In the serene stillness of the Pennsylvania hills, nestled along the Allegheny River, All Saints Camp of the Ukrainian Orthodox Church of the USA opened its gates to a new generation of young souls and their faithful parents for the sacred beginnings of the Mommy & Me/Daddy & Me Program and the Children’s Summer Camp Encampment. What unfolded on that blessed Sunday evening was more than the start of a camping program - it was the unfolding of divine grace in the shared laughter of children, the quiet prayers of parents, and the prayerful presence of His Eminence Archbishop Daniel, spiritual father of the Western Eparchy and President of the Consistory.

Having celebrated the Divine Liturgy earlier that day with the faithful at Sts. Peter and Paul Ukrainian Orthodox Church in Youngstown, Ohio, Archbishop Daniel journeyed directly to All Saints Camp, bringing with him not only archpastoral warmth but also a fatherly blessing to those gathering at the campsite.

Upon his arrival in the gentle glow of the afternoon sun, Archbishop Daniel was welcomed with joy by the children, their parents, and the dedicated staff of the encampment. The trees seemed to stand in reverent stillness as prayers rose during evening services. Following the prayers, Archbishop Daniel addressed the assembled parents, delivering a deeply moving and spiritually invigorating reflection.

He reminded the parents that they are not only caretakers but icons of Christ in the lives of their children. “Be the light that shines with the presence of God in your family,” he said. “Do not only teach your children how to pray - pray with them. Let them witness your love for God in your daily actions. Your prayer is their shield. Your faith is their inheritance. Your love is their anchor.”

Greeting the campers on behalf of His Eminence Metropolitan Antony, and speaking from the heart, Vladyka Daniel emphasized the importance of moral formation, the sacredness of parental presence, and the powerful responsibility of building a spiritual foundation in the home. He encouraged the parents to be active participants in the worship life of the Church, not only for themselves but for the sake of their children’s salvation. “The Church,” he said, “is not a Sunday event - it is a way of life. And the way of life begins at home.”

Following his remarks, Archbishop Daniel joined the campers for dinner, sitting among them, laughing with them, and blessing each child with the fatherly care of a true shepherd. The children, radiant with joy, embraced their hierarch, their eyes wide with the wonder of being seen, heard, and loved.

The evening concluded with a warm and grateful conversation between Archbishop Daniel and the parents, many of whom expressed their appreciation for the Church’s continued commitment to building spiritual community and nurturing the youngest of its faithful. In particular, the archbishop offered sincere gratitude to Denise Stashinsky of St. Demetrius Ukrainian Orthodox Cathedral in Carteret, NJ, and Kira Senedak of St. Vladimir Ukrainian Orthodox Church in Pittsburgh, PA, who serve as co-directors of the encampment. Their tireless efforts, creative vision, and pastoral sensitivity have allowed the camp to become a sanctuary of learning, worship, and joyful fellowship.

Likewise, His Eminence offered special thanks to Very Rev. Fr. Vasyl Pasakas, the spiritual father of the encampment, who leads by example, offering prayers, teaching sacred hymns, and guiding young souls to know and love Christ.

About the Encampment:

The Mommy & Me/Daddy & Me Program is a unique three-day spiritual retreat at All Saints Camp designed for children ages 4–8 and their parents or grandparents. Together they experience the beauty of Orthodoxy through daily prayers, lessons, crafts, nature walks, campfires, and liturgical life. The joy of fellowship and sacred learning fosters bonds that deepen not only familial relationships but also one’s connection with the Church.

Immediately following this program is the Children’s Summer Camp, welcoming youth ages 9–13 for a week of faith-centered fun. Through interactive catechesis, participation in the Divine Services, games, artistic activities, and spiritual discussions, campers are guided into a vibrant experience of Orthodox Christian living.

There is something deeply sacred about the air at All Saints Camp. It carries the prayers of generations past, the laughter of children, and the hopes of parents seeking to plant seeds of faith in their children’s hearts. Archbishop Daniel’s visit was more than ceremonial- it was a pastoral embrace, a reminder that the Church walks beside every family, lighting the path toward Christ.

In a world often clouded by confusion, noise, and instability, All Saints Camp stands as a spiritual haven - a place where the voice of God can be heard in the rustling trees, the hymns of children, and the stillness of prayer. Here, the Church meets the family, and the family becomes Church.

May the days ahead be filled with spiritual wonder, holy laughter, and the joy of knowing that Christ is truly among us - especially in the hearts of our children.

“Train up a child in the way he should go: and when he is old, he will not depart from it.” (Proverbs 22:6)

Memory Eternal to all who laid the foundation…

Strength and joy to all who carry it forward!