Brookline, MA – Orthodox Christian Fellowship (OCF)—the official college ministry for all twelve (12) jurisdictions of the Assembly of Canonical Orthodox Bishops—has named Rev. Deacon Marek Simon as Executive Director. He will begin his tenure on September 16, 2019. Dn. Marek will be formally introduced to the dozens of student leaders attending OCF’s Summer Leadership Institute being held August 14-17 at St. Iakovos Retreat Center in Kansasville, WI.
Deacon Marek with his wife, Allison, and two sons – Elias and Luke.
After
graduating from St. Vladimir’s Seminary in 2001, Dn. Marek has been serving at
Antiochian Village Camp since 2002, where he oversees the development and
advancement efforts of the camp. He also serves as supervisor of the camp’s
staff and manages its team-building ropes course program. During this
time, Dn. Marek remained committed to campus ministry, serving as the advisor
for OCF’s Student Leadership Board from 2005-2009.
“I first
learned about the scope of OCF’s work in 2002, and now I am both excited
and honored to focus my efforts in hopes of advancing the mission, vision,
and goals of OCF,” said Dn. Marek, speaking of his long history and bright
future with OCF.
“I am
passionate about working with young people as they navigate their journey into
adulthood, experience college, explore vocation, and seek to grow in their
faith. I look forward to working with the staff of OCF, college students,
clergy, lay leaders, and other Orthodox ministries to share the Good News of
Christ throughout our college communities,” he added.
Deacon Marek’s
hiring is a significant part of the growth and restructuring of the
organization currently being conducted by OCF’s Board of Directors. “On behalf
of our dedicated staff and the students we serve, I look forward to working
with Dn. Marek as a fellow colleague in realizing the Board’s vision of
bringing Christ in His fullness to the college campus,” said Dn. Alexander
Cadman, Board Chairman.
OCF
transforms the lives of college students in the United States and Canada by
guiding them along the path to Jesus Christ through His Church, cultivating a
campus community of worship, witness, service, fellowship and education. You
can learn more about the ongoing work of this vital ministry by visiting ocf.net or emailing info@ocf.net.
Brookline, MA – Orthodox Christian Fellowship (OCF), the official campus ministry of the Assembly of Canonical Orthodox Bishops, announces the launch of its annual First Forty Days campaign—a Churchwide partnership of OCF and each Assembly Member’s youth department to connect students to Christ and His Church during college.
With the blessing and encouragement of His Eminence Metropolitan Gregory of Nyssa, OCF’s Episcopal Liaison to the Assembly of Bishops, all parishes are invited to participate in the First Forty Days Initiative. By submitting student contact information directly to OCF, parents and parishes can be assured that their students will be contacted by local OCF leaders within the first forty days of the academic year, providing them opportunities to make Christ and His Church central to their life on campus.
During the first six weeks of their time on campus, college students form the relationships and habits that last their entire college career. So that it is the Church that becomes a foundation for their college experience, First Forty Days ensures that every student becomes connected to an OCF chapter and a local parish within this time period.
Parents, parishes, and youth program coordinators can submit student contact information for their graduating high school seniors at www.ocf.net/firstfortydays. All student information submitted by July 15, 2019 will be distributed appropriately in advance of the fall semester.
Each student’s contact information will remain private and shared only with the appropriate local and regional OCF leaders. Please contact OCF at firstfortydays@ocf.net with any questions regarding this important effort.
OCF transforms the lives of college students in the United States and Canada by guiding them along the path to Jesus Christ through His Church, cultivating a campus community of worship, witness, service, fellowship and education. You can learn more about the ongoing work of these vital ministries by visiting ocf.net or emailing info@ocf.net.
Continuing our series of American saints, our newest “There’s a Saint for That” guide features St. Raphael of Brooklyn. Learn how he brought together people of different backgrounds, founded numerous parishes, and humbly served the Church for many years.
Click Here to Learn More!
Every year, OCF selects a team of talented students to take on leadership positions in Orthodox campus ministry. The Student Leadership Board (SLB) works with staff and clergy volunteers to plan and implement the programs of OCF, advise and inspire their peers on campuses, and develop new resources and programs for Orthodox college students. OCF is currently seeking applicants for all positions for the 2019-2020 Student Leadership Board.
Serving on the SLB offers students a unique opportunity to develop their leadership skills while growing in their faith and giving back to the Church. Current Student Leadership Board Chairman, Caroline Mellekas, encourages any student who has been impacted by OCF to consider applying, “If you feel affected by the mission of OCF and called to carry it through offering your own gifts, then this is what’s next for you.”
As part of their training, SLB members will attend OCF’s Summer Leadership Institute free of charge! Additionally, SLB members will receive priority registration for College Conference and Real Break. Recommendations for applicants and questions can be directed at studentleadership@ocf.net. Applications are due MARCH 29, 2019.
We at OCF are grateful that God has worked wonders through this ministry. This #GivingTuesday, join us in supporting this vital ministry to college students.
