2005 Saints Cyril & Methodius Feast Day Observance at Camp Nazareth

 April 15, 2005

JOHNSTOWN, PA - His Eminence, Metropolitan Nicholas has issued the following Statement regarding the annual celebration of the Feast of Sts. Cyril and Methiodios at Camp Nazareth.

To the Very Reverend Protopresbyters, Very Reverend and Reverend Fathers and Beloved Faithful of the Diocese:

Glory to Jesus Christ!

Dear Fathers & Faithful

On Tuesday, May 24th we give thanks to God for the mission of the Apostles of the Slavs to our forefathers. We remember the gifts of these great Greek missionaries to our peoples. Journeying far from Thessalonica into the old Moravian lands, the two sainted brothers brought the blessings of Orthodoxy and the legacies of Byzantine civilization to our pagan ancestors. So we remember them, and we ask that they continue to intercede for us in prayer - we, who are the successors of their first converts. We do not treat Saints Cyril and Methodios as antique objects of mere ethnic nostalgia. We treat them as the active saints they are, continuing their ministry to the Slavs and all Christians as they intercede in Paradise for our souls.

Resurrection Matins will be served at 9 am at the Saints Cyril and Methodios Camp Church, with the Hierarchical Divine Liturgy at 10 am. A luncheon will be served in the Dining Hall of the Main Lodge afterwards. There will be a "free-will" offering taken up for the luncheon.

I heartily encourage clergy and faithful to attend, especially those who are in the vicinity of Camp Nazareth. Pastors are hereby authorized to transfer the celebration of this Feast to the following Sunday, if they will be attendance at Camp Nazareth on that day.

Clergy are to wear white vestments and to bring their own prayer books. They are to vest in the Heritage Center area (the lower level under the Church). They are to maintain a respectful silence in the Sanctuary.

Please apprise Fr. Michael Ellis at Camp Nazareth - no later than Monday, May 16th - of your intention to attend, along with an estimate of how many of your parishioners who will also be in attendance.

You may email him at campnazareth@acrod.org.