SOUTH CANAAN, PA [DOEPA]
On Saturday, July 4, 2026, St. Tikhon's Summer Camp concluded its week of worship, fellowship, learning, and recreation as campers, counselors, clergy, volunteers, and families gathered for the celebration of the Divine Liturgy before departing for home.
His Eminence Archbishop Mark of Philadelphia and Eastern Pennsylvania presided at the celebration of the Hierarchical Divine Liturgy in the Monastery Church. Concelebrating with His Eminence were Archpriest Timothy Hojnicki, Diocesan Vice-Chancellor, Dean of the Frackville Deanery, and Rector of Holy Apostles Church in Mechanicsburg, PA; Priest Paul Witek, Rector of All Saints Church in Olyphant, PA, and Academic Dean of St. Tikhon's Theological Seminary; Archpriest Joseph Toroney; Archpriest Aleksey Paranyuk, Rector of St. Michael's Church in Mount Carmel, PA; Priest Michael Shepherd, Rector of St. Michael's Church in Old Forge, PA; Priest Vjeksolav JoviÄić, Rector of Holy Trinity Church in Stroudsburg, PA; Priest Silouan Burns, Rector of St. Michael the Archangel Church in Wilmington, DE; Priest Joseph Sharman, Camp Chaplain and Associate Priest of St. Michael the Archangel Church in Wilmington, DE. Also serving was Deacon James Macgruder, together with campers and staff who faithfully served as Altar Servers.
The liturgical responses were sung by the camp choir under the direction of Reader Samuel Regen, whose leadership contributed greatly to the prayerful and uplifting liturgical life of the camp throughout the week.
During the homily, His Eminence reflected upon this year's camp theme, "Putting Off the Old Man and Putting On the New," encouraging the campers to carry the lessons they had learned throughout the week back to their homes and parishes, continually striving to grow in Christ through prayer, repentance, and a life rooted in the Holy Orthodox Faith.
Following the Divine Liturgy, clergy, campers, counselors, staff, volunteers, and family members gathered one final time to share a festive meal together. Filled with gratitude for the friendships formed, the memories created, and the spiritual growth experienced throughout the week, campers departed for their homes, already looking forward to returning to St. Tikhon's Summer Camp next year.
On behalf of His Eminence Archbishop Mark, the Diocesan Media Office extends its sincere gratitude to the many clergy who generously sacrificed their time to minister to the youth throughout the week by celebrating the Divine Services, hearing confessions, leading educational sessions, and serving as spiritual fathers to the campers. The Media Office likewise expresses its heartfelt appreciation to the counselors, volunteers, kitchen staff, nurses, maintenance workers, speakers, workshop leaders, and the many individuals whose tireless efforts made this year's camp possible.
His Eminence also extends his sincere appreciation to the parents and families who entrusted their children to this ministry, to the generous donors whose continued support strengthens the youth ministries of the Diocese, and especially to the campers themselves, whose enthusiasm, love for Christ, and joyful participation made the week a true witness to the vitality of the Orthodox Faith.
His Eminence extends particular gratitude to Daniel Peck for his dedicated leadership and many labors as Camp Director. Through his faithful stewardship, countless hours of preparation, and unwavering commitment to the youth of the Diocese, this year's camp was once again a tremendous success. His Eminence also expresses his heartfelt appreciation to Elisabeth Parsells for her tireless work in producing the camp's media coverage, preserving the many joyful moments of the week for the benefit of the Diocese.
Information regarding registration for the annual Diocesan Fall Youth Retreat will be announced in the coming months as plans are finalized.
As another blessed year of St. Tikhon's Summer Camp comes to a close, the Diocese gives thanks to Almighty God for the countless blessings bestowed throughout the week through the dedicated labors of the Diocesan Youth Department and prays that the seeds planted in the hearts of the campers will continue to bear abundant fruit, strengthening them in the Orthodox Faith and drawing them ever closer to Christ for many years to come.
Photo credit: Elisabeth Parsells and Elijah Hojnicki
Glory to God for all things!
Issued by the Diocesan Media Office
