College Student Sunday - Sept. 21
|
This year OCF sent 125 Orthodox Christian college students on short-term mission teams around the world.
125 participants said it changed their lives.
OCF is working with Orthodox Christian college students to inspire and cultivate a deep love for God and neighbor through life-transformative programming.
The Orthodox Church is facing a serious challenge. Youth and young adults are leaving the church at an alarming rate. Far away from families, priests, and communities, our students confront first-time freedoms, responsibilities, pressures, and temptation as never before. What can we do?
OCF, the official campus ministry of SCOBA, works around the clock to keep students connected to Christ and His Church. Bridging the gap between campus and the local parish, OCF provides a safe haven for students to explore their faith and their doubts. How? By connecting them to a growing network of Orthodox Christian students, campus chaplains, and opportunities to ignite their passion for Christ and His Church.
OCF is building a vital student movement on hundreds of campuses across North America. By addressing the issues and trends in today's campus culture, OCF can have a tremendous effect on the future of our Church.
But we need your help.
OCF has grown. So have its programs. With adequate resources, OCF can extend its ministry to thousands more.
 We need your support to expand this movement and solidify the future of the Church. Please support your students by giving today.
|
OCF Launches New Program "Just Love" and Hires Jordan Henderson to the Team
|
 Through the generous financial support of the Lilly Foundation, Orthodox Christian Fellowship (OCF) continues to work in conjunction with Hellenic College's Office of Vocation and Ministry to encourage students to explore vocational meaning and choices from the historic theological perspective of the Orthodox Church. In accordance with this vision, we are pleased to announce the hiring of Jordan Henderson to serve in the newly-created position of Service Learning Director. The purpose of this position is to offer students the opportunity to reflect not simply on their individual vocations, but primarily on their communal vocation as members of the Body of Christ, which is ultimately rooted in love for God and their neighbor.
Mr. Henderson brings nine years of experience of participating in and coordinating short-term missions. Most recently, he has served as Program Director of Orthodox Youth Outreach, a short-term mission program for teenagers under the auspices of the Antiochian Archdiocese of North America.
"We plan to apply many of the philosophical principles to OCF's short-term mission program that have made Orthodox Youth Outreach successful," says Henderson. "The ultimate goal is to provide opportunities for college students to serve those less fortunate than themselves, while reflecting on the communal vocation of Orthodox Christians to reach out to the poor with the love of Christ everyday of their lives."
Among Mr. Henderson's responsibilities will be to institute a new program called Just Love. This program will offer weekend-long inner-city mission trips for college students around the United States and Canada throughout the year. Students will have the opportunity not only to serve, but to interact with the poor and homeless throughout our inner-cities, and to reflect on what it means to truly love our neighbor in the context of modern urban poverty. The first of these trips will take place in conjunction with our upcoming 2008 Fall Board Meeting in Indianapolis on October 18. The cost to participate is $30. Students may register online.
He will also be working with the OCF staff to organize the first annual Pilgrimage for Justice, a conference focused on social justice, which will be held on Pentecost weekend in 2009, as well as developing small group curriculum for OCF's around the country.
"We are very happy to have Jordan on staff," comments Fr. Kevin Scherer, Executive Director of OCF. "He has a wealth of experience in this line of work, as well as an enthusiastic heart for college ministry that will make him a great asset to our staff."
|
Back to School by Rebecca Phillips
|
Greetings in the Name of our Lord Jesus Christ! I hope this issue of The Headliner finds you well and enjoying your semesters so far.
My name is Rebecca, and my task on the Student Advisory Board is to coordinate and compile The Headliner. My hope is that the announcements and information in it will keep you involved in OCF, as well as in your parishes and your daily walk with Christ. Please take advantages of the opportunities OCF provides - such as Real Break, Day of Prayer, etc. - as they will help you to grow in your faith, allow you to serve others, and to fellowship with your brothers and sisters in Christ. If you have suggestions as to what you would like to see in the monthly issues of The Headliner, please feel free to email me at raphillips14@gmail.com.
That being said, I just want to take this opportunity to share a few thoughts that I have had while beginning this semester. I can't speak for everyone, but I think college is one of the most exciting and fulfilling experiences I have ever encountered. There are many new experiences and even more challenges, all of which combine to test you and hopefully enable you to grow as an individual.
One of the most defining aspects of college is the goal you are preparing for, which is most often a career or occupation of some sort. But I prefer to think of this goal in terms of purpose. What am I here for? What is it that I am supposed to do? These questions are overwhelming and can have a variety of answers. As Orthodox Christians whose ultimate goal is to seek the Kingdom of God and attain it, we have been given a purpose to define and shape our lives in this world. Elder Philotheos Zervakos states this purpose, saying, "Become light, life, and salt to those in darkness, and guide many to the way of light and truth." Our calling then is to be living Gospels of Christ - to preach Him through our actions and choices - so that we can bring the light of Christ to a darkened world. Our task is not unlike that of the disciples who were called to be "fishers of men." God can and wants to use us as examples and witnesses. So serve others, love your neighbor, and preach Christ with your lives, as well as your lips. This is your purpose now, and it will continue to be so for the rest of your life.
As the semester continues, I challenge you to think about this purpose that God has called you to fulfill. It is a capacity we should seek to fulfill daily, not just on Sunday mornings or when the time seems right. Through struggles and joy, remember that God has chosen you for something greater. College has its challenges and important decisions, so keep you mind and heart focused on Christ, pursue His will for your life, and "...seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things shall be added to you" (Matthew 6:33). God bless you!
With love in Christ,
Rebecca Phillips
|
Regional Events, Happenings & Important Dates
|
|
Quotes from the Fathers
"The Cross is the crown of victory. It has brought light to those blinded by ignorance. It has released those enslaved by sin. Indeed, it has redeemed the whole of mankind. Do not, then, be ashamed of the Cross of Christ; rather, glory in it... For it was not a mere man who died for us, but the Son of God, God made man." - St. Cyril of Jerusalem
Important Dates
Feast Days
· September 24 - Feast of St. Thekla
· September 26 - The Repose of St. John the Theologian
· October 12 - Fathers of the 7th Ecumenical Council
· October 26 - Feast of St. Demetrius
Regional Events
Gordon College OCF/Holy Resurrection Orthodox Church Coffeehouse
Friday, September 19, 8:00 - 11:00 pm in Boston
Contact/Regional Rep: Stephanie Kon (Stephanie.Kon@gordon.edu)
Southeast Region Retreat
October 3-5 in Salem, SC
Contact/Regional Rep: Amanda Rafidi (Rafidi1985@yahoo.com)
Orthodoxy and the Arts - OCF Retreat at University of Delaware
October 3-5 in Delaware
Contact: delawareocf@gmail.com
(http://www.facebook.com/home.php?#/event.php?eid=31657317017)
Career Services Week for Hellenic College Students
October 6-9 HC/HC
Contact/Regional Rep: Stephanie Kon (Stephanie.Kon@gordon.edu)
OCF National Offices Open House/ Grand Opening
October 17 at 7:00 p.m.10748 E 116th Street, Fishers, Indiana. Please join us with Metropolitan Isaiah, Board, Staff and local clergy and students
Contact Veronica Pruim (Veronica@ocf.net)
PROGRAM DATES & REGISTRATION
JUST LOVE: INDY Urban Service Projects
October 18 -Special One Day Event
Registration begins: NOW
COLLEGE CONFERENCE: A Revolution of Love
December 27 - December 31
Registration begins: September 21
JUST LOVE: NYC Urban Service Projects
October 24 - 26
Registration Begins: September 21
REAL BREAK All Locations
Registration begins: October 17
|
REAL BREAK Constantinople by Justin Du Brille
|
 Article by Justin Du Brille ran in several publications in late April, including the Orthodox Observer and Again Magazine.
This Spring Break changed my life. I went on a Real Break trip to Constantinople, one of several destinations selected for mission work by Orthodox Christian Fellowship. When I told my college friends about my plans they were baffled. "You're going to spend your spring break doing manual labor?" they asked. "Well are they going to pay you?" No, of course not. The entire idea of a mission trip was beyond them. A large group of my friends went to Acapulco, where they spent their time lying by the pool and drinking. When my friends came back, they were different-their skin was tan, and their hair had highlights from the sun. But when I came back I was changed too. My transformation was more than skin deep, however, and will last much longer than a sun tan. My life goals have changed. My perspective on Orthodoxy is renewed. Thank God I went on OCF's Real Break.
Each year, the Turkish government seeks to condemn and/or confiscate Orthodox properties in Constantinople. One particular church was in such danger. Our mission was to renovate and refurbish that church, claiming it for the glory of God. When we arrived the building was in a horrible state of disrepair. But our group worked tirelessly. Despite the 10-hour time difference, our trip leaders had to drag us away from our work at the site. It was clear that we all felt the significance of our mission.
But the impact of our trip was never more apparent than when His All Holiness Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew paid us an impromptu visit. He stopped by our work site to encourage our group and to show his appreciation. I thank God that He has accounted me worthy to be a part of something that could touch the heart of His All Holiness. I believe we all felt a sense of closure knowing that the Patriarch of Constantinople celebrated the Divine Liturgy at the church we restored the Sunday after we left.
Another surprise visit provided additional affirmation that our group had accomplished something significant. On the last day, a lady from the community stopped by the Church. We found out later that her son died in that church many years ago. As she entered the sanctuary, she made her way around to venerate every single icon. Then her eyes filled with tears as she looked up at the ceiling and exclaimed in Greek, "My God, it's beautiful."
There were moments on the trip where I echoed that cry, "My God, it's beautiful." Our hotel was right across the street from the Patriarchal church of St. George. Desiring to make the most of every opportunity, I woke up early each morning to attend matins. Even though the words were in Greek, which I do not understand, the rhythm of the prayers was familiar. My heart understood.
God used that realization to teach me a lesson. Upon arriving at Ataturk airport in Turkey, I made a beeline for the only familiar thing in sight-Starbucks. I've been drinking Starbucks every day for as long as I can remember. My attraction to Starbucks is not the coffee (which is admittedly mediocre) but rather to the consistency of service. Having moved around a lot the past few years, I find comfort in knowing that no matter what city or country I am in I can find a Starbucks, order my drink, and it will taste exactly the same. But how much more have I come to appreciate the consistency of the Orthodox Church. My heart is comforted knowing that no matter what city or country I am in, I can seek out an Orthodox Church and know that the prayers and the services will be exactly the same.
Before leaving on my Real Break adventure, I asked several friends what they wanted me to bring back from Constantinople. My closest friend requested only that I light a candle and say a prayer for her in one of the churches. Surely there can be no better way to demonstrate love for another. Next time you enter an Orthodox Church, please light a candle and say a prayer for the future of Orthodox Christian Fellowship and the college students of America.
Justin Du Bruille, OCF Gonzaga University
|
|
 |
 |
 |
College Student Sunday Presentation Locations
|
Fr. Edward Hughes
St. George Antiochian
8 Lowell Street
Lawrence, MA 01840
Fr. Luke Melackrinos
Greek Orthodox Cathedral of St. Paul
110 Cathedral Avenue
Hempstead, NY 11550
Fr. Marc Vranes
Holy Trinity
414 Valley St
Willimantic, CT 06226-2008
Fr. Patrick Tishel
Holy Resurrection
64 Harvard Ave
Allston, MA 02134
Fr. Mark Sherman
St. Nicholas Orthodox Church
64 Forrester St.
Salem, MA 01970-4038
Fr. Nick Manikas
St. Michael the Archangel Antiochian
62 Main Street
Cotuit, MA 02635
Fr. Andrew Moore
St. Stephen Orthodox
130 Holy Cross Path
Hiram, GA 30141
Fr. James Coles
St. Ignatius Mission
3820 E Main St. #11
Mesa, AZ 85205
Fr. Silviu Stanculescu
St. Andrew the Apostle Greek
232 Foothill Blvd.
San Luis Obispo, CA 93410
Fr. Andrew Beck
Sts. Peter and Paul
9980 Highway 9
Ben Lomond, CA 95005
Fr. Tom Soroka
St. Nicholas
320 Munson Avenue
McKees Rocks, PA 15316-2722
Fr. George Shalhoub
The Basilica of St. Mary Antiochian
18100 Merriman Rd.
Livonia, MI 48152
Fr. Sarantos Serviou
St. Nicholas Cathedral
419 South Dithridge St.
Pittsburgh, PA 15213
Fr. John Abdulah
St. George Cathedral
3400 Dawson St.
Pittsburgh, PA 15213
Fr. John Nosal
St. Michael's Orthodox
1182 Ashland St.
Greensburg, PA 15601
Fr. Dragoljub Malich
St. Nicholas Serbian
2110 Haymaker Rd.
Monroeville, PA 15146
Fr. George Alberts
St. George Antiochian
125 Kohanza St.
Danbury, CN 06811-4409
Fr. John Cassar
Mother of God, Joy of All Who Sorrow Orthodox Mission
St. Joseph's Seminary
75 Mapleton Rd.
Princeton, NJ 08540
Fr. Stephen Tewfik
St. Stephen the Protomartyr Antiochian Orthodox Church
609 Lane Ave
South Plainfield, NJ 07080
Fr. Stephan Freeman
St. Anne Orthodox Church
560 Oak Ridge Tpke
Oak Ridge, TN 37830
Fr. Theodoros Daoud
St. Mary Orthodox Church
909 Shawan Road
Hunt Valley, MD 21030
Fr. Michael Ellias
St. Mary's
8005 Ridge Blvd
Brooklyn, NY 11209-3525
Fr. John Reeves
Holy Trinity
119 S Sparks St.
State College, PA 16801
Fr. Alexander Atty
St. Michael the Archangel Antiochian
3701 Saint Michael Church Dr
Louisville, KY 40220
Fr. Samer Yousef
Church of the Redeemer Antiochian
380 Magdalena Ave
Los Altos Hills, CA 94024
Fr. Stephen Supica
Holy Trinity Greek
1703 N Washington St.
Spokane, WA 99205
Fr. Kevin Scherer
St. John the Baptist
4718 E Horsehaven Ave.
Post Falls, ID 83854-4658
Fr. Michael Shanbour
Christ the Savior Antiochian
12407 E 16th Ave
Spokane Valley, WA 99216
Fr. Timothy Baclig
St. Michael Antiochian
16643 Vanowen St.
Van Nuys, CA 91406
Fr. Patrick Jackson
St. Stephen Orthodox
65 Rincon Ave
Campbell, CA 95008
Fr. Gregory Koo
St. Basil's Greek
6430 Bose Ln
San Jose, CA 95120
Fr. Tom Runfrey
St. Cyril and Methodius
2956 Cohasset Rd
Chico, CA 95973
Fr. Stephen Lilley
St. Catherine's Greek
120 West Seneca Street
Ithaca, NY 14850
Fr. Jason Kappanadze
Holy Trinity
140 Horseheads Blvd
Elmira, NY 14903
Fr. John Bakas
St. Sophia Cathedral
1324 South Normandie Ave
Los Angeles, CA 90006
Fr. Silas Ruark
St. Timothy Orthodox
4593 Central Way
Fairfield, CA 94534
Fr. Josiah Trenham
St. Andrews Orthodox
4700 Canyon Crest Dr.
Riverside, CA 92507
Fr. Dan Daly
St. Nicholas Antiochian
2250 E Paris Ave SE
Grand Rapids, MI 49546
Fr. Stratton Dorozenski
St. Nicholas Greek
760 W Wattles Rd
Troy, MI 48098-4500
Fr. Christopher Rozdilski
St. Andrew Russian
1216 Greencrest Ave
East Lansing, MI 48823
Fr. Richard Peters
St. James Orthodox
310 S Putnam
Williamston, MI 48895-1312
Fr. Edward
Holy Transfiguration
3491 Pleasant Grove Church Rd
Morrisville, NC 27560
Fr. Anthony Salzman
St. Philothea Greek
3761 Mars Hill Rd
Watkinsville, GA 30677
Fr. Panayiotis Papageorgiou
Holy Transfiguration
3431 Trickum Rd NE
Marietta, GA 30066
Fr. Economos Constantine Nasr
St. Elijah Antiochian
15000 N May Ave
Oklahoma City, OK 73134
Fr. Gregory Gibson
St. Silouan the Athonite
4544 Gloria Allen Drive
College Station, TX 77845
Fr. Brendan Pelphrey
St. George Greek
3148 Thomas Blvd
Port Arthur, TX 77642
Fr. Christopher Constantinides
Holy Trinity
13555 Hillcrest Rd
Dallas, TX 75240
Fr. Cassian Sibley
Theotokos of the Life-Giving Spring
1009 Winter St
Bryan, TX 77803
Fr. Jordan Brown
Church of the Transfiguration Greek
414 Saint Stephens School Rd
Austin, TX 78746
Fr. David Hovik
St. Andrew Antiochian
230 E Burke Ave
Arlington, WA 98223
Fr. Mark Hodal
St. Andrew's Orthodox
117 Linden St.
Ashland, VA 23005
Fr. Gregory Matthewes-Green
Holy Cross Antiochian
105 N Camp Meade Rd
Linthicum, MD 21090
Fr. Andrew Anderson
St. Michael the Archangel
2300 W Huntington Drive
Wilmington, Delaware 19808
Fr. Dean Nastos
Holy Trinity Greek
30 Huntington Blvd NE
Roanoke, VA 24012
Fr. Samuel Haddad
St. Nicholas Antiochian
211 S Heber St
Beckley, WV 25801
Fr. Nick Bacalis
St. Constantine and Helen Greek
30 Malvern Ave
Richmond, VA 23221
Fr. Peter Kastaris
St. Elizabeth the Wonderwo
rker
5129 NW 53rd Avenue
Gainesville, FL 32653
Fr. Parthenios Turner
St. John Chrysostom Greek
1807 Grand AVe
Nashville, TN 37212
Abuna Daoud
St. Mary and Archangel Michael Coptic
1980 N County Rd 426 (Geneva Dr)
Oviedo, FL 32765
Fr. Kamal Al-Rahil
St. George Antiochian Orthodox
6300 Bowden Rd
Jacksonville, FL 32216
Fr. Nick Louh
St. John the Divine Greek Orthodox Church
3850 Atlantic Blvd.
Jacksonville, FL 32207
Fr. Wayne Wilson
St. Barnabas
3505 Cadillac Ave #G3 Costa Mesa, CA 92626
Fr. Steven Salaris
All Ss. Of North America 2550 Schuetz Rd St. Louis, MO 63043
Fr. Paul Christy
Annunciation
573 N Highland St Memphis, TN 38122
Fr. Mark Leondis
St. Nicholas
467 Grandview Ave. Wyckoff, NJ 07481
Fr. Lou Christopulos
St. Catherine
5555 S Yosemite St. Greenwood Village, CO 80111
Fr. John Nosal
St. Michael
1182 Ashland St. Greensburg, PA 15601
Fr. John Mashburn
St. John Orthodox Church
1663 Tutwiler Ave. Memphis, TN 38107
Fr. Nabil Hanna
St. George Antiochian
4020 N Sherman Dr. Indianapolis, IN 46226
Dn. Paul Zaharas
Assumption Cathedral 4610 E Alameda Ave Denver, CO 80246
 |
|
