The month of July and the Camp Saint Sava season bring to Jackson hundreds of children, youth and adults, and among them our Bishop Maxim, who makes an effort to visit each week of the Camp. This 7th Sunday after Pentecost, July 23rd, 2023, he also served the Divine Liturgy in the oldest church our ancestors founded in this country and on this continent, together with the former and current parish preists, parish deacon and other altar servants, many parishioners and some of the campers, their parents and councilors. In his sermon, Bishop Maxim focused on the Epistle reading (Romans 15:1–7) and how those who are strong in faith should bear weaknesses of the weak. We need to overcome our narcissism and selfishness so that we may be able to truly love our brethren and keep building and growing God’s Church, or as Saint Paul says: “May the God of patience and comfort grant you to be like-minded toward one another, according to Christ Jesus, that you may with one mind and one mouth glorify the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ.” After the service, the community enjoyed fellowship and meal.
In the evening hours, Jackson was very blessed by the visit of two more special and distinguished guests: Father Vasileios and Presvytera Asteroula Thermos from Athens, Greece. Father Vasileios is an Orthodox Christian priest, psychiatrist, scholar, university professor and prolific writer, and Presvytera Asteroula is a fine artist. They spent two days in Jackson, Fr. Vasileios conducting research regarding the phenomenon of American people becoming Orthodox Christian, and P. Asteroula giving painting classes to our campers together with Bishop Maxim. Their next destination was Carson City, Nevada.
Jackson is eagerly awaiting the fourth week of the Camp and the last and most numerous group of its participants.
