First Announcement: St. Peter the Aleut Orthodox Summer Camp Dates
 
It's officially time to mark your summer calendar!  This summer, the annual St. Peter the Aleut Orthodox Summer Camp will again be held in North Texas, beginning on midday of Monday, June 28th and lasting until midday on Friday, July 2nd.  Camp is open to those ages 8 - 18, with older teens and young adults needed to help staff as Junior Counselor. Camp Chaplains will again include Fr. John Anderson of Dallas, Fr. Antonio Perdomo of Pharr and one or more other clergy staff members.
 
Camp Director, Priest John Anderson of St. Seraphim Cathedral in Dallas, Texas, assures us that the camp fee will be in the general range as charged during the last few years. However, those details are not yet finalized. Camp will again be held at the YMCA Camp Grady Spruce at Possum Kingdom Lake, South of Weatherford, Texas (about 2 hours S. of Ft. Worth).
 
Since 1993, this wonderful summer camp has been sponsored by the Southcentral Deanery of the Diocese of the South in the OCA. Camp registration has always been open to Orthodox youth participants of any jurisdiction, as well as catechumens and camper's non-Orthodox friends.
 
The spiritual focus of this year's camp will be the continuation of the theme, "How to Create and Keep Godly Relationships."  The summer camp is a mixture of prayer, spiritual sessions, a talent show and all of the usual suspects you'd find at summer camp: swimming, horseback riding, sailing, archery, crafts, shooting, blobbing and much more! Special campfire times are held in the evening for the older set. A Divine Liturgy is served during the week.
 
Please put these dates on your calendars and share them with your parishes. If you would like to be sent an email with additional information as we learn of this year's fees and further details, please contact: Matushka Elizabeth Perdomo at mateliza@aol.com.
 
For camp forms, reflections on past camps and more, see:
 
http://www.stgeorgepantry.org/summercamp1.html

(Pharr, TX - DOS Communications) The 5th Annual International Winter Service Retreat, sponsored by St. George Orthodox Church and PRO-ORB (Orthodox Rio Bridges) Outreach Ministries in Pharr, Texas concluded with a Divine Liturgy in Spanish on Saturday morning, January 2nd.  This year's week-long event was attended by 45 teens, college students and young adult participants from throughout the USA. The Spiritual Sessions Retreat Master for this retreat was Archpriest Chad Hatfield, Chancellor of St. Vladimir's Seminary in Crestwood, NY. This year's retreat chaplains included Father Antonio Perdomo, Pastor of St. George's and Director of the annual retreat, joined by Priest Seraphim Holland, from St. Nicholas Orthodox Church (ROCOR) in McKinney, Texas, as well as Fr. Chad Hatfield. Three Theological Seminaries were represented during the week, including St. Tikhon's Seminary, St. Vladimir's Seminary and Holy Cross. Participants represented various Orthodox Jurisdictions and Diocese in North America, including the OCA, Antiochian, GOA and ROCOR who traveled from North Texas, New Mexico, Kansas, Minnesota, Pennsylvania, Massachusetts, Louisiana and Mexico.
 
Participants and our guest speaker arrived on Monday afternoon and early evening. Activities began with our traditional borderlands posole dinner, followed by introductions, welcomes and an overview of this region shared by Reader Stephen Shepherd. Archpriest Chad Hatfield then gave his opening, introductory talk during an event open to the Parish and Public.  After settling in guests at their lodgings at the Valley Baptist Retreat Center and blessing the retreat center facilities, the first evening's events concluded.
 
The week started off unusually chilly, unlike the normal season's weather pattern in the Rio Grande Valley. On that cold and drizzly Tuesday, after the morning's spiritual session talk, continuing the theme on Alaskan Saints, participant's spirits remained undaunted as they spent the remainder of the day sorting donated clothing and other items, barely sheltered under a canopy tent, on the church porch and in the church hall. Because of the cold, wet weather and recent uncertainties across the border in Mexico, Madre Natividad, Abbess of a Roman Catholic Monastery in Reynosa, Mexico and Director of the Casa Amparo Orphanage for Girls which the monastic community administers, came to visit us at St. George's. Madre Natividad spoke to the participants and thanked them for their generosity and efforts serving others. Donations collected for the orphanage were then loaded in her vehicle and she took them back across the border to distribute personally.
 
On Wednesday morning, the day began early as some vehicles and participants joined Father Antonio as he picked up large amounts of food, diapers and more at the area's Rio Grande Valley Food Bank. While Father and his crew were off picking up food, the remaining participants set up tents, tables and more then brought out and arranged all of the blankets, coats and jackets, shoes and clothing items which had been donated and sorted the day before. About 50 hand-made quilts and comforters were made and donated by the local Zion Mission Quilters from Zion Lutheran Church in nearby Alamo, Texas. Another hundred blankets were donated through fundraising efforts done by last year's Orthodox "Winter Texans" from Canada, Trevor and Rhonda Hammons, as well as through donations made by others both local and national.  By what seemed to be a miracle, every family received one blanket and as many clothing items as they desired, in addition to a generous box of food. Handicapped items for the elderly, such as wheelchairs, walkers, canes, handicapped toilets and more were gladly received by the many elderly participants who receive no government assistance with those items. Both mothers of infants and those caring for the elderly were very happy with the children's and adult-sized "diapers" distributed that day.  It was a full and rewarding day and by the day's end, over 150 families had been served.
 
After the Vespers for the Circumcision of Our Lord, participants, plus some local guests, went back to the Valley Baptist Retreat Center for a New Year's Eve Celebration which included a tamale, nachos and more dinner, plus our annual talent show. The night ended with watching local fireworks before heading for bed.
 
In year's past, we have taken donations and done work projects across the border in Reynosa, Mexico at the Casa Amparo Orphanage for girls. Since, as mentioned below, at the last minute this activities was not to occur this year, instead, after a lovely and meditative spiritual session led by Fr. Chad, a work day at St. George's filled out our day on Thursday. New paving stones replaced the old, broken ones which led to the church sidewalk, trees and shrubbery were trimmed, native species plants, donated by the church's neighbor, Alan Williams of Williams Wildscapes, were planted along with other native species plants at the back of the church property. In addition, ornamental plantings along the back of the old church hall were moved and replanted in a safe place, to make way for the building of a new church hall,
 
Friday, January 1st was beach day at South Padre Island. All week, weather reports promised a warm and sunny day, but instead, it was a chilly, grey and windy day. Our dauntless participants nonetheless enjoyed the day, including the traditional soccer game on the beach and the obligatory stop at the sand dunes to watch the sunset.  After a stop at Ci-Ci's Pizza on the way back to the Church, we had Vespers together before retiring for the night.   .
 
The climax of the week was the Divine Liturgy, in Spanish, which along with a goodbye brunch, ended this year's Winter Service Retreat. Many thanks to all who assisted, all who came and all who supported this year's event. Hope to see many more of you - same time, same place - next year! 

See more photos at:
http://www.flickr.com/photos/8135007@N03/sets/

Fifth Annual International Winter Service Retreat for Youth and Young Adults


Spiritual Session Speaker/Retreat Master: The Very Reverend Chad Hatfield, Chancellor of St. Vladimir's Theological Seminary in Crestwood, New York
 
Spiritual Session Focus Topic: “Life Lessons from Alaskan Saints” – & More!


Dates: - Monday Afternoon, December 28th - Saturday Morning, January 2nd (Conclusion after Divine Liturgy in Spanish & Brunch)

Cost: $200.00 Per Participant



Location: Pharr, TX. - on the South Texas Rio Grande Valley Border (Frontera) with Mexico
 
Service Activities Include: Sorting Donated Clothing Items, Staffing a Special Nativity Season Distribution at St. George's Food Pantry, Delivering Donations & Contributing a Work Project at Casa Amparo Orphanage for Girls in Reynosa, Mexico
 
Other Activities Include:  Daily Prayers; Spiritual Sessions Series; Trip to South Padre Island Beaches; New Year's Eve Party, Talent Show & Divine Liturgy in Spanish

Who Can Attend? The retreat, sponsored by St. George Orthodox Church (OCA), from its beginnings has created a Pan-Orthodox and International focus. The event is geared towards older teens, college students, other young adults - and any clergy and families who wish to participate. We welcome and encourage Orthodox young adults to attend from ‘both sides of the border’ as well as those from other parts of the world. Note: Participants younger than 13 years of age must be accompanied either by a parent or designated guardian. We do not have the staffing ability to supervise younger children.  Married couples who wish to attend as chaperones/staff and who have younger children can rent on-site motel type rooms at a reasonable rate. All others will be lodged in bunk style rooms at a retreat center facility which we rent. A Pan-Orthodox international event, in the past, older teen and young adult participants have represented many Orthodox jurisdictions and several nations.

Special Dietary Needs? We provide fasting food options for monastics and those still observing the Nativity Fast (Old Calendar).

Lingustics: English, Spanish or Both? Both! Someone recently asked if this retreat was geared toward Spanish-speaking young people. I told them that some who come speak mainly English; some mainly Spanish; some are bilingual. It is a good way for Orthodox young people of both languages to become friends and help support each other in the faith. The service projects which we do at this retreat reach out to those who speak mainly/only Spanish - so Spanish skills are helpful at both the St. George Food Pantry Distribution and at the Casa Amparo Orphanage for Girls in Reynosa, Mexico. However, Spanish language skills are not a requirement to attend; nor is English! We welcome those of both or any other language! 



What Do We Do? This retreat is a wonderful combination of prayer, liturgical services, hands-on Orthodox service activities, fellowship, friendship development and spiritual sessions. Those who have attended in the past have greatly enjoyed and benefited from the experience. Questions? Email us at mateliza@aol.com or padreantoniop@aol.com  or by telephone at 956-781-2388.
 
Photos, Updated Registration Forms & Information from Past Retreats found at:
 
http://www.stgeorgepantry.org/winteryouthretreat.html 
 
More about this year's Spiritual Sessions Retreat Master from St. Vladimir’s website:

Archpriest Chad Hatfield is the first chancellor of St Vladimir’s Seminary. The SVS Board of Trustees, during the most recent dean’s search, saw the need for a revision of the seminary’s governance model. Fr Chad came to SVS from St Herman Seminary in Alaska where he was serving as the dean.  His wife, Matushka Thekla, is part of SVS seminary life where she continues to develop her interests in iconography and Byzantine music. Together they are the parents of Jason, who is married to Kasey, and who are the parents of Ryan, Morgan and Braedon Richard. They live in Austin, Texas where Jason is a physician. Sean is the youngest Hatfield son and he is a student at Valparaiso Law School in Indiana.  Fr Chad was ordained to the diaconate and the priesthood by His Grace, Bishop Basil of Wichita.

Education

Chancellor (CEO)
1975 Southwestern College. Bachelor of Arts, History & Secondary, Winfield, KS
1978 Nashotah House Seminary Master of Divinity
1988 Nashotah House Seminary Master of Sacred Theology (STM). Thesis: “Baptism, Chrismation, Eucharist: Christian Initiation, A Recovery of the Primitive Pattern”.
2001 Doctor of Ministry, Pittsburgh Theological Seminary. Thesis: “An Examination of the Pastoral Rites for Ministry to the Sick as Found in the Orthodox Christian Euchologia”.
The Fund Raising School, Center on Philanthropy at Indiana University:
2003 Principles and Techniques of Fundraising
2004 Developing Major Gifts
2005 Preparing Successful Grant Proposals
2008 Purposeful Boards, Powerful Fundraising
Current Positions
2007 Chancellor and CEO of St Vladimir's Seminary
2005 Member, Editorial Advisory Board for Christian Bioethics.
2005 Member, OCA Board of Theological Education.
2003 Vice-President of the Orthodox Christian Mission Center.
2008 Ex-officio member of the St Herman Seminary Board.
Past Positions
16 years of ministry in the Episcopal Church as parish priest, school chaplain, missionary in South Africa and as cathedral dean.
1994-2002 Founding Pastor of All Saints Orthodox Church, Salina, Kansas.
1995-2002 OCF Spiritual Advisor for Kansas State University, Manhattan, Kansas.
1995 – Present - Board Member of the Orthodox Christian Mission Center, St. Augustine, Florida.
1996-1998 – Book Review Editor, The Word magazine.
1996-2000 – SW Region Antiochian Archdiocese FORUM Spiritual Advisor.
1997 Religion Instructor, Bethany College, Lindsborg, Kansas.
1999 – 2002 – Priest-in-charge, St. Mary Magdalene Mission, Manhattan, Kansas.
2000 – 2001 – SW Region Antiochian Women Spirtual Advisor
2001 & 2004 – OCMC Team Leader to Guatemala.
2002 – 2007 – Member, Department of Evangelism OCA.
2006 – 2007 – Co-Chair, OCA Department of Evangelism.
2002-2007 – Dean of St. Herman’s Seminary, Kodiak, Alaska.
2003 – 2007 – Dean of the Kodiak Deanery, Diocese of Alaska.
2003 – 2007 – Member, Diocesan Council, Diocese of Alaska.
2005-2007 – Member of the Kodiak College Advisory Council.

Articles and Presentations

We Stand at the Door and Knock - Again magazine, Vol. 17 No 4, December 1994.
One Step Too Far: Facing up to the Collapse of Liberal Christianity - Again magazine, Vol. 19 No. 3, September/October 1996.
Anglican Options: Rome or Constantinople?
From Alaska to Guatemala – OCMC Mission Magazine, Vol. 20, No 2, Fall 2004.
From Masks to Icons – Presented for the Center for Ethics and Religion, University of Notre Dame, South Bend, Indiana, September 2004.
Seminarians and Substance Abuse Training – Presented at the National Center on Addiction and Substance Abuse, Columbia University, New York, September 2005.
Why Would an Episcopalian Want to Become Orthodox? – Orthodox TV and Orthodox Christian Sermons, Tulsa, Oklahoma.
Sin, Sickness and Salvation – Christian Bioethics, Vol. 12, No. 2, August 2006.
St. Tikhon and Bp. Charles Chapman Grafton - St. Tikhon's Commemoration Series, St. Tikhon's Seminary, 2007
Models for American Orthodox Missiology, Orthodox Education Day SVS, 2008
Podcasts and Archived Interviews
Orthodox Christian Cassettes, Springdale, Arkansas, 1995 & 1998.
Ancient Faith Radio, Chesterton, Indiana, 2005 & 2007.
OCN – Come Receive the Light, Florida, 2005 & 2008.
Voices From St. Vladimir’s Seminary – Ancient Faith Radio, weekly podcast, 2008

Find More Information and Registration Information at: http://stgeorgepantry.org/winteryouthretreat.html

(Hot Springs, NC)  On October 16th through 18th many faithful from Holy Apostles and St John of the Ladder gathered at Hot Springs Campground (Hot Springs, NC --- http://www.hotspringsnc.org/ ) in Western North Carolina for their annual Fall campout.  The weekend’s activities are built around the daily celebration of vespers and matins culminating with the Divine Liturgy on Sunday morning, all served ‘tent revival style’ on the banks of the French Broad River (facing east, of course)! 

The weather was cold and wet (though Fr Thomas Moore kept all souls and bodies warm through his joyful presence and by supplying us with fire wood) until Sunday morning when the Sun (figuratively and literally) made its first appearance during the celebration of the Divine Liturgy.  Saturday evening following Great Vespers and dinner, all gathered under the ‘revival tent’ for dessert and several hours of community singing led by Ron Moore and the ‘Von Coats’ Family Singers (Fr Paul, Gerianne, and daughter Helen).  Others also played guitar and fiddle. 

Earlier in the day Fr Marcus Burch led an expedition to Max Patch, an area summit where on a clear day one has a panoramic view into Georgia, Tennessee, Virginia, and east to Mt Mitchell, NC (the highest point east of the Mississippi River).  On this day, however, the intrepid hikers were greeted by an early fall snowstorm and near whiteout conditions!  Other activities included games among the children, local hikes (including the famed ‘Lovers Leap’ Loop Trail) and bike rides, and strolls into the little ‘village’ of Hot Springs (through which passes the Appalachian Trail). 

The weekend ended with a community brunch following Divine Liturgy and conversation into the mid-afternoon with several faithful who had come down from the Burnsville, NC area to talk about the possibilities for developing a mission and even a Carolinas Deanery retreat in that community (no rest for the weary!).  A peaceful, relaxing, and re-creational time was had by all.  Join us next year!!!
 

 
Saint Peter the Aleut Orthodox Summer Camp was first held at Mo Ranch located in the Hill Country outside of San Antonio, Texas. My first experience of this Orthodox camp was in 2003 when Saint Peter the Aleut Summer Camp celebrated its 10th Anniversary. Summer 2009 was my fourth experience at its current location at a YMCA facility, Camp Grady Spruce, in north Texas. It was my second time attending as a Junior Counselor. Camp activities can be fun, including everything from sailing, canoeing and other water activities to horseback riding and hiking. However, this is not what draws me to sit in a car for the twelve hour haul to north Texas. The single largest incentive to attend Saint Peter the Aleut Orthodox Summer camp is the spiritual element.

Being surrounded by the world and its influences can become a deadening struggle, even if armed with a strong, Orthodox Christian foundation. I am a priest’s daughter and homeschooled through high school. Now a Junior at a public university, I continually experience the world. While homeschooled, I escaped direct contact with much worldliness. However, this is not the case for many Orthodox youth, including many who attend Saint Peter the Aleut Orthodox Summer Camp.

Besides being enveloped by modern pop-culture, it can be hard to find fellow Orthodox Christian youth, especially in a vast geographical expanse like the Diocese of the South. Not only is it a struggle to be Orthodox and live in the world, but many youth also face this challenge with a rather limited support group, or none at all. At the church I attend, my younger sister and I currently are the only teens. This being the case, Saint Peter the Aleut Orthodox Summer Camp becomes an even more critical event, not only for wholesome fun, fellowship and friendships,  but it also becomes a vital time for spiritual renewal among Orthodox Christian youth of the South Central Deanery in the Diocese of the South, as well as for others who attend.

Camp’s spiritual theme this year was “In the World but Not of It.” This topic focused on three important and interrelated aspects: One’s relationship with God, with others, and with oneself. This year's camp Chaplains included the Camp Director, Fr. John Anderson of St. Seraphim's Cathedral in Dallas, Assistant Director, Fr. Antonio Perdomo of St. George's in the Rio Grande Valley. The camp was also graced with the presence of Fr. John Mikita from St. John of Damascus Mission in Tyler and Fr. Seraphim Holland of the ROCOR Parish of St. Nicholas in McKinney. Between outdoor activities, the four priests took turns talking on the theme to four different groups of campers. Camp participants were divided into one group of elementary, two groups of middle school, and one group of high school students. Each clergyman presented on a different aspect of camp’s focus, each presenting different, although equally important, insights on each topic. These sessions were fascinating to attend whether a middle school or university student.

In addition to the spiritual sessions, campers all participated in morning and evening prayers. One Vespers and one Divine Liturgy were celebrated during the week. Also, another spiritually enlivening tradition which campers continue to relish is the evening “Campfire Discussion.” Throughout the week, older campers are urged to write down any questions or issues they would like to present anonymously. As many evenings as possible, older campers and many of the staff members gather around the campfire and the priests lead the discussion, answering the questions and topics. The dialogue is open for campers to add thoughts, experiences, or insights. They are also given the opportunity to share any other questions which might arise.

Earlier this year, I considered not coming to camp or at least not next summer. I mean, how many juniors and seniors in college attend summer camps, anyway? I was sure I could find more important ways to occupy my summer. However, after attending this summer, I firmly resolved that camp is and should remain a high priority, not only on a personal level but also for as many Orthodox youth and young adult possible. The Orthodox youth are not only the Church’s future but also its present. It is hard, if not impossible, to realize this when one is isolated and finds oneself wallowing in the pigpen without spiritual direction. Camp becomes a place to refocus in an undoubtedly and healthy Orthodox environment.

Attending a university, it is easy for my sight of God’s clarity to become clouded. I believe the same is true for anyone who is continually exposed to the world, whether in elementary school, high school or college. Even home schooled students are not completely cushioned from the world’s sway and peer priorities. Everyone is affected by the fallen world. At camp this year, I found myself wishing I had heard some of the priests’ wisdom back when I was thirteen or fourteen. For me, and for everyone present, camp became a time of true renewal due to the spirit of Orthodox fellowship as well as the living presence of Christ and the Holy Spirit.     

WELCOME to the DOS Youth and Young Adults Activities page. Here you will find listed regional youth and young adult activities from across the DOS including summer camps, retreats and other events.

If your deanery or region is sponsoring such events and would like them listed here, please forward your information to webmaster@dosoca.org

Each year the Monastery of Sts Mary and Martha offers a series of retreats for youth and young adults at their beautiful monastery in rural South Carolina.

Upcoming Retreats include:

Saints Moses & Miriam Youth Retreat
For 12-14 Year Olds
June 17-20, 2009


Saints Niketas & Eleni Youth Retreat
For 15-17 Year Olds
June 24-27, 2009


Young Adult Retreat
For College Age  through
25
Held in January

Please visit the Monastery website for more information.

St. Peter the Aleut Orthodox Summer Camp, since 1993, has served the OCA Diocese of the South, Dallas Deanery. The camp is open to any  Orthodox youth and their friends who would like to attend. The camp will again be held at the YMCA Camp Grady Spruce at Possum Kingdom Lake, South of Weatherford, Texas (about 2 hours S. of Ft. Worth).

Dates: Monday, June 29th (after Lunchtime) - Friday, July 3th (after Breakfast). Note: Everyone will be home on Friday afternoon, before the 4th of July weekend.

Cost: $260.00 per person (per youth, junior or senior counselors or adult chaperones) PRIOR to JUNE 1st. After June 1st: $280.00 per person. In addition to younger campers, older youth, college students and adults or parents are needed as camp staff. Note: It is recommended that another $10.00 be sent per student, for meals while traveling to and from camp.

Camper Participant Ages: About 3rd Grade through 12th Grade (Ages 8 – 18) - Children need to be of an age and maturity capable of being away from home for overnights and of caring for their basic needs.

Camp Staff: Older Teens, College Students, Young Adults and Parents are needed to serve as Junior and Senior Camp Staff.

Space Limitations: Camper Spaces are Limited, so Register SOON! You Must Register Prior to the Cut Off Date of June 22nd.

Registration Packets:  Packets include: Items to Bring, Medical Information, Registration Form, Parent Release, etc. It is very important to complete and return these as soon as possible! All forms can be found online at: http://www.stgeorgepantry.org/summercamp1.html  If you need camp scholarships, please speak to Fr. John Anderson to see if any are available.

Location: Camp Grady Spruce for information and driving directions. Camp activities include swimming, canoeing, sailing, shooting, archery, horse back riding, crafts, fellowship, prayers, liturgical services, spiritual sessions and much, much more!

For more information, send any email questions to Father Antonio Perdomo at padreantoniop@aol.com  or call Father John Anderson in Dallas at: 214-528-3741. Make payment checks out to St. Seraphim Cathedral, earmarked “Summer Camp” and mail payment along with registration packet forms to Fr. John Anderson, c/o St. Seraphim Orthodox Cathedral, 4112 Throckmorton, Dallas, TX  75219.