BROOKLINE, MA, April 8, 2021–Orthodox Christian Fellowship (OCF) is seeking qualified candidates to apply for two full-time positions as part of their national ministry team: a Communications Manager and a Ministry Coordinator. Candidates should be Orthodox Christians in good standing with their parish/jurisdiction who are interested in furthering the mission of OCF to provide opportunities for college students to encounter Christ. Full job descriptions and applications can be found at www.ocf.net/join-our-team. Inquiries about these positions or recommendations can be directed to Executive Director, Dn. Marek Simon at marek@ocf.net. 

JOHNSTOWN, PA -- With the setting of the sun and the celebration of Forgiveness Vespers this evening, the season of The Great Fast has been ushered in throughout our God-Saved Diocese and the entire Orthodox Church.

This Holy Season, as His Eminence, Metropolitan Gregory has reminded us in his Lenten  Archpastoral Letter,  is a time for increased "... self-examination, reflection and confession.... Great Lent is not just about what we eat, but more importantly how we live."

To assist the faithful in making the most of this holy season, additional resources have been added to our Diocesan Website.

My Beloved Faithful Clergy and Laity of our God Protected Diocese:

As we begin Holy and Great Lent this year on March 15th, I wanted to share with you a few  thoughts so that we may journey through the season and arrive safely at the Great Feast of Feasts, Holy Pascha with the proper frame of mind.

It has been over a year now that we have been dealing with the global Covid-19 pandemic and all of its effects including tragically the loss of over 50 individuals in our Diocese. May their memories be eternal! The pandemic greatly impacted our lives including the practicing of our faith, especially our attendance at church services. Virtual attendance via live-streaming and other measures work in emergency situations, but eventually lose their effectiveness.

JOHNSTOWN, PA - [Diocesan Chancery] -- Each year, our Diocese, through the stewardship of the National Sr. ACRY,  has offered opportunities for our faithful  to gather together in Spiritual Retreat, during Great Lent at various regional locations. They have been well received and appreciated by those who participated.

This year, however with the continuing reality of the Covid-19 Pandemic, it is not possible for us to offer our Annual Retreat Program as we have in the past. However,  we will be able to do so in another format.

On Saturday April 3, 2021, a Diocesan-Wide Lenten Retreat for adults and teenagers will take place using the online Zoom Platform. It will begin at noon and will be 90 minutes in duration.

Dear Beloved Brothers and Sisters in Christ,

Christmas is a time of great joy, hope and love. Two thousand years ago, quietly, almost secretly, without a great deal of fanfare, Jesus Christ, the "King of Kings" was born in a cave in the town of Bethlehem. No earthly creature in their wildest imaginings could have foreseen the impact of this humble event: a God-Man, born of a woman, who would change the course of history forever. This God- Man spoke and touched the hearts and minds of everyone who had ears to hear Him. This God- Man's words and actions have comforted, given hope and transformed the lives of millions throughout time. This is the God-Man that we worship. This is the God-Man that we praise. The miraculous mystery of our Lord's birth should remain first and foremost in all our hearts and minds during this brilliant season. We should never forget that Christmas is about Christ and His birth.