NEW ORLEANS, LA --  Underscoring the conviction of His Grace, Bishop Gregory of Nyssa that our youth are not the future of the Church, but rather, are full members from the moment of their baptism,  Alex Righetti, a member of St. John the Baptist Parish in  Ambridge, PA and a third year student at the University of Pittsburgh has decided this Spring Break to offer his time and talents helping others in need. This week Alex has been a part of an Orthodox Christian Fellowship College Ministry Real Break Service team that has been dispatched to New Orleans to work with International Orthodox Christian Charities (IOCC) and Habitat for Humanity to rebuild several homes destroyed by Hurricane Katrina.

Reporting back from New Orleans in a video interview, Alex expressed how being in New Orleans and hearing the many inspiring stories about how people helped each other out in the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina, helped him to better understand how in tragedies, the best and worst in humanity is brought out. This experience has helped solidify for him, why it is important for us to help and serve others. Watch Video Here.

Alex's participation in this service/mission project is part of the National ACRY's new emphasis on promoting opportunities for young adults to practice their Orthodox Faith in a hands-on manner. Alex presently serves as the ACRY Ambassador, a newly created position that is designed to bring a greater awareness of the positive changes and revitalization of the ACRY, and encourage others to join in the good works of the ACRY. 

Alex wishes to thank the National ACRY and all those who have thus far supported his missionary labors.  Donations to defray the cost of the trip are still needed and will be gratefully accepted.  Funds raised above and beyond the cost of the trip will be designated to Habitat for Humanity's  Hurricane Katrina relief efforts.  Click here to assist Alex and the work of Habitat for Humanity. 

Click Here to View Video Update from Real Break New Orleans

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The National ACRY is an Orthodox Christian family fellowship dedicated to the purpose of encouraging spiritual growth through charitable and apostolic missionary works, prayer and fellowship for the Glory of God and the building up of the Church and our Diocese. Learn more here about how you can start or reactivate an ACRY Chapter in your parish!