UKRAINIAN ORTHODOX CHURCH OF THE USA
CONSISTORY OFFICE OF PUBLIC RELATIONS
PRESS RELEASE

Mommy and Me/ Daddy and Me 2011 

This year’s encampment with 19 participating families representing seven different states and two countries brought us to a near maximum capacity. The activities of the week focused on the theme: “Holy Gifts for the Holy.”

In their classes, the children learned to use their five senses to experience the Divine Liturgy. They decorated candles to hold and see, made incense to smell, put together angel bells to hear and made prosfora to taste. The parents participated in two workshops with guest speaker Melissa Tsongranis from the Center for Family Care of the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese. The interactive workshops provided parents with insight into how they can aid their child in fully experiencing the Divine Liturgy as well as how to bring the liturgy within the home.

The children painted a cross which will be installed on the Hill of Crosses on the Prayer Trail. This cross was a very special donation for the camp. It was donated to the camp by St. Vladimir’s Ukrainian Orthodox Cathedral in Parma, Ohio after being restored by Architectural Fiberglass Inc. It was originally donated to St. Vladimir’s by the Harasimchuk family, who is very dedicated to All Saints Camp. We appreciate the generosity of all of St. Vladimir’s, AFI, and the Harasimchuk family! The cross will commemorate the 10th Anniversary of MMDM!

Other highlights of the encampment included annual favorites such as the family Prayer Trail walk, swimming time, and evening campfires. Many of our participants took turns sharing their favorite campfire songs. For this year’s family craft, participants decorated wreaths with icons of each family member’s patron saint.

On Thursday, Mommy and Me/ Daddy and Me celebrated its tenth birthday party, complete with balloon hats, noise makers and cupcakes! Joining us to celebrate this special milestone was His Eminence Archbishop Antony. We look forward to the next ten years!

The week ended with everyone celebrating Divine Liturgy. The children led the singing of the Cherubimic Hymn, which they practiced in their classes during the week.

Mommy & Me/Daddy & Me 2012 will take place July 31 – August 4.  More information about the MMDM program is available at www.uocyouth.org.