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Young Adult Ministry

The Department of Young Adult Ministry (formerly known as the Department of College Ministry) oversees the ministries to our young adults ages 19-35. Prior to 2016, this Department focused solely on college students. Now the Department will expand its scope to all young adults ages 19-35 to help provide a consistent program as our young people transition from Teen SOYO to young adulthood. (Download the 2017 Archdiocese Convention Young Adult Ministry Report)

Young Adults

The mission of the Young Adult Ministry is to aid in the spiritual growth of the young adults between the ages of 19-35 within the Archdiocese bringing them to a closer relationship with our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. To accomplish this mission, we will foster a balance between the following areas of living the Orthodox Faith in Christ through:

  1. Worship through the full liturgical-cycle of the Church including attending weekday services together, gathering at a local parish for its Feast Day, and the combined services at Diocese and Archdiocese gatherings.
  2. Spiritual Renewal and Education through retreats, conferences, speaker series, pilgrimages, and bible studies which are aimed at the needs of our Young Adults.
  3. Service through short-term mission trips and volunteer activities on a local level.
  4. Fellowship through social outings, conferences, and gatherings

College Ministry

College Ministry keeps young Antiochian Orthodox students close to the life of the Church after they leave their home parish to attend college. In support of pan-Orthodoxy, the majority of the College Ministry efforts of our Archdiocese are done through the Orthodox Christian Fellowship (OCF). OCF is the official campus ministry of the Assembly of Canonical Orthodox Bishops of the United States of America. There are numerous programs that this ministry runs, such as annual College Conferences (one of which takes place at the Antiochian Village) and Real Break. The heart of the ministry is the on campus chapters that provide our students with a home away from home and a connection to Christ's Holy Church. As an Archdiocese, we support this ministry in numerous ways. Fr. Anthony Yazge serves on the OCF Board of Directors and is a member of the Executive Committee.

College Student Database

The Orthodox Christian Fellowship (OCF), the college ministry of the Orthodox Churches in the United States, is developing and maintaining a database of all Orthodox college students. The purpose of this database is to assist the church in keeping our students connected to Christ and His Church. Students that are part of the database will receive regular communication from OCF regarding programs and ministries (i.e. College Conference, Real Break) that they may experience. Their contact information will be shared with the OCF chapters of the schools they are attending and/or the closest Orthodox Church as a means of offering support and encouragement to students while they attending school. We ask that you visit the OCF webpage to submit your college student's information. Let's keep our young people connected to Christ and His Church!

Metropolitan JOSEPH to Lead Young Adult Pilgrimage

In the summer of 2018, His Eminence Metropolitan JOSEPH will be leading a pilgrimage to Orthodox Thessaloniki, Kosovo, and Serbia. Titled "Spiritual Awakening," the trip is slated for June 14–26, 2018, with a registration deadline of March 15. Traveling through holy lands with a hierarch at the head of the trip often opens "the pearly gates" through unplanned and grace-filled opportunities unique to this type of adventure.

The pilgrimage has been especially created for young adults and professionals aged 21–35. The trip will be limited to 30 people and will include a few clergy. Baptized Orthodox Christians of any jurisdiction may participate, especially those who are interested in exploring Orthodox history, art, architecture, and music, all within the fellowship of the Church. Young adults who enjoy networking with peers abroad and have an interest in humanitarian opportunities will enjoy this life-changing opportunity. Pilgrims will enjoy all that these holy lands have to offer in an intense schedule of touring that will also still leave time for fun. The itinerary includes time for services, prayer, exploration, relaxation, and building bonds with other Orthodox professionals. Register today to receive a detailed itinerary!

Assembly of Bishops Releases Study on Young Adults and Ministering to Them

Akron, OH young adult leaders with Bishop ANTHONYThe study "Young Adults and Young Adult Ministries in American Orthodox Christian Parishes" has been released by the Assembly of Canonical Orthodox Bishops of the USA. Download the study report here:

Executive Summary (PDF)
Full Report (PDF)

The subject of young Orthodox Church members was a major topic on the agenda of the recent Annual General Assembly Meeting (October 3–5, Garfield, NJ). This report was prepared in order to help the Assembly address our common concern about the engagement of youth and young adults in the lives of American Orthodox parishes. Examples of what the readers will find in the report include:

Which programs and activities are most crucial for attracting young adult church members?

Orthodox Christian Fellowship (OCF) Announces 2018 Real Break Trip to Albania in Partnership with Orthodox Christian Mission Cen

BROOKLINE, MA — Orthodox Christian Fellowship (OCF), the official collegiate campus ministry program under the Assembly of Canonical Orthodox Bishops of the United States of America, is partnering with the Orthodox Christian Mission Center (OCMC), the official missions agency of the Assembly, to offer students an opportunity to serve in Albania on a new Real Break initiative.

Trip participants will partake in a conference for young adults from throughout Albania, hosted and planned by OCMC missionaries and Albanian youth leaders. They will experience the transformation that Christ brings to the lives of young people who are hungry for a relationship with Him through His Church.

The 2018 Real Break trip to Albania will take part in an event that draws college students and young adults together from throughout Albania to engage them and connect them with the Orthodox Church of Albania and its Youth Office. The Team will also offer outreach at the University of Tirana to bring an awareness of Christianity and the programs of the Church in Albania.

Dept. of Young Adult Ministry News Archive