Blakeslee, PA: Metropolitan Nicholas celebrates Divine Liturgy in St. Seraphim Camp
On Sunday, August 6, Metropolitan Nicholas of Eastern America & New York paid an archpastoral visit to St. Seraphim Camp in Blakeslee, PA, where he officiated the divine services and spent time interacting with campers.
Under the open air, His Eminence led the All-Night Vigil on the evening prior, and on Sunday morning, celebrated Divine Liturgy, co-served by diocesan clergy.
Practically the entire camp confessed their sins the previous evening, and at Divine Liturgy received Christ’s Holy Mysteries.
Upon conclusion of Liturgy, Metropolitan Nicholas delivered a sermon on the Sunday Gospel reading.
His Eminence, the clergy, and campers gathered for a final meal together before returning to their respective parishes.
Camp began the previous Sunday, July 30, with the blessing of the campsites and campers and staff getting to know one another. In total over 180 campers and 60 volunteers were joined by over 10 priests and several deacons.
On each of the following days, campers participated in activities including sports, crafts, swimming, and lessons in outdoor skills, etiquette, dance, singing, and more.
Every morning after breakfast, each group of campers would join with a different clergyman for a lesson and discussion about life in the Church and living as a Christian (Law of God). After the day's activities and dinnertime, younger groups enjoyed campfires and prayed together in their campsites, while older groups participated in a variety of evening activities before also ending their day in prayer. Some highlights include the camp bonfire, where all groups come together for a cookout, skits, and singing, as well as the camp dance for the older campers.
On the weekend, campers helped to clean up the camp in between other activities. After praying as a camp in preparation for Holy Communion, the volunteers played a traditional volleyball game between the clergy, kitchen staff, and other counselors. Following his arrival that afternoon, Metropolitan Nicholas led the camp in the Vigil service, followed by dinner, closing remarks, and a quiet evening for all.
