Bishop Gabriel visits Camp NORR (Association of Russian Explorers Outside of Russia)

His Grace Bishop Gabriel of Manhattan, Vicar of the Eastern American diocese, visited the children’s summer camp NORR (Association of Russian Explorers Outside of Russia) on 5-6 of July, 2003.

For four consecutive years, Vladyka Gabriel has come to camp: he visits with the instructors and counselors, spends time with the youth, takes part in camp life. This year NORR is operating its 37th summer camp in the Catskill Mountains in the state of New York, where there are over 100 youth (campers and counselors) and about forty instructors and support personnel.
During the All-night Vigil in the St. Peter and Paul chapel, the camp choir sang prayerfully and with great feeling, under the direction of Tamara Miloradovna Joukov. Most of the campers went to confession. The camp’s spiritual father, mitred Archpriest Alexey Ohotin along with deacons Dimitri Temidis and Alexandre Antchoutine, celebrated the service. Vladyka emerged for the polyeleos.

After vigil, Vladyka met with the older campers and counselors and spent over an hour and a half in discussion with them. He answered many questions. At the request of the youth, the discussion was held without the presence of the parents or senior staff. Based on comments from participants afterwards, Vladyka’s session made a significant impression on the youthful participants.

The clear sunny Sunday morning foretold the beginning of an excellent day. Vladyka Gabriel served the hierarchical Divine Liturgy, which was concelebrated by Fr. Alexey Ohotin and Deacons Dimitri Temidis and Alexandre Antchoutine. The large number of communicants created a solemn, festive atmosphere. In his sermon, Vladyka Gabriel spoke to the campers and guests, underscoring the importance of Russian Orthodox people to continue to preserve their heritage and to serve as an example to all, by their actions and behavior wherever they may be.

Vladyka presented gramatas to Fr. Alexey Ohotin, the dedicated spiritual father of the camp for over thirty years, and to Vassili Feodorovich Joukov, the experienced head of NORR and founder of the camp in North America in 1967. Vladyka pointed out how essential and important it is to work with and develop our Orthodox youth, especially in these times. Upon receipt of his gramata, Vasilli Feodorovich said to the staff, that although he was the recipient, this honors the work of all.

After breakfast, the entire camp gathered for a group photo with Vladyka. Vladyka spoke briefly to the campers, stating that he was very happy to be in NORR again, and he expressed the hope that next summer he would be able to extend his stay. In parting, Vladyka treated the camp to a frozen dessert.