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OCF Calls Parishes to Remember College Students Aug. 23
As students head to unfamiliar campuses, Orthodox parishes are being called to remind them that the Church — and an Orthodox community — will be waiting.
BROOKLINE, MA — Orthodox Christian Fellowship (OCF) is encouraging parishes across the United States and Canada to mark College Student Sunday on Aug. 23, a day dedicated to supporting Orthodox students as they leave home and begin a new academic year.
The Assembly of Canonical Orthodox Bishops has designated the day as an opportunity for parishes to pray for college students, welcome new students, and take a special tray collection to support OCF’s ministry. For many young Orthodox Christians, arriving on a new campus can mean facing the challenge of finding a church home and a community that shares their faith.
OCF currently serves students on more than 200 campuses through local chapters, retreats, conferences, service opportunities, and its Campus Missionary Initiative. Full-time missionaries are serving in several major university communities, helping students remain connected to Orthodox life during their college years.
Support raised on College Student Sunday helps provide transportation to Divine Liturgy, Orthodox Study Bibles, refreshments for faith discussions, leadership training, retreats, conferences, and service and pilgrimage trips. Dcn. Marek Simon, OCF’s executive director, said parish support helps ensure the organization is ready to welcome students as they arrive on campus.
“College Student Sunday is our chance to tell them they are not forgotten,” he said.
Previously, the UOJ reported that a new Orthodox K-12 academy was to open in North Carolina.
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