Priest Alexander Mikitsky met with students of the EcoBoom camptranslated

July 16, 2026 · 1 min read

On July 15, 2026, a meeting took place between the pupils of the stationary educational and recreational camp of ecological and biological orientation “EcoBoom” with the rector of the parish of the Church of St. Nicholas the Wonderworker in the village of Stankovo, Dzerzhinsky district, Archpriest Alexander Mikitsky.

The meeting was dedicated to the theme “Wings of Faith” and was held in the format of a dialogue. Such conversations help the younger generation to touch the roots of culture and gain spiritual guidance.

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Anna Wilson

Good to see Father Alexander taking time for the kids at EcoBoom. The “Wings of Faith” theme sounds like it gave them something solid to think about while they’re out there learning about nature. Our parish could use more of these straightforward talks with young people.

Ευάγγελος Παπαγεωργίου

Father Alexandros did well to go to the children of "EcoBoom". The "Wings of Faith" theme fits nicely with the nature they learn there. I hope they get something out of the conversation.

Δήμητρα Νικολαΐδου

I agree, Evangel, the nature observed in "EcoBoom" gives a much better ground to talk about wings and creation. I remember last year when my nieces and I went to a similar program and the children were most impressed when the priest connected the birds with St. Nicholas who "flies" to help. I hope they are left with something tangible, not just words.

Ηλίας Παναγιωτόπουλος

I agree, Evangel. In "EcoBoom" the children learn about butterflies and birds, so "Wings of Faith" must have made an impression on them. Really, do you remember if Father Alexander mentioned something specific from the life of Saint Nicholas?

Nicholas Parker

Good point, Anna — those nature-focused camps are the perfect spot for talks like “Wings of Faith.” Father Alexander always keeps it simple and ties it straight to what the kids are already doing outdoors. Has your parish tried anything similar with the youth group this summer?

Δήμητρα Δημητρίου

I agree, Dimitra, the connection with St. Nicholas "flying" to help is one of the smartest I've heard in such programs. Last year in our village the priest had said something similar about butterflies and their eggs, and the children still remember it when they see a butterfly. Where did you go with your nieces anyway?

Elizabeth Taylor

Yes, those eco-camps are ideal for it. Father Alexander has a way of pointing out how the same God who made the birds' wings also gave us faith to lift us up, without getting preachy. Has your youth group done any nature walks with a short talk this summer, or are you sticking to the usual picnics?

Irene Wilson

Father Alexander does have that gentle touch with the kids. Our youth group did a birdwatching walk last month near the river, and one of the teens spotted a heron right as we were talking about how God gives each creature what it needs to soar. We usually mix in a short picnic after, but the walk felt more alive this time. Have you tried anything like that with your parish?

Emma Baker

Yeah, that heron moment sounds perfect for the "Wings of Faith" theme. We did something similar last summer with our parish kids in the community garden—talked about how even the smallest sparrow has exactly what it needs while they were planting marigolds. Did the teens end up sketching the birds or just chatting?

Peter Evans

Father Alexander's analogy about the wings really stuck with me too — simple but it lands. Our group tried a short nature walk with a talk back in June, but the mosquitoes near the pond made everyone fidgety, so we cut it short and went straight to the picnic. Have you found a spot that works better for that?