Holy Apostles Orthodox Church in Mechanicsburg parish youth learned about the Life of Saint Nicholas the Wonderworker and the importance of charitable giving at our annual Saint Nicholas Youth Celebration in the afternoon of Saturday, December 4. Father Timothy Hojnicki shared with the children the story of the life of Saint Nicholas and his many charitable acts. He then led them in singing the hymn to Saint Nicholas — "O Who Loves Nicholas the Saintly" — to introduce them to the practice of joining in singing at feast day services. Youth from pre-school to middle school crafted Saint Nicholas and Jingle Bell ornaments; baked special Saint Nicholas-shaped gingerbread cookies; played Saint Nicholas-themed games; and decorated our parish Christmas tree. They became acquainted with the important Christian concept of charitable giving and helping those in need or in crisis by discussing our Nativity charity project – gathering and assembling much-needed items to be donated to the Capital Area Pregnancy Center. Our teens helped with the young children with activities. The retreat ended with a pizza supper after which all attended weekly Great Vespers.