Between December 26, 2021 and January 1, 2022, the Carols Camp led by the ROYA Youth organization took place at the Protection of the Mother of God Monastery in Allegan, MI. The program was varied, with various conferences, workshops, and activities.
On the first day, starting in the afternoon, the young people gradually arrived at the camp. We participated at the Vespers for the third day of Christmas and there were some social activities for young people to interact. The next day, V. Rev. Fr. Călin Barbolovici arrived and celebrated the Divine Liturgy with the young people, on the day in which we commemorate the Holy Archdeacon Stephen. A conference followed with Rev. Fr. Silviu Bunta, entitled “Christmas and New Year with Geronda Aimilianos.” At the end, Happy Birthday was sung for the two participants in the camp named Stefan. Free time followed, then the ROYA board gave a presentation on the rules, expectations, and schedule of the camp. Along with the young people was Mrs. Dana, who was the camp doctor and helped to establish some measures to improve the immune system of the participants.
On the third day, the young people had a meeting on Zoom with Father Călin who spoke to them about the traditions of caroling in the village from his youth. In particular, this discussion with Father Călin was well received by young people because the Father used many examples from his own experience and we experience an image of the caroling tradition little known to us on the American continent. Somehow, the Romanian genes in us jumped when Father spoke to us and we were happy for the gift he gave us. This was followed by carol rehearsals and the list of carols to be sung at the homes of the faithful living around the Monastery.
We then went out to the rink, half an hour away from the monastery. Many rejoiced, especially as it started snowing heavily on the road to the rink, so the weather helped to create that wonderful holiday atmosphere. Rev. Fr. Petru of Cleveland arrived in time to bless the dinner, followed by “quiet time,” time for confession, and prayer of preparation for the Divine Liturgy, which began at 1:00 am. We attended the service of Matins and Divine Liturgy, a truly angelic service. The singing, together with the darkness of the church dripping with the light of a few candles, created an atmosphere of special tranquility.
On the fourth day, the participants prepared once again, with Father Petru, for the carols that would follow later. We then went out to the homes of three surrounding families. The young people’s carols were accompanied by their smiles. The shouts, the singing and the wishes made the hosts of the houses very happy, who offered the young people hot tea, mulled wine, or donuts with sugar. At the last house, the young people were happy to see the stable with animals, including the calf and the goats. It was a very warm welcome from each host.
After caroling, the young people returned to the monastery and had a social activity, namely building gingerbread houses. The evening prayers followed, performed differently. With the blessing of Father Petru, the Jesus prayer was said in the church for half an hour, after which each participant passed by the Father, received the blessing, and went to the room, continuing the prayer.
On the fifth day, the young people said goodbye to Father Petru, and then listened to Mother Abbess Gabriela of the Dormition of the Mother of God Monastery in Rives Junction, MI, talking about Father Roman Braga. Mother Abbess mentioned that the attitude of the Father when he was going through suffering should characterize each of us. After thanking her, the young people also sang carols for Mother Abbess. Free time followed, allowing for a football match, tobogganing and fresh air outside. There was also a prayer rope workshop, led by two camp participants. We then watched the movie “Man of God” about Saint Nektarios. It was so well received that for about 10 minutes after the film, the young people were silent, contemplating the life of the Saint as shown in the film. They then decided to read the Akathist of St. Nektarios.
On the sixth day, the young people caroled His Eminence Metropolitan Nicolae with the same carols with which they caroled the surrounding families. Preparations for the concert that evening followed, preparations for which the girls organized the table and the caroling room just like at the camps in Romania. The concert started at 5.00 pm. Each room prepared 2-3 carols which they presented to the volunteers and to the other young people. Dinner and campfire followed, after which the young people participated in the Akathist of the Savior at the passing into the New Year.
The camp ended on Saturday, January 1, 2022, with the Divine Liturgy on the day of honoring the Holy Hierarch Basil the Great and the royal feast of the Circumcision of the Lord. The young people then prepared for the road back to their homes, happy to see each other again and to have had the opportunity to carol!
Glory to God for everything!
Pompiliu Gîrlonța
