Christ the Saviour Church hosts Vacation Bible School for Youth of the Parish - 08/09/24

On August 7, 8, and 9, Christ the Saviour Orthodox Church in Harrisburg, PA, hosted their annual Vacation Bible School with this year's theme, "Pilgrimage to Spruce Island."

Children in the community learned about the first American saint, St. Herman of Alaska, through engaging lessons, crafts, and activities. The first evening focused on St. Herman's early life and his journey from Russia to Alaska, featuring activities like making beaded prayer ropes and learning the Jesus Prayer. The second evening centered on the miracles associated with St. Herman, including making a stillness bottle with an icon of the Theotokos to remember the miracle where her icon stopped a tsunami. The third evening highlighted St. Herman's life on Spruce Island, where participants made St. Herman cookies and learned Bible verses that connect the beauty of God's creation to the saint's life.

The community of Christ the Saviour was especially blessed to have Mitered Archpriest Nicholas Molodyko-Harris, who was present at St. Herman's canonization in 1970, share his experiences and the miracles he witnessed during his ministry in Alaska. The program concluded with Divine Liturgy on Sunday, August 11, where the children sang a song about St. Herman, written by Mother Christophora of Holy Transfiguration Monastery, to the melody of "O Who Loves Nicholas the Saintly."

Glory to God for all things!