Patriarchal Exarch of Western Europe Visits Orthodox Children's Camp in Normandy

DECR Communication service, 29.07.2026.

On July 24, 2026, the feast day of the Holy Equal-to-the-Apostles Princess Olga, Metropolitan Mark of Korsun and Western Europe, Patriarchal Exarch of Western Europe, visited an Orthodox children's summer camp in Normandy, which welcomed its first group of children and teenagers sixty years ago, in 1966.

Accompanied by Priest John Dimitrov, who provides pastoral care for the young campers, Metropolitan Mark toured the residential facilities and the camp church, where a thanksgiving moleben was celebrated on the occasion of the conclusion of the July session, the website of the Diocese of Korsun reports.

Following the service celebrated by Fr. John, the Patriarchal Exarch of Western Europe addressed the children and camp counselors with words of archpastoral instruction and presented the children with commemorative gifts, French-Russian prayer books, expressing the hope that prayer would accompany them not only during their time at camp but also in their daily lives.

Metropolitan Mark of Korsun and Western Europe also thanked Priest John Dimitrov, camp director Lyudmila Renard, and all the organizers for their dedicated labors in the Orthodox upbringing of the younger generation.

The fellowship then continued over a common meal. The Metropolitan spoke with the children and teachers, answered their questions, and asked the campers about their impressions of the time they had spent at the Orthodox summer camp.

The day concluded with a ceremonial assembly marking the close of the July session. Children who had shown particular diligence and talent were presented with certificates and gifts.

Print publication

Patriarchal Exarch of Western Europe Visits Orthodox Children's Camp in Normandy

Patriarch

Department Chairman

Sermons

Patriarch

Department Chairman

Sermons