This post was originally published on this site
february 2021
OCF’s Spring Semester is well underway!
real break now
The newly launched Real Break Now program is in session! This year, Real Break is being offered as a virtual course on how to be the Church in the world. Students will grow in community with like-minded peers while learning from incredible examples of the Orthodox Christian faith. Upon completion of the program, students will have an opportunity to apply for a $1000 grant to impact their community!
spiritual wake up
New program alert!
Spiritual Wake-Up aims to create a community of prayer within OCF where students can grow and learn together throughout the Lenten season. This program will create the opportunity for an entire community to participate in the same activities on the same days and sometimes even at the same time, while each student is still completely immersed in their own environment!
Registration is still open for Spiritual Wake Up. Share the link below with a college student you know!
The Byzantine Chant Appreciation video series continued in February with Plagal First Tone.
February featured two student-submitted blog posts centered on the theme of “hope.”
Ask yourself: what brings me peace?
For me, stillness is often the answer. Psalm 46:10 tells us “Be still and know that I am God.” There is so much external noise and there always will be. Stillness provides a refuge from the noise and the distraction. Because we are all created uniquely, stillness can look different for each one of us. A priest once told me, “do what brings you closer to God.” He didn’t give me a recipe with all the ingredients and measurements. Instead, he encouraged me to listen to my heart and to trust myself. I mentioned to him that I love journaling at the beach to which he replied, “great! Do THAT!”
5 Ways to Practice Peace
St. Seraphim of Sarov tells us “Acquire the spirit of peace and a thousand souls around you will be saved”
Practicing the faith is showing up for the practices and through these things becoming a source of harmony for the world and love for the people around us. Before we start this time of preparation let us first find ways to practice peace.
What are some practical ways of practicing peace? Here are 5 methods of practicing peace I have learned over the years and constantly am trying to remind myself to practice:
Small Groups
February 1-April 11, 2021
Virtual small groups provide an intimate setting for students to connect with each other, check in, reflect, and be a source of Christ’s comfort and love. Groups of 4-7 students are facilitated virtually by trained OCF Student Leadership Board alumni and gather weekly.
District Day Retreats
Spring 2021
In-person District Retreats are happening this spring! Each District Retreat is a day long schedule including learning, fellowship, and discussion. COVID guidelines are followed at each gathering.
OCF’s very own Director of Ministries, Christina Andresen hosts a weekly podcast, “Sirach, Meech, & Teens” on Ancient Faith Radio.
Christina Andresen (Teens) and Dimitri (Meech) Gagianas reflect on living the wisdom of Jesus ben Sirach. Students can listen in on their walk to class, morning drive, or a Bible study with their OCF. This podcast offers practical advice for being faithful to God in any situation.
spots are still available for…
Day of Prayer
March 14-15, 2021
Students can join OCF for a 24-hour prayer marathon to kick of Great Lent! Starting at 6pm on Forgiveness Sunday and culminating at 6pm on Clean Monday, OCF chapters across the nation will live stream their chapters praying the hours and commemorating all OCFers across the country.
Follow us to stay up-to-date on all OCF happenings!
