UKRAINIAN ORTHODOX CHURCH OF THE USA

CONSISTORY OFFICE OF PUBLIC RELATIONS

PRESS RELEASE

Family Fest 2014

Wonderful! Labor Day Weekend at All Saints Camp brought family and friends from near and far for a weekend full of fellowship and relaxation for Family Fest!

Friday evening everyone arrived and was welcomed with dinner and conversation. After Evening Prayers, the kids enjoyed watching a movie in the Pavilion. Saturday brought Morning Prayers, breakfast, and the annual “Kickball Game” with various levels of “rough and tumble” for ALL ages. The kids had a great time running the bases and the Seminarians enjoyed their first Family Fest Kickball game!   Even though there was a winning team (maybe) everyone enjoys playing and cheering. The afternoon allowed for free time, swimming or sports. After Vespers, the first round of the “Name Game” was conducted. The Name Game is a battle of how many people do you know with these initials?! A robust game of B-I-N-G-O! was held at the Pavilion for everyone to enjoy. A surprise ending to Saturday evening was a fireworks display provided by Fr. Deacon Jim Cairns and Eric Chubenko. The fireworks were AWESOME!

Family Fest participants was extremely moved that His Eminence Metropolitan Antony and the Seminarians of St. Sophia Ukrainian Orthodox Theological Seminary (South Bound Brook, NJ) were able to join us for part of the weekend! Metropolitan Antony, along with Fr. John Haluszczak, Protodeacon Ihor Mahlay and Deacon Jim Cairns celebrated Divine Liturgy at St. Thomas Chapel on Sunday morning. Fr. John Nakonachny conducted the wonderful choir singing responses. A large and delicious brunch was served in the Dining Hall prepared by ASC kitchen staff. Swimming, volleyball, relaxation and a Memorial Church service filled Sunday afternoon.   After the Memorial Service, Family Fest guests were greeted to candles and music for the “Pig Roast” and Under the Sea/Beach Party.   A FANSTASTIC meal was prepared by Deacon Jim Cairns and our kitchen staff headed up by Genya Walters. Various music and dancing requests played throughout the evening which also included round two of the Name Game. Michael Bodnar also provided face painting for the kid at heart! It was a wonderful evening under the stars!

The weekend concluded Monday morning with prayers, breakfast, clean up and everyone saying their good-byes. We were glad to see so many participants for the weekend, whether for the whole weekend, or a day or so! Plans are already under way for next year, so if you have any suggestions, please let Chris Mills know!

Thank you to EVERYONE who helped out with Family Fest in anyway, from setting up tables and chairs, cooking, fireworks, decorations and clean-up! Your assistance is truly appreciated! Looking forward to seeing everyone again next year and bringing a friend! See YOU Labor Day Weekend 2015!