St. Tikhon's Summer Camp Concludes Another Year of Faith and Fellowship

SOUTH CANAAN, PA — St. Tikhon's Summer Camp concluded its 2026 session over the Independence Day weekend, bringing to a close a week of worship, education, fellowship, and recreation for hundreds of Orthodox youth, clergy, counselors, and volunteers gathered at St. Tikhon's Monastery.

The camp's final full day on July 3 featured a variety of activities centered on this year's theme, "Putting Off the Old Man and Putting On the New." Campers participated in workshops exploring repentance, spiritual renewal, prayer, humility, and growth in Christ through discussions and instruction rooted in the Orthodox faith. Traditional camp activities, including boating, swimming, iconography, liturgical music, dance, and fellowship, also continued throughout the day as participants prepared for the conclusion of the week.

Morning Matins were celebrated by Fr. Joseph Sharman, camp chaplain and associate priest of St. Michael the Archangel Church in Wilmington, Delaware, while evening Vespers were served by Archpriest Timothy Hojnicki, vice chancellor of the Diocese of Eastern Pennsylvania. Following Vespers, campers and staff were given the opportunity to receive the sacrament of Holy Confession in preparation for the final Divine Liturgy.

One of the highlights of the closing festivities was the annual St. Tikhon's Summer Camp Talent Show, during which campers showcased musical performances, comedy routines, dances, skits, and other creative presentations. Later that evening, more than 350 campers, clergy, staff, family members, and guests gathered for the annual Independence Day fireworks display hosted by the monastic brotherhood of St. Tikhon's Monastery.

The week concluded on July 4 with a Hierarchical Divine Liturgy celebrated by His Eminence Abp. Mark of Philadelphia and Eastern Pennsylvania. In his homily, the Archbishop encouraged campers to carry the spiritual lessons of the week back to their homes and parishes, continuing to pursue prayer, repentance, and faithful Christian living.

Diocesan officials expressed gratitude to the clergy, counselors, volunteers, staff members, donors, parents, and campers whose efforts contributed to the success of the program. Special recognition was given to camp director Daniel Peck for his leadership and to Elisabeth Parsells for documenting the week's events. Organizers also announced that information regarding the annual diocesan fall youth retreat will be released in the coming months.

Previously, the UOJ reported that campers at St. Tikhon's participated in prayer, recreation, and Orthodox education.