From His Eminence Metropolitan Philip
Dear Beloved in the Lord,
It
was almost 30 years ago when, in the midst of the turmoil of the
1970's, I began to dream of a place where our children could leave
behind the troubles and temptations of the modern world and enjoy a
week or two surrounded by the beauty of our Lord's handiwork of sun and
trees, fresh air and bright stars.
Thanks be to God, that dream quickly became a reality. For more than 25
years now our children have enjoyed the gift of creation, the
fellowship of new friends, and the loving care of counselors and staff.
Having recognized the vital importance of our camping program, we are
pleased to announce an important effort to update the camp facilities
on our “holy mountain.” Most of the buildings currently in use were
being used at the founding of our program over 25 years ago, and are
now over 50 years old and in need of renovation or replacement. The
Village 2010 Campaign outlined in these pages will allow us to continue
the important ministry being accomplished, with facilities that are
simple, yet comfortable and most of all, safe for our most priceless
children who attend each year.
It would not be an exaggeration to say that the Village has been
nothing less than revolutionary within the life of this Archdiocese.
Thousands of our young people have been inspired by their experience to
bravely stand firm in their faith when they return home. Many of our
young men were so influenced by their encounter with God on those
blessed grounds that they answered His call and are now serving in our
parishes and various ministries in the Archdiocese as priests. The
spread of congregational singing, which has breathed new life into the
worship of our parishes, can be traced back to our young people
experiencing the joy of joining their voices together in common praise
to our good and loving God. At the Village the Orthodox faith is not
merely taught, it is lived. It is experienced first hand.
Because the Village has impacted every one of our parishes from coast
to coast, I appeal to the generosity of every one of our parishes,
organizations and faithful to support the Village 2010 Campaign. With
our combined efforts, we can guarantee the mission of the Village can
continue with today’s generation of campers, and those generations yet
to come. Asking that you prayerfully consider your participation in
this most important effort, I remain
Your father in Christ,
Metropolitan PHILIP
Archbishop of New York and Metropolitan of All North America
Find out more about the Village 2010 Capital Campaign here.
For more information or to receive a brochure, please email the Antiochian Village Camp Office or call us at 724-238-9565.