OCF News & Events

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

ORTHODOX CHRISTIAN FELLOWSHIP

“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

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“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

OCF Board of Directors to Meet November 15, 2012

admin — Thu, 08 Nov 2012 19:28:00 GMT

ORTHODOX CHRISTIAN FELLOWSHIP

“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

ORTHODOX CHRISTIAN FELLOWSHIP

“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

ORTHODOX CHRISTIAN FELLOWSHIP

“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

ORTHODOX CHRISTIAN FELLOWSHIP

“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

ORTHODOX CHRISTIAN FELLOWSHIP

“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

ORTHODOX CHRISTIAN FELLOWSHIP

“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.