPA]
From November 14-16, 2025, the Diocese of Philadelphia and Eastern Pennsylvania held its Annual Fall Teen Retreat at Camp Hebron. The retreat provided an opportunity for the teens of the Diocese to pray together, share fellowship, and participate in discussions with their peers and clergy.
His Eminence Archbishop Mark attended together with Archpriest Aleksey Paranyuk, Rector of St. Michael's Church in Mount Carmel, PA, who served as chaplain. Priest Paul Witek, Rector of All Saints Church in Olyphant, PA, and Academic Dean at St. Tikhon's Theological Seminary, Priest Joseph Sharman, Associate Priest at St. Michael the Archangel Church in Wilmington, DE, and Priest Vjekoslav JoviÄić, Rector of Holy Trinity Church in Stroudsburg, PA, were also present for the weekend.
The weekend began with Daily Vespers on Friday, followed by Daily Matins on Saturday. Throughout the retreat, question-and-answer sessions centered on the theme “Love Your Neighbor as You Love Yourself,” offering the teens meaningful opportunities for reflection and discussion.
Father Aleksey Paranyuk delivered a series of three talks rooted in this theme. His first talk, “What Does It Mean to Love Yourself?," explored the importance of understanding one’s identity in Christ. The second talk, “How Do I Want to Be Loved?," invited the teens to consider the ways they receive care, support, and encouragement. His final talk, “So, How Do I Love My Neighbor?," helped the youth connect these ideas to practical expressions of Christian love in their daily lives. Together, these sessions offered valuable guidance for young Orthodox Christians, encouraging them to deepen both their spiritual lives and their relationships with others.
In addition to the discussions, participants took part in a variety of activities, including basketball, kickball, volleyball, gagaball, an Uno tournament, football, hiking, soccer, and more. The retreat center also offered a rock wall. Above all, the teens were able to strengthen their relationships with fellow Orthodox Christians.
Daily Matins, Great Vespers, and the Divine Liturgy were celebrated in the “Mountainside Haven,” with the Youth Choir under the direction of Reader Samuel Regen. This year’s Fall Teen Retreat was a joyful and inspiring event for the youth of our Diocese and beyond, highlighting their dedication to faith, with many partaking of the Holy Eucharist during the Liturgy. The retreat welcomed more than 100 attendees and volunteers, which is a record for youth retreats in the Diocese.
Youth and counselors from the Archdiocese of Washington, D.C. (OCA), the Diocese of New York and New Jersey (OCA), the Diocese of Hartford and New England (OCA), the American Carpatho-Russian Diocese of North America, the Antiochian Archdiocese, and the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of America also participated.
After a weekend filled with faith, fun, and fellowship, the God-protected Diocese of Philadelphia and Eastern Pennsylvania looks forward to the Annual Winter Teen Retreat, scheduled for January 30 to February 1, 2026, with registration opening soon.
Those who wish to support the youth ministries of the Diocese are invited to donate at doepa.org/giving-tuesday. More information about Giving Tuesday will be provided in the coming days.
Photo credit: Mrs. Brigid O'Leary and others
Glory to God for all things!
Issued by the Diocesan Media Office
