With the blessing of our Father and Chief Shepherd, His Eminence Archbishop Makarios of Australia, the Diocese of Adelaide held it second annual “Omatha” camps for young boys and girls in years 7-12.
Patterned after the highly successful and long-running “Omatha” camps in Sydney, the boys and girls camps were run consecutively for three days each during the school holidays, from Saturday 13th of July 2024 – Monday 15th for the boys, and 16th – 18th for the girls. They were brought forward to the mid-year school holidays so as not to clash with the upcoming Australian visit of His All-Holiness Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew. Both camps were organised locally and facilitated by experienced camp organisers from the Greek Orthodox Christian Society in Sydney, and each attended by one – two dozen children.
In a break from recent years’ custom, this year’s camp was held at Woodhouse Adventure Park in the Adelaide Hills, and the theme of the camp was Saint Paisios. This was a particularly timely topic as it was the first camp since the Saint was formally appointed “Protector of Australia” by His Eminence Archbishop Makarios of Australia at the Clergy-Laity Congress of September 2023.
A highlight of both camps was the Divine Liturgy, celebrated by His Grace Bishop Silouan of Adelaide. Held in intimate and simple surroundings, such liturgies are always something special and memorable for the children – many of them whom also joined in the chanting responsibilities. His Grace addressed the children on the topic of Saint Paisios, relating to them the special connection that the Saint has with Australia.
In spite of the cold conditions that prevail at this time of year in the Hills, the children all had a wonderful time and learned a great deal about our Nation’s patron Saint and protector. We look forward to this camp continuing to grow into the future and enrich the lives of our young people to help them become excited about our Faith.
