Dear OYM Friends,

In this November Ministry Reflection, Christopher Chiakulas, Founder of Orthodox Christian College Counseling, reflects on the pressures our teens face as they prepare for college and reminds us that, while the world urges them to chase the “best” schools and achievements, the only admission that truly matters is to the Kingdom of Heaven. Lasting faith begins long before college; it grows when parents, leaders, and mentors walk with our youth, nurturing their life in Christ through relationship, prayer, and presence.

This month’s What’s Your Ministry? article highlights Jacob Sparks, Orthodox Christian Fellowship Atlanta Campus Missionary. For Jacob, campus ministry is more than student outreach or programming; it’s a living expression of Orthodox witness, bringing the life of the Church into the heart of academic culture. Through Bible studies, reader services, mentorship, and even creative efforts like an Uber fund to help students get to church, he is helping young adults encounter Christ where they are, reminding them that faith, community, and worship are not separate from daily life, but the very ground on which it is built.

As always, if you have job listings, events, or other resources you'd like us to share in this newsletter, please email us at newsletters@theoym.org. We also ask that you please consider making a donation to support us in this work. Together, we can keep young people connected to their faith through stronger families, stronger communities, and a stronger Church.

Yours in Christ,

Dr. Christopher Krampe

President of OYM

October Ministry Reflection: The Only Admission That Truly Matters

A new season of ministry has begun, but preparation goes deeper than applications. In response to the pressures surrounding college and career, OYM is walking alongside parents, clergy, and mentors, helping families and parishes nurture young people to see that the only admission that truly matters is to the Kingdom of Heaven, through faith, relationship, and steadfast presence in Christ.

Click here to read.

What’s Your Ministry? Bringing the Church to Campus

Through Orthodox Christian Fellowship, Campus Missionary Jacob Sparks is bringing the Church to college campuses, bridging the gap between academic life and parish life through prayer, fellowship, and genuine encounter. From Bible studies and reader services to one-on-one mentorship and creative efforts that help students get to church, Jacob is helping young adults rediscover Christ in the heart of their university communities, showing that the journey back to faith often begins with something as simple as going to coffee hour.

Click here to read.

Orthodox Roundtable For Young Adults

OYM is offering a series of roundtable events for young adults. These gatherings will take place at different Orthodox churches in the Chicago area and feature various speakers and topics. It’s a chance for young adults to connect, learn, and grow in their faith together.

Click here to view.

Outdoor Orthodoxy: A Hike With The Saints

OYM invites you to participate in Chicagoland’s first-ever Prayer Hike, a special outdoor experience designed for families with children ages 5–12.

Step away from the noise and distractions of daily life and enter into the peaceful rhythm of prayer, presence, and pilgrimage. Along the trail, children will hear inspiring stories of saints who prayed outdoors, discovering how nature can draw us closer to God and one another.

Click here to view.

OYM Chicagoland Ministry Support Coordinator Newsletter

Sign up for this new Chicagoland newsletter to get updates from Orthodox Youth & Young Adult Ministries, inspiring messages, and the latest news on what’s happening around the Chicagoland area.

Click here to sign up.

Entrance of the Theotokos

Age-appropriate lessons, hands-on activities, crafts, for children on the Feast of the Entrance of the Theotoko

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November Orthodox Education Resources

Children and families can explore Orthodox education with Saint Kosmas Orthodox Christian Education Association; here are fun resources to help parents guide their children in the life of the Church.

Click here to view.

"TA-DA!"

Dr. John Mark Reynolds reflects on the innocent joy of his granddaughter’s “TA-DA!” as a childlike echo of the Paschal triumph. He reminds us that Christ’s Resurrection is the ultimate “TA-DA” of history; real, surprising, and eternally pleasing; calling us to rediscover divine joy in both the grand and the small gifts of life.

Click here to view.

November Coloring Pages

Children will enjoy learning about the saints commemorated this month with free coloring pages from Sparks 4 Orthodox Kids.

Click here to view.

Neighborhood Resilience Project: Reclaim the Tradition

The Neighborhood Resilience Project is launching the inaugural Reclaim the Tradition Conference, taking place November 5–7. This gathering will bring together Orthodox clergy, lay leaders, and ministry workers to explore what it means to live out the Church’s mission in today’s suffering world. Drawing inspiration from St. Basil the Great, the conference will focus on embodying Holy Tradition through service, mercy, and building communities of healing and hope.

Click here to view.

Applications Are Open for CRI Summer 2026!

CrossRoad Summer is a ten-day academic institute for high school juniors and seniors, designed to help them navigate major life decisions while engaging deeply with the Orthodox Christian theological and spiritual tradition.

Click here to learn more.

Program Manager- FOCUS Detroit

FOCUS is seeking a part-time Program Manager for FOCUS Detroit. The role involves implementing two new ministries; The Nest, supporting new mothers and children through programming, skills development, and distribution of essential items, and Coffee and Connection, expanding FOCUS Detroit’s outreach through hospitality, fellowship, and free access to clothing and basic needs. Additional responsibilities include administrative support and coordination under the direction of the FOCUS Detroit Center Director.

Click here to learn more.

Camping Ministries Coordinator

The Greek Orthodox Metropolis of Pittsburgh is seeking a Camping Ministries Coordinator (CMC) to oversee the development, growth, promotion, and management of its summer camp and retreat ministry. The CMC will lead all aspects of staffing, marketing, fundraising, and administration, ensuring the continued success and vitality of this essential youth program. This position upholds the mission of the Metropolis’ Camping Ministry; to lead young people to Christ in an Orthodox Christian environment where they can learn and experience their faith through education, recreation, worship, fellowship, and fun.

Click here to learn more.

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