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ORTHODOX CHRISTIAN FELLOWSHIP

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Fairfield University OCF Hold Presanctified Liturgy on Campus

FAIRFIELD,CT -- On Wednesday night, March 30th, history was made at Fairfield University's Egan Chapel, as Father Dennis Rhodes officiated the very first Orthodox Service, the Gifts of the Presanctified Liturgy.  With 40 or so attendees, mostly students, Orthodox and non-Orthodox, the university's Chaplain, Father Gerry Blaszczak, defined the evening, which ended afterwards with a fellowship in the Chapel's Campus Ministry room, as a "truly a momumental moment." "After all," he added, "There is no Orthodox faith without the liturgy."

The newly formed OCF at Fairfield University, with Jamie Ramerini president, and Christina Pertesis vice-president, has worked hard to bring the first service to Fairfield, which is the launch of many more services to be held in the upcoming year. The student group, being very devoted to their Orthodox Faith, are equally happy they now have an outlet to express their faith on campus.

Father Dennis Rhodes, gave a very moving sermon to the students on St. Innocent of Alaska, and told them that they should follow St. Innocent's example and let God guide then in their lives. Father Rhodes emphasized that it is really important for them to keep their faith since it is a crucial time in making important life decisions.

The individuals who have been instrumental in this endeavor to bring the face of Orthodoxy to the University are first, the students; the University President Father Jeffrey von Arx, S.J; advisors, Father Gerry Blaszczak, University Chaplain, with his vast knowledge and respect for the Orthodox Faith, Father Peter Paproski, and Dr. Gale Bellas who were all very excited for the OCF student members as they took part in this joyous celebration with fellow catholic students sharing together in their belief of the Triune God.

 - Dr Gale Bellas