OCF Chaplains' Conference 2011, the annual gathering of clergy and lay leaders of local OCF chapters, will   take place from  February 8-10, 2011 at Antiochian Village in  Ligonier, PA. The  Conference  will  focus on the theme of "Following Christ through Crisis," with the goal of equipping chaplains to help students remain strong in their faith and in the pursuit of their calling in the midst of crises, be they personal or interpersonal, emotional, physical or spiritual. 

Designed to offer practical learning in the field of campus ministry, the keynote sessions will be offered by Archimandrite John Abdalah, a veteran OCF Chaplain at the University of Pittsburgh. Fr. Abdalah has a Doctor of Ministry in Pastoral Care from Pittsburgh Theological School and a Certificate in Pastoral Counseling from Pittsburgh Pastoral Institute.  Fr. John is a founder of the Orthodox Pastoral Counseling Institute in Pittsburgh. In addition to the keynote presentations, sessions will be offered on varied  practical topics ranging from "The First Two Weeks of the Semester," to "Developing Continuity in Student Leadership."  

According to Fr.  Michael Nasser, OCF's North American Chaplain and one of the organizers of the event, "The reality is that a great majority of college students today will face multiple crises during their college years. Most students do well in the college setting until crisis hits and they are faced with adversity.  It is at these times that they are at great risk of losing their way. Our efforts aim to better equip chaplains to help students get through these challenging times and hold fast to Christ and His Church as their anchor." 

Twenty scholarships covering travel and registration costs will be awarded to applicants, with majority funding provided  through a matching grant with OCF's ongoing relationship with the Office of Vocation & Ministry at Hellenic College.  Current OCF Chaplains, as well as those interested in this rewarding ministry are encouraged to apply. Awarded participants will in turn submit written reflections on their personal vocations as campus ministers. 

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