05/20/2026
2026 ByzanTEEN Spring Hike – Prepare the Way 🥾🌿
On Saturday, May 16th, the Office of Youth and Young Adult Ministry hosted the 2026 Spring ByzanTEEN Hike at the Wildflower Reserve at Raccoon Creek State Park in Clinton, PA. ☀️ The theme for this hike was “Prepare the Way,” based on Matthew 3:3. 📖
Activities began with prayer, led by Father Tyler Wisniewski (St. John Chrysostom and St. John the Baptist Byzantine Catholic Churches, both in Pittsburgh), followed by a get-to-know-you game led by Viktoria Zolnova, the Archeparchy of Pittsburgh’s Youth and Young Adult Ministry Coordinator.
Blessed with pleasant weather 🌤️, the group then set off on the trail, pausing occasionally for prayer 🙏, scripture, and brief reflections from Father Tyler on the true meaning of repentance and practical ways to cultivate the fruit of the Holy Spirit in daily life. Stops included the historic Hungerford Cabin 🏡, a vernal pool, the banks of Raccoon Creek 🌊, and Shafer’s Rock. Along the way, the beauty of God’s creation 🌸🕊️ (including wildflowers, birds, small mammals, and even a northern ring-necked snake 🐍!) served as a remarkable backdrop for friendship and prayer, resulting in a memorable excursion for all.
The hike concluded with packed lunches 🥪 and a visit to the Wildflower Reserve Interpretive Center, complete with a story from the naturalist of an extremely rare albino raccoon 🦝 whose descendants are still found in the park today.
Many thanks to all who attended this event and to Father Tyler for accompanying us on the journey and blessing us with his spiritual guidance along the way. 🙏 The 2026 Fall ByzanTEEN Hike and Cookout will be on Saturday, September 12th. 🔥
More information about upcoming youth and young adult events in the archeparchy can be found at archpitt.org.
