In the Footsteps of Saint Theodora of Sihla – Ten Years of Light, Faith,

and Christian Education

The 10th Edition of the Saint Theodora of Sihla Summer Camp, Mono (Ontario)

"Let the little children come to Me, and do not forbid them; for of such is the Kingdom of God." (Mark 10:14)

Under the heavenly protection of Saint Venerable Theodora of Sihla, and with the blessing and personal involvement of His Grace Ioan Casian, Romanian Orthodox Bishop of Canada, the Diocese's Department of Education organized, between July 13–18, 2026, in Mono, Ontario, near the Monastery of the Exaltation of the Holy Cross and Saint Ephraim the New, the 10th edition of the Saint Theodora of Sihla Summer Camp. Over the past decade, this educational and missionary initiative has become a beautiful and fruitful ministry dedicated to the children and youth of the Romanian Orthodox Diocese of Canada.

This anniversary marks far more than the completion of ten successful editions. It celebrates a labor of love that tells the story of ten summers during which hundreds of children have learned to pray together, formed lasting friendships, discovered the beauty of the Orthodox faith, and deepened their love for their Romanian spiritual and cultural heritage. It stands as a testimony to the Diocese's enduring commitment to the Christian education of younger generations and as proof that the seeds planted with patience and love in children's hearts bear abundant spiritual fruit.

"There is nothing greater than forming a soul for God." — Saint John Chrysostom

These words best express the mission that this camp embraced from its very first edition and continues to fulfill today with the same devotion, responsibility, and love.

This year, children and young people between the ages of 7 and 17, representing the parishes of the Central Deanery of the Romanian Orthodox Diocese of Canada, enjoyed the loving presence and pastoral care of His Grace Bishop Ioan Casian and Hegumen Polycarp Athenagoras, together with Fr. Viorel Țencaliuc, Dean of the Central Deanery, Fr. Ionuț Țencaliuc, Nun Ana Bulgariu, as well as counselors and volunteers who generously offered their time, talents, and love to ensure the success of the camp.

As in previous years, the camp was hosted at The Valley of the Mother of God Centre of the Coptic Church in Mono, Ontario—a place where the beauty of nature harmoniously meets the peace of prayer and the joy of Christian fellowship. For the past ten years, our gracious hosts have reminded us that every visit and every activity held there is, in fact, a pilgrimage into the garden of the Mother of God, where all are lovingly sheltered beneath her protection.

Each morning began with prayer, opening the children's hearts to a new day filled with discovery. Outdoor games, forest hikes, sports, and moments of fellowship were beautifully interwoven with catechetical sessions, workshops, and participation in the liturgical life of the Church, transforming the entire week into a true school of faith and friendship.

"The education of children is an art—perhaps the greatest of all arts—for it shapes the human soul." — Saint John Chrysostom

Participants were organized into age groups, and each day revolved around a specific theme carefully documented in the Camp Journal. The themes explored the life of Saint Theodora of Sihla in connection with the Church's commemorative year dedicated to holy women, offering children inspiring examples rooted in Romanian Orthodox spirituality. Throughout the week, they were encouraged to discover the richness of Orthodox tradition and the spiritual and cultural heritage of Romania.

On the sports fields, participants competed in basketball, soccer, and volleyball, learning teamwork, respect, and fair play. During creative workshops, they painted, practiced sewing and weaving, explored traditional Romanian cuisine, and listened to stories inspired by the wisdom of grandparents, rediscovering the beauty of their ancestral heritage.

During the catechetical sessions, the children learned about the life of Saint Theodora of Sihla and came to understand that the saints are our friends and intercessors before God. Participation in the Divine Liturgy at the Monastery of the Exaltation of the Holy Cross and Saint Ephraim the New, together with Holy Confession and reception of the Holy Mysteries, formed the spiritual center of the entire camp experience, offering every participant a living encounter with Christ.

"Children need fewer words and more good examples; they learn far more from what they see than from what they hear." — Saint Paisios of Mount Athos

Perhaps this is the greatest gift offered by the camp. The children witnessed faith lived naturally and authentically through the prayerful example of the bishop and clergy, the loving care of Nun Ana Bulgariu, the selfless dedication of volunteers Tiberiu Batkaly, Irina Holic, Natalia Bivol, and Carmen Ognean, and the sincere friendships formed among the participants. Christian education is transmitted not only through instruction but above all through the power of personal example.

Within the Romanian diaspora, this ministry carries profound significance. Religious education is not merely the transmission of knowledge about the faith; it is the cultivation of an identity that unites the Romanian language, traditions, culture, and belonging to the Orthodox Church.

Saint Sophrony of Essex once said, "True education begins when a person learns to live in the presence of God." This is precisely the vocation of the Diocese's educational ministry: to form people who love Christ and bear witness to Him through their lives.

Now celebrating its tenth edition, the Saint Theodora of Sihla Summer Camp stands as living proof that when the Church invests in children, it invests in its own future. Many participants from the earliest editions are now actively involved in parish life, pursuing theological studies in Romania, serving as volunteers, and mentoring younger generations. They are the living fruits of a ministry begun in faith and sustained through perseverance, inspired by the unwavering conviction that if we desire Orthodox Christians and future priests in Canada, we must nurture and educate them from childhood.

The celebration of this tenth anniversary is, above all, an occasion to offer thanksgiving to God and heartfelt gratitude to the Romanian orthodox hierarch of Canada for his trust, vision, and unwavering support of the clergy, monastics, counselors, volunteers, parents, and benefactors who, for an entire decade, have made this ministry possible. Through their sacrifice and love, the Saint Theodora of Sihla Summer Camp has become a true school of faith, friendship, and Christian service.

We also express our sincere appreciation to the representatives of Fulger Transportation of Windsor, Ontario, together with all the generous benefactors who, year after year, have quietly and selflessly supported this ministry. Their financial assistance has brought joy to countless children and made possible this remarkable educational and spiritual work. Their generosity bears witness to Christian love and responsibility toward future generations, helping to form young people who will preserve the Orthodox faith, Romanian identity, and our cherished spiritual values throughout the Canadian diaspora.

In a world where children are often overwhelmed by the pace and challenges of modern society, the Church remains the place where they learn the peace of prayer, the beauty of Christian fellowship, and the joy of encountering Christ.

"The Light of Christ illumines all!" This light is the very essence of Christian education—a light that imparts not only knowledge but also forms character, strengthens faith, and prepares future generations to carry the Romanian Orthodox faith forward in Canada.

May Saint Venerable Theodora of Sihla continue to protect this blessed ministry and all the children and youth of the Romanian Orthodox Diocese of Canada, so that the next ten years may be equally fruitful in faith, love, and service.

As this anniversary edition ends, we offer our deepest thanksgiving, above all, to our gracious God, who blessed every day of the camp and poured out His grace upon all who participated.

The final whistle has sounded on the 10th edition! May God grant that we meet again, healthy and joyful, at future editions of the Saint Theodora of Sihla Summer Camp.

(notes by Carmen Ognean)