“The Future of Our Church” was the theme for the First Annual Diocesan Youth Day held on Thursday, 18 August 2011.  Over 100 participants gathered with their bishop (His Grace, Michael) at Saint Mary Russian Orthodox Church Hall in Jackson NJ.  Despite the day beginning with inclement weather (rain, rain, and more rain) there was a great turnout! Participants included 7 Clergy, over 30 adult chaperones, and well-over 70 youth participants representing 16 parishes within the diocese.

A parish of the American Carpatho-Russian Diocese in Rahway NJ also participated … what a blessing!  At registration each Youth Participant (and some adult participants) were given white t-shirts with “Orthodox Youth Day 2011” written on the front, so everyone could easily identify who belonged to the group.

Before beginning any type of work, we pray!  So, the day began with His Grace, Bishop Michael, leading prayer by celebrating a Molieben service.  The choir was filled with nearly 100 voices -- ranging from the youngest child to the oldest adult -- truly, the “Future of Our Church was present!”  One of the adult chaperones directed the choir as all sang together. After giving thanks to God and asking His blessing upon the event, breakfast was served. While everyone enjoyed the delicious continental breakfast prepared by the Sisterhood of Saint Mary’s Church and some of the parents, it was time to ‘Stump the Bishop!’  His Grace held a question and answer session with the participants, where everyone had the opportunity to spend time with their bishop asking him questions as well as enjoying fellowship and discussion with him.  It was a joy to see the interaction of the children with His Grace!

Following the “Q&A” session, it was time to pack everything up and load everyone onto buses or their cars and head off to Six Flags Great Adventure for the rest of the day! While all of this is going on, it was still raining.  As everything was being packed-up, one of the children was praying really hard and was asked what he was praying for.  You would think a child would say, “I am praying that God will stop the rain so that I can go on the rides at Six Flags.”  Instead, his answer was: “God’s will be done!”  Out of mouths of babes and infants, Thou has fashioned perfect praise (Psalm 8:2). Despite the rain all morning, everyone had a great time.  As one child said – "This is awesome. I can’t wait for next year!” As it turned out, by the time the group entered the park the rain ended and the sun came out – Glory to God for All Things!

At the park it was time for the chaperones to take their groups to wherever they wanted to go ... Superman the Ride, Kinga Ka, El Toro, Green Lantern ... just to name a few of the many rides the children enjoyed while at Six Flags. Since riding all of those rides tends to build up an appetite, it came time for lunch and all of the youth participants were given a free meal voucher so they could enjoy a delicious meal.  After lunchtime, it was back to more rides and thrills before heading back to Saint Mary’s Church Hall for the departure home.

To see 70+ children, 30+ adults, and 7 clergy gathered together around Bishop Michael for the Molieben, breakfast, and a day at the park was truly a blessing from God and truly a joyous event for those who participated -- and for the entire diocese.  It was good to see the youth of all ages come together, where old friendships were strengthened and new ones were made.

As the event coordinator, Father Jason Vansuch, said: “I pray and believe that this Youth Day event was not only the first of many more to come but indeed the first of many more activities and gatherings for the youth of our diocese.  As always, we must be patient and follow God’s voice and allow Him to guide us. We are truly blessed here in our diocese to have such a wonderful, loving, and caring Shepherd and Hierarch in His Grace, Bishop Michael!  We express our sincere and heartfelt thanks and appreciation to His Grace for his blessing, leadership, guidance, and support for this year’s 2011 Diocesan Youth Day!  Thank You, dear Vladyko! We also express our sincere and heartfelt thanks and appreciation to Father John and Matushka Ludmila Prokopiuk and the faithful of Saint Mary Russian Orthodox Church for their hard work and assistance in allowing us to use their parish hall.  The Sisterhood of St. Mary Russian Orthodox Church worked very hard in preparing the hall as well as providing the continental breakfast for our participants and for this we are truly grateful.  This event could not have happened if it wasn’t for the parish priests and their support of this event, the parents who made arrangements for their children to participate, those who worked on the committee, and all they did to make it a success.  And, especially the enthusiastic children who brought their joy and excitement with them.   Thursday, August 18th, was truly a bright day in the life of our diocese where “The Future of Our Church” was seen and heard enjoying fellowship with one another and with their bishop. Glory To God For All Things!”