About
The Summer Youth Program at Holy Trinity Monastery was established to expose our young men to the rich spiritual heritage and legacy of the Russian Orthodox Church Abroad. Its objectives are to nurture the development of the young men in the areas of spiritual discipline, steadfastness and sobriety through a structured program of participation in the monastic community. Participants "unplug" from computer and internet use, cell phone use, and in general electronic devices. If a film or video is featured in the program, it is for all particpants together. The number of participants has grown. The age range for participants is now split into two groups, in two separate sessions. The younger group is 14 to 15 years old. The age range for the older group is 16 to 18 years old. During this period the young men will attend and participate in the daily cycle of services and are expected to partake of the Mysteries of Holy Confession and Communion once a week. While attending meals in the monastery refectory they will listen to the daily readings of the lives of saints. There will be spiritual instruction in the "Law of God," or rather, the faith and teachings of the Orthodox Church, on a daily basis with various clergymen and guest speakers on a variety of topics relevant to young men who are preparing for college or carreers. All presentations and discussions are in the English language. The dates of the program for 2024 are as follows: For boys 16 to 18: Saturday, July 6 to Friday, July 19. For boys 14 to 15: Sunday, July 21 to Saturday, July 27. Each group will be limited to 20. The young men will work alongside the monastics in their various daily obediences: tending the monastery's cemetery, working in the vegetable garden, caring for the chickens, cooking for the brotherhood, helping with various construction and repair projects, etc. They will also have the opportunity to enjoy summer recreational activities such as sports, swimming, hiking, fishing, campfires, and field trips. Orientation begins on the evening of the first day. Families are welcome to come one day early to participate in the life of the Monastery. Reservations in the Monastery guesthouse are available. Participants should stay with their families until registration. Registration takes place on the first day. Parents/guardians must meet with the program coordinator prior to their departure, or make prior arrangements. Airport pickups can be arranged on the first day of the program only, at Syracuse, NY Airport, for an additional fee. All arrivals should be by or before 5pm. Departures can be scheduled on the last day of the program, at Syracuse airport, after 2pm, also for an additional fee. The Summer Youth Program has been supported annually by the Fund For Assistance to ROCOR. The FFA grant has allowed Holy Trinity Monastery to keep the tuiton very low. Please consider donating to the FFA for this and other worthy causes. |