Emlenton, PA – The gentle hills and prayer trails of All Saints Camp echoed with the voices of young faithful as teenagers from across the country gathered for the much-anticipated Youth Sobor and Teenage Conference Encampment of the Ukrainian Orthodox Church of the USA. Under the spiritual guidance of His Eminence Metropolitan Archbishop Daniel and the leadership of Mrs. Natalie Kapeluck-Nixon, Director of the Consistory Office of Youth and Young Adult Ministry, the gathering became a profound encounter with faith, community, and purpose.

Upon the arrival of Archbishop Daniel to the camp, the teenage participants presented him with handmade, decorated crosses - symbols of their faith and creativity. These crosses were carried reverently through the Prayer Trail of All Saints Camp, culminating in their installation on the sacred Prayer Hill.

Before the prayerful procession began, Archbishop Daniel offered a reflection on the crosses we all carry in life - especially the unimaginable crosses borne by the children of Ukraine, left orphaned or wounded by the unjust war. “The war may be far away, but compassion knows no borders,” the Archbishop reminded the youth. “Each step you take today, each prayer you offer, can be in honor of the children who walk a much harder path - alone, afraid, and in need of our love.”

With this in mind, the Archbishop took up a grapevine cross, crafted by the campers, and led the youth through the woods, across streams, and up the hill - visibly carrying not just a cross of wood, but the spiritual weight of the suffering of others.

Vestments flowing, with his mantya - the cloak of the archpastor - symbolizing the embrace of the shepherd for his flock, Archbishop Daniel stepped forward as a living witness to Christ's call: “Take up your cross and follow Me” (Matthew 16:24).

The crosses were blessed by Archbishop Daniel, with the assistance of Fr. Mykola Zomchak (Spiritual Father of the Encampment), Rev. Fr. Yuriy Hladio (Orthodox Church in America – Diocese of Canada), and Rev. Fr. David Chidzhokie of St. Sophia Ukrainian Orthodox Theological Seminary. Together with seminarians, clergy, and faithful youth, the ancient hymn “O Lord, Save Your People and Bless Your Inheritance” was chanted over the hilltop, weaving heaven and earth in a moment of grace.

Throughout the day, the youth engaged in sessions of the Youth Sobor, guided by Mrs. Natalie Kapeluck-Nixon and clergy. The discussions were honest, heartfelt, and deeply relevant to the challenges teenagers face in today’s world.

Topics discussed included:

The Culture of Death vs. The Culture of Life: Addressing how faith calls us to honor life in all its stages, against societal trends of violence, abortion, and indifference.

Cancel Culture and Bullying: How words and actions have the power to heal or harm, and how Christ calls us to forgive and lift others up.

Gossip and Integrity: Understanding that our speech reflects our hearts, and the importance of building each other up rather than tearing each other down.

Loneliness and Identity: Exploring the epidemic of isolation and how the Church offers belonging, purpose, and community through Christ.

In a world where teenagers often feel unseen or unheard, the Youth Sobor gave them a sacred space to share, reflect, and grow.

The following morning, on the eve of the feast of Saints Peter and Paul (Julian Calendar), Archbishop Daniel celebrated the Divine Liturgy. In his homily, he passionately spoke about these two spiritual giants who, despite their flaws and failures, became the very pillars of the Church.

During his sermon, Archbishop Daniel offered a powerful reminder to the youth, stating, “With great power comes great responsibility.” Drawing from the lives of saints who experienced dramatic conversions - Saint Moses the Black, once a violent gang leader; Saint Mary of Egypt, who left behind a life of sin to become a desert ascetic; and of course, Saints Peter and Paul, who both failed but then rose to become beacons of the Church - the Archbishop inspired the young faithful to see that knowledge of faith is not enough.

“To know Christ is to live like Christ,” he said. “You are called not only to believe, but to become the hands, the voice, the heart of Christ in this world. You carry the sacred responsibility to lift up the broken, to speak kindness in the face of cruelty, and to live with courage when others follow the easy path.”

With passion and fatherly love, Archbishop Daniel reminded them that no matter their past, God’s grace can transform every heart into a light that shines in the darkness - and that their lives, too, are meant to become living icons of hope.

Quoting from his sermon, the Archbishop shared: “Peter denied Christ, Paul persecuted Him - but grace rewrote their story. What story will grace write in your life?”

“You are never too young, too broken, or too unworthy to be used by God.”

“Carry your cross not as a burden, but as a mission - to bring light to others.”

Countless young faithful approached the Holy Chalice that morning, their faces radiant with the joy of participating in the sacrament of life.

At the conclusion of the Liturgy, Archbishop Daniel offered heartfelt gratitude to Mrs. Natalie Kapeluck-Nixon, celebrating her 25 years of tireless ministry. Speaking of her impact, he reflected:

“For over two decades, Mrs. Natalie has been the heart and soul of youth ministry in our Church. Her love for Christ and His children has touched generations - not only in the Ukrainian Orthodox Church of the USA but across Orthodox jurisdictions throughout the nation.”

The Archbishop presented her with the Honorary Medal of the UOC of the USA, a bouquet of roses, and words that moved many to tears: “Natalie, your ministry has not just built programs - it has built souls.”

“You have mothered countless spiritual children, offering them hope, faith, and joy.”

“In a world that often forgets the youth, you have always remembered them.”

The Youth Sobor and Teenage Conference concluded with final reflections from Archbishop Daniel, encouraging the young faithful: “Be the voice of Christ in your schools, your homes, your communities. Be different. Be holy. Be brave.”

Gratitude was offered to: All Saints Camp Director, Joshua Oryhon

Spiritual Fathers Fr. Mykola Zomchak, Fr. David Chidzhokie, Fr. Yuriy Hladio, and visiting clergy Fr. James Cairns (Dixonville and Nanty Glo, PA).

The countless volunteers and staff who made the encampment possible.

Special thanks were extended to the parents who entrusted their children to the encampment, and to the parishes and pastors who continually nurture both All Saints Camp and the youth ministry of the Ukrainian Orthodox Church of the USA.

The message of the weekend was clear: “The Church needs you. The world needs you. Christ calls you.”

With crosses on their shoulders and faith in their hearts, these young believers stepped forward—not just along the hills of All Saints Camp, but into the journey of a lifetime: the path of becoming the next generation of saints.