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OCF College Conf. East 2015 (1/1/16)
From December 28-31, 2015, the Orthodox Christian Fellowship (OCF) hosted its annual College Conference East at Antiochian Village in Bolivar, PA. This year, 17 of our Diocesan college students were in attendance. College students of many Orthodox jurisdictions from all over the country came together to spend 4 days in prayer, spiritual growth, fellowship, and fun.
His Grace, Bishop Gregory, who serves as the Assembly of Bishops's liason to OCF, presided over the conference and spent quality time with the college students.
His Grace, Bishop Gregory, who serves as the Assembly of Bishops's liason to OCF, presided over the conference and spent quality time with the college students.
His Grace, Bishop Gregory explains the concept of a "Teaching Liturgy" to the attendees prior to the Liturgy's commencement. He explained that in lieu of a homily, he would interject at various times during the Liturgy to explain the theological significance of portions of the Liturgy.
Fr. Donald, Fr. Joel, Fr. Timothy, and Fr. Alexandros celebrate the Proskomedia in the middle of the church, in the midst of the people
The Keynote Speaker was Sister Vassa Larin, of the popular YouTube series "Coffee with Sister Vassa." Her presentation was entitled "Modern Martyrs: Witnessing to the Word in the 21st Century"
Sister Vassa answers a question following her first Keynote session
College Conference features a variety of workshops that the attendees can choose from, all of which relate to the conference's central theme. The speakers are often both laypeople and clergy alike from various backgrounds. Fr. Timothy Hojnicki, of Holy Apostles Mission in Mechanicsburg, PA, gave an excellent and engaging presentation on explaining Orthodoxy to our friends.
Fr. Stephen Loposky, Camp Nazareth Administrator, was one of the workshop presenters. His topic was "Voices Crying Out in the Wilderness"
Fr. Stephen catches up with Diocesan college students from the Canadian deanery after his workshop
Bishop Gregory poses with the Diocesan college students present, plus Camp Nazareth Staff
Stephen and Bishop Gregory share a lighter moment between the Banquet and the Dance
A tradition at College Conference is late-night chanting. Many students stay hours after Compline and chant and sing hymns from various traditions and chant styles. It was the pleasure of our Diocesan students to add several Prostopinije hymns to this mix of musical traditions showcased.
Each morning started and ended with prayer. Here, Fr. Tim celebrates the Compline Service.
Bishop Gregory prays during the Wednesday night Compline Service.
The chapel was always packed to capacity for every service
Fr. Timothy shares inspiring words with the students about living their Orthodox Faith outside the safe confines of College Conference
Bishop Gregory addresses the College students after Compline.
Bishop Gregory thanked the college students for a great few days, and offered his best wishes for the coming New Year.