We’ve got good news! Applications for the 2020-2021 OCF Student Leadership Board are now open

We’ve got good news! Applications for the 2020-2021 OCF Student Leadership Board are now open

by | Feb 19, 2020 | News

Each spring, Orthodox Christian Fellowship (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 assist in the development of new resources and programs for Orthodox college students. OCF is currently seeking applicants for all positions for the 2020-2021 SLB.

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 Retzios, encourages any student who has been impacted by OCF to consider applying.

“OCF gives us so many opportunities to grow in our faith,” Retzios said. “If you desire to grow closer to Christ through service to your peers, build life-long friendships, and learn more about your faith, apply!”

As part of their training, SLB members will attend OCF’s Summer Leadership Institute.

Recommendations for applicants and questions may be directed to studentleadership@ocf.net.

Applications and are due MARCH 29, 2020.

Learn More & Apply!

Orthodox Christian Fellowship (OCF) Selects Deacon Marek Simon as Executive Director

by | Aug 13, 2019 | News



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.

OCF Announces Launch of Its Annual First Forty Days Campaign

by | Aug 13, 2019 | News



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.