Emlenton, Pennsylvania

With hearts filled with gratitude to Almighty God, the family of the Ukrainian Orthodox Church of the USA gathered at the beloved All Saints Camp in Emlenton, Pennsylvania, for the opening of the Mommy & Me and Daddy & Me summer camp programs. The gathering welcomed families from New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Maryland, Ohio, and neighboring states who made the journey to invest in the spiritual lives of their children by immersing them in an environment of prayer, fellowship, learning, and Christian love.

His Eminence Archbishop Daniel, President of the Consistory of the Ukrainian Orthodox Church of the USA, visited the camp with the blessing of His Eminence Metropolitan Antony. He was warmly welcomed by the Spiritual Father of the encampment, Very Rev. Fr. Vasyl Pasakas, together with the camp directors, Kira Senedak and Denise Strashinsky, as well as the dedicated counselors, staff members, and volunteers whose joyful ministry makes All Saints Camp a place where faith is lived each day.

Gathering with the children and their parents in prayer, Archbishop Daniel greeted everyone on behalf of Metropolitan Antony and reflected upon the Beatitudes, especially the words of Christ: "Blessed are..." (Matthew 5:8)

His Eminence reminded the families that holiness begins in the home. Every prayer offered together, every act of forgiveness, every meal shared with thanksgiving, and every opportunity to worship God plants seeds that blossom into a lifelong relationship with Christ.

Addressing the parents, Archbishop Daniel expressed his profound gratitude for the sacrifice they make in bringing their children to camp.

"You are making one of the greatest investments possible," he said. "You are investing not simply in a week of summer activities, but in the eternal future of your children. At a time when our society constantly competes for the attention of young hearts and minds, you have chosen to place your sons and daughters in an environment where they learn prayer, kindness, compassion, humility, respect, and love for God and neighbor."

He reminded everyone that Orthodox Christian formation cannot be postponed until adulthood.

"The habits that shape holy men and women begin in childhood. Learning how to pray, how to forgive, how to love, and how to serve others are lessons that become the foundation of an entire lifetime."

Speaking directly to the children, Archbishop Daniel encouraged them to treasure their time at camp.

"Every new friendship you make, every prayer you offer, every hymn you sing, every craft you create, every lesson you learn, and every act of kindness becomes part of your journey with Christ. Allow Jesus to be your closest Friend, and let His light guide every step of your life."

The Archbishop also expressed sincere appreciation to the leadership of All Saints Camp.

"Our Church is deeply blessed by faithful servants who dedicate countless hours throughout the summer to nurture our youth. The directors, counselors, clergy, staff, and volunteers are not merely organizing activities - they are participating in the sacred ministry of forming future generations of Orthodox Christians. Their joyful sacrifice reflects the love of Christ in action."

During the opening prayers, special petitions were offered asking God to bless the children and their families, the clergy and faithful of the Ukrainian Orthodox Church of the USA, and all those serving at the camp.

The gathered faithful also prayed for the United States of America as the nation celebrates its 250th anniversary, asking God's continued blessings upon the country and its people. At the same time, heartfelt prayers ascended for Ukraine, imploring the Lord to grant peace, protect those defending their homeland, comfort those who mourn, heal the wounded, and strengthen all who continue to endure the hardships of war.

As the opening gathering concluded, Archbishop Daniel reminded everyone that All Saints Camp is much more than a summer destination.

"It is a place where children discover Christ, where families grow together in faith, where friendships are rooted in the Gospel, and where future generations of Orthodox Christians learn that the Church is truly their spiritual home."

He encouraged every parish family throughout the Ukrainian Orthodox Church of the USA to continue supporting this sacred ministry by sending their children and grandchildren to camp and by participating in its many programs throughout the year.

As a lasting remembrance of their time together in prayer and Christian fellowship, Archbishop Daniel presented each child and parent with a holy icon to take home. Explaining the significance of this gift, His Eminence reminded the families that an icon is not merely a religious image but a sacred window into the Kingdom of God, calling the faithful to prayer and a deeper communion with Christ. He encouraged every family to place the icon in their prayer corner at home so that it might serve as a daily reminder of God's abiding presence, the blessings received during their time at All Saints Camp, and their shared commitment to continue growing together in the Holy Orthodox Faith. "May this icon," the Archbishop said, "always remind you that Christ walks with your family, your home is called to be a little church, and the love you have experienced here through prayer, friendship, and fellowship is meant to continue every day of your lives."

His Eminence encourages everyone to return to All Saints Camp during the Labor Day weekend in September for the annual Family Fest, a joyful celebration that brings together parish families from across the Church for worship, fellowship, recreation, and thanksgiving to God for the blessings bestowed upon this holy place.

May the Lord continue to bless All Saints Camp, its dedicated leadership, faithful volunteers, generous benefactors, and every family that entrusts their children to this life-changing ministry. Through the prayers of the Most Holy Theotokos and all the Saints, may this sacred place continue to inspire generations of faithful Orthodox Christians for many years to come.