April 15, 2006

JOHNSTOWN, PA - His Eminence, Metropolitan Nicholas has issued the following Statement regarding the celebration of The Feast of the Theotokos of the Life-Giving Font and Family Day at Camp Nazareth.

To the Very Reverend and Reverend Fathers, and Beloved Faithful of this God-Saved Diocese:

Glory to Jesus Christ!

I am pleased to announce the celebration of the Feast of Our Lady of the Life-Giving Font and St. George at Camp Nazareth on Friday, April 28th.

Resurrection Matins will be served at 9 am at the Sts. Cyril and Methodios Camp Church, with the Hierarchical Divine Liturgy at 10 am, with a procession around the church. A paschal meal will be served in the Dining Hall afterwards.

I heartily encourage clergy and faithful to attend, especially those who are in the vicinity of Camp Nazareth. I mean this celebration of Bright Friday at Camp Nazareth to be an annual event, so I expect your best effort to attend, and to encourage your parishioners to participate as well.

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 Holy Wednesday, April 19th - of your intention to attend, along with an estimate of how many of your parishioners who will also be in attendance.

Please remember, too, that the Diocesan Family Day is scheduled for Sunday, June 4th. That event will celebrate, especially, the 30th Anniversary of the Groundbreaking at Camp Nazareth. This is an important prelude to the 30th Anniversary celebrations we are planning for 2007. Make every effort to encourage your faithful to attend this year's Family Day.