Orthodox Christian Fellowship

May 2013 Headliner Released

admin — Thu, 02 May 2013 11:40:00 GMT

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“Keeping our College Students Connected to the Church”

May 2013 Issue of The Headliner Newsletter Released

Brookline, MA – May1, 2013 - The May 2013 issue of The Headliner, the monthly online newsletter of the Orthodox Christian Fellowship (OCF) has been released.

Read May 2013 Headliner

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Scholarships Now Available For Overcome the World College Retreat

admin — Wed, 01 May 2013 01:48:00 GMT

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“Keeping our College Students Connected to the Church”

Scholarships Now Available For Overcome the World College Retreat

MERCER, PA -- Thanks to a generous scholarship grant college students will receive a $25 reduction in the fee for the Overcome the World College Retreat being held May 19-21, 2013 at Camp Nazareth Retreat and Conference Center in partnership with OCF. Each student who attends the Retreat will receive $25 off their tuition. The Retreat promises to be exciting and informative and with this scholarship grant is now even more affordable for each student.

            Price of Retreat … $150

            Price of Retreat with Scholarship …$125

            Faith Enriched and Friends made….priceless!!

Learn More and Register http://www.campnazareth.org/collegeretreat2013.htm

Visit The Overcome the World Facebook Page For The Latest Information and Updates.

Camp Nazareth is an apostolate of the American Carpatho- Russian Orthodox Diocese of the USA (Ecumenical Patriarchate of Constantinople)

Overcome The World: Second Annual College Retreat

admin — Fri, 05 Apr 2013 23:15:00 GMT

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“Keeping our College Students Connected to the Church”

Overcome The World: Second Annual College Retreat

MERCER, PA -- Camp Nazareth and Orthodox Christian Fellowship are proud to announce the "Second Annual Overcome the World College Retreat," will take place at Camp Nazareth in Mercer, PA on May 19-21, 2013.

College Students are invited to come and recharge their spiritual batteries, make new friends and experience Orthodox Christianity in a deep manner. There will be guest speakers, group workshops, evening social events, food, fun and plenty of opportunity for faith enrichment.

This year's theme is "If anyone desires to be first, He shall be last of all and servant of all." (Mark 9:35)
Retreat speakers include, but are not limited to: His Grace, Bishop Gregory of Nyssa, ruling Bishop of the American Carpatho-Russian Orthodox Diocese of the USA, Fr. Thomas Hopko and Mother Magdalena from the Monastery of the Transfiguration in Ellwood City, PA.

Overcome the World is designed specifically for college students, by college students. Space is limited, so register today and join in on the journey to “Overcome the World.” Don't miss out on an amazing opportunity to make new friends, deepen your faith and have fun in Christ before getting into your summer schedule.

Cost:
Cost is $150. This includes 3 meals/day, evening snacks and lodging. $50 Deposit required at time of sending in registration. All registration and health history materials (posted below) are due with deposit by May 5, 2013. You may register by postal mail, email or fax with Camp Nazareth. Alternately, you may pay by credit card over the phone with the Camp.

For more information and to download registration form visit www.camp.nazareth.org

Visit The Overcome the World Facebook Page For The Latest Information and Updates.

Camp Nazareth is an apostolate of the American Carpatho- Russian Orthodox Diocese of the USA (Ecumenical Patriarchate of Constantinople)

April 2013 Headliner Released

admin — Fri, 05 Apr 2013 23:11:00 GMT

ORTHODOX CHRISTIAN FELLOWSHIP

“Keeping our College Students Connected to the Church”

April 2013 Issue of The Headliner Newsletter Released

Brookline, MA – April, 2013 - The April 2013 issue of The Headliner, the monthly online newsletter of the Orthodox Christian Fellowship (OCF) has been released.

Read April 2013 Headliner

View Previous Issues

March 2013 Headliner Newsletter Released

admin — Sat, 02 Mar 2013 21:35:00 GMT

ORTHODOX CHRISTIAN FELLOWSHIP

“Keeping our College Students Connected to the Church”

March 2013 Issue of The Headliner Newsletter Released

Brookline, MA – March 1, 2013 - The March 2013 issue of The Headliner, the monthly online newsletter of the Orthodox Christian Fellowship (OCF) has been released.

Read March 2013 Headliner

View Previous Issues

February 2013 Headliner Newsletter Released

admin — Sat, 02 Feb 2013 20:19:00 GMT

ORTHODOX CHRISTIAN FELLOWSHIP

“Keeping our College Students Connected to the Church”

February 2013 Issue of The Headliner Newsletter Released

Brookline, MA – February 1, 2013 - The February 2013 issue of The Headliner, the monthly online newsletter of the Orthodox Christian Fellowship (OCF) has been released.

Read February 2013 Headliner

View Previous Issues

OCF New Years Kick Off - Jan 2 -4, 2013 - Naples Florida

admin — Tue, 01 Jan 2013 23:36:00 GMT

ORTHODOX CHRISTIAN FELLOWSHIP

“Keeping our College Students Connected to the Church”

2013 OCF New Year's Kick Off - Naples Florida!

Brookline, MA – January 1, 2013 - The North American OCF Office has received the following information for immediate release:

Orthodox Christian Fellowship (OCF) college and university students from throughout the Southeast are invited to meet one another at "2013 OCF New Year's Kickoff" for outings, service project, worship and socials organized by the OCF of St. Katherine Greek Orthodox Church (Naples, FL: http://stkatherine.net ).

Pre-registration $20 / Onsite Registration $30:

Jan-2-2013 (Wed)

Manatee Encounter: 8 - 11 am,Manatee Park, see aVideo
Registration: Noon - 2 pm (St. Katherine, 7100 North Airport Rd, Naples, FL)
Gulf Coast Kayaking: 3 - 5 pm,Clam Pass Park
Paraclesis: 6 pm, St. Katherine
Dinner & Naples Walk: 8 pm,Tin City, by Center City Naples
Ice Cream Social & Hellenic Dancing: 10 pm - Midnight, St. Katherine Social Hall

Jan-3-2013 (Thur)

Brunch: 8- 10 am,Mel's Diner(Naples, FL)
Prepare & Serve Meal forSt. Matthew's House:10:30 am - noon, St. Katherine
Beach Hangout, Volleyball & BBQ: 1 -5 pm,Lowdermilk Beach Park
Campfire: 6 - 9 pm, location: TBD

Jan-4-2013 (Fri)

Brunch: 10 - Noon,Blueberry's Restaurant(Naples, FL)
Zoo: Noon - 1 pm,Naples Zoo at Caribbean Gardens
Departure: 2 pm

Teams for Real Break Constantinople, Guatemala and Honduras Fill Up Fast!

admin — Fri, 07 Dec 2012 23:16:00 GMT

ORTHODOX CHRISTIAN FELLOWSHIP

“Keeping our College Students Connected to the Church”

Teams for Real Break Constantinople, Guatemala and Honduras Fill Up Fast!

Brookline, MA – December 7, 2012 - OCF is blessed to announce that its teams for Real Break Constantinople, Guatemala and Honduras are full! Names are still being accepted for a wait list, but interested college students are encouraged to look into the other beautiful Real Breaks that are offered. All of the service-based trips are designed to give college students a chance to do something fulfilling and Christ-centered during their Spring Breaks.

Team Member spots are still available on the following trips:

> Real Break New Orleans - March 4-9
> Real Break Toronto - March 9-16
> Real Break Project Mexico - March 16-23
> Real Break LA Skid Row - March 25-29

To learn more about what makes Real Break a unique, faith-filled experience, click on the link to "OCF Real Break is..." below:

http://www.ocf.net/wikis/programs/real-break-program.aspx

Apply now: Assembly Stewards Programme 2013

admin — Thu, 06 Dec 2012 21:48:00 GMT

ORTHODOX CHRISTIAN FELLOWSHIP

“Keeping our College Students Connected to the Church”

Apply Now: Assembly Stewards Programme 2013

Brookline, MA – December 6, 2012 - The North American OCF Office has received the following information regarding an exciting student program being offered by the National Assembly of Churches.

Young Christians from around the world are invited to apply to the World Council of Churches (WCC) Stewards Programme for a 3 week hands-on learning experience at the WCC 10th Assembly from 23 October to 10 November 2013. Applicants must be between the ages of 18 and 30 years old.

Learn More.…

OCF Board of Directors Hold Fall Meeting

admin — Mon, 03 Dec 2012 18:27:00 GMT

ORTHODOX CHRISTIAN FELLOWSHIP

“Keeping our College Students Connected to the Church”

OCF Board of Directors Hold Fall Meeting

Brookline, MA – December 2, 2012 - The Orthodox Christian Fellowship Board of Directors met November 14-16, 2012 at its North American headquarters on the campus of Hellenic College/Holy Cross School of Theology in Brookline, MA. The productive meeting focused on building upon past successes in order to best serve students on college and university campuses throughout the United States and Canada.

The Board recognized the great strides that have been accomplished to build a strong, reliable and open infrastructure for campus ministry. Executive Director Jennifer Nahas provided an update regarding the on-going implementation of OCF’s new chapter-district-region design saying, “The key to Orthodox Campus Ministry is to continue developing strong relationships with our chapters. When our office put out the call for volunteers interested in supporting chapters, we had an explosion of OCF alumni interested in serving as mentors and facilitators of local, district and regional activities. With the help of the Student Advisory Board, we have seen a dramatic increase in energy and excitement for new activities on all levels, including retreats, service projects and coffeehouses. In response to this increase we are beginning to focus on training and support for these volunteers so that they can best serve students.”

Board Chair, Deacon Paul Zaharas, applauded the work of the staff, and focused the Board’s attention on its commitment to meet the growing needs of OCF. “It is imperative that the Board of Directors not be satisfied with the successes of OCF, but significantly increase its engagement moving forward for the benefit of our college students. We are encouraged by the tremendous growth that has been seen over the last year, but we must continue taking necessary steps to implement OCF’s new structural model through strong and transparent policies and procedures, as well as appropriate levels of funding.”

In 2013, the North American Office will introduce a revitalized Parish Partner Program which will cultivate the synergy of support and service between OCF and local parishes. At the center of this partnership will be OCF’s First Forty Days initiative which strives to establish contact with recent high school graduates so that they will already be connected to OCF before arriving on campus. As the official campus ministry of the Assembly of Canonical Orthodox Bishops, OCF serves all Orthodox parishes and is a natural continuation of their successful youth programs.

Board members were notified during the meeting that registration has opened for the 2013 Real Break trips and that new support materials are being provided to assist students in preparing for their trips. Real Break, OCF’s alternative spring break, brings students to areas around the country and the globe to serve others and grow in their relationship with Christ. Also open is registration for OCF’s College Conference. Students continue to fill limited slots for the East and West Coast Conferences which focus on Christian fellowship and education.

OCF Board of Directors Answers Constituents Questions

admin — Fri, 16 Nov 2012 19:44:00 GMT

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“Keeping our College Students Connected to the Church”

OCF Board of Directors Answers Constituents Questions On-Line

Brookline, MA – November 16, 2012 - The Board of Directors of the Orthodox Christian Fellowship, as part of its' goal of being transparent and accountable, solicited input and questions on-line from the students, families and faithful it serves during its Fall Meeting at Hellenic College held on Nov 15-16, 2012. Having received the questions and discussed them at today's concluding session, the board offers the following response:

Thank you all for your excellent and thoughtful questions. The Board of Directors was happy to answer the following questions which fell within the scope of their mission. Please continue to send us and the North American Staff your feedback at any time at info@ocf.net. We look forward to another exciting year serving the great ministry of OCF.

On behalf of the entire board, thank you again for your honesty and dedication to the future of our organization.

Dn. Paul Zaharas, Chairman
Board of Directors 2012-2013

1. Any chance we could develop an online or telephone crisis counseling service for OCF?

This is a great question, and we'd love ro research our options. We would at minimum like to make available those already existing resources for those in crisis which exist in the Orthodox Church in North America. We would also like to make our North American Chaplain, Fr. Michael Ellis, available for any student who feels that he or she would like to speak with a priest. Be looking for these updates on our website soon.

2. In your goal of establishing Regional Coordinators, will that coordinator be active in campus ministry of a particular university in addition to supporting regional activities, or will that coordinator primarily be traveling and equally supporting all OCF chapters within his/her assigned region?

Ultimately, we would like to have Regional Coordinators that can dedicate their time to equally supporting all of the chapters through their districts in a given region as well as spend time establishing new chapters at schools where there is no OCF presence, work with the Regional Student Leaders and the Regional Chaplains to develop programs, resources, and leadership training specific to each region, and influence the direction of OCF at the North American level through their interaction with the NAO staff.

3. Are there any plans to provide any type of training for lay coordinators? The training does not have to happen on a North American level, it could happen on a regional or district wide level. The North American office could provide its expectations and vision, but it can be implemented on local level. We could even have online training. There were times as a lay coordinator that I felt I could have personally have benefited from some type of training.

We would LOVE to increase our efforts in this area. Currently, the staff plans on meeting with the District Coordinators via video conference once each month for mini training sessions and program updates. In the works for next summer, as part of our Summer Leadership Institute, the staff would like to gather our District Coordinators for more formal leadership training as well as offer them time for spiritual reflection and growth, brainstorming, and theological and pastoral training. Ultimately, we'd like our Regional and District Coordinators to feel equipped to provide leadership training for the Lay Coordinators working in their chapters so that they feel prepared to engage in exciting and fruitful campus ministry.

4. My next question/comment is leadership training for our students. I personally would love to see this happen on a regional level. Other organizations oftentimes will send their officers to a week long camp or retreat. There, the students get real, practical training on how to do all the stuff they have to do for their chapters. I think doing this will also help give a sense of solidarity with the national office, a sense of being not only a part of their local chapter, but also of the national ministry. I think it will also help to somewhat standardize how ocf chapters are run. I do know that each chapter and university is different with different needs and other dynamics, but we can provide a structure that will enable our students to go back to their campuses in the Fall and adjust it to whatever unique needs they may have at their campuses.

Great comments! We piloted a similar training this past aummer for our highest level of student leaders, the Student Advisory Board. This Summer Leadership Institute is just the beginning of our leadership training efforts. As we have mentioned, the staff would like to start including our District Coordinators in this training, and as a component of their training, they would like to provide them with the skills and resources necessary to provide this sort of training and mentoring for the students in their districts on an annual basis.

5. Can OCF please publish its operating budget and income statement for the previous 3 years online? How much does OCF presently spend on overhead?

We appreciate your question, and we are proud to say that OCF continues to come out each month under our board approved budget. While we cannot publish financial records online, this is information that we have discussed making more readily available to our constituents. In the meantime, if you'd like details, please contact our Executive Director, Jen Nahas, and she'll be happy to discuss it with you.

OCF Board of Directors to Meet November 15, 2012

admin — Thu, 08 Nov 2012 19:28:00 GMT

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“Keeping our College Students Connected to the Church”

OCF Board of Directors to Meet November 15, 2012.

Brookline, MA – November 8, 2012 - Next week, on Thursday, November 15th, the Board of Directors of OCF will be meeting at Hellenic College to 1) set the course for the upcoming year, 2) develop strategies to deepen the reach to all Orthodox parishes and students, and 3) build a resource bank of alumni and supporters to continue to strengthen Orthodox Campus Ministry.

As part of it's goal of being transparent and accountable, the Board welcomes input and questions. Please email the North American Office at info@ocf.net with any questions you have for the Board and OCF. Under the leadership of Chairperson Rev. Dn Paul Zaharas, the Board will answer these questions. These answers will posted to the website that day.

October 25th Is A Great Night For College Students In The Boston Area

admin — Sun, 21 Oct 2012 00:56:00 GMT

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“Keeping our College Students Connected to the Church”

October 25th Is A Great Night For College Students in the Boston Area.

Brookline, MA – October 19, 2012 - The North American OCF Office has received the following information regarding an upcoming Boston, MA Area activity:

Boston College is hosting an evening of prayer and fellowship beginning with the celebration of Vespers at 5:00 pm which will be followed by Pizza and fellowship.

Directly following this event, students who are over 21 will be invited to Roggies Restaurant for the first installment of Orthodoxy on Tap which will start at 7:30 pm.

Click Here For More Information.

OCF Executive Director Gives Keynote Address at Pan-Orthodox Fellowship Dinner

admin — Fri, 12 Oct 2012 00:34:00 GMT

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“Keeping our College Students Connected to the Church”

OCF Executive Director Gives Keynote Address at Pan-Orthodox Fellowship Dinner

Brookline, MA – October 11, 2012 - Jennifer Nahas, the executive director of Orthodox Christian Fellowship was the keynote speaker at the Annual Fellowship of Orthodox Christian Churches of Connecticut (FORCC) Dinner which took place on Sunday October 7, 2012 at Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Church in Bridgeport, CT.

In her address, Jennifer stressed the importance of keeping our youth connected to the Church before leaving for college. She pointed out:

We at OCF believe that the Orthodox Church, in its traditions and foundation in Christ, is raising strong college students. It seems that there is a positive relationship between raising children in small, tight, and culturally identified churches and the development of a strong sense of self that ultimately impacts achievement and school behavior. Through supportive and like-minded small communities where the practices are different from the mainstream, young people develop a clear vision of who they are, where they are going, what they will do and what they will not do. Click Here to Read Entire Speech.

Jennifer called upon the faithful gathered at the dinner to assist wherever possible the work of OCF on campus by welcoming Orthodox College Students into their parish and thus giving them a home away from home. She outlined the exciting new developments within the past year to better meet the needs of College Students including the First Forty Days outreach program. She lauded the efforts of FORCC for their devotion to the youth of the Church in providing scholarships to incoming college students.

This speaking engagement is but one of many that our energetic Executive Director has undertaken over the past several months in an effort to share the good news of the work of OCF throughout the North American Orthodox Community.

October 2012 Issue of the Headliner Newsletter Released

admin — Mon, 01 Oct 2012 15:52:00 GMT

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“Keeping our College Students Connected to the Church”

October 2012 Issue of The Headliner Newsletter Released

Brookline, MA – October 1, 2012 - The October 2012 issue of The Headliner, the monthly online newsletter of the Orthodox Christian Fellowship (OCF) has been released.

Read October 2012 Headliner

View Previous Issues

Inter-Orthodox Young Adult Retreat - October 19-21, 2012 - Orange, CT

admin — Fri, 28 Sep 2012 01:29:00 GMT

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“Keeping our College Students Connected to the Church”

Inter-Orthodox Young Adult Retreat - October 19-21, 2012 - Orange, CT

Brookline, MA – September 27, 2012 – The North American OCF Office has received the following Information regarding an upcoming Inter-Orthodox Young Adult Retreat: to be held on October 19-21, 2012 at the St. Barbara Greek Orthodox Church in Orange, CT:

Topic: Integrating LIFE into my life: Learning to balance the challenges of work, society, family, life and faith.

Conference Presenters:

Theo Nicolakis: “The Modern Day Challenge”

Theo Nicolakis is the Internet Ministries and Information Technology Director of the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of America and a Graduate of Holy Cross Greek Orthodox School of Theology.

Dr. George Demacopoulos: “Lessons Learned From The Past And Applying the On-Going Principles of Faith to the Present”

George Demacopoulos is an Associate Professor of Historical Theology at Fordham University specializing in the History of Christianity for Late Antiquity, the Early Medieval West and Byzantium. He is a Co-Founding Director of the Orthodox Christian Studies Center of Fordham University.

Dr. Philip Mamalakis: “Navigating The Relationship Pool: Balancing life and faith in relationships, whether we are in college, the workplace, single, dating, or married.”

Philip Mamalakis is an Assistant Professor of Pastoral Care at Holy Cross Greek Orthodox School of Theology and the Director of the Field Education Program and is currently collaborating with the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of Marriage and Family in developing an Orthodox marriage preparation program. His research is in the areas of Orthodox pastoral theology, Orthodox parenting, and marriage and family life.

Download informational Flier For Further Details and Registration Information (PDF Format)

October is Orthodox Awareness Month on College Campuses

admin — Wed, 26 Sep 2012 20:23:00 GMT

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“Keeping our College Students Connected to the Church”

October is Orthodox Awareness Month on College Campuses

Brookline, MA – September 26, 2012 – Orthodox Christian Fellowship (OCF) presents October as Orthodox Awareness Month, a North American OCF effort to foster an understanding of Orthodox Christianity and educate students on college campuses across North America.

Throughout the month of October, OCF chapters are encouraged to organize activities and programs at their schools, which aim to share our Holy Apostolic Faith with the campus community at large. Events include setting up informational tables and hosting speakers, as well as chapter events compiled by OCF’s Student Advisory Board (SAB), which generate interest, such as "Compline & Coffee," "Pizza and Paraklesis," and many others.

"Participating in Orthodox Awareness Month can benefit a local chapter by strengthening their internal bonds and their relationship with their local parish," explains Tanya Schillawski, SAB Praxis Coordinator and student at Northeastern University. "Although the focus is on educating non-Orthodox Christians about the Orthodox Faith, it's also about ourselves learning more so that we can be witnesses of Christ and His Church to the best of our ability."

Students and OCF advisors can download the Orthodox Awareness Month Manual, which contains a step-by-step guide to tabling on campus, ideas for Orthodox 101 session topics and other possible chapter events, OCF North American Programs, and other resources. Included is also a packet entitled, "Presenting Orthodoxy," which provides helpful facts about Orthodoxy and answers to frequently asked questions. Click Here To Download.

Parishes Observe OCF "College Student Sunday"

admin — Sun, 23 Sep 2012 00:39:00 GMT

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“Keeping our College Students Connected to the Church”

Parishes Observe OCF College Student Sunday

Brookline, MA – Sept 21, 2012. Parishes across the country honored new and returning college students on Sunday, September 16, 2012, which had been designated "College Student Sunday" by the Orthodox Christian Fellowship, the official collegiate campus ministry program of the Assembly of Canonical Orthodox Bishops of North and Central America.

The day highlighted ministry to and by Orthodox Christian students on college and university campuses, and underscored the importance of reaching out to them as a means of strengthening the faith that will guide them throughout their lives.

At Saint Joseph Church, Wheaton, IL, Anthony Linderman, an Orthodox Christian student studying at Wheaton College -- in the accompanying photo, Anthony stands second second from the right -- addressed the congregation after the 9:30 Divine Liturgy. An Ohio native, Anthony has spent most of his life in Albania, where his parents are long-term Orthodox missionaries. He related the social and political history of Albania during the communist years -- the country had been proclaimed the world's first fully atheistic nation -- and spoke of the amazing resurrection of the Church after the fall of communism under the guidance of Archbishop Anastasios of Tirana and All Albania. He also related that he considered himself blessed to have witnessed this resurrection and shared the ways it has helped to form his life and world view. At the conclusion of his presentation, Alma Cina, a parishioner who had grown up in Albania, briefly related her experiences in Albania during the period of atheism.

The parish's other college students, who in addition to Wheaton College represented the College of DuPage, the Illinois Institute of Technology, UIC, and other area schools, were introduced and recognized, while Trisha Holton was congratulated on her recent graduation from Rush University. Josh Sales, a Wheaton College graduate who had been baptized at the parish a few years ago and who is pursuing graduate work at Holy Cross School of Theology, Brookline, MA, was also present and recognized. The parish's many college students who study on campuses elsewhere in Illinois, Ohio, Iowa, Alabama, and beyond were especially remembered in prayers for every success in the new school year.

The parish's campus ministry efforts are a part of its overall ministry. The students gather at the parish and participate fully in the parish's life. A number of them serve on Church school teaching teams and are involved in outreach on their respective campuses, inviting others to "come and see." As a result of their efforts, several students have embraced the Orthodox Christian faith.

In related news, Saint Joseph parish will host members of Wheaton College Prof. David McNutt's theology class on Thursday, October 25. A presentation on the Orthodox Christian doctrine of the Holy Trinity will be given by the parish's pastors.

Oberlin College to Host Lectures By Fr. Patrick Henry Reardon

admin — Thu, 20 Sep 2012 12:48:00 GMT

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“Keeping our College Students Connected to the Church”

Oberlin College to Host Lectures By Fr. Patrick Henry Reardon

Brookline, MA – Sept 20, 2012. - The North American OCF Office has received the following information from Oberlin College OCF regarding upcoming lectures of interest to Orthodox College Students:

Oberlin College's Orthodox Christian Fellowship & Saints Peter and Paul Church Present:

Father Patrick Henry Reardon

Two Presentations:

Friday, September 28 at Oberlin College West Lecture Hall
Time: 7pm
Location: Science Center, 119 Woodland Street, Oberlin 44074
Topic: The Jesus We Missed

Saturday: September 29 at Lorain Sts. Peter and Paul
Time: noon - 3p Luncheon Retreat
Location: 2238 East 32nd Street, Lorain, OH 44055
Topic: Christ in the Psalms

For information:

Download Promotional Flier WIth Detailed Information

Contact Chris Baymiller @ chris.baymiller @oberlin.edu

OCA Youth Department issues first-ever “YouTube Challenge!”

admin — Wed, 19 Sep 2012 23:53:00 GMT

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“Keeping our College Students Connected to the Church”

OCA Youth Department Issues First-Ever “YouTube Challenge!”

Brookline, MA – Sept 19, 2012. - The North American OCF Office has received the following information from the Orthodox Church in America's Department of Youth and Young Adult Ministries:

The OCA Department of Youth and Young Adult Ministries is offering a video challenge to all Orthodox Youth of North America. This Challenge exists to help you find your voice, and give you a place to share it. The world today, and even our Church has so much to say to our youth and young adults. However, as we all become more mature in our faith we find our own voice, our own ways of articulating what we know and believe. Additionally, we will provide you with helpful feedback and guidance so that your skills can be sharpened and honed to proclaim the Good News of Jesus Christ in your own life. Welcome to the 2012 OCA YouTube Challenge! We hope it is the first of many.

The Challenge involves Orthodox Youth creating videos articulating their understanding of the Orthodox Faith. It is open to all Orthodox Youth in North America, including college students!

Learn More Here

Registration NOW OPEN for the 2012 OCF College Conference

admin — Mon, 17 Sep 2012 16:51:00 GMT

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“Keeping our College Students Connected to the Church”

Registration NOW OPEN For the 2012 College Conference

Brookline, MA – Sept 17, 2012. Registration for Orthodox Christian Fellowship's 2012 College Conference opens Monday, September 17th on www.ocf.net! Don't miss out on registering for this year's Conferences, held at St. Nicholas Ranch in Dunlap, California on December 27^th-30^th and Antiochian Village in Bolivar, Pennsylvania on December 28^th-31^st.

SPACES ARE LIMITED!

Each four-day conference will center on OCF's theme for the 2012-2013 school year, taken from Hermas, One of the Seventy - "Remember, never to fear the power of evil more than your trust in the power and love of God." The conferences include prominent keynote speakers, along with intriguing workshops led by clergy and lay leaders who are experts in their related fields.

St. Paul exclaims in his first letter to the Corinthians, "O' death, where is thy sting?" OCF's Programs Manager, John Mahfouz, explains, "This year's College Conference is an opportunity to better understand the power and love of God through lectures, discussions, activities, and fellowship, in order to cultivate our trust in Him!"

A limited amount of grants are available and offered by each jurisdiction through an application process, on a first-come, first-served basis. Applications can be found on http://www.ocf.net/wikis/programs/college-conference.aspx.

For more information, call John Mahfouz at 661-412-2267.

Register for College Conference 2012
on www.ocf.net starting Sept 17, 2012

Orthodox Presence Being Established At The University of Victoria

admin — Tue, 04 Sep 2012 13:27:00 GMT

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“Keeping our College Students Connected to the Church”

An Orthodox Presence Is Being Established at The University of Victoria

Brookline, MA – Sept 4, 2012 - An Orthodox presence is being established on the campus of the University of Victoria in British Columbia. For more information, contact:

Gaelen Gilbert
ggilbert@uvic.ca
778-265-2116

or

Fr. Larry Reinheimer:
larrein@yahoo.com
250-889-1211

OCF Announces Fr. Michael Ellis Selected As North American Chaplain

admin — Tue, 28 Aug 2012 22:10:00 GMT

Keeping our College Students Connected to the Church”

tOCF Announces Fr. Michael Ellis Selected As North American Chaplain

Brookline, MA – August 21, 2012 - The North American OCF Office would like to announce the recent appointment of Fr. Michael J. Ellis to the position of North American Chaplain.

The North American Chaplain works across all Orthodox jurisdictions, providing resources and assistance to the chaplains who work directly with the students on campus. Fr Michael will be coordinating the OCF Chaplaincy Network of regional,district and local OCF chaplains and handling ecclesiastical/spiritual issues brought to his attention from both the staff of the OCF North American Office and the local OCF chapters.

Fr. Michael and his wife Presvytera Jesica, both originally from upstate New York, currently reside in Mansfield, OH with their two children Alexander and Sophia.

Fr. Michael is a graduate of the State University of New York, College at Brockport where he completed his undergrad work, graduating with a Bachelor of Science Degree in Communications Studies, emphasis Interpersonal and Organizational Communications. Three years later he attended Christ the SaviourSeminary in Johnstown, PA where he completed his theological studies and was ordained to the Holy Priesthood in 2004. Upon ordination he was assigned as Director/Administrator of Camp Nazareth Retreat and Conference Center, wherehe remained for five years. During his tenure there, he was also appointed to the Diocesan Apostolate for Youth Ministry as well as served as Chaplain of the Westminster College OCF Chapter.

Upon the conclusion of his pastoral duties at Camp Nazareth, Fr. Michael accepted the invitation of His Eminence Metropolitan Maximos of Pittsburgh to beginserving as Pastor of Sts. Constantine and Helen Greek Orthodox Church in Mansfield, OH where he continues to serve. After transfer to his new assignment, Fr. Michael resumed his work with OCF after being appointed in February 2010 to the position of the Great Lakes Regional Chaplain of OCF.

"I believe very strongly in the mission of serving the needs of our Orthodox college students and I feel blessed to be a part of the process of helping thosestudents who are truly seeking to 'work out' their own salvation," said Fr. Michael.

Jennifer Nahas, OCF Executive Director added, "I'm thrilled Fr. Michael will be joining us as our new North American Chaplain. His dedication, enthusiasm and love for our young people will be a blessing to many as OCF continues to expand its ministry in the years to come."

Father Michael Ellis is replacing Fr. Michael Nasser who has served as the North American Chaplain for the last 2 years. Fr. Michael Ellis began his duties as North American Chaplain effective August 15, 2012.

St Vladimir's Seminary to Host College Retreat Oct 5-6, 2012

admin — Wed, 22 Aug 2012 12:34:00 GMT

Keeping our College Students Connected to the Church”

St Vladimir's Seminary to Host College Retreat Oct 5-6, 2012

Brookline, MA – August 22, 2012 - OThe North American Office of the Orthodox Christian Fellowship has received the following information about an upcoming College Retreat to be hosted by St. Vladimir's Seminary:

Orthodox Christian college students from across the US are invited to enjoy a weekend of fellowship, prayer and interaction with their peers and some of today’s top Orthodox theologians and teachers at Saint Vladimir’s Seminary in Crestwood, NY October 5-7, 2012.

The weekend retreat coincides with the seminary’s annual Orthodox Education Day, the theme of which is “Inklings of Glory: Godward Journeys with Lewis and Tolkien.”

Among the special activities planned is a presentation, “Tips for Building Your Orthodox Christian Fellowship,” by Andrew Boyd, Director of Youth, Young Adult, and Campus Ministry for the Orthodox Church in America, and a lecture and discussion on Lewis and Tolkien by Priest Andrew Cuneo, Professor of English at Saint Katherine’s College, San Diego, CA.

Students are also invited to enjoy an excursion to New York City during the three-day gathering.

The cost for the retreat is minimal—only $5.00 which includes Friday dinner, Saturday brunch, and Saturday dinner. Education Day food booth tickets will be available for purchase on Saturday afternoon. Transportation and meals during the excursion to New York City are extra.

For registration and accommodation information, please contact Protodeacon Joseph Matusiak at jmatusiak@svots.edu or 914.318.7505.

Download a flyer/poster for the retreat.

Southeast OCF Region To Host Free Weekend Retreat in Salem, SC

admin — Wed, 22 Aug 2012 02:40:00 GMT

“Keeping our College Students Connected to the Church”

Southeast OCF Region To Host Free Weekend Retreat in Salem, SC

Brookline, MA – August 21, 2012 - The Southeast Region OCF is hosting its annual weekend Workdaze Retreat from Friday October 19 to Sunday October 21, 2012 at the Diakonia Retreat Center in Salem, SC.

Workdaze is a weekend of spiritual renewal, communion, discussion, and some good old manual labor. OCF and Father Anthony Salzman invite you to a mission retreat at the Southeastern Metropolis' breath-taking Diakonia Center in Salem, South Carolina on the foot hills of the beautiful blue ridge mountains. This event is free to all college aged participants and peers alike; there will be games and camp fires, services held and confessions available, several service projects to help the center, and of course countless opportunities to make new friends and memories. Speakers and group discussions on mission work and living Orthodox in college are also on the schedule for this "mini mission". The event is free, and includes both lodging and food, all you have to do is get here. So bring a friend, bring your whole OCF chapter! If you're traveling alone, or at a college that does not have an active OCF chapter, we can help you get in touch with other Orthodox students near you.

This event is an awesome opportunity to meet new people, become closer to old friends, and experience LIVING Orthodoxy. Come connect and spend a weekend away from all the college distractions and recharge spiritually. Discuss problems, issues, and struggles you have experienced and I promise that you will meet several others that have gone or are going through the same thing. Nothing is better than having a support group of friends that have the same moral basis as you and that's what Workdaze can give you... Well, that and a few blisters and dirty finger nails. Come and see what this weekend can do for you spiritually and how it can recharge you going into the last half of your semester.

For more information or to sign up, please contact Wylie Vick via email ( wylieezekiel2417@yahoo.com), Facebook http://www.facebook.com/wylie.vick or simply check out the Workdaze XV Facebook page http://www.facebook.com/events/357855610959513/

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St Vladimir's Seminary to Host College Retreat Oct 5-6, 2012

Southeast OCF Region To Host Free Weekend Retreat in Salem, SC

Register for College Conference 2012
on www.ocf.net starting Sept 17, 2012