Orthodox Outreach and Evangelization At Annual Scouting Jamboree

Tuesday, July 28, 2026

GLEN JEAN, WV  [Eastern Orthodox Christian Committee on Scouting] -- On Sunday, July 26, The Very Rev. Fr. Michael Chendorain (St. John the Baptist, Perth Amboy), Dean of ACROD New Jersey Deanery, celebrated the Divine Liturgy representing the Eastern Orthodox Committee on Scouting and our Diocese at the National Scouting Jamboree in Glen Jean, WV.  There were 100 scouts/Scouters from all over the country in attendance.  Many Orthodox scouts and several young scouts who were catechumens or searching for a church were amongst those present.

Fr. Michael was assisted in the responses by John Paterakis, a chapter from the Greek Archdiocesan Cathedral in NYC and Cindi Dzuback from Potomac, MD) who was also volunteering at the jamboree.

In his homily, using the Jamboree theme 'Elevate', Fr. Michael reminded those present to 'use the opportunities Scouting provides to elevate our fellow man.  And in our relationship with God to use these moments like this to elevate ourselves."

After the liturgy, Fr. Michael distributed antidoron and special commemorative patches he commissioned for the event.  Several scouts and adults stayed behind to ask questions about Orthodoxy which was a wonderful end to a lovely event.  Fr. Michael wishes to express thanks to those Diocesan faithful who supported this event with their generosity.