Blogs
“Navigating the Storm: Discovering God’s Serenity Amid the Chaos of Negative News and Social Media”
In our increasingly interconnected world, we are bombarded with news and information from around the globe. While staying informed is crucial, the constant stream of negative news and the addictive nature of social media can leave us feeling overwhelmed and anxious. As Orthodox Christians, how can we find God’s peace and calm amid this chaos? Embrace Silence and Solitude In the Orthodox Christian tradition, silence and solitude are highly valued. The desert fathers and mothers of the early church sought to draw them closer to God. Amid a world filled with noise and distractions, finding moments of silence can be a powerful way to connect with God’s peace. Set aside time each day for prayer and reflection, away from the noise of social media and negative news. This helps you center yourself, offer your concerns to God, and seek His guidance. Remember the words of the psalmist: “Be still and know that I am God” (Psalm 46:10). Practice Gratitude In times of adversity and negativity, it is easy to lose sight of the blessings around us. Orthodox Christianity encourages us to cultivate a heart of gratitude. Even amid difficult circumstances, there is always something to be thankful for. Take time each day to count your blessings. Start a gratitude journal to write down what you are thankful for. This practice can help shift your focus from negative news to the positive aspects of life, reminding you of God’s goodness and providence. Filter Your Media Consumption While staying informed about the world is important, it’s equally important to be discerning about the media we consume. Not all news sources are created equal, and some may lean toward sensationalism and negativity. Seek out reliable news outlets that prioritize balanced reporting, and avoid constantly consuming distressing news. Limit your time on social media platforms that foster anxiety and division. Consider taking breaks from social media altogether, especially during times of crisis, to regain your inner peace. Engage in Acts of Kindness Orthodox Christianity teaches us the importance of love and compassion toward others. When we focus solely on negative news and social media, it’s easy to become self-absorbed and disconnected from the needs of those around us. One way to find God’s peace is to actively engage in acts of kindness and service to others. By helping those in need, we can shift our focus from our concerns to the well-being of others. In doing so, we participate in God’s work of love and find deep fulfillment and tranquility. Trust in God’s Providence As Orthodox Christians, we ultimately believe in God’s providence and sovereignty over all things. Although the world may seem chaotic and unpredictable, we can trust that God is in control and that He works all things for the good of those who love Him (Romans 8:28). In times of uncertainty and distress, turn to prayer and trust in God’s loving care. Remember the words of Christ: “Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid” (John 14:27). Finding God’s peace and calm amid negative world news and the impact of social media on our daily lives requires intentionality and faith. By embracing silence, practicing gratitude, filtering our media consumption, engaging in acts of kindness, and trusting in God’s providence, we can navigate the challenges of our modern world while preserving our spiritual well-being. In doing so, we become beacons of God’s peace, offering hope and solace to those around us during turbulent times.
Learning to Love God: Holy Trinity Summer Camp 2026
Holy Trinity Serbian Orthodox Church, St. Lois June 2–4, 2026 Christ is in our midst! With gratitude to God, Holy Trinity Serbian Orthodox Church in St. Louis successfully concluded another joyful and spiritually enriching Summer Camp for our children, held June 2–4, 2026. Over three wonderful days, our campers had a unique opportunity to grow in their Orthodox faith while building friendships and creating lasting memories. This year’s camp focused on the Ten Commandments, helping children learn how God’s commandments guide us in living faithful Christian lives. Through engaging lessons, discussions, singing, games, and hands-on activities, the children deepened their understanding of what it means to put God first in their lives. A highlight of this year’s camp was the participation of Fathers Vladimir and Bojan, along with Protodeacon Jovan, who shared their knowledge, faith, and love for Christ with our young people. Their thoughtful presentations, discussions, and singing left a lasting impression on the children, who eagerly participated and asked insightful questions throughout the camp. The children also enjoyed Serbian language instruction, learning the Cyrillic alphabet, traditional kolo dancing, outdoor games, fellowship, and many delicious meals and snacks prepared by our dedicated volunteers. Throughout the week, the campers demonstrated enthusiasm, kindness, respect, and a sincere desire to deepen their understanding of their Orthodox faith. Although Fr. Radovan was unable to attend due to a family emergency, his presence was felt through the excellent curriculum he prepared on the Ten Commandments. Each child received a copy of the booklet he created, which served as the foundation for many of the camp’s lessons and discussions. This year’s camp was made possible by the generosity and dedication of many faithful volunteers who gave countless hours of service. We extend our sincere gratitude to everyone who helped organize, teach, cook, lead activities, capture memories, prepare materials, and support the camp in any way. Your love and commitment helped create a Christ-centered environment where our children could learn, grow, and experience the beauty of Orthodox Christian fellowship. We are especially grateful to our parents for entrusting their children to us and for making church camp a priority during a busy summer. Your support enables our youth ministry to continue planting seeds of faith that, with God’s help, will bear fruit for years to come. As another successful camp ends, we thank God for His blessings and pray that the lessons learned, friendships formed, and memories made will remain in our children’s hearts throughout the year. We invite everyone to enjoy the camp photo gallery and relive some of the wonderful moments from these three special days. Most importantly, we pray that our campers will remember the week’s central lesson: to love God, trust God, and place Him first in every part of their lives. Check out our photos from camp! https://photos.app.goo.gl/BsiHv2VN3FS85DxZ9 With love in Christ, Holy Trinity Sunday School
A Successful Summer Day Camp Program at St. George Serbian Orthodox Church in Schererville
A Fun-Filled Adventure of Faith, Friendship, and Learning What a wonderful adventure we shared at the St. George Serbian Orthodox Church Summer Day Camp on June 4–5, 2026! Our camp began with an exciting day at the beautiful YMCA Triangle Hills & Retreat Center in Crown Point. Surrounded by nature and scenic views, the children spent the day enjoying outdoor activities, making new friends, and creating lasting memories. Campers challenged themselves on the climbing wall, practiced their archery, played games, and explored the outdoors together. On Friday, the fun continued right here on the grounds of St. George Church. While the children thoroughly enjoyed both days of camp, many said their favorite part was spending time together at their church. The day was filled with engaging activities, including Martin’s Service, a first-aid and hygiene presentation, a religion lesson, lunch, and a special question-and-answer session with Fr. Radovan. One of the highlights of the day was the petting zoo, where campers met and fed a variety of animals. The children also enjoyed sports, playground time, an exciting water balloon fight, and a refreshing ice cream treat to end the day. Throughout the camp, our young participants learned valuable lessons in faith, friendship, health, and service while enjoying plenty of fun and fellowship. Most importantly, they experienced the joy of being together as part of the St. George church family. We are grateful to all the volunteers, presenters, parents, and supporters who helped make this year’s camp a great success. The kids had an absolute blast, and we are already looking forward to next year’s Summer Day Camp! Thank you to everyone who made these two days so special. We can’t wait to do it again!