OCF of Wilmington
Welcome to our "home away from home!" Under the recommendation and blessing of Metropolitan Alexios of Atlanta, the guidance of Fr. Matthew Carter and Fr. Peter Robichau, and through the efforts of Nick Syrpis, John Chapelle, Jenny Walsh Alexendros Theodoropoulos (acting Academic Adviser), and others, our OCF chapter has seen many successes in its first year of existence (the 2010-11 academic year). This was culminated with our registration at UNCW at the end of that year and the majority of our members graduating and moving on to pursue their goals and dreams.
As a student organization, our goals are to provide a sound and spiritually nourishing social environment for college students of all faiths, but especially those of the not so well publicized Orthodox Christian faith. We want all to feel welcome and look forward to reaching out to those who are far away from home. The OCF is a place where individuals can truly be themselves without feeling judged.
Some of our annual objectives include doing the following: screen a film at Lumina Theater, charitable activities, fund raisers, social functions, hosting a guest speaker, road trips and engaging in spiritual discussions throughout the year.
Orthodox Christianity
Orthodox Christianity exists throughout the world and is the oldest Christian religion in history. From the days of our Lord, Jesus Christ, to the modern era there have been many who fought and sacrificed to preserve the faith. Our ecumenical leader is Patriarch Bartholemew, who is considered to be "the first among equals." In addition, each global region has its own presiding bishop that is charged with the well being of the churches and faithful in the area.
The United States of America is unique in that it has many who share this same responsibility because of its rich diversity. These jurisdictions include the Russian parishes, Antiochian parishes, Coptic parishes, the OCA (Orthodox Church of America), Greek parishes and others. It is not that uncommon however for these parishes to practice the Liturgy (Orthodox Sunday worship) in English, instead of their native dialects or the original Koini biblical and liturgical Greek, so that all guests can feel welcome and at home.
Matthew 11:28-30