With the cloudy sky of Korea, the snowy city of Seoul and the thermometer ranging between -15 to -17 degrees Celsius, the camp officials began to welcome elementary, middle, and high school students to the Camp facilities in the city of Chuncheon.
During the few days of the winter School vacation, the goal was to unite all the Orthodox Christian students of Korea, to share their food at a common meal; to sleep under the same roof; to have fun playing games together; and, most importantly, to pray to the All-Mighty God under the roof of the same church building, and to be taught the word of the Gospel.
The camp work of the Metropolis has already been going on for two decades and has just entered its third. The important catechetical and spiritual role of the camp has been recognized by the Orthodox Korean faithful, since the experiences and memories of the campers are not left behind when they return to their homes, but follow them throughout their lives. The new friendships the students create at the Camp undoubtedly leave an indelible mark on their souls, and they wish to pass this experience on to the next generation. The students, for their part, are impatient for the summer camp season to begin, and all year round they talk with their parents about the camp, they send messages to their camp friends, and sing the camp songs they have learned.
Upon their arrival at the campsite, the students immediately ran to receive the blessing of the Bishop and the Priests. They greeted their friends, arranged their personal belongings, and, during the opening ceremony, they learned this year’s motto, which is: “The Vision of Holiness.” What is a Saint? Who is a Saint? How can I become a Saint?
Every morning and evening, the students came to the church to pray and receive catechism lessons, participating with devotion in the holy services, but also attentively following the catechism lectures.
With these spiritual provisions, the campers were spiritually armed and consciously approached the mystery of Holy Confession. The period was completed and ended with their participation in the Sacrament of Holy Communion.
Young and old understood well this year’s message; they learned what it means to wish and strive to become a Saint, and with this in their minds and hearts, they departed for their homes. Their sadness at the separation was great, but their anticipation for their return to camp in the summer was even greater.
Photos – Elementary, Middle & High school