Every month, the OCF social media platforms will be featuring one of the nine regions of chapters. November is the month for the Southeast Region, which includes Florida, Georgia, the Carolinas, Alabama, Tennessee, and southern Kentucky.
On the blog, I’ll be asking the Regional Student Leader–for Southeast, the enchanting Fevronia Koufogazos–for a few names of people in their region who are absolutely rockin’ it. It’s an opportunity for every region to showcase and share that which makes them unique and awesome, and hopefully all the regions can learn from and grow with each other.
So, without further ado, your Southeast All-Stars!
Yianni Margiotis, North Carolina District Leader, UNC-Charlotte
My name is Yianni Margiotis, and I am a senior at the University of North Carolina at Charlotte. I am a double major in in Biology and Psychology, and I am currently applying to dental school. I am a student district leader of NC for OCF. I’m from Charlotte, NC, and I am somewhat of a basketball globetrotter.
How did you get involved in OCF?
I first heard about OCF in my senior year in high school. Unfortunately, the university I was going to attend did not have an active chapter. Niko Wilk and Isabella Calpakis, great friends of mine and the founders of Charlotte’s chapter, successfully started OCF. Once I started college, I decided to attend an OCF meeting. Our chapter was small at first, but after a few years, the Charlotte OCF has grown tremendously, and I couldn’t be happier to be a part of a wonderful group of Orthodox college students.
What are some of your greatest memories/experiences from OCF?
I have two amazing memories. My first greatest memory was attending my first Workdaze, a biannual event where Orthodox Christian college students from all over the Southeast get together for fellowship, community service, and to be in the presence of Christ. It was wonderful to meet so many college students with the same interest as me, along with the same faith. My second greatest memory was an ordinary OCF meeting that was held last year in 2016. It was ordinary because we have meetings twice a month per usual, however it’s great to see how far we have come as a chapter here in Charlotte.
What’s something cool going on in your chapter/district/region that you’d like to share?
In our region, we currently have over 110 college students attending Workdaze this fall. The last event that was held, which was in the spring, the number of college students was 68. It’s amazing to see how the message of Workdaze has spread to others and how new college students can see how great of a time it is to look forward to.
Any advice you could give to someone else in your position (Chapter Pres., District Leader, etc…) across the nation?
My advice for someone who is in my position currently, which is the Student District Leader of NC (or in this case, any state), would be to get to know as many people in OCF as you can in your district and keep in contact with them. By doing this, they can see that they are not in this alone. You have to set an example of how an Orthodox college student is suppose to act; that you can go through your college years with clarity of mind knowing that Christ is helping you every step of the way.
Adriana Lane, Media Team Member, NC State Design School
My name is Adriana Lane! I am a sophomore in the Design School at NC State University in Raleigh, NC, but I grew up in Greensboro, NC. I am planning to double major in both Design and Business Administration with a concentration in Entrepreneurship. I would love to own a design company one day, and I love donuts and coffee! I am a member of the Media Team for the Southeast region; we create social media content to promote OCF.
How did you get involved in OCF?
I got involved in OCF at NC State during my freshman year through friends of mine. My first major event that I attended was Workdaze in the fall of last year, and I immediately fell in love with OCF.
What are some of your greatest memories/experiences from OCF?
Some of the greatest memories that I have had through OCF would definitely be at Workdaze. I was able to meet so many new friends and connect with Orthodox college students around the Southeast.
What’s something cool going on in your chapter/district/region that you’d like to share?
Workdaze is a retreat that we have once a semester in the Southeast! It is probably the best weekend out of my semester, and I look forward to it all year. We all come to the Diakonia Center (one of the most beautiful places on earth), and we volunteer for a weekend. It is a great way to see old friends and make new ones! As college students, I feel that we often get so caught up in our daily lives that we often put our faith on the back burner. For me personally, I find that this weekend is so important and provides a spiritual rejuvenation that helps me remember what really matters.
Any advice you could give to someone else in your position (Chapter Pres., District Leader, etc…) across the nation?
If I was to give someone advice in my position, I would probably say have fun and find a way to enjoy what you are doing. I am so thankful for the Southeast Media Team, they have all taught me so much. They are the most amazing and hardworking people, and we all have so much fun with what we do!
Every month, the OCF social media platforms will be featuring one of the nine regions of chapters. April is the month for the Southeast Region, which includes the wonderful states of Florida, Georgia, Alabama, Kentucky, Tennessee, and not one but two Carolinas.
On the blog, I’ll be asking the Regional Student Leader–for Southeast, the charming Niko Wilk–for a few names of people in their region who are absolutely rockin’ it. It’s an opportunity for every region to showcase and share that which makes them unique and awesome, and hopefully all the regions can learn from and grow with each other.
So, without further ado, your Southeast All-Stars!
Andrew Mamangakis, District Leader/Chapter President
How did you get involved in OCF?
I got involved with OCF because before I was president of the OCF chapter at UF, my brother Paul Mamangakis was the president. I saw the potential for those who wanted to follow Christ in college, but were deterred by the worldly society that surrounds us. Joining a community of fellow Orthodox Christians helps surround us with people that uphold similar values, encouraging students to stay within the Church.
What are some of your greatest memories/experiences from OCF?
My greatest memories from OCF have to be the road trips to and from South Carolina where the regional retreat is held at the Diakonia Center. Car rides listening to music, playing car games, and just talking about how excited we were to see our friends are some of the reasons I look forward to 7+ hours in a cramped car. The retreat itself is something I will never forget, which I why I’ve gone back every semester since I was a freshman. Building a fence for the animals, clearing out the woods, and painting the center are a few of the jobs that helped build relationships with people I’ll never forget.
What’s something cool going on in your chapter/district/region that you’d like to share?
Currently our OCF chapter is privileged to have Dr. Florin Curta, an amazing Romanian Orthodox history professor and author at UF, give a lecture series on the early centuries of Christianity up to the present day. It’s fascinating to learn about how Orthodoxy has been maintained throughout 2000 years while the world around us is ever-changing.
Any advice you could give to someone else in your position (Chapter Pres., District Leader, etc…) across the nation?
My advice to other chapter presidents or district leaders in OCF is to not be afraid of reaching out to fellow students, priests, parishioners, and any members in your community about OCF. More often than not, people are extremely helpful and interested in what our young adults are up to in college. Seeing students care about our Church encourages people of all ages to become closer to God.
John Shelton, District Leader
How did you get involved in OCF?
A former youth director had mentioned that the OCF chapter at my school had fallen apart…so I felt the need to resurrect it for my sake and to engage the community.
What are some of your greatest memories/experiences from OCF?
Some of my greatest memories from OCF have to be worshiping at our Southeast regional retreats. To celebrate divine liturgy at its purest form, singing hymns in full with 60 of your closest friends, is both humbling and awe inspiring.
What’s something cool going on in your chapter/district/region that you’d like to share?
In our district, we are planning an inter-chapter worship service at the historic Duke Chapel on the campus of Duke University!
Any advice you could give to someone else in your position (Chapter Pres., District Leader, etc…) across the nation?
Keep an open line and a constant line of communication with your chapter leaders and chapter members. The more we talk about OCF and our faith, the more active everyone will be! And most importantly, give people the opportunity to lead in their own way, because their level of comfort will increase and they will feel more willing to take ownership about their faith and role in our church.
Every month, the OCF social media platforms will be featuring one of the nine regions of chapters. March is the month for my birthday the South Region, which includes the great states of Texas, Louisiana, Oklahoma, Arkansas, and Mississippi. Yee-haw!
On the blog, I’ll be asking the Regional Student Leader–for South, the striking Kathrine Sackllah–for a few names of people in their region who are absolutely rockin’ it. It’s an opportunity for every region to showcase and share that which makes them unique and awesome, and hopefully all the regions can learn from and grow with each other.
So, without further ado, your South All-Stars!
Anna Sobchak, Chapter President, SMU
Hi! My name is Anna Sobchak, a junior at Southern Methodist University (SMU), majoring in Mechanical Engineering and Math and currently chapter president.
How did you get involved in OCF?
Haha. It’s not a very exciting story, I’m afraid. I always knew SMU had a chapter at OCF; it was something I made sure of at all the schools I applied to. I had a friend who got me in contact with the coordinator and just went to the first meeting.
What are some of your greatest memories/experiences from OCF?
Growing up in Houston, I love every time we have a regional retreat and I get to see all the friends I grew up with. However, I would have to say my greatest experience so far was when I went to Jerusalem last spring for Real Break. It was beautiful and exciting and…honestly, I don’t even know how to describe it. Seeing all of the holy sites and just walking around the Sea of Galilee or through the Old City…it made the biblical stories seem so much more real and relatable. 10/10 would recommend.
Any advice you could give to someone else in your position?
Somehow I ended up as chapter president, but whether you just go to weekly meetings or are involved in the national level, my advice is to make sure you get involved. Different chapters do different things, but at the end of the day, it’s comforting to know that while you are at college in a new city, maybe even a new country, you have at least one brother or sister in Christ there with you. And the more you get involved, the more you’ll find out just how interconnected the Orthodox communities are all across the US.
Valerie Hanna, Central Texas District Student Leader, Texas A&M
Valerie Hanna is from Houston, Texas and a junior at Texas A&M University (Whoop!), studying Telecomm. Media Studies with a minor in Art. She is secretary of her OCF chapter and District Student Leader of Central Texas. She loves teaching Sunday School at St. Silouan Antiochian Orthodox Church, reading books instead of studying (uh-oh), practically living at her local coffee shop, sketching Disney characters, being at camp, and attending concerts.
And how did you get involved in OCF?
I knew I wanted to be in OCF before my freshman year even began. Having grown up involved in Teen SOYO, getting involved in OCF just felt like the natural “next step” in my church involvement when I left home. When applying to schools, I made sure there was a church with an OCF chapter in the general area because I knew I was going to need them. Fast forward three years, and I am both an officer in my chapter as well as District Student Leader for Central Texas and it’s been pretty great.
What are some of your greatest memories/experiences from OCF?
Last year we had a meeting right after the last Pre-Sanctified Liturgy during Lent where we got together and had some of the students teach others how to make crosses out of palms for Palm Sunday which led to us staying at the church for quite a while consisting of so much singing and so much fun. 10/10 would recommend as a fun & stress-free meeting before Holy Week! Despite the social events we have had in the past, this one felt like a really strong bonding experience for our entire group.
Any advice you could give to someone else in your position (Chapter Pres., District Leader, etc…) across the nation?
Embrace it and let it teach you things you didn’t even know you needed to learn. This goes beyond being a leadership position. You’re going to learn things that are beyond yourself. God works in each of us very differently, I feel this goes without saying, but you will be surprised as to how He is going to work through you. The feeling of being able to help nourish other OCF chapters beyond your own is incredible. I’ve put together events and done things I never in a thousand years pictured myself doing before this school year started. OCF isn’t just a temporary thing throughout my four years of college. OCF has given me my best friends, strengthened my relationships with others, and been the backbone of my entire college experience. It is what has helped keep me sane in the moments I felt so overwhelmed all I wanted to do was cry. OCF has been one of the constant reminders of the love that God has for me, for all of us. Being a leader in an organization He has allowed us to establish as a stepping stone in our journey toward salvation is more than I have ever been worthy of, but something to be so incredibly thankful for.
Every month, the OCF social media platforms will be featuring one of the nine regions of chapters. January is the month for the Northeast Region, which includes the wonderful states of Vermont, Massachusetts (congrats Pats fans), Rhode Island, Maine, the provinces of western Ontario and Quebec, and the brand spankin’ New Hampshire, York, and Jersey.
On the blog, I’ll be asking the Regional Student Leader–for Northeast, the indomitable Spyridoula Fotinis–for a few names of people in their region who are absolutely rockin’ it. It’s an opportunity for every region to showcase and share that which makes them unique and awesome, and hopefully all the regions can learn from and grow with each other.
So, without further ado, your Northeast All-Stars!
Stephanie Katartzis, Chapter President, University of Rhode Island
My name is Stephanie Katartzis. I grew up in Bethpage, New York and am currently a sophomore in a six-year pharmacy program at the University of Rhode Island. I am the president of the OCF for my chapter– one that was just freshly formed (yay!). However, this semester you can catch me studying abroad in Rhodes, Greece!
How did you get involved in OCF?
Entering college as a freshman, I was disappointed to find out that my school did not have an OCF chapter, nor an Orthodox Christian Church that was easily accessible without a car. I was determined to find other students on the same boat, and I also reached out to the parish members from the nearest Orthodox Church, St. Spyridon. Through God’s works, I found several other students motivated to start an organization on campus, and I was blessed to meet families that were more than willing to give me and the other students rides to church. Now, coming into my sophomore year, we have close to ten active members and a dedicated, amazing advisor, Fr. John.
What are some of your greatest memories/experiences from OCF?
College Conference East 2015 played a big part in inspiring me to start an OCF chapter on my campus. There is nothing more satisfying than being immersed in tons of fun events and enlightening workshops with close to 300 other students of the same faith. Chartering a chapter at my school was my way of bringing a piece of CCEast back with me.
Nick Cizin, Chapter Member/Treasurer, Seton Hall University
I’m a freshman accounting major at Seton Hall University’s Stillman School of Business. In my free time, I enjoy playing on Seton Hall’s Men’s Club Ice Hockey team, watching sports, and fishing. I intend on being the treasurer at Seton Hall’s OCF chapter.
Tell us about your OCF story.
I got involved in OCF after I joined a Coptic Orthodox group at Seton Hall, called Seton Hall Orthodox Fellowship, thinking it was OCF. I then proceeded to find the Seton Hall’s OCF chapter, only to find out the club’s creation had been halted last year. Because Seton Hall is a Catholic university, all religious clubs must be approved by campus ministry, and campus ministry did not see a need for two Orthodox clubs, as the Coptic Orthodox club had already been formed. I met with the students that tried to form the chapter last year, and still we had no solution to this problem. Fortunately, about halfway through the first semester luck turned our way as we discovered there was a new director of campus ministry. We are in the process meeting with the new director, and can only pray he is more open to the idea of having two Orthodox clubs on campus.
As of now, Seton Hall is without a chapter, but graciously enough, president of New Jersey’s County College of Morris chapter, Spyridoula Fotinis, has invited Seton Hall students to join in their chapter’s activities. I would like to thank her, on behalf of all Seton Hall OCF students, for this.
Since our OCF chapter is in the process of forming, I would actually appreciate any tips from treasurers in other OCF chapter treasurers. You can contact me at ncizin11@gmail.com.
What positive experience have you had with OCF?
My favorite OCF experience thus far was College Conference, hands down. I enjoyed College Conference so much because of the people I was able to meet. I met Orthodox students from all different ethnic backgrounds, and got a taste of their cultures, like I never had before. I also surprisingly met students from Seton Hall that I had never met before. Finally, I met lots of wonderful people that were willing to lend advice and support in regard to the issues we are having with campus ministry. Other students, whose OCF chapters share their school with similar Coptic Orthodox clubs, offered advice on keeping a positive relationship with them. I even got a chance to speak to His Grace, Bishop Gregory, who was more than happy to assist in our OCF chapter’s creation, should we encounter problems with the new director of campus ministry.
Eleni Florakis, OCF President, Binghamton University
Hi! I’m Eleni Florakis and I’m a pre-med senior, majoring in Integrative Neuroscience and minoring in Global Studies. I’m originally from New Rochelle, NY but currently attend Binghamton University, where I am President of the OCF there. In my free time I enjoy playing piano and flute (which I also play in the Binghamton University Orchestra), running, hiking, playing intramural volleyball, reading, and travelling.
OCF story! Go!
I first heard of OCF from my older brother and was super excited to join in my freshman year. However, when I got to Binghamton University, I was disappointed to find out that OCF did not exist on Binghamton’s campus. That is when it became my mission to start a chapter. Starting out was definitely rough, and it was hard to find the time to devote to this worthy cause. Because of this, it took a couple of tries, but the persistence was definitely worth it. I am very excited to say that Binghamton University’s OCF is now in the process of getting officially chartered by the school!
Anything cool going on in Binghamton you’d like to share?
Something cool that goes on throughout the semester that our OCF helps out with is a Community Meal Service at St. Michael’s Orthodox Church in Downtown Binghamton. This occurs every Monday of the week, where over 100 community members come to enjoy a hot, three-course meal. Our OCF students help with setting up, serving food, cleaning up, and conversing with the community members. It’s a very humbling experience and a great way to serve our community!
Would you like to share any advice with someone else striving to start an OCF chapter?
My advice is to never give up! I know it can be disheartening at first to try and find enough members to become an active club, but don’t worry. With some prayer and determination, it will all eventually work out and more members will join!
Justine Younes, Chapter President, Queen’s University
Hi, my name is Justine Younes and I am a fourth year Engineering Chemistry student at Queen’s University in Kingston, Ontario Canada. I am also the Chapter President/Co-Founder of Queen’s OCF, which we started just two-and-a-half years ago, and our chapter has already grown to twelve regular members. Glory be to God! Something cool about our chapter is that we only became an official school club THIS year (WOO!), so you can say we’ve been like the “underground Queen’s OCF” for two years, and had to get our OCF faculty member, a professor at our school, to book our rooms for us! Shoutout to Dr. Ana Siljak <3
Yes! Canada! We love Canada! Tell us about your OCF story.
After my first year in University, I remember feeling like something was missing from my life. Growing up I was always involved in Teen SOYO and loved being super involved in the church, but once I moved away for school, I never thought I would miss it that much. Well, one “hitchhike to church because I didn’t think 5km was a long walk and I didn’t want to miss Liturgy” later, I quickly realized how much I needed the church in my life. I had heard of OCF from my church community, so I knew that’s what was I wanted at Queen’s, I just didn’t know how to do it. So when the first Sunday of my second year rolled around, and I noticed a kid my age in the small St. Gregory of Nyssa mission church, I knew exactly that it was meant to be. He (Victor) was a first year at Queen’s University, and when I mentioned OCF to him, he immediately expressed his interest and enthusiasm to the idea! How God works! There was also a new priest, Fr. Mathew, who came that year to do his PhD at Queen’s, and he was very willing to be the spiritual adviser of our group! How God works again! And then our lovely faculty member (Ana, who was mentioned earlier) booked a room for us every week! So, by the will of God and through His many blessings, our underground OCF chapter began.
Awesome. Anything cool you’d like to share?
Every year, the OCF chapters in our area take a trip to a monastery in Montreal for a chance to visit and meet other students in OCF at other schools. It is something our chapter always looks forward to, and it is so special and important for people our age to visit monasteries and to explore the other path that God has laid down for us. It is also just the most beautiful place to find peace and refuge from the world, which is ideal for retreat settings and meeting and connecting to other students that are struggling in the faith and in the same situation as yourself.
Every month, the OCF social media platforms will be featuring one of the nine regions of chapters. January is the month for the Midwest Region, which includes the great states of Illinois, Wisconsin, Minnesota, Iowa, Missouri, Kansas, Nebraska, the provinces Manitoba and western Ontario, as well as not one, but two!Dakotas.
On the blog, I’ll be asking the Regional Student Leader–for Midwest, the dazzling Nicole Petrow–for a few names of people in their region who are absolutely rockin’ it. It’s an opportunity for every region to showcase and share that which makes them unique and awesome, and hopefully all the regions can learn from and grow with each other.
So, without further ado, your Midwest All-Stars!
Deanna Kolas, Chapter Member, Loyola University
I’m Deanna. I grew up in Rochester, Minnesota, graduated from the University of Minnesota in Minneapolis, and now I’m a first-year graduate student studying Counseling at Loyola University Chicago.
Deanna, why did you decide to go to a school with an OCF?
When I was searching for colleges for my undergrad, having a church nearby and an OCF was really important to me. I had heard from so many people that staying connected with Orthodoxy was challenging for college students, but I was determined to stay strong and connected. I was involved in OCF at the UofM, and I’m involved at Loyola as well. Part of the reason I wanted to move to Chicago was because of the active Greek and Orthodox community here, so I thought that joining OCF would be a great way to begin joining and making connections in that community.
So what do you enjoy most about OCF?
Some of my favorite experiences with OCF have been going to retreats and conferences. I love being able to get away from my regular life for a bit and recharge. Something that I’ve really enjoyed about both of my OCFs is that they get involved with and plan events with students from other schools and their OCFs.
What advice would you give to OCF chapter members across the nation?
A piece of advice I would give to other OCF members is to get involved as much as you can. I always wanted to become a leader in my UofM OCF, but I didn’t because I studied abroad for one semester. Even though I’ve always been very involved in OCF, I regret not taking on a leadership role. If you have ideas of activities your chapter could do or ways to make OCF even better, don’t be afraid to tell someone, take action, and make it happen.
Jamie Zaine, Chapter Member, Drake University
My name is Jamie Zaine and I am a senior at Drake University in Des Moines, IA. I am from West Saint Paul, MN and grew up attending St. George Antiochian Orthodox Church. At Drake, I study Finance with a minor in Spanish. Drake is a school of 3,400 students and there is no OCF, however, there is an Orthodox church six blocks from school! So even when I had no car on campus my first years of school, I could easily walk down the street on Sunday mornings.
How did you get involved with OCF, Jamie?
I am sure you have heard many times, “Your school doesn’t have an OCF? No problem, here is how you start one.” At least that is what people said to me. When I first got to Drake, I was determined to do just that. But I quickly realized that wouldn’t be happening. I’ve run across a few Orthodox students here and there, but starting a chapter just isn’t practical. So I decided that I would integrate myself into the church community in Des Moines by getting to know the high schoolers and retirees and everyone in between. No, they are not college students going through the same things as me, but they are Orthodox Christians striving to live the same faith.
Editor’s note: sometimes the coolest OCFers don’t have a chapter. I’ve heard, in fact, there is a rather dashing one at the University of Chicago who occasionally runs the OCF blog. Go team.
How has your lack of chapter impacted your college experience?
As a senior about to graduate, I look back at my four years of college and thank God that he gave me the opportunity to attend church each week. Don’t get me wrong, there were Sundays when I didn’t want to be at church. I would have rather slept in or just hung out with kids my age. But going each week kept God present in my life during college. It reminded me that there is more to life than studying, classes, internships, and campus organizations.
Any advice for other kids struggling without a chapter?
Tips to keep God present in your life:
If your school doesn’t have an OCF or church nearby, do what you can to keep God present in your life. Maybe you can set up 30 minutes every Sunday morning to read some prayers and Bible. Try to make it a habit that you don’t break just because your friends want to go to brunch.
I have found that who you spend your time with is very important. Spend time with Christians of other denominations. Even if you don’t go to Bible study or worship with them, it is nice to have fellow college students living a life devoted to Christ, with similar morals and understanding of the Truth.
Something that I started to take part in later in my college career is events sponsored by OCF. I wish I would have gotten more involved earlier and maybe even taken on a leadership position! The regional retreats and college conferences have been such faith refreshing experiences for me. Sign up! You will meet some awesome people and learn more about your faith!
Margaret Kolyvas, Chapter President and Founder, Bradley University
Okay Margaret, last but not least! Tell us your OCF story.
I met Father Ciprian Sas, the priest at All Saints Greek Orthodox Church in Peoria, when I was trying to decide what university to attend. His wife, Presbytera Magdelena Sas is a professor at Bradley, and when I attended the church’s food festival my freshman year, we talked about the possibility of starting an OCF. From there I have been working on getting the organization started and growing the chapter.
New chapter–nice! Do you have a favorite moment from that process?
I think my best memory is when I held our first informational meeting this past year after having low attendance for my first two years. We had double what our usual attendance was and everyone came excited to be there and get to know one another. It really made me realize that we had a chance to grow the organization.
What’s something you’re working on in your new chapter that’s working really well?
For about a year, Father Ciprian Sas came to Bradley’s campus and would meet with anyone that wanted to come to talk about some controversial topics that college students can relate to and our response to them as Orthodox Christians. We had a huge turnout when we conversed about the differences between the Orthodox and Catholic churches with Orthodox, Catholic, Nondenominational, and many other students attending.
And what advice can you give to an OCFer trying to start a chapter at their school?
Keep trying! At Bradley, we have really struggled with numbers since our student population is so small. I just keep reminding myself and anyone else in my position or involved in any way that one person is enough. One person involved in the organization is enough to keep pushing and trying to spread the Word and do the work of our Lord.
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