On the final day of camp after 6 weeks of summer camp, including a week of staff training, over 600 faithful gathered at our Saint Methodios Faith and Heritage Center for the divine liturgy and the ordination of Deacon Andrew (Jack) Bushell. Campers and their families, guests of the newly ordained Deacon Andrew, together with our MBC Staff, filled the St. George Chapel and tents set up outside the chapel in order to participate in the festive celebration and the ordination.
In reflection upon his ordination, Deacon Andrew offered the following comments: “I am grateful to His Eminence Metropolitan Methodios, for his blessing to enter into the ranks of the Holy Priesthood as a deacon, and for his decision that the ordination take place at the Metropolis of Boston camp- a place where, for years, has been a spiritual home for my wife and I. The camp allowed me, in my adolescence and into adulthood, to foster a deep understanding for the tradition and ethos of the Orthodox faith and conceptualize a vocation of service in Christ’s Holy Vineyard. It was at this camp that I made lifelong friendships, met many mentors and spiritual role models, and fortified my faith and love for Christ.
I would like to express gratitude to all who have walked with me through this beautiful and most sacred journey- friends and family both here with us and reposed in the Lord, who formed me into who I have become. I would like to express my gratitude to all of the professors and administrators of our sacred school, Hellenic College Holy Cross, the communities of both Saint Demetrios in Fall River and the Annunciation Cathedral in Boston, and the CrossRoad Institute, for the tremendous part they took in my formation. I would like to thank my grandparents, aunts, uncles, cousins- my siblings, my in-laws, my parents, Joseph and Maria, and above all, my beautiful wife, Demetra, who has continuously, from the time I met her at MBC as young staff members, to now, shown me unconditional love and selflessness. She has been and continues to be an unerring support as I continue to pursue my vocation in the church, and constantly serves as an example to me of piety, faith, and self-sacrificial love.”
Over the last five weeks, His Eminence Metropolitan Methodios and the Metropolis of Boston Camp (MBC) have welcomed over 600 campers and over 150 young adults, clergy and special program assistants, making this year one of their busiest summers in the 34-year history of our BDC/MBC program, which was reorganized and relaunched in the summer of 1990. Additionally, on July 20, twenty-five young adults from the Metropolis of Neapolis and Stavroupolis, Thessaloniki, Greece arrived to participate in our 5th year of The KOSMOS Project – A Cultural Camp Exchange Program.
MBC’s purpose goes beyond physical entertainment. Leading campers and staff into a close personal relationship with their faith takes time and a vibrant nurturing environment, which enables building strong relationships between staff, campers and our clergy. A typical day at MBC consists of campers going to chapel, learning more about their faith through interactive sessions and meaningful conversations with one another.
This year, the camp theme is ‘Wisdom. Arise’. Campers and staff are taught specifically about the Gospel and how to build a practice of incorporating scripture into their daily life. The camp provides a safe and encouraging space to reflect on their everyday life through the lens of Orthodox Spirituality.
Our MBC Camp staff gathers throughout the year at the Saint Methodios Faith & Heritage Center in Contoocook, NH to enhance the lives of the Greek Orthodox youth around New England. From a beachside waterfront to athletic competitions and craft activities, campers of all ages can take a break from their busy lives to enjoy time with new and old friends alike in the beautiful environment of our 300+ scenic acres of our Camp and Retreat Center.
From all the fun activities and faithful interactions, MBC Summer 2024 has been an incredible journey for the over 800 campers, staff, clergy and special program support that have participated this year.
For more information please visit www.metropolisofbostoncamp.org/ or the camp’s Flickr page www.flickr.com/photos/mbcamp/albums/.
The Greek Orthodox Metropolis of Boston, with its headquarters located in Brookline, Massachusetts, is comprised of 62 parishes throughout New England – the Northeastern part of the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of America, which is under the spiritual guidance and canonical jurisdiction of the Ecumenical Patriarchate, and the Omoforion of His Eminence Metropolitan Methodios of Boston, who is celebrating 40 years since his enthronement to this Holy Metropolis. The Metropolis of Boston serves as a beacon, carrier, and witness of the message of Christ to all persons who live in New England.