This post was originally published on this site
The Telos Project, a five-year initiative at Hellenic College Holy Cross Greek Orthodox School of Theology (HCHC) exploring the religious lives of young adults ages 23-29, is seeking fourteen parishes under the Assembly of Canonical Bishops of the United States of America to pilot new forms of young adult ministry.
“The Telos Project is a tremendous opportunity to engage and embrace Orthodox Christian youth, and inspire them to a life integrated in Jesus Christ,” said Rev. Fr. Christopher T. Metropulos, President of HCHC. “It is further an exercise toward greater cooperation and understanding throughout all levels and jurisdictions of the Orthodox Church in America.”
Hosted by the Office of Vocation & Ministry, The Telos Project was inspired by the popular CrossRoad summer theology institute, whose alumni identified the need for more faith-based support systems in young adulthood. It seeks to help parishes guide young adults through the questions of identity, vocation, and relationships they face in their twenties and beyond. Telos Project findings will also shape curriculum for Orthodox clergy and lay leader formation.
“HCHC is honored to hold a leading role in examining and educating Orthodox Christian young adults,” continued Rev. Fr. Metropulos. “It is my hope that all parishes meeting the pilot criteria will consider an application to join with us to inspire a new generation of clergy, lay leaders, philanthropists and volunteers who will serve the Orthodox Church well into the 21st century.”
Any Orthodox parish under the Assembly of Canonical Orthodox Bishops and located in the United States is invited to apply to be a pilot parish. Accepted parishes will be required to assemble a team of 3-7 parish leaders, young adults, and other community members to serve as a young adult leadership team for the project. Leadership teams will participate in collaborative webinars, annual learning conferences, and other learning resources as they design new ministries for and with the young adults in their communities. Pilot parish findings will then be shared on the web, social media, and other multimedia outlets.
For more information, visit www.teloscommunity.org or contact Telos Project Director Elyse Buffenbarger at telos@hchc.edu.
Hellenic College Holy Cross Greek Orthodox School of Theology (HCHC) is the oldest Orthodox Christian college and seminary of its kind in North America. Founded in 1937, the institution serves as a beacon of development for lay and ordained leaders in the Orthodox Church and local communities in the United States and throughout the world. For additional information or to refer a student and become involved, please visit www.hchc.edu or call us at (617) 731-3500.
