SOUTH CANAAN, PA [DOEPA]
On Thursday, July 2, 2026, the fifth day of St. Tikhon's Summer Camp continued with another full schedule of worship, learning, fellowship, and recreation as campers, counselors, clergy, and staff enthusiastically participated in the many activities offered on the grounds of St. Tikhon's Monastery.
In the morning, the Divine Liturgy was celebrated at St. Tikhon's Monastery Church, where many campers chose to gather to receive Christ's Holy Mysteries.
One of the highlights of the day came during the morning as the annual St. Tikhon's Summer Camp Sock Competition returned, bringing campers, counselors, clergy, and staff together for one of camp's most beloved traditions. After weeks of friendly banter between Archpriest John Parker, Dean of St. Tikhon's Theological Seminary, and Archpriest Timothy Hojnicki, Diocesan Vice-Chancellor, Dean of the Frackville Deanery, and Rector of Holy Apostles Church in Mechanicsburg, PA, the spirited contest concluded with Father Timothy earning a decisive victory following the crowd's enthusiastic applause after unveiling a coordinated flamingo-themed sock and shirt ensemble, securing a full year of bragging rights while filling the camp with laughter and good-natured fellowship.
Throughout the day, campers remained actively engaged in a wide variety of recreational and educational activities, including boating, swimming, iconography, dance, nerf gun battles, liturgical music, and visits to the museum and bookstore. During the day's workshops and educational sessions, campers continued exploring this year's theme, "Putting Off the Old Man and Putting On the New." Through age-appropriate discussions and activities, they reflected on the Christian call to leave behind sinful habits and embrace the new life in Christ, learning how prayer, repentance, humility, and love for others shape their daily lives as Orthodox Christians.
Following dinner, the camp community gathered before the myrrh-streaming icon of Saint Anna for a Moleben. The Moleben was served by Archpriest Timothy Hojnicki, Priest Joseph Sharman, Camp Chaplain and Associate Priest at St. Michael the Archangel Church in Wilmington, DE, and Priest Paul Witek, Rector of All Saints Church in Olyphant, PA, and Academic Dean of St. Tikhon's Theological Seminary. His Eminence Archbishop Mark presided from the throne.
After the service and veneration, campers, counselors, clergy, and staff gathered to watch "The Princess Bride," concluding another joyful day of faith, fellowship, and recreation at St. Tikhon's Summer Camp.
The fifth day of St. Tikhon's Summer Camp once again reflected the mission of the Youth Ministries of the Diocese of Philadelphia and Eastern Pennsylvania by bringing together worship, Christian education, recreation, and fellowship in an environment that encourages young people to deepen their relationship with Christ while building lasting friendships rooted in the life of His Holy Church.
Photo credit: Elisabeth Parsells
Glory to God for all things!
Issued by the Diocesan Media Office
