Fr. Chris Shadid

Camp Director

Fr. Chris has been at AV since he was a 10 year-old camper in 1998. He loves the Village and especially loves playing angleball! In his free time, you can find him spending time with his wife, Sophia, his adorable dogs, Belle and Louie, and especially, Luke Gabriel, Nora Marie, and Matthew Stephen.

Very Rev. Protopresbyter Stephen Loposky

Camp Director & Chancellor

Fr. Stephen Loposky is a dedicated priest of the American Carpatho-Russian Orthodox Diocese of North America (ACROD), known for his longstanding commitment to pastoral ministry, youth development, and Camp Staff development. 

He was ordained to the holy priesthood on July 12, 1998, by His Eminence, Metropolitan Nicholas (Smisko) of blessed memory, then the ruling Hierarch of the Diocese. Following his ordination, Fr. Stephen served as parish priest at St. Mary’s Orthodox Church in Corning, New York, for 11 years, nurturing the spiritual life of his community from 1998 to 2009.

In 2009, he was appointed Administrator and Camp Director of Camp Nazareth, the Diocesan youth camp, and Conference and Retreat Center located in Mercer, Pennsylvania. Under his leadership, Camp Nazareth has continued to serve as a vital hub for Orthodox youth programs, retreats, and family events on its expansive 289-acre grounds.

Fr. Stephen was also appointed Youth Director of the Diocese and later assumed the role of Chancellor, balancing these responsibilities alongside his ongoing duties as Camp Director.

Fr. Stephen is married and has four children. He and his family live in Mercer, Pennsylvania at Camp Nazareth.

Camping Ministry-Session 1: “Navigating the Tough Stuff: Camper & Staff Conduct in a Faithful and Pastoral Framework”

This session equips camp directors, clergy, and counselors with practical tools to address behavioral challenges and values conflicts in a spiritually grounded way. Through real-life scenarios and Orthodox best practices, participants will learn how to respond to hot-button issues with clarity, compassion, and consistency—ensuring camp remains a safe and formative space for all.

Camping Ministry-Session 2: “Called to Serve: Recruiting and Retaining Faithful Camp Leaders”

Youth Ministry-Session 1: “Beyond the Calendar: Building Souls, Not Just Schedules”

Youth ministry is more than events—it’s about forming young Orthodox Christians. This session will help parish leaders reimagine their ministry as a continuation of catechesis and a support for the “little Church” in the home. Participants will evaluate their current programs and explore how to create experiences that foster true fellowship, spiritual depth, and lasting transformation.

Youth Ministry-Session 2: “Parents as Partners in Youth Spiritual Formation.”

Families are essential to youth formation. This session will offer practical ways to connect parish youth ministry with family life, including five actionable strategies to engage parents and support faith practices at home. Learn how to equip families to live Orthodoxy daily and extend the impact of parish ministry beyond church walls.