FAMILY FEST 2009!

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

FAMILY FEST 2009

God blessed All Saints Camp and the surrounding Pennsylvania area with wonderful weather as families gathered at the Camp for the Annual Labor Day Family Fest weekend, September 4th – 7th.

The joy of being together became increasing evident with each carload of families that arrived at the camp.  After evening prayers, participants hung around the dining hall until well past midnight on Friday to welcome friends and family.

Saturday morning activities began with morning prayers in the St. Thomas Chapel, followed by breakfast and the annual kick-ball game.  After lunch, campers swam, decorated crosses, read books and caught up on the latest news.  Vespers in the chapel preceded dinner, which featured a roasted pig, barbecued by Subdeacon James Cairns, who made the trip from Carteret, NJ with his family in order to be a part of the weekend.  This was followed by a bonfire, the  ”Name Game” and assorted board games in the dining hall.

The Liturgy on Sunday was served by Rev. Fr. John Nakonachny, Fr. John Haluszczak and Fr. Taras Naumenko with Kira Senedak directing the choir in singing the responses.  Following the taking of the group picture beside the church, everyone enjoyed a huge brunch.  Approximately 40 people braved the Mighty Allegheny River and canoed and kayaked to Emlenton.   Others enjoyed walks around the camp, reading, swimming and napping.   The younger children tried to fly kites (unfortunately, there was little wind) and painted birdhouses.   John Holowko gave a power point presentation about Maplewood’s upcoming UOL convention and iconographer, Michael Kapeluck spoke about St. Moses of Ethiopia and exhibited an icon that he had just completed of St. Moses. Following evening prayers, a tense game of Bingo was followed by more board games and much laughter.

This year, Family Fest was honored by the presence of His Beatitude Metropolitan Constantine, Fr. Paisius McGrath, camp chaplain, Fr. William Diakiw, Fr. John Nakonachny, Fr. John Haluszczak,  Fr. Taras Naumenko, Fr. Steven Repa and Fr. Deacon Dennis Lapushinsky .  Approximately 85 campers spent the weekend at All Saints Camp, with an additional 25 guests driving up for the day.

Plans are already underway for Family Fest 2010. 

It’s never too soon to note the date – September 3rd to 6th, 2010 – on your calendars!

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Ukrainian Orthodox Church of the USA
P.O. Box 495
South Bound Brook, NJ 08880

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Ukrainian Orthodox Church of the USA
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