Archons Present Mission of Ecumenical Patriarchate to South Carolina Campers

SALEM, SC — More than 500 campers and youth advisors at St. Stephen’s Summer Camp in Salem, South Carolina, learned about the Ecumenical Patriarchate and the mission of the Archons of the Ecumenical Patriarchate during a series of presentations held this summer at the Alexios Retreat Center.

With the blessing of Metr. Sevastianos and in coordination with clergy and youth leaders of the Metropolis of Atlanta, Archons Gus Kazakos, Dr. Terry Sarantou, Drew Theodore, and Steve Trakas developed a presentation for five one-week camp sessions held from June 21 through July 19. Kazakos and Trakas introduced young Orthodox Christians to the Archons’ efforts to defend religious freedom, encourage interfaith harmony, and support the Ecumenical Patriarchate. The presentations examined major moments in Church history, including the 1054 schism and recent commemorations marking the 1,700th anniversary of the Nicene Creed in Constantinople and Nicaea.

Campers were also introduced to the Archon Sprout program and Pilgrimage of Discovery initiative, designed to engage younger generations in the life and mission of the Archons. Attendees received commemorative cards featuring Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew, while campers who participated in question-and-answer sessions received Archon baseball hats.

The program concluded with a video highlighting Patr. Bartholomew’s environmental advocacy and a call for young people to protect God’s creation and support the work of the Ecumenical Patriarchate.

Previously, the UOJ reported that Abp. Nathaniel celebrated Divine Liturgy to conclude Camp Vatra Junior 2026.