Bishop Gregory Calls Upon Diocesan Parishes To Observe College Student Sunday
JOHNSTOWN, PA -- [Diocesan Chancery] His Grace, Bishop Gregory, in an archpastoral letter to all Diocesan Clergy dated September 2, 2014, has designated Sunday September 14, 2014, as College Student Sunday. The purpose of this observance is to recognize our college students and bring awareness to Orthodox campus ministry that is taking place through the efforts of the Orthodox Christian Fellowship (OCF), an endorsed ministry of the Assembly of Canonical Orthodox Bishops of The United States of America.
Statistics show us that more than 6 out of 10 of all young adults, including Orthodox, leave the Church after graduating from high school and college. To counteract this trend, OCF is on the frontlines of campuses engaging our students in the Orthodox faith through fellowship, education, worship, and service. Through this four-tiered approach, college students who participate in OCF make their way from schools to parishes spiritually stronger and ready to serve.
Recognizing that the Orthodox Christian Fellowship Campus Ministry functions solely with the financial support of free will contributions, His Grace, Bishop Gregory as Diocesan Bishop and as Episcopal Liason to OCF, has asked that all Diocesan Parishes celebrate this important ministry awareness Sunday by taking a special collection for the benefit of OCF.
All Diocesan priests have received from the Diocesan Chancery detailed instructions to facilitate their parish's observance of this important campus ministry awareness Sunday.