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As announced earlier, the Fellowship of Orthodox Christians in America [FOCA] is preparing to host it’s 91st National Convention in Hershey, PA over Labor Day weekend—September 1-4, 2017. A youth program will be held concurrently with the main schedule of events taking place at the Sheraton Harrisburg Hershey Hotel in nearby Harrisburg.
“The youth schedule begins in the evening on Friday, September 1 with ‘Sweet Beginnings… A Meet and Greet Social,’ during which the FOCA Youth Council team will present the full schedule of activities for the weekend,” said Priest Benjamin Tucci, FOCA Junior Department Director. “On Saturday, September 2, youth participants will have an opportunity to pray with His Eminence Archbishop Michael, Archbishop of New York, Diocese of New York and New Jersey, who also will lead a discussion on ‘Gratitude and Giving.’ The rest of the day will be spent at Hershey Park for rides and fellowship. That evening, the youth will have a pizza party and attend the concert presented by The Tamburitzans, formerly known as the Duquesne University Tamburitzans.”
On Sunday, September 3, His Beatitude, Metropolitan Tikhon will celebrate the Hierarchical Divine Liturgy, along with Archbishop Michael and Bishop David, Bishop of Sitka and Alaska. “Bishop Michael and the youth will then assemble backpacks with school supplies for local charities to distribute to children in need. The afternoon will be spent at the Turkey Hill Ice Cream Factory, with plenty of samples before returning to the convention hotel for the grand banquet and dance,” said Father Benjamin.
The youth program will conclude on Monday, September 4, with breakfast and prayers for safe travel home.
Father Benjamin added that the cost of the youth program is only $120.00 per participant. All activities and entrance fees are included. Registration and payment options are available on-line, as are hotel reservations. For further information please contact Father Benjamin at frbentucci@gmail.com.
