April 23, 2020

Hey everyone! We are so grateful for Roman Buhok and Stephen Hoyle's past leadership. Thank you for all you have done to grow our organization. After an amazing year of faith and friendship, it is time to welcome a new leadership team! Let's continue to love and celebrate together in Christ in the upcoming year.

​

President: Ekaterina Apostolou

Vice President: Hania Abboud

Social Chair: Kathy Michos

Treasurer: Rahel Eskinder

April 25, 2017

Dear OCF,

For those of you who couldn't make it to the meeting tonight, I'm excited to announce the results of our vote for next year's OCF leadership board:

President: Mager Koromhas

Vice-President: Lisa Kraslavska

Treasurer: Wade Hisiro

Secretary: Alex Dimas

Social Chair: John Apostolou

Congratulations to all!!  I know the OCF is going to thrive with all of you at the helm.  (Within the next few days, I'll be emailing the leadership board with all the necessary information and documents.)

Thank you all for allowing me to serve you this year, and thank you to this year's leadership board that was always there to lend a helping hand.  I'm going to miss everyone immensely and I know that with God's help, you're all going to go on to do wonderful things both within and outside of OCF.

Love,

Andreea

April 23, 2017

Hey OCF,

It's hard to believe, but our last meeting of the school year is coming up this Tuesday, April 25th, at 6:30 pm in New Cabell Hall 115, as per usual.  We'll just be doing arts-and-crafts and hanging out and possibly breaking the no-food rule . . .

Of greater importance: I just sent out the link to the poll to vote for next year's leadership board.  It only takes a minute and everyone's opinion is important, so please make sure to cast your votes!

Here's the link to the rideshare for next weekend: https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1Usa85Risu6rBiKDsE9-M7EWq9_IptuVEczCQOe5jX7s/edit#gid=0

I know this is a busy time of year for everyone, but it would be wonderful to see you all again one last time! :)

Yours in Christ,

Andreea

April 17, 2017

Dear OCF,

Christ is risen!!

Hope everyone had a blessed Pascha! :)  We will not be having a meeting this week; instead, two things:

1) If you have any last-minute nominations for next year's officer board, please email them to me as soon as possible!  I'd like to get a voting poll out this week.

2) Our annual cookout is going to be this Saturday, April 22nd, at 1:00pm.  It will be held at Mager's house (the address is 536 Valley Road, Charlottesville, VA 22903).

On the rideshare for next week, you'll also see a space at the bottom to sign up to bring something to the cookout if you want (food, drinks, even napkins, whatever you want!): https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1Usa85Risu6rBiKDsE9-M7EWq9_IptuVEczCQOe5jX7s/edit#gid=0

This is always a great event that's really become one of our chapter traditions!  Hope to see you all there :)

Yours in Christ,

Andreea

April 09, 2017

Dear OCF,

​

Happy Palm Sunday!

​

In order to avoid overlap with Holy Week services, we will not be having a meeting this week.  Instead, we have our elections for the 2017-2018 school year coming up soon, and I'd like to ask you guys to email me with nominations for the different officer positions.  (You can also nominate yourself!)

​

The positions up for re-election are:

• President

• Vice-President

• Treasurer

• Secretary

• Social Chair

Please email me your nominations as soon as you can so that I can make a voting poll!

​

Here's the rideshare for the upcoming week (modified to reflect Holy Week services): https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1Usa85Risu6rBiKDsE9-M7EWq9_IptuVEczCQOe5jX7s/edit#gid=0

Have a blessed Holy Week!

Yours in Christ,

Andreea

​

P.S.: In order to avoid overlap with the Beer & Brats social at St. Nick's on the 21st, our annual Bright Friday cookout has been moved to Bright Saturday!  It will probably start around 2pm, but final details will be sent out as we get closer to it.  Mark your calendars now! :)

April 02, 2017

Hey OCF,

Hope everyone had a great weekend!  This Tuesday, April 4th, instead of our usual meeting, we'll be having dinner together at Lemongrass (right off of the Corner), as they have plenty of delicious fasting-friendly options :) Let's plan to meet there at 6:30 pm!

As always, here's next weekend's rideshare: https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1Usa85Risu6rBiKDsE9-M7EWq9_IptuVEczCQOe5jX7s/edit#gid=0

Looking forward to seeing everyone! 

Yours in Christ,

Andreea

March 26, 2017

Hey OCF,

Hope everyone had a chance to enjoy the pleasant weather this weekend!

We will be having our meeting this week on Tuesday, March 28th at 6:30pm in New Cabell 115, as usual.  The topic this week will be the history of Great Lent!

Here's next week's rideshare: https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1Usa85Risu6rBiKDsE9-M7EWq9_IptuVEczCQOe5jX7s/edit#gid=0

One last thing: As you may be aware, we will be holding elections for next year's officer positions in the upcoming weeks (details to come!), and I would like to ask you all to begin prayerfully considering who you might like to nominate when the time comes.  If anyone has nominations in mind already (positions up for election include president, vice-president, treasurer, secretary, and social chair), please send me an email letting me know!

As always, let me know if you have any questions! 

Yours in Christ,

Andreea

March 19, 2017

Hey OCF,

Hope everyone's had a great weekend!  Our meeting this week will be on Tuesday, March 21st at 6:30pm in New Cabell Hall 115, as usual.  The topic will be the relations between different religions, including discussion on differences between Orthodoxy and other branches of Christianity.  (Resources here!)

Here's the rideshare for next weekend: https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1Usa85Risu6rBiKDsE9-M7EWq9_IptuVEczCQOe5jX7s/edit#gid=0

Looking forward to seeing everyone on Tuesday!

Yours in Christ,

Andreea

March 13, 2017

Dear OCF,

Welcome back!  I hope everyone had a wonderful break 

Our meeting this week will be tomorrow (Tuesday), March 14th, in New Cabell 115 at 6:30 pm, as always.  (My apologies for sending the email out so late!)  The topic will be the separation of church and state (resources here).

Here's the link to the rideshare for next weekend: https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1Usa85Risu6rBiKDsE9-M7EWq9_IptuVEczCQOe5jX7s/edit#gid=0

Please feel free to contact me with any questions!

In Christ,

Andreea

February 26, 2017

Dear OCF,

Hope everyone's had a wonderful weekend!  This week's meeting (Tuesday, February 28th) will be in New Cabell 115 at 6:30pm as usual.  The topic this week is the relationship between Orthodoxy and ethnicity (resources here!).

Here is the link to the rideshare for the next week - please note that this includes Presanctified Liturgy on Wednesday! https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1Usa85Risu6rBiKDsE9-M7EWq9_IptuVEczCQOe5jX7s/edit#gid=0

As always, please feel free to contact me with any questions.

Wishing you all a blessed Great Lent!

Yours in Christ,

Andreea

February 19, 2017

Dear OCF,

Hope everyone enjoyed the beautiful weather this weekend!

Our meeting this week will be on Tuesday, February 21st at 6:30pm in New Cabell 115.  The topic this week is the importance of tradition (resources here as always!).

Of course, here's next week's rideshare: https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1Usa85Risu6rBiKDsE9-M7EWq9_IptuVEczCQOe5jX7s/edit#gid=0

And one last thing: There are still spots left in the UOC college mission trip to Ukraine! Please see the forwarded email below for details and feel free to contact Father Robert (fr.r.holet@uocusa.net) for more information.

Looking forward to seeing everyone on Tuesday!

Yours in Christ,

Andreea

FW: UOC of USA OYM: Spots still available for College Student Mission Trip to Ukraine

From: UOC Youth Ministry [mailto:uocyouth@aol.com] 
Sent: Thursday, February 16, 2017 12:29 PM
To: Uocyouth@aol.com
Subject: UOC of USA OYM: Spots still available for College Student Mission trip to Ukraine

Dear Reverend Fathers and Youth Workers, 

Glory to Jesus Christ!

We pray that your winter months have been a time of wonder and growth as a parish family.  We would like to inform you that there are a few positions still available for the 2017 College Student Mission Trip to Ukraine.  The application process will remain open until March 5th.

Please encourage the college-aged young adults in your parish to prayerfully consider applying.  Sometimes a personal phone call, text, Facebook message or email can be a great motivator.

Information about the trip may be found at www.uocyouth.org.

Thank you

Fr. Dn. Ihor Mahlya

Natalie Kapeluck Nixon

Director
Office of Youth & Young Adult Ministry
Ukrainian Orthodox Church of the USA
PO Box 869
Carnegie, PA 15106
412-977-2010
www.uocyouth.org

February 12, 2017

Dear OCF,

Hope everyone's had a wonderful weekend!  Our meeting this Tuesday, February 14th will be in New Cabell 115 at 6:30 pm (hopefully we didn't get double-booked this week!), and, given the day, our topic will of course be dating.  (Resources are up on the website as always!)

Here's next week's rideshare: https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1Usa85Risu6rBiKDsE9-M7EWq9_IptuVEczCQOe5jX7s/edit#gid=0

Feel free to contact me with any questions!

In Christ,

Andreea

February 05, 2017

Dear OCF,

Our meeting this Tuesday, February 7th, will be held in New Cabell Hall 209 (note the room change from last time!).  Our topic this week is morality and society - we will be discussing the various moral dilemmas facing Orthodox youth in this country and the ways in which morality and Orthodoxy interact with modern society.  As always, the resources are up on the website (and the last article is a long one that we might not get to in OCF but that's still worth a read, so check it out if you're interested!).

​

Here's the link to the rideshare for next Sunday: https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1Usa85Risu6rBiKDsE9-M7EWq9_IptuVEczCQOe5jX7s/edit#gid=0

As always, feel free to contact me with any questions.

In Christ,

Andreea

January 29, 2017

Dear OCF,

This Tuesday, January 31st, instead of our usual meeting, we will be having dinner together at Citizen Burger on the Downtown Mall!  Let's plan to meet outside of Citizen Burger at our usual time, 6:30 pm, and then we can all head inside together.

In terms of getting there: To my knowledge, the free trolley goes straight to the Downtown Mall; our wonderful vice president Mager has also graciously volunteered as tribute to drive anyone who might need a ride - you can call him at (757) 773-8959  or email him at mck4pv@virginia.edu.  (Thanks Mager!)

Come hang out/eat burgers/love life :)

​

Yours in Christ,

Andreea

(P.S.: As always, here's the rideshare for next weekend: https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1Usa85Risu6rBiKDsE9-M7EWq9_IptuVEczCQOe5jX7s/edit#gid=0)

January 22, 2017

Hey OCF,

Hope everyone's classes are off to a great start!  This Tuesday, January 24th, we will be having our first meeting of the semester in New Cabell Hall 115 at 6:30 pm.  The topic of the week is comparing and contrasting 'spirituality' and 'organized religion' (as always, the resources for the meeting - as well as for the whole semester! - are up on our website).

And of course, here's the link to next week's rideshare: https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1Usa85Risu6rBiKDsE9-M7EWq9_IptuVEczCQOe5jX7s/edit#gid=0

Hope to see everyone Tuesday!

Yours in Christ,

Andreea

December 12, 2016

RESOURCES FROM THE BEING 'SPIRITUAL' VS. BEING 'RELIGIOUS' MEETING

​

https://blogs.ancientfaith.com/glory2godforallthings/2013/07/07/spiritual-but-not/

http://www.the-open-mind.com/7-differences-between-religion-and-spirituality-1/

​

​

RESOURCES FROM THE MORALITY AND SOCIETY MEETING

​

http://www.antiochian.org/moral_ethical_issues_book

http://www.orthodoxchristian.info/pages/Issues.htm

http://www.hchc.edu/missions/articles/articles/can-orthodox-christianity-transfigure-the-modernistic-trends-and-influences-of-contemporary-american-society

​

​

RESOURCES FROM THE DATING MEETING

​

http://www.goarch.org/archdiocese/departments/marriage/interfaith/premarital-preparation/guidelines-when-looking-for-the-love-or-your-life

https://oca.org/questions/sacramentmarriage/marriage-to-a-non-christian

​

​

RESOURCES FROM THE IMPORTANCE OF TRADITION MEETING

​

http://www.antiochian.org/content/scripture-and-tradition

https://oca.org/questions/dailylife/holy-tradition-vs.-customs

​

​

RESOURCES FROM THE ORTHODOXY AND ETHNICITY MEETING

​

http://myocn.net/orthodoxy-ethnically-exclusive/

https://oca.org/history-archives/orthodox-christians-na/chapter-8

​

​

RESOURCES FROM THE SEPARATION OF CHURCH AND STATE MEETING

​

http://myocn.net/separation-church-state/

http://www.brownpoliticalreview.org/2014/05/blurred-lines-abound-between-russian-church-and-state/

​

​

RESOURCES FROM THE RELATIONS BETWEEN DIFFERENT RELIGIONS MEETING

​

http://www.diffen.com/difference/Christianity_vs_Orthodox_Christianity

http://www.goarch.org/ourfaith/ourfaith8089

http://www.americamagazine.org/issue/636/article/what-divides-orthodox-and-catholics

​

​

RESOURCES FROM THE HISTORY OF LENT MEETING

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http://www.christianitytoday.com/history/2008/august/beginning-of-lent.html

http://www.goarch.org/ourfaith/ourfaith8126

​

​

RESOURCES FROM THE ICON-MAKING MEETING

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http://www.pravoslavie.ru/english/80525.htm

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=T8y1LoAgYMU

December 02, 2016

Click here for the schedule for the spring 2017 semester and here for the complete list of ideas!

November 28, 2016

https://oca.org/reflections/fr.-john-breck/salvation-is-indeed-by-grace

November 27, 2016

Dear OCF,

I hope everyone's had a wonderful Thanksgiving break!  Believe it or not, we will be having our last meeting of the semester this Tuesday, November 29th, at 6:30pm in New Cabell Hall 283.  The topic on our schedule for this week was charity, but we will also be discussing potential ideas for next semester's meetings/socials/etc., so bring all your thoughts and suggestions!

Here's the link to the rideshare for this upcoming weekend: https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1Usa85Risu6rBiKDsE9-M7EWq9_IptuVEczCQOe5jX7s/edit#gid=0

Hoping to see everyone on Tuesday! :)

Yours in Christ,

Andreea

November 13, 2016

Dear OCF,

This Tuesday, November 15th, our meeting will be back in New Cabell Hall 283 at 6:00 pm.  Considering the Nativity fast is starting on Tuesday (!), our topic this week will be fasting.  As per usual, the resources are already up on our website under Announcements.

Here's the link to the rideshare for next weekend: https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1Usa85Risu6rBiKDsE9-M7EWq9_IptuVEczCQOe5jX7s/edit#gid=0

As always, feel free to contact me with any questions!

In Christ,

Andreea

November 13, 2016

http://www.ocf.net/why-we-fast-purifying-our-prayer/

​

http://www.abbamoses.com/fasting.html

November 06, 2016

Dear OCF,

Hope everyone's had a beautiful weekend!  Instead of our usual meeting this week, in honor of the election, we'll be having a movie night at my apartment, which has nothing to do with the election (I know you're all heartbroken.. But I think the movie will be even more entertaining!).  In order to accommodate more of your schedules, we will be meeting at 5:00pm (note the earlier time!).  Like the potluck a couple of weeks ago, we will meet outside the lobby of the Flats (852 West Main Street) and then go upstairs together.  Due to popular demand, we'll be watching My Big Fat Greek Wedding (and if anyone can hang out some more.. I also have the sequel!).

Here's the rideshare for next weekend: https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1Usa85Risu6rBiKDsE9-M7EWq9_IptuVEczCQOe5jX7s/edit#gid=0

And one more thing: Please find below a forwarded email from Father Robert about the opportunity to do a mission trip to Ukrainian orphanages this summer!

So: The Flats. Tuesday. 5:00pm.

Can't wait to see everyone! 

Yours in Christ,

Andreea

Fwd: College mission trip to Ukraine

I believe I mentioned at one of the meetings earlier this year that the Ukrainian Orthodox Church of the USA offers a mission trip in the summer for college age students, to visit and support orphans at several orphanages in Ukraine who have special needs.  The information for this year’s trip can be found here:

http://www.uocyouth.org/uoccollegemission.html

Our parish will assist those students who may wish to participate from our local OCF in fundraising and other ways.  From the testimonials of those who have gone before, it is a wonderful and enriching spiritual experience.  Let me know if I can be of assistance.

Thanks –Blessings

frr

(V. Rev.) Fr. Robert Holet

St. Nicholas Orthodox Church (Ukr. Orth. Church of the USA)

Charlottesville (Greenwood) Virginia

434-973-2500

October 30, 2016

Dear OCF,

Our meeting this week will be on Tuesday, November 1st at 6:30pm in New Cabell 283.  Our topic this week is iconography (although we can also finish our discussion from the other week on modern-day persecution, whatever you guys prefer!).  As usual, the resources are up on our website under Announcements.

Here's the rideshare for next weekend: https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1Usa85Risu6rBiKDsE9-M7EWq9_IptuVEczCQOe5jX7s/edit#gid=0 

Last but not least, thank you to everyone who helped out with the bake sale!  It was a great success because of all of you.

See you Tuesday!

Yours in Christ,

Andreea

October 30, 2016

http://www.antiochian.org/content/no-graven-image-icons-and-their-proper-use

October 27, 2016

Dear OCF,

Just a reminder that our bake sale is tomorrow night!  We will be right outside of the Bank of America on the Corner.  We will begin selling at 9:00 pm, but if you want to help set up, come ten minutes early.  (We'll be there either until we sell out or until midnight - whichever comes first!)

Even if you're not bringing anything, feel free to drop by to hang out or even just to eat some homemade treats!  There will be cupcakes, brownies, various types of cookies, and other baked goods (but you'll have to come by to find out which! I have personally just pulled a few pans of brownies out of the oven and they smell amazing.)

Also, please find below two forwarded emails from Fr. Panagiotis at Holy Transfiguration here in Charlottesville.  They will be offering rides to Holy Unction on November 15th and will also be setting up a time for a Bible study, if any of you are interested!

Hoping to see you guys tomorrow night!

Andreea

P.S. As it happens.. We are still in need of a folding table for tomorrow.  It sounds like a weird request... But if anyone happens to have a table we could use, please let me know as soon as you can!

Fwd: Beginning of the Christmas Fast November 15th, 2016

Dear Faithful of Holy Transfiguration Geek Orthodox Church,

I pray that this email finds you all well.  As is the tradition in our Holy Metropolis of New Jersey at the beginning of the Christmas Fast each region in our Holy Metropolis holds an Unction service at one particular parish.  This is to help us ensure that we begin the fast in prayer and by receiving the Sacrament of Holy Unction; we not only ask for physical healing but spiritual healing and renewal as we journey to the Incarnation of our Lord.

In our region (southern Virginia) this service is held in Richmond at Sts. Constantine and Helen Cathedral in Richmond.  This is a very important way in which to begin the Nativity fast and I am encouraging all who are able to attend this service in Richmond to do so.  

November 15th, 2016 

6:00PM 

Sts. Constantine and Helen Cathedral

Richmond, VA

In an effort to assist as many as possible to attend this service I will be able to take 3 people in my vehicle.  I am also asking some of our younger members (those who don't have a problem driving during the evening) to car pool to the Cathedral in Richmond.  There will also be a light meal served afterwards.  

If you would like to be a driver, please contact me as soon as possible, so that we can coordinate and offer rides to those who are not able to drive to Richmond.

Finally, I know that a service during the week is not the easiest to attend, but with two weeks notice I would like us all to try and fit this service in to our schedules.  

I will make this announcement as well on Sunday after the Divine Liturgy to remind everyone.

Praying for you all, I remain,

+Fr. P

In His Service,

Rev. †Fr. Panagiotis Robert Hanley, Proistamenos

Holy Transfiguration Greek Orthodox Church

100 Perry Drive

Charlottesville, VA 22902

(Church: 434-295-5337)

(Fax: 434-295-0668)

(Cell: 571-421-6595)

Fwd: Evening Bible Study 

Dear Members of Holy Transfiguration Greek Orthodox Church,

I pray that this email find you all well.  In an effort to continue offering all of you the opportunity to attend classes for religious education (adult) I am asking that those who are interested in a second Bible study to please consider your schedules and communicate to me a day and evening time slot in which you would be able to attend a 1 hour Bible study class.

Our current Bible study class meets at 4:30 PM on Thursdays and will continue on that time and day.  This second class is intended to reach out to younger professionals who may still be at work or involved in family matters at that time and day.

After receiving feedback from all of you I will compile the day and time that will afford the majority of people the opportunity to attend.

Please remember that studying the Holy Scriptures and educating ourselves about our faith is something that we are all responsible for as Orthodox Christians.  I cannot stress enough that we can all do better in this area of our lives in the Church.

I look forward to hearing from all of you.  I remain, 

+Fr. P

In His Service,

Rev. †Fr. Panagiotis Robert Hanley, Proistamenos

Holy Transfiguration Greek Orthodox Church

100 Perry Drive

Charlottesville, VA 22902

(Church: 434-295-5337)

(Fax: 434-295-0668)

(Cell: 571-421-6595)

October 23, 2016

Hey OCF!

Hope everyone's had a wonderful weekend!  This week, instead of having our usual meeting, we will be hanging out and having dinner together at my apartment at the Flats.  Do not go to New Cabell!  We will meet outside of the Flats (852 West Main Street) at 6:00pm and then go upstairs together.  It will be a potluck dinner, so anything you can bring - food, paper plates, a board game, etc. - would be much appreciated!

NOTE: The Flats is the apartment complex on West Main between the Hampton Inn and the Amtrak station.  It is five minutes walking from the Corner and is right across the street from Benny Deluca's and Asian Express.  As noted above, the address is 852 West Main Street.  If you get lost or need help finding us, please do not hesitate to text or call me at (540) 392-5910.

Here is the rideshare for next weekend: https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1Usa85Risu6rBiKDsE9-M7EWq9_IptuVEczCQOe5jX7s/edit#gid=0

As you guys already know, also happening next weekend is our (first-ever) bake sale!  After hearing your feedback at Tuesday's meeting, it sounds like we'd have the best turnout if we hold the bake sale Friday night (October 28th) instead of Saturday as originally planned.  We will start at 9pm (to make the most of hungry partygoers) and go until we run out of food to sell or until midnight, whichever comes first.  I am trying to reserve a table on the Corner, and will update you on the location as soon as that information becomes available.

Here's the link to sign up to bring something: https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1L4JHORsrQOT7MqVTeNgNaf89UPgqUY9tsKee3b_YjIU/edit?ts=580690b9#gid=0

You can bring as much or as little as you want, or even just come to hang out!  (Given the newfound nocturnal nature of the event, the larger the group the better!  We will of course all be staying together for safety reasons.)

My apologies for the novel-esque email, but there are two more exciting events coming up in the next few weeks that I wanted to let you all know about!

(1) The Coptic Club here at UVa is hosting their retreat on Saturday, November 12th, and OCF students are welcome to attend!  Here's the information for the retreat: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/coca-2016-tickets-28596318358

(2) Holy Transfiguration Greek Orthodox Church here in Charlottesville will be having an all-day Greek Festival starting at 10:00am on Friday, November 18th!  More details to come, but keep your calendars marked!

One last thing (I promise!): I wanted to let everyone know that Real Break registration is open.  Real Break, as many of you already know, offers OCF students the opportunity to travel to various destinations during their spring break and help out with all sorts of service projects, from building houses in New Orleans to visiting orphanages in Romania.  You can read about the different trips and register here: http://www.ocf.net/real-break-2017/

So, to recap (since it's been so long since the start of the email you might have already forgotten!):

WHAT: Potluck dinner

WHERE: The Flats

WHEN: This Tuesday at 6pm

WHY: Why not

HOW: Bring stuff you'd like to eat or games you'd like to play

WHO: The cool kids from OCF

Come hang out :)

Yours in Christ,

Andreea

October 16, 2016

Dear OCF,

Our meeting this week will be on Tuesday, October 18th at 6:30pm in New Cabell Hall 283.  Note the time and room change!  Starting this week, all of our meetings will be Tuesdays at 6:30pm in New Cabell 283.  Hopefully the new meeting time will accommodate more of your schedules!  Our topic this week is persecution today (and as always, the resources are up on the website under the Announcements heading, as is an updated fall schedule).

Second of all, this weekend (October 22nd-23rd), there will be a young adult retreat (18+) in Lynchburg!  The cost is $30 for an overnight stay or $10 for Saturday.  Please see the attached flyer, and contact Anna Conte at annamconte7@gmail.com with questions.

In other news, we will be having our bake sale on October 29th!  Look for the signup sheet soon if you want to bake something, or even if you just have suggestions or recipes.

Last but not least, here is the rideshare for next weekend: https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1Usa85Risu6rBiKDsE9-M7EWq9_IptuVEczCQOe5jX7s/edit#gid=0

As always, feel free to contact me with any questions.

Looking forward to seeing everyone on Tuesday!

Yours in Christ,

Andreea

October 16, 2016

http://www.breitbart.com/national-security/2015/08/05/book-christian-persecution-in-the-middle-east-goes-far-beyond-isis/

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http://religionnews.com/2013/10/01/three-reasons-american-church-ignores-christian-persecution/

October 10, 2016

Dear OCF,

Our meeting this week will be at 6:00pm on Thursday, October 13th, in New Cabell 066.  We will be continuing our discussion from the other week on Orthodoxy in American life and politics (the resources for the meeting, as always, are already up on our website).

Note that this is the last week our meetings will be on Thursdays!  Starting next week, our meetings will be moved to Tuesdays at 6:30pm, in order for our meeting time to be convenient for more of you (thanks to everyone who filled out the doodle poll!).

Here is the rideshare for next weekend: https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1Usa85Risu6rBiKDsE9-M7EWq9_IptuVEczCQOe5jX7s/edit#gid=0

Last but not least, thank you to everyone who came out to the retreat on Saturday and made it such a wonderful event!  If anybody has photos, please send them to me so I can post them up on our website.

Have a wonderful week!

Yours in Christ,

Andreea

October 10, 2016

http://www.goarch.org/ourfaith/american-religious-landscape

October 07, 2016

Hey OCF,

Here are some details about our retreat tomorrow (!):

We will be having breakfast starting at 9, and the speaker presentation starts at 10, so come whenever works for you! (We will probably end around 5pm.)

It will be held at St. Nicholas Ukrainian Orthodox Church. The address is: 7581 Rockfish Gap Turnpike, Greenwood, VA 22943.

Our day will include:
-A presentation, small group discussion, and Q&A about how best to live out our Orthodox faith every day with our guest speaker, Father Robert;
-Home-cooked food;
-A visit to Chiles Peach Orchard;
-Vespers; and
-Meeting other OCF students from all across Virginia!

In short, it's going to be a great day.
If you need a ride, please email me or text me at 540-392-5910, or call or text our Vice President Mager Koromhas at 757-773-8959.

Looking forward to seeing everyone there!
In Christ,
Andreea

October 04, 2016

Hey OCFers,

Hope everyone had a relaxing break!  This Thursday, instead of our usual discussion meeting, we will be having dinner together on the Corner!  We'll be meeting outside of the UVa Chapel at 6:00 and then we'll decide on an eatery and walk down together. (Also, the updated semester schedule is up on our website under Announcements!)

Second of all, Holy Transfiguration here in Charlottesville will be hosting a Student Luncheon this Sunday, October 9th after Liturgy.  Students eat free, so come out and enjoy a meal and fellowship!

Here is the link to the rideshare for next weekend: https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1Usa85Risu6rBiKDsE9-M7EWq9_IptuVEczCQOe5jX7s/edit#gid=0

And last but not least, also coming up this weekend is our retreat on Saturday!  No worries if you haven't already registered - just fill out the attached flyer and bring it along with $10 on Saturday.  (More detailed information about our itinerary will be sent out as we get closer to Saturday.)  Hope to see you all there!

In Christ,

Andreea

September 27, 2016

Dear OCF,

Our meeting this week will be Thursday at 6:00pm in New Cabell 066.  (Note the room change!  Due to a glitch in the system, our booking has been changed to New Cabell 066 for the rest of the semester.)

As you may have noted on our calendar, the original plan for this week was to have a potluck.  However, seeing as few people will be available this Thursday, the potluck has been postponed (new date TBA) and we will instead be moving up our (very pertinent!) discussion on Orthodoxy in American politics. (As always, the resources for this meeting are already up on our website.)

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Here is the link to this weekend's rideshare, if any of you will be in town over fall break: https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1Usa85Risu6rBiKDsE9-M7EWq9_IptuVEczCQOe5jX7s/edit#gid=0

And of course, a quick reminder that our retreat is coming up on the 8th of October!  It will be held at St. Nicholas and the topic is Orthodoxy and Identity.  To sign up, just fill out the attached flyer and send it to the address listed along with $10.

Have a great rest of the week and see you all on Thursday!

In Christ,

Andreea

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UPDATE: Speaking of schedule changes: Seeing as Thursdays at 6 seems to be an inconvenient time for many of you, please vote in the doodle poll here to indicate what meeting times and days of the week would work best for you!

September 27, 2016

  https://publicorthodoxy.org/2015/12/18/what-orthodox-christianity-can-bring-to-american-christian-politics/

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https://oca.org/questions/society/political-issues

September 19, 2016

http://journeytoorthodoxy.com/2014/12/the-great-miracle-given-by-god-only-to-the-orthodox-church/

http://www.christianpost.com/news/modern-miracles-5-stories-for-bible-skeptics-from-its-a-god-thing-104832/

http://www.ancientfaith.com/podcasts/stevethebuilder/miracles_or_deceptions

September 19, 2016

Hey OCF!

This Thursday (September 22nd), we will be having our meeting in our usual time and place, New Cabell 038 at 6:00pm.  The topic is modern miracles - so if you have any stories, please bring them!

Also, our retreat flyer is finally here!  It contains all the details about our upcoming fall retreat on October 8th and doubles as the registration form.  To register, fill out the form and send it along with $10 to the address on the flyer.  This is going to be a wonderful event, so please feel free to spread the word and pass on the flyer to anyone and everyone you wish!

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And as always, here is the link to the rideshare for this upcoming weekend: https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1Usa85Risu6rBiKDsE9-M7EWq9_IptuVEczCQOe5jX7s/edit#gid=0

Yours in Christ,

Andreea

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P.S. The articles we will be looking at on Thursday are already up on our website under the Announcements heading, if anyone is curious!

September 16, 2016

Dear OCF,

Please find below an open invitation to OCF students from the Catholic Student Ministry for a field trip to UVA's Fralin Museum tomorrow to see the Warhol/Icons exhibit!

Looking for a little weekend adventure? The St. Anselm Institute for Catholic Thought is hosting a local field trip for UVA students on Saturday, Sept. 17 (12-3pm); our ultimate destination will be a visit to the UVA Fralin Museum for the "Warhol/Icons" exhibit that ends the next day.  Saturday's field trip group will gather at 12:00pm at UVA-OpenGrounds for a light lunch. OpenGrounds is located on the Corner, across the street from The White Spot.  After lunch, we have two short talks planned: one by Fr. Robert Holet (Pastor of St. Nicholas Orthodox Church) on the significance of icons in the Eastern Orthodox tradition; the second short talk will address the life and very unexpected Catholic edges of Andy Warhol's works. There will be plenty of time for student questions. At 1:30pm, our postdoctoral fellow Beth Sutherland will walk the group over to the Fralin (on Rugby Rd.) for a special 2:00pm guided tour of the Fralin's Greek and Russian icon collection and the Warhol/Icons exhibit. The tour will conclude by 3:00pm, but the Fralin is open until 5pm. 

Once again, here is the link to this weekend's rideshare: https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1Usa85Risu6rBiKDsE9-M7EWq9_IptuVEczCQOe5jX7s/edit#gid=0

And one last thing: If you go to our website and click on Announcements, you'll find all the resources from our last meeting, including the articles we read and the video we watched.  From now on, all materials from our meetings will be posted on the website, so that even if you can't make it to the meeting, you won't have to miss out on the topics that interest you!

As always, please feel free to contact me with any questions.

In Christ,

Andreea

September 16, 2016

Here is the link to a YouTube video about the original Lord's Prayer in Jewish Aramaic and how the version we use today may be affected by mistranslations: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=i8IJOgMVE1Q

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And here are the links to the three articles we read and discussed about mistranslation (theory and myths):

https://danielbwallace.com/2012/11/05/somethings-always-lost-in-translation/

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/dr-joel-hoffman/five-mistakes-bible-translation_b_1129620.html

https://danielbwallace.com/2012/12/28/five-more-myths-about-bible-translations-and-the-transmission-of-the-text/

September 12, 2016

Hey OCF!

This Thursday, September 15th, our meeting will once again be at 6:00pm in New Cabell 038.  We will be reading about and discussing a fascinating topic close to my heart - mistranslations (in the Bible, in prayers, etc) and their implications on our faith.  We will also pick up where we left off last week and decorate our own T-shirts!

Looking forward to seeing everyone!

Yours in Christ,

Andreea

P.S. Here is the link to the rideshare for this upcoming weekend!

September 07, 2016

Click here for the updated fall semester calendar!

September 06, 2016

Dear OCF,

This Thursday (September 8th), we will be having our meeting at 6pm in New Cabell 066 (hopefully we did not get double booked this week!).  We will be doing arts and crafts - making OCF T-shirts, designing a poster, and coming up with advertisement ideas, so bring your creativity!

In Christ,

Andreea

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UPDATE: The meeting room has been changed to New Cabell 038, and unless otherwise noted, this will be our meeting room for the rest of the semester!

August 30, 2016

Dear OCFers,

This Thursday (September 1st), we will be having our first meeting of the year at 6:00pm in New Cabell Hall.  (We are still working on having the exact room approved; look for an update on the room number soon!)

We will be laying out all our hopes, ideas, and goals for the semester, discussing plans for our upcoming fall retreat, and creating discussion topics and ideas for charity work and socials, so come hang out and share your questions and thoughts about OCF!

And for anyone interested in learning more ahead of time, click here for our website!

Looking forward to seeing everyone!

Yours in Christ,

Andreea

P.S. There may or may not be cake...

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UPDATE: The meeting will be in New Cabell 066!

See you all there!

August 27, 2016

Hey OCF!

Welcome (back) on Grounds!  Hope everyone had a wonderful first week of classes.  To our old members, welcome back to another great year of OCF fellowship, and to our new subscribers and everyone who came out to the Activities Fair on Monday, it was great to meet you and we can't wait to see you again!

As we head into the new semester, a few things to note: 

First off, here's the link to the rideshare, where you can sign up for a ride to church: https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1Usa85Risu6rBiKDsE9-M7EWq9_IptuVEczCQOe5jX7s/edit#gid=0

Drivers put their name and phone number next to the service they will be attending, and all you have to do is write your name and phone number next to the driver you'd like to pick you up.  (You can also text the drivers to confirm!) The link to the rideshare doesn't change from week to week, so you may want to have it bookmarked.  There are two local churches, Holy Transfiguration here in Charlottesville (which is Greek), and St. Nicholas in Crozet (which is Ukrainian, although services at both are in English).

Second of all, we've recently launched our own UVa OCF website (click here)!  The rideshare and this week's meeting information are on the homepage, but you'll also find recent announcements, updates on alumni, photos, shared recipes, and useful links to other websites about Orthodoxy.

Last but not least, our first meeting will be this Thursday at 6pm, so keep an eye out for the upcoming email with all the details!

In Christ,

Andreea

June 01, 2016

Dear OCF,

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Starting in the fall, this page will be used to post our most recent emails sent out via the listserv so that everyone can reference and have access to our most recent events!

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In the meantime, check out this list of ideas for the OCF (compiled in the spring 2016 semester) and a tentative calendar for the fall 2016 semester!

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See you then!