For the first time since the pandemic, an annual Orthodox youth camp was held on Mindanao Island, where more than 40 participants gathered. This time the camping was done in an elementary school in Salasang. The main feature of this place is that there is no mobile signal. So the youth had to disconnect from the phone and start communicating in the real world. It is also quite cold there at night (+22 °), which for many participants was the first experience of cold weather. The experience of such camps is always extremely positive, young people learn more about Orthodoxy, learn to help in worship, and get to know each other, which is very important in a non-Orthodox environment. Everyone parted with sadness and with tears in their eyes, even though they froze at night.
The camp program included not only lectures about faith, but was also filled with activities like sports and talent presentations. Throughout the week-long camp the youths not only broadened their knowledge about faith and the Church, but also deepened their connection and camaraderie. On Saturday night and Sunday morning the youths participated in the services, during which they chanted, read, and assisted the clergy.The camp concluded with the celebration of the Divine Liturgy led by the Diocesan secretary – hieromonk Korniliy (Molev) and was assisted by deacon Anthony Aranco and deacon Juventinus Bulaqueña. We send our heartfelt gratitude to those who supported the endeavors of the event especially to the faithful of Apostles Peter and Paul Parish, Salasang, Cotabato and also to the head and staff of Salasang Elementary School, which served as the camp venue.
