In the rolling green hills of Emlenton, Pennsylvania - nestled beside the tranquil Allegheny River - stands a sacred place of spiritual encounter and joyful tradition: All Saints Ukrainian Orthodox Camp. For generations, this holy ground has been a haven where young souls encounter the love of God, the truth of the Gospel, and the joy of Orthodox Christian fellowship. During a radiant summer week in June 2025, this living sanctuary once again echoed with laughter, song, and prayer as nearly 50 children from across the countrygathered for the beloved Diocesan Church School Camp.

Under the guidance of the Consistory Office of Youth and Young Adult Ministry - led by the Natalie Kapeluck-Nixon - and the encampment director Kira Senedak, the encampment offered more than recreation; it offered transformation. It was a place where faith was not only taught, but lived, where each camper was reminded: you are a living icon of Christ in the world.

With the blessing of His Eminence Metropolitan Antony, Archbishop Daniel traveled from the Spiritual Center of the Ukrainian Orthodox Church of the USA in South Bound Brook, NJ to join the children in this sacred encampment. His visit was pastoral, intentional, and deeply personal.

Throughout the week, the young faithful took part in bilingual liturgical services celebrated by Rev. Fr. Sviatoslav Hot, Rev. Fr. Ivan Tchopko, and Rev. Fr. David Chidzhokie - the spiritual fathers of the encampment. These services, along with the daily prayers, spiritual talks, and quiet moments of reflection at the Chapel of the Holy Apostle Thomas, laid the foundation for a life-changing week.

Seminarians from St. Sophia Ukrainian Orthodox Theological Seminary, serving as counselors and mentors, added a prayerful and formative witness to the camp community. Their presence was not only helpful for the Church School Camp but also laid the groundwork for the upcoming Teenage Conference, which will gather more youth at All Saints Camp later this summer.

Gathered in the chapel, Archbishop Daniel offered a heartfelt and theologically rich reflection on the meaning of the icon. Holding a candle, he spoke to the campers:

“This candle,” he said, “is more than wax and fire. It is you. The wax is your soul, and the flame is the light of Christ that burns within you. When you light a candle in the Church, you are offering your soul to God. You are saying: ‘Lord, here I am - shine through me.’”

Looking into the eyes of each child, he continued: “When we gaze at the icon of the Theotokos, or Christ, or any saint - we are not looking at history or myth. We are looking at the presence of God's grace. And you, dear children, are called to be that presence in this world - to bring light to a society clouded by confusion, loneliness, and moral darkness. You are living icons of the Kingdom.”

The Archbishop reminded the children that lighting a candle in church is not just a ritual—it is a statement of faith, purpose, and responsibility. “Be a light in your schools, your homes, your sports teams. Show the world that Christ is alive - in you.”

With the blessing of His Eminence Metropolitan Antony, Archbishop Daniel blessed the newly commissioned icon of the Protection of the Mother of God, written specifically for All Saints Camp by esteemed iconographer and ethnographer Michael Kapeluch. This sacred icon, a visual hymn of the Theotokos’ loving intercession, now graces the spiritual heart of the camp - a reminder that every child who walks its grounds is enveloped in the maternal embrace of the Mother of God.

Following the blessing, Vladyka Daniel, joined by Natalie Kapeluck-Nixon, lovingly explained the deep spiritual meaning of the icon to the children.

The Archbishop reminded the children that All Saints Camp is more than just a place of summer fun - it is a holy ground of prayer, reflection, and spiritual growth. “This is where your hearts learn to hear God’s voice,” he told them, “where your souls are nourished with joy, and where your faith finds roots.” Under the Protecting Veil of the Mother of God, surrounded by the saints, the youth are called to become living icons of Christ in the world - filled with grace, courage, and love.

Vladyka Daniel’s visit was filled with prayer and conversation - not just with the youth, but with their counselors, the spiritual fathers, and the administrative leaders of the camp. With joy and fatherly care, he listened to concerns, addressed logistical matters, and offered his heartfelt blessing to the entire camp program.

Before his departure, he distributed holy cards bearing the image of the Theotokos to each camper, asking them to keep the icon close and pray to the Mother of God each day.

“She is the protector of this camp,” he said. “Ask her to protect you, too, as you walk the narrow road of discipleship in today’s world.”

He conveyed the love and prayers of Metropolitan Antony, offering words of encouragement on behalf of the hierarchs and faithful of the UOC of the USA.

The successful unfolding of this sacred encampment is due in no small part to the God-inspired labor of those who serve tirelessly behind the scenes:

• Natalie Kapeluck-Nixon, whose vision and leadership of the Consistory Office of Youth and Young Adult Ministry continues to shape future generations of Orthodox Christians;
• Kira Senedak, director of the encampment, whose organizational devotion and love for the campers makes All Saints Church School Camp a place of transformation;
• And Mr. Joshua Oryhon, the director of All Saints Camp itself, whose constant and humble stewardship ensures that the camp remains a place of beauty, safety, and spiritual awakening.

All Saints Camp in Emlenton, Pennsylvania is more than a property - it is a spiritual home. It stands as a testament to the enduring mission of the Church: to lead its children into the presence of God, to teach them the truths of the Orthodox faith, and to empower them to be witnesses of Christ in the modern world.

As the campers will depart at the end of the week, we look forward to hearing the joyful singing, see the glowing candles, and feel the grace of the Holy Spirit still resting upon the sacred grounds.

And in the words of Archbishop Daniel: “You may return home, but this place lives in your soul. And you - God’s children - carry His light wherever you go. Be His living icon. Let your light shine. And never forget: Christ is with you always.”