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July
7, 2009
Virginia:
The Washington "Putivl" Summer Camp
On
June 27, this year's Summer camp held by “Putivl,” the Washington
chapter of the St. George Pathfinders of America, started. As in past
years, camp was held outdoors, under the open sky in a picturesque
spot in the Virginia hills practically on the West Virginia border.
Its
65 participants – children, pathfinders, scout leaders, and
volunteers live in tents. The
daily schedule includes reveille, assembly, washing up, tidying up the
campsite, raising the flag, morning prayers, breakfast, lessons,
lunch, relaxation, games, talks, swimming and trekking, dinner,
lowering of the flag, evening prayers, and a campfire.
A
group of very dedicated adults, headed by scout masters Anna Tschursin,
Alexander Zarechnak, and others donated their precious vacation time to
make it possible for our children to spend two unforgettable weeks in
a beautiful region of the country.
On
July 2-5, Archpriest Victor Potapov, rector of the Cathedral of St.
John the Baptist in Washington, DC, visited the camp.
There, amid the wooded hills an open-air chapel was erected,
and Divine services were held. On the eve of the day of commemoration
of St. John of Shanghai and San Francisco, a moleben was served. After
the prayer service, small icons of St. John were distributed to the
campers in commemoration of the 15th anniversary of the
saint’s glorification. On Saturday July 4 vespers were offered.
After the service a great campfire was held which culminated in
a magnificent firework display in honor of Independence Day.
On
Sunday, almost all of the campers took Holy Communion. After liturgy,
the older scouts received an icon of the Holy Royal Martyr Tsarevich
Alexei, one of the first scouts of Russia. He is depicted in a scout
uniform. This icon was
commissioned by Scoutmaster Alexis Zacharin.
In
his talks and homilies at camp, Fr. Victor emphasized the importance
of obeying Christ's Commandment to love both God and man, and he
mentioned as examples of such love SGPA's heavenly patron, Great Martyr
and Trophy-bearer St. George, and also Holy Hierarch St. John of
Shanghai and San Francisco, who was celebrated on the dates of Fr.
Victor's visit to camp.
Photo-report
Media Office of the Eastern American Diocese
