In Gratitude: St. Tikhon's Summer Camp 2026
Archpastoral Message from His Eminence Archbishop Mark

Dearly Beloved in Christ,

Christ is in our midst! He is and ever shall be!

Now that another blessed year of St. Tikhon's Summer Camp has come to a close, I wish to extend my gratitude to everyone who offered their time, talents, prayers, and love in service to our young people. Your dedication and sacrifice made this year's camp a truly blessed experience for all who attended. St. Tikhon's Summer Camp is far more than just a week of fun and activities. It is a place where young people encounter Christ through worship, fellowship, and the living witness of our Orthodox Faith. Our youth are not merely the future of the Church, but the Church today, growing in Christ and participating in the life of His Holy Church. The friendships formed and seeds of faith planted throughout the week will, by God's grace, continue to bear fruit for years to come. I offer my sincere appreciation to Daniel Peck, whose faithful leadership as Camp Director and many months of preparation once again ensured a successful and well-organized camp. I also extend my heartfelt thanks to Priest Joseph Sharman, our Camp Chaplain, and to all of the clergy who celebrated the Divine Services, heard confessions, taught workshops, and offered spiritual guidance throughout the week.

To our counselors, group leaders, workshop instructors, choir directors, activity leaders, kitchen crew, nurses, maintenance workers, media team, volunteers, and everyone who served behind the scenes, thank you. Each of you helped create a safe, welcoming, and Christ-centered environment for our campers. I also thank the parents who entrusted their children to this ministry and our generous benefactors whose continued support strengthens the Youth Ministries of our Diocese. Together, you have given our young people far more than a week of summer camp. You have helped them deepen their relationship with Christ, form lifelong Orthodox friendships, and experience the beauty of the Church in a joyful and loving community.

Be assured of my continued prayers for each of you. I look forward, by God's grace, to gathering with you again next summer at this Holy Monastery and Seminary as we continue this vital ministry together, helping the youth of our Diocese grow in Christ and His Holy Church.

Your unworthy father in Christ,

+MARK
Archbishop of Philadelphia and the Diocese of Eastern Pennsylvania

Issued by the Diocesan Media Office