Our Story
Saint Xenia’s Camp began with a vision to unite Orthodox Christian youth who were often scattered and isolated
It all began in the summer of 1996, when Father Christos and his wife, Katina, recognized a pressing need: their own children, growing up in the small town of Huntingdon, Pennsylvania, were two hours from the nearest Orthodox church and had few opportunities to make friends who shared their faith. They dreamed of a place where Orthodox youth could come together, not just for fun, but to live, even for a week, as if in a little Orthodox village; a place where church bells ring, priests are neighbors, and faith is woven seamlessly into daily life.
After searching for a suitable location, they discovered Camp Blue Diamond in Petersburg, Pennsylvania, available at the end of August. Katina sought the blessing of the bishop, who not only gave his approval but also assigned the newly consecrated Metropolitan Moses to provide spiritual leadership and guidance. With this support, and a spirit of humble experimentation, the first Saint Xenia’s Camp opened its doors in 1997. That first year saw over fifty campers, and the organizers, learning as they went, crafted each day’s schedule as it came, blending prayers, church hymns, spiritual discussions, and plenty of sports and fun.
The camp quickly became a lifeline for Orthodox youth from across North America, especially those from small, isolated parishes. For many, it was the first time they experienced the joy and strength of being surrounded by peers who shared their faith.
“It felt like that little Orthodox village, where we’re all together,”
As the years passed, Saint Xenia’s Camp became more than a summer event. It became a spiritual home for generations of Orthodox youth. Campers came from as far as Edmonton, Oregon, and the Middle East, forging lifelong friendships and strengthening their faith. The presence of clergy and hierarchs, who made themselves available in the relaxed camp setting, deepened the sense of community and spiritual mentorship.
Each summer, a new group of children and teenagers gathers to pray, learn, play, and grow. They carry the seeds of Orthodox faith back to their homes and parishes, ready to become the future of the Church. As one leader put it, “You are our future… you are going to raise the next generation of the Church.”
Saint Xenia’s Camp began as a response to a family’s longing for community and has grown into a cherished institution, nurturing the hearts and souls of Orthodox youth for decades, and, God willing, for generations to come.