July 26, 2012
Northville, NY: Archbishop Gabriel led the "Day of Remembrance of the Fallen Faithful" at SGPA’s scout camp

On Saturday the 16th and Sunday the 17th of July, St. George Pathfinders of America summer scout camp, "Tsarskoe Selo" Chapter (Northville, NY), marked the "Day of Remembrance of the Fallen Faithful" (Russian: DPV).

His Eminence Gabriel, Archbishop of Montreal and Canada, led the All-Night Vigil in St. George's Chapel, co-served by the camp’s spiritual father, Archpriest Serge Lukianov, and Deacon Nicholas Olhovsky (cleric of Holy Trinity Monastery).

After the Vigil and dinner, the DPV ceremony continued as planned on the camp’s parade grounds. The ceremony began with opening remarks by the Head Scoutmaster, Alexey T. Zacharin, followed by the presentation of the color guard, which included the chapter’s standard, flanked by the American and Russian flags. After the recitation of the twelve points of the Scout Law, each one accompanied by the lighting of a torch, the roll call of all those present in formation was performed, and – according to old army tradition – the roll call of the "faithful" was performed. This roll call includes fallen members of the Organization and, from before its inception, those members of the Russian scouting movement at large, starting with the Holy Prince-Martyr Alexis. At the end of roll call, Fr. Serge performed a litiya for all departed scouts. After the ceremony, everyone proceeded to the traditional solemn bonfire.

The following morning, the scouts stood in formation before the chapel to greet Archbishop Gabriel. His Eminence celebrated the Divine Liturgy, co-served by the above-mentioned clergy. About 100 scouts and counselors communed from two chalices.

After breakfast, the raising of the flags was held on the parade grounds, followed by the changing of the weekly counselors. Chapter Director Scoutmaster Nicholas Pokrovsky thanked His Eminence for his archpastoral visit and the spiritual instruction given to the children.

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