The Orthodox Church in America Youth Movement (OCAY) exists as a deanery-based Church-wide youth movement. Its main mission is to build and strengthen relationships among Orthodox youth within each parish and deanery of the Orthodox Church in America by providing opportunities for fellowship, education, worship and service. See: http://yya.oca.org/ 

Several years ago, the Holy Synod of Bishops of the OCA commended each Parish and Deanery to plan and provide a minimum of three activities for the region's youth and young adults each ecclesiastical year.  These three activities are to include:

* a fellowship event that gathers the youth to build the bonds of friendship;

* an educational event that challenges youth to grow in their relationship to Christ; and

* a service event where the youth are given the opportunity to serve the Church and follow our Lord's commandment to feed the hungry, visit the sick, and welcome the stranger (St. Matthew 25).

In addition, the Holy Synod invite the youth of the Orthodox Church in America to focus on a common theme each year, to foster their ongoing spiritual growth.

The theme for this year (2005-06) is the same that was put forth at the recent All American Council in Toronto, being that of, "Our Church; Our Future!"

As the Deanery-Youth Team Leader in this area, we plan to host here, through St. George's and its various ministries, a service event for our region's youth and young adults. See the Orthodox Rio Bridges (ORB) section, and the Winter Retreat link for more details. Please join us!  Call if you would like more information about service events.

Let us know if you would like to participate as part of our Deanery Youth Team!  Adults, Youth and Young Adults are welcome to be part of our Deanery Team!

To find the Deanery Team Contacts nearest you, go to "The Hub: at: http://yya.oca.org/pages/Hub/HubConnections/RegionalDirectory/list_results.asp?location=OCA-SO&Submit=Submit