OCF.net

Fishers, IN – Creating a “Revolution of Love” was the theme explored by around 400 Orthodox college students, speakers, and hierarchs at the 2008 OCF College Conference. Students from around the United States and Canada gathered for worship, fellowship, workshops, reflection, and fun at three locations: the Antiochian Village in Bolivar, PA; the St. Nicholas Ranch in Dunlap, CA; and one new location, the Diakonia Center in Salem, SC.

The College Conference takes place each year on Dec. 27 – 31. Speaking to the theme of a “Revolution of Love” in 2008 were three keynote speakers: Fr. Kevin Scherer, Executive Director of OCF (Antiochian Village), Fr. Nicholas Triantofilou, President of Hellenic College and Holy Cross Greek Orthodox School of Theology (Diakonia Center), and Mr. Dan Christopulos, Development Director for International Orthodox Christian Charities (St. Nicholas Ranch).

How Orthodox Christians should respond to poverty, homelessness, human trafficking, and genocide were among the questions reflected upon by each of the keynote speakers.

“There’s only one response to poverty and injustice for the Christian,” noted Fr. Kevin Scherer, “and that is love.”

During the conference, OCF officially announced a new program called the Pilgrimage for Justice. This unconventional conference will take place on Pentecost weekend (June 5 – 8, 2009) at the Antiochian Village, and will further immerses students into the world of poverty and injustice, equipping them in the process to respond with Christ’s love to the broken world around us.

OCF was also very pleased to open a new location in the South for 2008 at the Diakonia Center. Nearly 50 students participated in our first College Conference in this location. One of the highlights of this location was the Service Project where the students headed into Atlanta, GA to share meals with the homeless, thereby putting into practice the theme of the conference. One student noted of the experience, “I can’t begin to discuss how this has changed my views.”

For more reports on the 2008 College Conference, as well as information for the 2009 conference and other OCF programs, visit www.ocf.net.