We’ve got good news! OCF receives $25,000 Matching Grant Opportunity
BROOKLINE, MA — Over the past few months, we have all been faced with challenges that point to an uncertain future. However, in the midst of these challenges, OCF remains committed to building community, strengthening faith, and bringing Christ’s love to college students. Since March 2020, OCF has provided these new opportunities for college students:
Virtual discussion series on Fr. Thomas Hopko’s “55 Maxims for Christian Living”
Virtual chapel opportunities, including Compline, Paraklesis, and the Akathist of Thanksgiving
Virtual small groups facilitated by OCF alumni connecting students with their peers to discuss their faith and current experience
Lenten cooking videos
Holy Week video series connecting the pilgrimage sites of Real Break Jerusalem to the services of Holy Week
Graduation video series honoring the Class of 2020, featuring actor and musician Jonathan Jackson as keynote
Virtual series on racial reconciliation as Orthodox Christians (currently being offered in partnership with the Fellowship of St. Moses the Black and CrossRoad Summer Institute)
Virtual Summer Leadership Institute (beginning June 28)
OCF has been offered a tremendous opportunity for the faithful to support our college students. The Renaissance Fund has extended a $25,000 matching grant to OCF, where donations of up to $500 between June 15th and August 4th will be doubled if the $25,000 goal is met!
College students need us NOW. They want to live faithfully. They want to be engaged in their faith. They want their faith to engage them. OCF can only do this with the help of its supporters.
For more information about this matching grant opportunity please contact OCF Development Manager, Donna Levas at donna@ocf.net.
Orthodox Christian Fellowship (OCF) is an agency of the Assembly of Canonical Orthodox Bishops of the United States and serves as the official campus ministry for the twelve (12) Orthodox Christian jurisdictions that the Assembly represents. Its mission is to transform the lives of college students by guiding them along the path to Jesus Christ through His Church, cultivating a campus community of worship, witness, service, fellowship, and education.*Matching Grant generously provided by The Renaissance Fund. A donation up to $500 will count towards the matching grant opportunity until the $25,000 match goal is met. For donors who gave in 2019 or 2020, donations will be matched if the amount given towards this campaign exceeds any previous 2019/2020 donation. This provides current donors with the opportunity to increase their support for OCF as well as invite friends to learn about and support OCF’s ministry.
We’ve got good news! Registration for the first-ever virtual OCF Summer Leadership Institute is now open!
BROOKLINE, MA — Orthodox Christian Fellowship’s Summer Leadership Institute will be offered from June 27 – August 9, 2020 as a six-week virtual leadership training course for college students and young adults (ages 18-25). Attendees can expect to learn what it means to be an Orthodox leader in OCF, the Church, and the world. This is the first-ever virtual offering of SLI and attendance is free of charge.
Various aspects of leadership will be explored through readings, short video lectures, interactive sessions with instructors, and weekly leadership breakouts. SLI 2020 will feature lectures led by OCF staff as well as experts in Orthodox theology, spirituality, and pastoral ministry to help prepare participants to be Christ-centered servant leaders.
This year’s instructors will include John Meese, Entrepreneur & Dean of Platform University; Dr. Philip Mamalakis, Assistant Professor of Pastoral Care, Holy Cross Greek Orthodox School of Theology; Matthew Namee, General Counsel & COO of Orthodox Ministry Services & Founding Director of the Society for Orthodox Christian History in the Americas; Christina Andresen, Director of Ministries for OCF; Donna Levas, Development Manager for OCF; and Fr. Panagiotis Boznos, pastor of Saint Athanasios Greek Orthodox Church in Aurora, Illinois.
Emma, a former SLI Participant, had this to say, “During SLI, you grow as an Orthodox Christian not only by learning about your faith in the theological or doctrinal sense, but by harnessing essential life skills like public speaking, servant leadership, organization and planning, and conflict resolution and giving them back to the Church.”
Orthodox Christian Fellowship (OCF) is an agency of the Assembly of Canonical Orthodox Bishops of the United States and serves as the official campus ministry for the twelve (12) Orthodox Christian jurisdictions that the Assembly represents. Its mission is to transform the lives of college students by guiding them along the path to Jesus Christ through His Church, cultivating a campus community of worship, witness, service, fellowship, and education.
Rejoice in hope, be patient in tribulation, be constant in prayer. -Romans 12.12
As we experience an unprecedented situation and challenging times, Orthodox Christian Fellowship (OCF) can only begin to understand the current reality and its impact on college students and the world. Simply put, life as we know it has been turned upside down.
In the midst of uncertainty, confusion, sickness, distancing, and even isolation, we trust in one constant- the love of God. It is this love that propels us forward. It is this love that gives us hope.
Know that during this time, OCF remains committed to providing relevant and meaningful ministry for college students. Our staff recently explored the question, “Why does OCF exist?” The answer was unanimous, “To offer opportunities for college students to encounter Jesus Christ and the Orthodox Church.” It is to this end that our mission carries forward.
In the coming days and weeks, potentially even months, OCF Staff will continue to work with student leaders, advisors, our hierarchs, friends, and other ministry efforts to evolve our ministry given the current situation. We ask for your prayers as we discern, plan, and implement a purposeful & meaningful engagement for students, one that assists their journey on the path laid forth by Christ and His Church.
Let us accept challenges as opportunities, and let us each remain faithful to the message of the Gospel, the “Good News”, as we live in each moment in each day.
After time spent in prayer and careful consideration, coupled with close monitoring of the Coronavirus outbreak, it has become clear it would be unwise and unsafe for OCF to continue with our scheduled Regional Retreats, District Events, and YES Days for the remainder of the spring semester.
For those events with a registration fee, registrants will be refunded any fees already paid. Please reach out with any questions you might have.
We ask that you join us in prayer for those who are being affected, those who are in the medical profession, and those who are making decisions for the safety of our country.
“O God Almighty, Lord of heaven and earth, and of all creation visible and invisible, in thine ineffable goodness, look down upon us, thy people gathered in thy Holy Name. Be our helper and defender in this day of affliction. Thou knowest our weakness. Thou hearest our cry in repentance and contrition of heart. O Lord who lovest mankind, deliver us from the impending threat of the Coronavirus. Send thine angel to watch over us and protect us. Grant health and recovery to those suffering from this virus. Guide the hands of physicians and preserve those who are healthy. Enable us to continue to serve our suffering brothers and sisters in peace that together we may glorify thy most honorable and majestic name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, now and ever and unto ages of ages.”
“As the new Executive Director of OCF, I share the above exclamation as OCF immerses itself into the present-day lives of college students and builds hope for the future. Simply put, we are both encouraged and excited for our work in this ministry in 2020 and beyond. Our efforts are focused on strengthening OCF to impact and nurture students in their faith as they journey through their college years.
As with any great cause, to achieve our aspirations will require a great amount of investment, from the Church as a whole and by individuals and organizations who wish to support OCF in our cause. I invite you to join us in our commitment and our endless pursuit to be the loving presence of Christ on college campuses and for college students.”
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.
Orthodox
Christian Fellowship (OCF) is an agency of the Assembly of Canonical Orthodox
Bishops of the United States and serves as the official campus ministry for the
twelve (12) Orthodox Christian jurisdictions that the Assembly
represents. Its mission is to transform the lives of college students by
guiding them along the path to Jesus Christ through His Church, cultivating a
campus community of worship, witness, service, fellowship, and education.
Position
Summary:
Located
on the campus of Hellenic College Holy Cross in Brookline, Massachusetts, and
with a network that stretches across the country, OCF is seeking a Ministry
Intern to support the work of the National Office. The Ministry Intern
will provide administrative assistance for all OCF programs, in addition to
implementing administrative projects, maintaining databases, and providing
staff support.
Responsibilities:
Database management
chapter, donor, student data input and
maintenance
chapter outreach, including collection
of chapter information and rosters
survey management
website updates
Programs & Events
assist with registration management
provide logistical assistance for
national programs
Other
assist with public relations efforts
assist with content & resource
output
administrative tasks as delegated
Experience
& Qualifications:
Must display a growth mindset, team-first outlook and be motivated
by a passion for young adult ministry
Reporting, Administrative Writing,
Google Applications, Organization, Analyzing Information, Professionalism,
Problem Solving, Verbal and Email Communication
Must be able and willing to work with
and include individuals from diverse backgrounds and various Orthodox
jurisdictions
Must be authorized and eligible to work
in the United States
Application:
Applicants
must provide:
1. An
up-to-date resume
2. A
brief letter of interest regarding the position
These
items should be sent via email to Donna Levas at donna@ocf.net by February 5, 2020.
Applicants
will be reviewed and contacted based upon the order of submitted applications
and with a hope that the position will be filled as quickly as possible with an
anticipated start date of February 17, 2020.
Disclaimer:
This
job description indicates, in general, the nature and levels of work,
knowledge, skills, abilities, and other essential functions (as covered under
the Americans with Disabilities Act) expected of an incumbent. It is not
designed to include or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties,
or responsibilities required of an incumbent. An incumbent may be asked to
perform other tasks as needed.
BROOKLINE, MA — Orthodox Christian Fellowship (OCF), the
official campus ministry of the Assembly of Canonical Orthodox Bishops,
conducted another successful Summer Leadership Institute last month at the St.
Iakovos Retreat Center in Kansasville, WI. This year, OCF equipped 44 Orthodox
Christian college students with the knowledge, skills, and practices they need
to be young Orthodox leaders in OCF, the Church, and the world.
SLI 2019 featured workshops
led by OCF staff and student leaders, as well as experts in Orthodox theology,
spirituality, and pastoral ministry – helping prepare participants to be
Christ-centered servant leaders. In addition to the OCF staff, this year’s
speakers included Fr. Panagiotis Boznos, Christian Gonzalez, Anna Kallis, Fr.
Philip LeMasters, Matthew Namee, Jonathan Pageau, and Fr. Brendan Pelphrey.
Focusing on how our common
Orthodox tradition is at the core of servant leadership, SLI serves students
from various educational and jurisdictional backgrounds. Dimitri Gagianas, a
senior biomedical engineering student at Ohio State University from the Greek
Orthodox Archdiocese of America, shared how SLI impacted him this year:
“SLI is an experience you
can’t get anywhere else. It allowed me to explore high-level theological
concepts and discuss them with students my own age. I especially benefited from
Jonathan Pageau who provided us a deeper understanding of symbolism in our
society, culture, and faith and how this symbolism finds its truest expression
in the Church. Being able to think deeply about theology and ministry at SLI
has impacted how I will serve in my role as an OCF leader.”
The newly-appointed OCF
Executive Director, Dn. Marek Simon, was in attendance throughout the week and
offered the following reflection about SLI:
“The
Summer Leadership Institute was a wonderful gathering of Orthodox Christian college
students seeking to learn more about their faith, engage with Orthodox leaders
and fellow peers on significant topics, and develop their leadership skills as
young adults.”
Prior
to the official start of the Summer Leadership Institute, the seventeen-member
OCF Student Leadership Board met for three days to make plans for the events,
programs, and resources they will implement in the 2019-2020 academic year.
Their work is central to the ministry of OCF and was highlighted throughout
SLI, where attending students were given opportunities to learn from and serve
under the Student Leadership Board members.
Summer
Leadership Institute 2019 was made possible, in part, by a generous grant from
National Philoptochos and the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of America. For more
information about Summer Leadership Institute visit www.ocf.net/sli. For further questions
and inquiries, please email studentleadership@ocf.net.
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. OCF encourages you to learn
more and to support the ongoing work of this vital ministry by visiting OCF’s
redesigned website (www.ocf.net) or emailing the OCF
National Office (info@ocf.net).
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.
BROOKLINE, MA — Orthodox Christian Fellowship (OCF), the official campus ministry of the Assembly of Canonical Orthodox Bishops, is pleased to announce that new $200 need-based scholarships for College Conference Midwest 2018 are now available, made possible by two generous donors.
The registration cost for College Conference Midwest is $325 per person. The $200 scholarship would lower the cost of registration to $125 for selected applicants. Registration includes food, lodging, fellowship activities, and engaging keynote addresses and workshop sessions.
OCF’s College Conference Midwest will be held from December 27-30, 2018 at the St. Iakovos Retreat Center in Kansasville, WI. The 2018 Conference Theme is “Who Do You Say That I Am?” Fr. Barnabas Powell, parish priest at Sts. Raphael, Nicholas, and Irene Greek Orthodox Church in Cumming, GA and sole author and contributor of Faith Encouraged Ministries, will serve as the Keynote Speaker (https://blogs.ancientfaith.com/faithencouraged/about/).
For more information about College Conference Midwest 2018, the scholarships, or to register, visit http://www.ocf.net/events/college-conference-midwest-2018/. In addition, please feel free to contact OCF’s National Programs Manager, Donna Levas for more information: donna@ocf.net or (617) 850-1227.
BROOKLINE, MA–It is with great sadness that we hear of the shooting in Thousand Oaks, California. Our prayers go out to the grieving families of the loved ones lost in the violent shooting. We praise the heroic efforts of the brave individuals who put themselves in harm’s way to save others. There were many college students at the establishment at the time of the shooting. Students face many challenges while at college, but this should not be one of them. The OCF Board of Directors, the staff, Student Leadership Board, Spiritual Advisors and Lay Leaders all wish to extent our prayers to all those suffering from this senseless act of violence. We pray the faith of the individuals affected by this tragedy will help in bearing with the burden of such tremendous grief.
Fr. Barnabas Powell to headline OCF’s College Conference Midwest 2018
BROOKLINE, MA — Orthodox Christian Fellowship (OCF), the official campus ministry of the Assembly of Canonical Orthodox Bishops, will welcome Fr. Barnabas Powell as the Keynote Speaker for College Conference Midwest 2018.
Fr. Barnabas is the parish priest at Sts. Raphael, Nicholas, and Irene Greek Orthodox Church in Cumming, GA. He is also the sole author and contributor of Faith Encouraged Ministries, a media ministry hosted on Ancient Faith, https://blogs.ancientfaith.com/faithencouraged/about/.
OCF’s College Conference Midwest will be held from December 27-30, 2018 at the St. Iakovos Retreat Center in Kansasville, WI. The 2018 Conference Theme, around which Fr. Barnabas’s keynote addresses will be based, is “Who Do You Say That I Am?”
Limited spots remain, so college students are encouraged to register soon. The registration cost for College Conference Midwest is $325 per person. Registration includes food, lodging, fellowship activities, and engaging workshops with great speakers. Scholarships are available on a limited and first-come/first-served basis.
For more information about College Conference Midwest 2018 or to register, visit http://www.ocf.net/events/college-conference-midwest-2018/. In addition, please feel free to contact OCF’s National Programs Manager, Donna Levas for more information: donna@ocf.net or (617) 850-1227.
Our newest “There’s a Saint for That” guide features St. John Maximovitch. Learn about his life in Russia, China, and America, his simplicity, and the many miracles he has and does work for God’s people.
Our newest “There’s a Saint for That” guide features St. Nikolai Velimirovich. Learn about his sufferings at Dachau, his time in America, and his great love for sharing Christ’s gospel even in the midst of difficult times.
Sunday, October 7th is College Student Sunday. This Sunday is designated by the Assembly of Bishops for parishes to support the work of Orthodox Christian Fellowship. Our Student Leadership Board members will be present at parishes across the US to share their OCF stories and answer your questions. If you are in the area, we’d love to see you at one of these parishes.
St. George (GOA), Eugene, OR: Sophia Fraser, Northwest Student Leader
St. Andrew (GOA), San Luis Obispo, CA: Zoe Kanakis, Southwest Student Leader
Registration Opened for OCF’s Real Break 2019 on October 1, 2018 at 12:00PM EDT
BROOKLINE, MA — Orthodox Christian Fellowship (OCF), the official campus ministry of the Assembly of Canonical Orthodox Bishops, opened registration for OCF’s Real Break 2019 on October 1, 2018 at 12:00PM EDT.
OCF’s Real Break aims to prepare college students to be socially-informed Orthodox Christian citizens of this world, while directing their focus on the world to come – the kingdom of heaven. Built on a foundation of fellowship, education, worship, and service, Real Break provides students the opportunity to understand the true meaning of seeing Christ in the other – traveling to all parts of the world deepening their faith, serving those in need, and cultivating relationships with like-minded peers.
OCF will offer nine Real Break trips in 2019. March Spring Break trips include Romania, Albania (OCMC), Houston (IOCC), Project Mexico, Jerusalem, Thessaloniki, and Alaska. OCF will also offer two summer 2019 trips: one to Mt. Athos (male only) and one to Jerusalem (female only).
Registration costs vary according to the trip and limited scholarships are available for those who qualify.
For more information about Real Break 2019 or to register, visit http://www.ocf.net/real-break-2019/. In addition, please feel free to contact OCF’s National Programs Manager, Donna Levas for more information: donna@ocf.net or (617) 850-1227.
St. George (GOA), Eugene, OR: Sophia Fraser, Northwest Student Leader