WESTFIELD, NJ – [Story-photos: Holy Metropolis of NJ]
His Eminence Metropolitan Apostolos of New Jersey visited the Metropolis’ Good Shepherd Summer Camp in Maryland on July 12 to officially inaugurate the 2026 camping season. Upon his arrival, His Eminence received a heartfelt welcome from the camp clergy, counselors, volunteers, and the many campers who had gathered with great joy to receive their spiritual father.
The evening began with the Service of Agiasmos, during which His Eminence prayed for God’s abundant blessings upon the camp, asking the Lord to protect all who would participate throughout the summer and to grant them growth in faith, wisdom, and Christian love. As the Holy Scriptures remind us, “Unless the Lord builds the house, those who build it labor in vain” (Psalm 127:1). With the blessing of the Church, the new camp session commenced under the grace and guidance of the Holy Spirit.
Following the service, His Eminence addressed the campers with warmth and fatherly affection. He expressed his sincere gratitude to the clergy, counselors, staff, and countless volunteers whose faithful dedication and sacrificial service make the ministry of Good Shepherd Camp possible year after year. He reminded everyone that their labor is not simply an investment in a summer program, but in the spiritual formation of the next generation of Orthodox Christians.
Speaking directly to the young people, His Eminence offered a thoughtful reflection on the name “Christian.” He explained that the word Christ carries profound meaning and has long been recognized as the title of the Anointed One. He encouraged the campers never to take for granted the privilege of bearing the name Christian, reminding them that it is both a great blessing and a sacred calling. “You are blessed to be called Christians,” he said, encouraging them to live each day in a manner worthy of the name they bear.
Quoting the words of the Apostle Peter, His Eminence reminded the campers, “If anyone suffers as a Christian, let him not be ashamed, but let him glorify God in this name” (1 Peter 4:16). He also encouraged them with the words of Saint Paul: “Let no one despise your youth, but be an example to the believers in word, in conduct, in love, in spirit, in faith, and in purity” (1 Timothy 4:12). Through prayer, participation in the Holy Mysteries, and lives marked by love and compassion, he urged the campers to become faithful witnesses of Christ in their homes, schools, parishes, and communities.
Following his address, His Eminence remained with the campers, sharing dinner and fellowship with them. His presence among the children and youth reflected the loving and pastoral ministry of the Church, fostering an atmosphere of joy, unity, and spiritual encouragement as the camp season began.
The visit concluded with gratitude to Almighty God for the blessing of Good Shepherd Camp and with prayers that every camper may grow “in wisdom and stature, and in favor with God and men” (Luke 2:52), returning home renewed in faith, strengthened in friendship, and inspired to follow Christ with all their hearts.
