Source: Orthodox Christian Monastery of All Saints of North America Reference: So Why Do 60% of Our College Youth Leave Orthodoxy? Editor’s Note: Thoughts on Co-Ministry (Syndiaconia) in Liturgy apply in Church Governance Apart from the too-often presence of a medieval mentality among some of our clergy, hyper-clericalism itself can be a force in de-churching people, especially youth. It sometimes appears that there is an actual effort to exclude the Royal Priesthood from actual and full participation in the Divine Liturgy and other services. Moreover, the clear dialogues and exchanges of blessings are often not observed. When I bless the people…
Browsing: Youth
Source: Pan Orthodox United I co-founded Pan Orthodox United, a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization created by young people for young people, because I believe in focusing on the good. I know that every year more and more young people leave Christianity, are filled with doubt and desire, and embark on spiritual or worldly quests to find themselves. I know this, because I am one of those people. I have doubted the existence of God, went months without going to church, and am always struggling for truth. I believe that most people that have left organized religion will one day be curious and contemplate things like their purpose in life,…
Source: Orthodox Church in America The Orthodox Church in America’s Department of Youth, Young Adult and Campus Ministry will host the annual Pan-Orthodox Youth and Camp Workers’ Conference at Saint Seraphim Cathedral, Dallas, TX January 21-23, 2016. According to Andrew Boyd, OCA Youth Director, the conference theme—“Feed My Sheep: Crisis, Trauma and Everyday Life”—will be addressed in the keynote address by Archpriest Steven Voytovich, Dean of Saint Tikhon’s Seminary. Several workshops also will be available on camp ministry, campus ministry, parish-based youth work, and working with young adults in military service. “This is an annual collaboration of all the youth/camping ministries…
Source: Orthodox Church in America SYOSSET, NY [OCA] The Orthodox Church in America’s Department of Youth, Young Adult, and Campus Ministry will host a youth/young adult service pilgrimage to Alaska June 11-20, 2016. The trip is open to those ages 18-30, but limited to 10 participants, who will arrive in Anchorage and travel to Eklutna to help renovate the village’s historic cemetery and church under the guidance of Archpriest Mikel Bock. They also will explore native Alaskan culture, history, and the cycle of parish life at Saint Nicholas Church. Accompanying the participants will be a priest from the “lower-48” who will…
Source: International Orthodox Christian Charities Baltimore, MD (IOCC) — More than 50 Orthodox Christian high school students representing over 30 different dioceses under the Assembly of Canonical Orthodox Bishops in the United States of America gathered this summer in Minneapolis and Chicago for two Serv-X-Treme! conferences. Participants strengthened their understanding of Christ-centered service and Orthodox Christian philanthropy through theoretical and hands-on service activities at the week-long gatherings. “Being given the opportunity to practice my faith in so many different environments was truly a blessing,” said participant Dimitri Godur of Miami, Florida. “Our projects and discussions truly gave me a different…
Source: Orthodox Christian Laity Countdown to the 6th Meeting of the Assembly of Bishops – Chicago Area High School and College Students will meet with Bishops We are called to move beyond what is “mine” and what is “yours” to what is “ours.” From now on, this is how we should conceive and conduct all of our ministries and resources, all of our departments and initiatives. Otherwise, we do not practice what we preach. It is really up to us to accept the challenge or to refuse the call.” Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew’s Video Address at the Dallas Assembly 2014 During…
Source: Antiochian Orthodox Christian Archdiocese of North America Fr. Joseph Purpura Reflects on Eventful Summer for the Dept of Youth and Parish Ministries Originally posted in 2013. The Chairman of the Department of Youth and Parish Ministries, V. Rev. Dr. Joseph Purpura has been creating and implementing youth training programs across the United States and Canada since the late 1980’s. He has held numerous appointments over the years and is currently overseeing a number of programs, both established and new. Over the summer he coordinated SOYO Diocesan General Assemblies, elections, the Leadership Conference, Bible Bowl Festival, Oratorical Contest and Special Olympics…
Source: Orthodox Church in America SYOSSET, NY [OCA YOUTH] The Youth Department of the Orthodox Church in America, in partnership with the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of America. is launching a new on-line program—“Praxis: Christian Life Realized”—for high schoolers, college students, and young adults. The sessions will consist of monthly Google hangouts giving participants an opportunity to engage in a variety of practical topics. The first session, to be held on Tuesday, June 16, 2015 at 9:00 p.m. Eastern, will feature Archpriest Timothy Hojnicki, Rector of Holy Apostles Church, Mechanicsburg, PA, who will lead a brief presentation and discussion titled “How…
Source: Orthodox Church in America SYOSSET, NY [OCA Youth] For years, the Orthodox Church in America’s Department of Youth, Young Adult and Campus Ministry, in conjunction with the Department of Christian Education, was very successful in reaching hundreds of youthful participants at the OCA’s All-American Councils [AAC]. This year’s AAC, slated to be held in Atlanta, GA July 20-24, 2015, will be no exception. “At the height of this ministry run by Father Michael Anderson, with the blessing of the Synod of Bishops, there were nearly 400 youth participants,” said Priest Benjamin Tucci, who is overseeing this year’s AAC youth…
Source: Pan Orthodox United May 29-31st 2015 in Akron, Ohio! A fun-filled weekend for the entire Family, where we connect with each other and learn more about living our faith! Learn to dance various cultural dances, and participate in a charity walk to benefit Focus North America and Zoe for Life!! Registration Open To: Individuals, Soccer Teams, Dance Groups Click here to register today!
Source: Orthodox Church in America SYOSSET, NY [OCA] Adult volunteers are now being sought to assist with the youth program during the 18th All-American Council of the Orthodox Church in America, slated to convene in Atlanta, GA July 20-24, 2015. All volunteers must register here. All volunteers will be expected to complete a three-stage review process before their participation can be confirmed. The first step is to apply at the above link. Youth Program Coordinators will examine applications. All references will be checked and, upon acceptance, applicants will complete the second stage, which will entail completing an OCA-funded training program…
Source: Pan Orthodox United Around three hundred youth and young adults from eight states and Canada gathered in Akron, Ohio, May 30 – June 1, 2014, for the Second Annual Pan-Orthodox Convention for Orthodox Christian youth and young adults. The Weekend’s activities included a round-robin soccer tournament, ethnic dance exhibition, musical performances, and casual cornhole competitions. Pan Orthodox United, a committee of young adults representing Greek, Serbian, Antiochian, Russian, Romanian, and other parishes throughout the Midwest, organized the weekend long event. Michael Pacurar, of Long Beach, California, is the chairman of Pan Orthodox United. “It’s extremely difficult for Orthodox youth and young adults to…