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New Campus Staff Announced for Arizona State University and the Greater Atlanta Area
Brookline, Mass. – July 8, 2024 – Orthodox Christian Fellowship (OCF) is thrilled to announce the expansion of its Campus Missionary Initiative, with new full-time staff at Arizona State University and in the Greater Atlanta area starting fall 2024. New staff members, Jacob Sparks and Aleksandar “Speedy” Lucic, will spearhead efforts to build a rich community in Christ among college students at their respective locations.
This expansion follows the remarkable success of the inaugural program at Texas A&M University. The A&M OCF chapter, led by Campus Missionary Alexandros Pandazis, grew from 15 participants to over 100 in one academic year. Students engaged in daily prayer, scriptural studies and discussions, volunteer outreach, and fellowship events. Many students described the experience as life-changing, sharing their testimonies in a heartfelt video available on YouTube.
“This is the future of campus ministry in the Orthodox Church,” said OCF Executive Director Deacon Marek Simon. “This initiative engages students more regularly and more deeply in their faith as they form lifelong relationships with their peers through OCF. Students are seeking community, a greater understanding of their faith, and someone to help guide and mentor them as they navigate their college experience. OCF will build this initiative over the years to come and have a network of campus missionaries throughout the country.”
The expansion to Arizona State University will be led by Campus Missionary Speedy Lucic, while the Atlanta location will be overseen by Campus Missionary Jacob Sparks. The Atlanta missionary will serve students at both Georgia Tech and Emory University and will be open to all college students across Atlanta. Both locations will foster discipleship, bridge campus life with local Orthodox parish life, and build lasting relationships among students.
The expansion to the Greater Atlanta area was made possible by the generous support of several local benefactors, while the program at Arizona State University was funded by a grant from Leadership 100.
His Eminence Metropolitan Gregory of Nyssa, representing the Assembly of Bishops, expressed his enthusiasm and support for the program’s expansion. “The growth of the Campus Missionary Initiative is a profound joy for the Orthodox faithful. It reflects our commitment to nurturing the spiritual lives of young adults and ensuring they have the support and guidance needed to thrive during their college years.”
Those interested in supporting the Campus Missionary Initiative can donate here: https://www.ocf.net/donate/.
About Orthodox Christian Fellowship
Orthodox Christian Fellowship (OCF) is the official collegiate campus ministry of the Assembly of Canonical Orthodox Bishops of the United States of America. Through a broad array of programming, OCF engages young adults during their formative college years to foster a deep connection with Christ and the Orthodox faith. OCF programs include spiritual workshops, immersive service opportunities, regional retreats, and national conferences. A 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, OCF programs reach more than 270 college campuses nationwide. Learn more at www.ocf.net.
