Orthodox Christian Fellowship

January 2012 Headliner Newsletter Released

admin — Tue, 24 Jan 2012 20:26:00 GMT

ORTHODOX CHRISTIAN FELLOWSHIP

“Keeping our College Students Connected to the Church”

January 2012 Issue of Headliner Newsletter Released

Brookline, MA – January 24, 2012 - The January 2012 issue of The Headliner, the monthly online newsletter of the Orthodox Christian Fellowship (OCF) has been released.

Click Here To Read The January 2012 Headliner

View Past Issues of The Headliner

WCC NEWS: Apply now: Stewards Programme 2012

admin — Tue, 17 Jan 2012 16:09:00 GMT

BROOKLINE, MA - The North American Office has received the following information from the World Council of Churches, that may be of interest to Orthodox College Students.

Young Christians from around the world are invited to apply to the WCC Stewards Programme for a hands-on learning experience at the WCC Central Committee meeting, 23 August – 7 September 2012, in Crete, Greece. Applicants must be between the age of 18-30 years.

During the meetings stewards will work in the areas of worship, conference room, documentation, press office, sound, and other administrative and support tasks.

The Central Committee of the World Council of Churches meets every 18 months to monitor and set directions to the Council's work. The meeting brings together about 150 church representatives, advisers and observers from WCC member churches and associated organizations worldwide. Twenty-five stewards will help to make this event happen.

Before the meetings, stewards follow an ecumenical learning programme which exposes them to the key issues of the ecumenical movement worldwide. The last phase of the stewards programme, following the meeting, focuses on designing ecumenical projects which stewards will implement back home.

Being a steward means hard work, but it is also a unique ecumenical experience of togetherness with young people from different churches, countries and cultures.

Applicants are invited to send in the completed application form to the WCC youth desk no later than 15 March 2012.

The World Council of Churches promotes Christian unity in faith, witness and service for a just and peaceful world. An The The World Council of Churches is an ecumenical fellowship of churches founded in 1948, today the WCC brings together 349 Protestant, Orthodox, Anglican and other churches representing more than 560 million Christians in over 110 countries, and works cooperatively with the Roman Catholic Church. The WCC general secretary is Rev. Dr Olav Fykse Tveit, from the [Lutheran] Church of Norway. Headquarters: Geneva, Switzerland.

More information on the WCC stewards programme

Download the information brochure (pdf, 400 KB)

Download the application form as pdf (150 KB) or as MS Word document (80 KB)

OCF Board of Directors Holds Fall Meeting

admin — Thu, 22 Dec 2011 21:44:00 GMT

Brookline, MA -- The Orthodox Christian Fellowship [OCF] Board of Directors held its fall meeting December 1-2, 2011, at its new North American Office, headquartered at Hellenic College here.

A major focus of the meeting was a proposed restructuring of the chaplain and student leadership structure of OCF. OCF’s North American Chaplain, Father Michael Nasser explained, “Recognizing a need for enhanced communication and support between the local chapters of OCF and the North American Office, we are developing a new tiered structure that will facilitate a more effective ministry to college students. The new vision utilizes students, clergy chaplains, lay coordinators, and college faculty on district and regional levels to implement OCF resources and programs, which in turn will strengthen the efforts of the local chapters.”

With the full support of the Board, Father Michael and the OCF staff will continue to gather input on this comprehensive design by hosting several informational meetings in the coming months, with the hope of piloting the model in September 2012.

In the process of reevaluating OCF’s organizational framework and the Board’s exploration of new administrative structures, Executive Director, Jennifer Nahas and North Carolina Triangle Director, John Stonestreet completed a comprehensive review of OCF’s activities in the region. Ultimately, it was decided to suspend the specialized NC Triangle program. However, local chapters will continue to function in the area. Mr. Stonestreet has been a faithful servant to campus ministry, and we thank him for his years of dedication to the college students of the NC Triangle.

The board enthusiastically approved the development of an OCF Alumni Network. This new effort, spearheaded by Michael Andrzejewski, a 2011 OCF graduate from the University of Connecticut, will investigate ways for OCF alumni to support campus ministry. The Alumni Network will begin its work in early 2012.

Father Mark Leondis, OCF Board Chairman, thanked the students, staff and board members for their tireless work. He remarked, “OCF’s stability as an organization is a direct result of the efforts of its students, clergy, and lay leaders, and we look forward to growing our Board in order to continue serving the needs of Orthodox college students.”

Board nominations are currently open and recommendations for membership should be directed to the North American Office.

Orthodox Christian Fellowship is the official collegiate campus ministry program under the North American Assembly of Canonical Orthodox Bishops. Its mission is to support fellowships on college campuses, whose members experience and witness to the Orthodox Christian Church through community life, prayer, service to others and study of the Faith. Its headquarters is located in Brookline, Mass. and supports more than 300 local university chapters across North America. In addition, it provides a variety of thoughtful and innovative programming, including regional training, annual conferences, and domestic and international service learning programs.

Registration For 2012 Real Break Trips Opens Today at 3 PM

admin — Thu, 22 Dec 2011 09:26:00 GMT

ORTHODOX CHRISTIAN FELLOWSHIP

“Keeping our College Students Connected to the Church”

Registration For 2012 Real Break Trips Opens Today

Brookline, MA – Dec. 21, 2011 Registration for Orthodox Christian Fellowship's (OCF) 2012 Real Break trips opens today at 3 p.m. EST at www.ocf.net/realbreak!

Entering its 11th year, OCF's Real Break continues to offer transformative, priest-led trips, both domestically and internationally. This year, trips have been organized throughout the months of February and March 2012 to the following locations: Constantinople, Romania, Guatemala, Toronto, Project Mexico, and Houston.

Each year, hundreds of thousands of college students in North America travel during their spring break for, oftentimes, empty experiences. OCF offers annual Real Break trips as spring break alternatives that provide life-changing and spiritually edifying opportunities to do "something real."

"Caring for orphaned infants in Guatemala, building homes for the homeless in Mexico and the hurricane devastated Gulf Coast, and restoring Churches in the Holy City of Constantinople -- it doesn't get more real than this. Students are provided an opportunity to encounter Christ and His love through serving those in need

[DPZ1] ," said John Mahfouz, OCF Director of North American Programs.

Since its inception in 2001, more than 1,000 college students have taken advantage of the opportunity to spend their week long break serving others and growing in their Orthodox Christian faith.

For more details regarding OCF Real Break 2012, a fundraising guide, and to register, please visit www.ocf.net/realbreak.

February 18 - 25, 2012

Real Break - Toronto, $1,100

February 25 - March 3, 2012

Real Break - Houston, $700.00

March 2/3 - 10, 2012

Real Break - Constantinople, $2,000

Real Break - Guatemala, $1,300

March 10 - 17, 2012

Real Break - Guatemala, $1,300
Real Break - Romania, $1,600

March 17 - 24, 2012

Real Break - Project Mexico, $1,000

March 24 - 31, 2012

Real Break - Houston II, $700.00

December 2011 Headliner Newsletter Released

admin — Mon, 19 Dec 2011 09:45:00 GMT

ORTHODOX CHRISTIAN FELLOWSHIP

“Keeping our College Students Connected to the Church”

December 2011 Issue of Headliner Newsletter Released

Brookline, MA – December 19, 2011 - The December 2011 issue of The Headliner, the monthly online newsletter of the Orthodox Christian Fellowship (OCF) has been released.

Click Here to Read December Headliner

View Past Issues of The Headliner

Early Bird Registration Extended/Conference Speakers Announced

admin — Fri, 16 Dec 2011 16:17:00 GMT

ORTHODOX CHRISTIAN FELLOWSHIP

“Keeping our College Students Connected to the Church”

Early Bird Registration Extended/Conference Speakers Announced

Brookline, MA – December 15, 2011

The Early Bird Registration Deadline with discounted registration fee has been extended to Dec 20, 2011. All who have not yet registered are urged to register now.

In related news, the complete list of College Conference presenters and workshop speakers has also been released today. The following are the list of speakers for each conference:

East:
Keynote: Bishop Michael Dahulich
Workshop Speakers:
Fr. Antony Bahou
Fr. Mefodii
Fr. Anthony Messeh
Sister Ignatia
Katrina Bitar
Kenneth Kidd
Niko Tzetzis

South:
Keynote: Fr. Michael Nasser
Workshop Speakers:
Fr. Anthony Salzman

West:
Keynote: Metropolitan Jonah Paffhausen
Workshop Speakers:
Fr. Lawrence Russell
Fr. Jason Roll
Paul Gikas
Margo Kelly

For more information and to register Click Here

Greeks, Jews and Hanukkah: A Story That Still Needs To Be Told

admin — Wed, 07 Dec 2011 15:31:00 GMT

ORTHODOX CHRISTIAN FELLOWSHIP

“Keeping our College Students Connected to the Church”

Greeks, Jews and Hanukkah: A Story That Still Needs To Be Told

Brookline, MA – December 7, 2011

Orthodox College Students in the Greater Boston area are invited to attend a panel discussion at Hebrew College in Newton, MA featuring Jewish and Greek Orthodox Theologians on the topic Greeks, Jews and Hanukkah: A Story That Still Needs To Be Told

Come enjoy an evening of conversation, music, and food on Thursday, December 15, 2011 at 6:45 p.m. at Hebrew College, 160 Herrick Rd. Newton, Massachusetts 02459

For thousands of years, the Greek and Jewish worlds have made an indelible impact on each other's history, culture, and faith.

Please join AJC Boston and the Greek Orthodox Metropolis of Boston as we explore the historic roots that bind together our peoples and examine how the encounter between Greeks and Jews transformed our world.

Panel discussion with Shaye J.D. Cohen, Littauer Professor of Hebrew Literature and Philosophy, Harvard University
and Fr. George Dragas, Professor of Patristics, Holy Cross Greek Orthodox School of Theology

Jewish music performed by Deiskeit, The Brandeis Klezmer Ensemble, and Greek music will also be featured.

Participants are kindly asked to RSVP by registering online: http://www.ajcboston.org/Hanukkah

Light refreshments will be served. Jewish dietary laws observed. Free parking available. T accessible.

Scholarships Are Still Available For College Conference

admin — Tue, 06 Dec 2011 11:50:00 GMT

ORTHODOX CHRISTIAN FELLOWSHIP

“Keeping our College Students Connected to the Church”

Scholarships Are Still Available For 2011 College Conference

Brookline, MA – December 6, 2011

Scholarships are still available for the 2011 College Conferences. Interested students are urged to apply during the on-line registration process at events.ocf.net. Please note that the deadline for the early-bird discount rate is Dec 15, 2011.

The conferences will be held during Christmas Break in three locations: St. Nicholas Ranch in Dunlap, Calif.; Antiochian Village in Bolivar, Pa.; and the Diakonia Center in Salem, S.C., each centering on Orthodox Christian Fellowship's (OCF) theme for the year - "Raise Me Above This World's Confusion."

College Conference West

St. Nicholas Ranch - Dunlap, Calif.

December 27-30, 2011

Earlybird rate until Dec. 15: $215 - Regular: $240

Keynote speaker - Fr. Josiah Trenham, Pastor of St. Andrew Orthodox Church, Riverside, Calif.

College Conference East

Antiochian Village - Bolivar, Pa.

December 28-31, 2011

Earlybird rate until Dec. 15: $240 - Regular: $265

Keynote speaker - His Grace Bishop Michael Dahulich, Bishop of New York and the Diocese of New York & New Jersey in the Orthodox Church in America

College Conference South

Diakonia Center - Salem, S.C.

December 28-31, 2011

Earlybird rate until Dec. 15: $210 - Regular: $235

Keynote speaker - Fr. Michael Nasser, Pastor of Holy Apostles Orthodox Mission in Bowling Green, Ky.

Annually, nearly 400 college students from across North America participate in College Conference to learn and grow closer in their Orthodox Faith in an exemplary display of pan-Orthodox fellowship. Each four-day conference includes a prominent keynote speaker, along with workshops led by clergy and lay leaders who are experts in their related fields. Featured workshop topics will include Understanding Orthodoxy, Comparative Religions, Practicing Your Faith, Contemporary Issues in Orthodoxy, Dating and Personal Relationship, and Serving, defined as "Seeing God in Others."

For more information, call the North American Office at 1-800-919-1623. To register, visit events.ocf.net.

The Prayer of the Heart: Giving Birth to Christ

admin — Mon, 05 Dec 2011 14:39:00 GMT

ORTHODOX CHRISTIAN FELLOWSHIP

“Keeping our College Students Connected to the Church”

The Prayer of the Heart: Giving Birth to Christ

Boston, MA – December 4, 2011 - An Advent gathering is being hosted on Monday Dec 12, 2011 at Annunciation Cathedral in Boston/Roxbury Crossing, MA. Following Vespers, the The Reverend Hieromonk Iakovos of Mount Athos will give a talk entitled "The Prayer of the Heart: Giving Birth to Christ" A light supper will follow in the parish hall. All students and Orthodox faithful are cordially invited to attend. The event is free and is open to the public.

Schedule: Monday, December 12, 2011
6:30 Vespers
7:00 Lecture from Fr. Iakovos and discussion to follow
8:00 Dinner in the Cathedral’s Lower Hall

Annunciation Cathedral
514 Parker Street
Boston/Roxbury Crossing, MA 02120.

The Cathedral is easily accessible for students without cars on the Green E Line that will let you off at the Museum Exit at Ruggles Street and Huntington Avenue.

RSVP at (617) 731-6633 or through email at frcleopas@gmail.com by Thursday, December 8th, so that dinner accommodation can be made.

Holy Resurrection OCF Coffee House

admin — Sun, 04 Dec 2011 19:01:00 GMT

ORTHODOX CHRISTIAN FELLOWSHIP

“Keeping our College Students Connected to the Church”

Holy Resurrection OCF Coffee House to Be Held December 9, 2011

Allston, MA – December 4, 2011 - Hellenic College/Holy Cross OCF is sponsoring a Christmas Coffee House on Friday Dec 9, 2011 at 9:00 pm at Holy Resurrection Orthodox Church 64 Harvard Avenue, Allston, MA.

All OCF'RS are invited to Take a break from their studying and come out for their festive, end-of-the-semester, Christmas coffeehouse! There will be tasty holiday drinks and goodies, live Christmas and other music, and maybe even a little Christmas carol karaoke ! Admission is $2 at the door or canned good donations for the church's food pantry (there is definitely a need for food this time of year). So spread the word and come out for the event. Additional performers are needed and welcomed.

For more information please contact Sam Williams at w.sam.williams@gmail.com or visit the Holy Resurrection Coffee House Facebook Page.

November Headliner Released

admin — Wed, 23 Nov 2011 21:05:00 GMT

ORTHODOX CHRISTIAN FELLOWSHIP

“Keeping our College Students Connected to the Church”

November 2011 Issue of Headliner Newsletter Released

Brookline, MA – November 21, 2011 - The November 2011 issue of The Headliner , the monthly online newsletter of the Orthodox Christian Fellowship (OCF) has been released.

Click Here to Read November Headliner

View Past Issues of The Headliner

OCF At UMBC to Host Lecture By Dr. Gayle Woloschak

admin — Tue, 01 Nov 2011 22:55:00 GMT

ORTHODOX CHRISTIAN FELLOWSHIP

“Keeping our College Students Connected to the Church”

OCF At UMBC to Host Lecture By Dr. Gayle Woloschak

Brookline, MA – November 1, 2011

On Monday, 14 November at 7:00pm, Orthodox Christian and world-renowned scientist Dr. Gayle Woloschak will
be speaking on the relationship between science and faith and how they affect our opinions, beliefs, and ways of thinking. This event will take place in the University of Maryland Baltimore Campus Ballroom and a followup discussion will be held on Tuesday, the 15th. For more information, please contact umbcocf@gmail.com.

Registration Now Open For 2011 College Conference

admin — Tue, 18 Oct 2011 01:27:00 GMT

ORTHODOX CHRISTIAN FELLOWSHIP

“Keeping our College Students Connected to the Church”

Registration Now Open For 2011 College Conference

Brookline, MA – October 17, 2011

Registration for the 2011 College Conferences is now open at events.ocf.net. The conferences will be held during Christmas Break in three locations: St. Nicholas Ranch in Dunlap, Calif.; Antiochian Village in Bolivar, Pa.; and the Diakonia Center in Salem, S.C., each centering on Orthodox Christian Fellowship's (OCF) theme for the year - "Raise Me Above This World's Confusion."

OCF College Conference's are planned and executed by a committee of college students who desire to provide their peers with an enjoyable and edifying experience.

"College Conference is a great opportunity for college students to take time away from their busy academic and social lives and concentrate on developing their spiritual lives by learning from clergymen and great speakers, and by engaging with other Orthodox students from across the country. This year's theme, 'Raise Me Above This World's Confusion,' encourages discussion of how to live in today's society while living an Orthodox life," says Tanya Schillawski, College Conference East Coordinator and sophomore at Northeastern University.

"Following Christ's example of taking time to retreat, OCF's College Conference provides a place for Orthodox Christian college students to refresh their worn down body and soul," says John Mahfouz, Director of North American Programs. "Students spend four days being nourished in a loving community through edifying lectures and discussions, Church services, and exciting activities."

A limited number of scholarships are available and offered, by each jurisdiction on a first-come, first-served basis.

For more information, call the North American Office at 1-800-919-1623. To register, visit events.ocf.net.

College Conference West

St. Nicholas Ranch - Dunlap, Calif.

December 27-30, 2011

Earlybird rate until Dec. 15: $215 - Regular: $240

Keynote speaker - Fr. Josiah Trenham, Pastor of St. Andrew Orthodox Church, Riverside, Calif.

College Conference East

Antiochian Village - Bolivar, Pa.

December 28-31, 2011

Earlybird rate until Dec. 15: $240 - Regular: $265

Keynote speaker - His Grace Bishop Michael Dahulich, Bishop of New York and the Diocese of New York & New Jersey in the Orthodox Church in America

College Conference South

Diakonia Center - Salem, S.C.

December 28-31, 2011

Earlybird rate until Dec. 15: $210 - Regular: $235

Keynote speaker - Fr. Michael Nasser, Pastor of Holy Apostles Orthodox Mission in Bowling Green, Ky.

October 2011 Issue of Headliner Newsletter Released

admin — Mon, 17 Oct 2011 22:21:00 GMT

ORTHODOX CHRISTIAN FELLOWSHIP

“Keeping our College Students Connected to the Church”

September 2011 Issue of Headliner Newsletter Released

Brookline, MA – October 17, 2011 - The October 2011 issue of The Headliner , the monthly online newsletter of the Orthodox Christian Fellowship (OCF) has been released.

Click Here to Read Oct Headliner

View Past Issues of The Headliner

OCF launches October as Orthodox Awareness Month

admin — Tue, 11 Oct 2011 22:02:00 GMT

ORTHODOX CHRISTIAN FELLOWSHIP

“Keeping our College Students Connected to the Church”

OCF Launches October as Orthodox Awareness Month

Brookline, MA – October 11, 2011

Orthodox Christian Fellowship (OCF) presents October as Orthodox Awareness Month, an OCF effort to foster awareness of Orthodoxy and educate students on college campuses across North America.

Throughout the month of October, OCF chapters are encouraged to set up informational tables on campus, offer Orthodoxy 101 sessions, host speakers and facilitate intriguing chapter events, which feature a church service or religious discussion as well as fellowship.

"Liturgy, translated as 'the work of the people,' is not limited to the church building," says John Mahfouz, National Programs Director. "For Orthodox Christians, our call is to leave the church and continue the 'Divine Work' of bringing Christ to others; of sharing the sweetness of His love which is found in the teachings of our Holy Fathers, with those around us. For a College Student, the Liturgy continues on campus!"

Students and OCF advisers are encouraged to visit www.ocf.net in order to download the Orthodox Awareness Month Guidebook, which contains a step-by-step guide to tabling on campus, potential Orthodox 101 session topics, chapter event ideas, and OCF North American Programs, as well as the OCF logo and other resources. Also included is a packet entitled, "Presenting Orthodoxy," containing helpful facts about Orthodoxy and the answers to frequently asked questions.

For more information, call the North American Office at 1-800-919-1623 or visit ocf.net.

Bishop Thomas Meets With Kansas City Area OCF Students

admin — Tue, 11 Oct 2011 12:59:00 GMT

ORTHODOX CHRISTIAN FELLOWSHIP

“Keeping our College Students Connected to the Church”

Bishop Thomas Meets With Kansas City Area OCF Students

Brookline, MA – October 11, 2011 - On Thursday, September 29, 2011, Bishop THOMAS of the Antiochian Archdiocese, who also leads the Youth Committee of the Assembly of Canonical Orthodox Bishops in North and Central America, visited the OCF at Kansas University in Lawrence, KS. His Grace was spending the week in the Kansas City area in effort to spread the ministry of OCF to more campuses and to offer his love and support to the students, clergy and laity of the area. The OCF chaplain is Fr. Joseph Longofono, and also attending were Fr. Elias Issa, the Chair of the Clergy Brotherhood of Kansas City, Fr. Joshua Lollar of St. Nicholas Church in Lawrence, KS, and Fr. Michael Nasser, OCF's North American Chaplain.

Connecticut OCF Members Meet With Metropolitan Jonah

admin — Mon, 10 Oct 2011 15:44:00 GMT

ORTHODOX CHRISTIAN FELLOWSHIP

“Keeping our College Students Connected to the Church”

Connecticut OCF Members Meet With Metropolitan Jonah

Brookline, MA – October 10, 2011 - On Saturday October 8, 2011, students and alumni from OCF chapters in Connecticut had the opportunity to meet informally with His Beatitude, Metropolitan Jonah, the First Hierarch of the Orthodox Church in America, at Sts. Peter and Paul Orthodox Church in Meriden, CT following the service of Great Vespers. His Beatitude, travelled to Sts Peter and Paul Parish, along with His Grace, Bishop Nikon of the Albanian Orthodox Archdiocese and the Diocese of New England of the OCA and His Grace Bishop Melchisidek of the OCA Diocese of Western PA to take part in the parish's 100th Anniversary celebration.

His Beatitude offered words of encouragement to the students who had gathered, reminding them of the unique opportunity they had on campus to witness to Orthodoxy, by themselves living an authentic Orthodox way of life. Upon learning from OCF Northeastern Regional Chaplain, Fr. Peter Paproski, who was also in attendance, that the month of October has been designated by OCF as Orthodox Awareness Month, Metropolitan Jonah offered many concrete suggestions as to how OCF chapters could bring awareness to Orthodoxy on Campus. His Beatitude suggested such venues on campus as hosting liturgical music concerts, lectures featuring Orthodox speakers with a strong committment to the faith and divine services.

The students present expressed their gratitude to Metropolitan Jonah for taking the time to meet with them and for offering his candid reflections on the challenges and opportunities facing Orthodox students on campus. His Beatitude, in return, expressed his firm committment to OCF and bestowed his blessing upon all those present, thanking them for their labors in providing an Orthodox Christian presence on their College Campus.

Fall Student Advisory Board & Regional Chaplains Meeting

admin — Mon, 03 Oct 2011 18:30:00 GMT

ORTHODOX CHRISTIAN FELLOWSHIP

“Keeping our College Students Connected to the Church”

Fall Student Advisory Board & Regional Chaplains Meeting!

Brookline, MA -- The OCF Student Advisory Board and Regional Chaplains, were hosted by His Eminence, Metropolitan Isaiah, the Episcopal Overseer of OCF at the Greek Orthodox Metropolis of Denver from Sept 22-25, 2011.

The chaplains and sab members met in individual and joint sessions to coordinate efforts to strengthen and expand the OCF college network throughout North America. They were joined by Executive Director, Jennifer Nahas and North American OCF office staff members.

View Photogallery of OCF Regional Chaplains' Meeting

View Photogallery of OCF Student Advisory Board Meeting

OCF Connect Kits Now Available at the OCF E-Store!

admin — Fri, 30 Sep 2011 20:01:00 GMT

ORTHODOX CHRISTIAN FELLOWSHIP

“Keeping our College Students Connected to the Church”

OCF Connect Kits Now Available at the OCF E-Store!

The Orthodox Christian Fellowship (OCF) is pleased to announce that it is once again offering the popular Connect Kits for sale at the OCF E-Store.

The OCF Connect Kits are the perfect gift for your favorite College student who is beginning a new academic year. They contain a variety of items including prayerbooks, icons, planners and other items to let them know you care and to keep them connected to Christ and His Holy Church.

Visit the OCF Estore and learn more about the Ocf Connect Kit Here

OCF to Expand Ministry to Kansas City Students

admin — Tue, 20 Sep 2011 22:29:00 GMT

ORTHODOX CHRISTIAN FELLOWSHIP

“Keeping our College Students Connected to the Church”

OCF to Expand Ministry to Kansas City Students

Brookline, MA – September 19, 2011

In keeping with its renewed focus of developing and sustaining local campus-based fellowships, the leadership of Orthodox Christian Fellowship (OCF) is excited to announce its latest ministry expansion, this time to the Kansas City metropolitan area.

From September 25-30, Bishop Thomas of the Antiochian Archdiocese and Fr. Michael Nasser, OCF's North American Chaplain, will visit with the clergy, students and Orthodox faithful in the Kansas City area. The goal of their trip is to assist the local clergy and laity in organizing an effective ministry to students studying at local colleges and universities.

"Living an Orthodox Christian life is not easy for anyone, but it's uniquely challenging these days for our Orthodox college students," stated Bishop Thomas. "I hope we can find ways to bring the Church's support and strength to them where and when they need it most."

Fr. Michael added his own interest in this expanded effort in the Kansas City area:

"One of things I enjoy most about my work is coming into an area where we've had little or no Orthodox presence on the local campuses and seeing the Orthodox churches in the area unite and mobilize to minister to both their own young people as well as the entire campus population."

OCF Executive Director Jennifer Nahas has facilitated the visit at the request of Fr. Elias Issa of St. Basil the Great Orthodox Church in Kansas City. Among the events being planned for the week are meetings with the local pan-Orthodox clergy brotherhood, college students and a "Town Hall" meeting for all interested in bringing the presence of the Orthodox Church to the area's college campuses. A visit is also planned to the existing OCF chapter at the University of Kansas in Lawrence, KS.

With numerous colleges and universities as well as technical and vocational schools in the area, Kansas City promises to be an important area for Orthodox campus ministry. Initial efforts will be focused on the region's three or four major campuses.

For more information on how you can participate in these events, please contact Fr. Elias Issa at St. Basil the Great Orthodox Church 913-663-2200 or www.stbasilkc.org

September 2011 Issue of Headliner Magazine Released

admin — Thu, 15 Sep 2011 20:18:00 GMT

ORTHODOX CHRISTIAN FELLOWSHIP

“Keeping our College Students Connected to the Church”

September 2011 Issue of Headliner Magazine Released

Brookline, MA – September 15, 2011 - The September 2011 issue of The Headliner , the monthly online news magazine of the Orthodox Christian Fellowship (OCF) has been released.

Click Here to Read Sept Headliner

Results of Recent OCF Survey Available On-Line

admin — Sun, 28 Aug 2011 00:49:00 GMT

"Keeping our College Students Connected to the Church"

Results of Recent OCF Survey Available On-Line

Brookline, MA - August 29, 2011

Many of you participated in a survey this spring and shared your experiences in OCF. Thanks to you we learned alot about Orthodox college students, ocf chapters, program satisfaction, recommendations and impacts. Take a look at our results and let us know what you think. Any surprises?

Please email the OCF Executive Director, Jennifer Nahas jennifer@ocf.net with your comments.

St Lydia's Book Club To Launch Orthodox Writers and Readers Series

admin — Sat, 27 Aug 2011 20:03:00 GMT

"Keeping our College Students Connected to the Church"

St Lydia's Book Club To Launch Orthodox Writers and Readers Series

Brookline, MA - August 27, 2011

On September 1, Melinda Johnson, an Orthodox Christian writer, editor and author of Letters to Saint Lydia, will be launching "Orthodox Writers and Readers," a series on Saint Lydia's Book Club (http://melindasmailbox.wordpress.com) . It will feature Orthodox writers from all over the USA, and from Canada, the UK, and Palestine who will be writing about what it's like for them personally to live the Orthodox writing life. They'll be talking about what motivates them, how they write, what they're working on, and any special experiences they've had as an Orthodox writer.

The first guest, on September 1, will be Molly Sabourin, the author of Close to Home (the book, the blog, and the Ancient Faith Radio podcast).Over the course of the one year program, two guests will be featured each month. The guests will be from diverse backrounds. Some write books, some blog, one is a human rights activist in Palestine and another is an Army intelligence specialist who makes Orthodox YouTube videos.

All budding writers, avid readers, booklovers, or those looking for a great conversation with kindred spirits are encouraged to participate.

Holy Cross Office Of Vocation & Ministry To Host Orthodox Scholars Initiative Meeting

admin — Sat, 27 Aug 2011 19:42:00 GMT

"Keeping our College Students Connected to the Church"

Holy Cross Office of Vocation and Ministry To Host Orthodox Scholars Initiative Meeting

Brookline, MA - August 26, 2011

Calling all Orthodox Christian faculty from colleges and universities across New England! If you are interested in discussing how your Orthodox Christian faith is connected to your work as a professor or researcher, then please join us for the first regional meeting of the Orthodox Scholars' Initiative at Hellenic College. Teaching in the academy is a unique vocation in the Orthodox Church, and you're invited to come explore ways in which your faith and reason intersect. The afternoon program runs concurrent with the annual meeting of the Orthodox Theological Society in America.

September 16, 2011
2:00 PM - "Orthodoxy in the Academy"
A panel presentation including Dr. Kyriakos Markides
3:30 PM - Reception for New England Region Orthodox Christian Scholars
5:00 PM - Paraklesis in Holy Cross Chapel
6:00 PM - Dinner
7:30 PM - "The Dialogue of Orthodoxy and Contemporary Society"
Lecture by Rev. Dr. John McGuckin, Union Theological Seminary

Please RSVP to Dr. Ann Bezzerides at abezzerides@hchc.eduto attend the events free of charge. Panel, reception and lecture in the Maliotis Cultural Center, 50 Goddard Ave, Brookline, MA.Visit www.osi.hchc.edufor more information on the Orthodox Scholars' Initiative.

Orthodox Scholars' Initiative
Office of Vocation & Ministry
Hellenic College
50 Goddard Avenue
Brookline, MA 02445
617.850.1309

Overcoming the World - A Reflection on Camp Nazareth College Retreat

admin — Sat, 30 Jul 2011 15:35:00 GMT

"Keeping our College Students Connected to the Church"

Overcoming the World - A Reflection on Camp Nazareth College Retreat

Brookline, MA - July 30, 2011

I remember my first day of college like it was yesterday. I told myself that I'd be okay, even though inside I was having a never-ending series of panic attacks due to my own insecurities. Everyone said college was the time to discover who I was. It was a time where I could try new things and if I messed up, it'd be okay because I could just start over again with something new. I liked the thought of trying new things without having to worry whether it was right or wrong. I liked the thought of being able to experiment with things that appealed to me, but quite frankly, I didn't know where to start. Was I supposed to crack open some books? Maybe I was supposed to experience the college life and hit up a party at the local fraternity house. Better yet, maybe I was supposed to go to the recreation center so I wouldn't gain the freshman fifteen. While I wish I would've chosen the latter, at the time I really had no interest in any of that.

Even now, two years later, I'm still not sure where to start. In need of an answer, I began pursuing the definition of college in the most reliable source I know: the internet. I found that different sources offered different definitions. For example, www.merriam-webster.com defined college as "An institution offering instruction usually in a professional, vocational or technical field," while www.urbandictionary.com defined college as "A magical place where it is rumored that learning takes place, although to those who enter, it is often described differently afterward, as a beautiful land in which beer flows in amber currents next to a golden pasture, where virgins lie naked with gentle smiles upon their calm, inviting faces; but more precisely, a Shangri-La rite of passage into adulthood which involves rampant consumption of alcoholic beverages, flagrant and promiscuous sexual behavior, and a general and fundamental disregard for any form of responsibility by its habitants". After reading both definitions, it became very clear to me why college students get so lost and confused.

The world defines college in two ways – as a scholastic tool and as a distraction, but what about faith? This is just one example of the constant struggle between the views of the world and of the Church for young adults.In all honesty, I must admit that there have been many times when I have allowed college to be a distraction. I'm not talking about going out drinking or being promiscuous. I'm talking about the times when I have allowed college to become a spiritual distraction. There have been times when I have been so wrapped up in my class work and hanging out with friends, that before I've known it, I have been completely engulfed in a "Godless" world. Prayer had become nearly obsolete, reading my Bible had become boring, and going to church...well, I had simply become too lazy to go. I have had struggles with other desires as well, but I thank God He gave me the strength to overcome temptation. I say this openly and with faith because I know there are many people who undergo the same struggles.

When I became aware of my spiritual weakness, I began brainstorming for a way that I could become proactive and change my life. This is where I came up with the idea of having a college retreat at Camp Nazareth in Mercer, PA. The retreat would be open to anyone of college age and be a chance to escape to camp and rejuvenate whatever it was they had lost. Finding a verse that could serve as the theme for the retreat was more difficult that I had imagined.

Luckily, one day while logged into Facebook (who would've guessed), I saw what would soon become the 2011 college retreat theme: John 16:33. This verse states, "In the world you will have tribulation, but be of good cheer, I have overcome the world". In one perfectly simple verse, I had found the theme for a college age retreat.

The weekend long college retreat was nothing like I had anticipated – It was far better. I had high expectations, but God certainly blessed the weekend to bear more fruit than I could have ever imagined. The weekend was jam-packed with incredible speakers, brilliant discussion groups, and amazing people. The retreat ran from Friday afternoon to Sunday afternoon. We began with introductions and a few quirky icebreakers, which invoked constant laughter, joking and encouragement right from the start. Next, there was an open discussion where each camper filled out a questionnaire in order to give the speakers an insight as to the ideology of the group present. The answers were reviewed and used to help each speaker present their material in the best and most beneficial way for the group. I believe that these questionnaires were part of what made the retreat so personal and valuable.

The keynote speaker of the event, Father Jonathan Cholcher, spoke primarily about the overall theme/topic of the weekend, "Overcome the World". A few interesting things he discussed were:

1). The world has made God appear absent.
2). The world is not evil, but has fallen into darkness. It is redeemed/restored in Jesus Christ.
3). The soul dwells in the body but is not of the body, as we dwell in the world
but are not of the world. (Basically how we as Christians live in the world but
should not be of the world).

Our second speaker was Father Nicholas and Presvytera Anne Karissa Halkias who spoke about marriage and family life. Their presentation was extremely creative, serious, humorous, and most importantly, real. The couple compared marriage to making a movie. In a movie there are actors and directors. In avmarriage the husband and wife are the actor and actress and God had to be the director. They were extremely creative and innovative in how they described the marriage and family life. I feel as though they gave the group a lot to think about and consider about marriage and what it entails.

Our third speaker was Father Joel Gillam who spoke about inter-personal relationships. This topic was very interesting for it discussed our love for each other and how different types of love (Eros-a romance type love; Philos-love based on friendship; Agape-unconditional love) affect interaction toward each other.

Each day consisted of morning and evening prayers, as well as a Compline service on Friday night and vespers on Saturday. The most unique aspect of the retreat was the ethnic diversity amongst the attendees. The Greek, Antiochian, Russian, Romanian, Carpatho-Russian and OCA Orthodox jurisdictions were all well represented. Each service was done in a different style of singing, from plain-chant to byzantine style singing. This allowed everyone to share his or her traditional way of worship/singing with everyone else.

The weekend was the exact spiritual rejuvenation I needed. Confessions were available all weekend and the clergy were constantly available for talks and discussions outside of their presentation times. The church was always open so we could go in and pray or sing whenever we wanted. One of my fondest memories of the weekend is when two of the other attendees asked if I wanted to stay in the church and sing some hymns. I was rather caught off guard, but nonetheless, excited. I ran out of the church and yelled for my brother to come back and sing with us. We sat in the church for quite a while just singing different hymns. I've never done that before and I have to admit that it was an amazing experience. It's going to be something I do more often. There were other times for song as well. During the campfire, one of the attendees, Jonny, played his guitar and we sat around the fire jamming to some classic tunes and rocking out like nobody's business. We sang, we danced, and we enjoyed some perfectly cooked, delicious marshmallows.

The college retreat was emotionally and spiritually moving in so many ways. The best aspect of the retreat is that each person seemed to be on a different level of Orthodox Christian spirituality. The retreat curriculum was purposefully planned to reach out to an extremely diverse group of individuals and I think that's why it worked so well. In addition, everybody who attended had something unique to bring to the table, whether it was a sense of humor, intellect, musical talent, singing, cooking, adventure, questioning...etc.

It has only been a few weeks since the retreat and I'm already getting impatient waiting for next year. I simply cannot explain how motivating and appropriate the retreat was for me personally. Learning how to "Overcome the World" is much easier said than done. However, the weekend gave me something that I seemed to have given up on: Hope. Hope in being able to overcome the temptations of the world and not being materialistic or worried about social status. Hope in a better tomorrow and hope that we can be icons of Christ in the world.

We need to stop letting the world convince us that times have changed, and take a stand as Orthodox Christians. We need to stop letting our faith be reduced to nothing more than a label, and begin making it a way of life. The Christian life is by no means a walk in the park. I, like many other people, struggle with it every day of my life, but making even the smallest changes like wearing our crosses proudly or saying "Christ is Born" instead of "Happy Holidays"can make a difference. The bigger things take time and effort, and we'll never attain the complete righteousness. But you know what? This is where we start. This is the beginning of how we as Orthodox Christians can overcome the World – through Christ.

Michael Stan

Michael Stan is an active member of the Kent State University OCF and organizer of the College Retreat which took place from May 20-22 , 2011 at Camp Nazareth in Mercer, PA