OCF Leadership Visits His Beatitude Metropolitan Tikhon at the Chancery
On Monday, May 4, 2026, His Beatitude Metropolitan Tikhon received Deacon Marek Simon, Executive Director of the Orthodox Christian Fellowship (OCF), and Mr. Andrew Boyd, Chairman of the OCF Board of Directors, at the temporary Chancery of the Orthodox Church in America in Springfield, VA. Also present for the meeting was Archpriest Alessandro Margheritino, Chancellor of the Orthodox Church in America.
During their visit, Deacon Marek and Mr. Boyd provided an update on the ongoing work of OCF, highlighting the continued growth of this vital pan-Orthodox campus ministry throughout the United States. They spoke of the development of new chapters and campus centers, as well as the strengthening of existing ministries that serve Orthodox college students across the country.
Particular attention was given to OCF’s Campus Missionary Initiative, which seeks to establish a consistent Orthodox presence on college campuses through trained missionaries who support student leaders, foster community life, and facilitate connections between students and local parishes. This initiative continues to play an essential role in expanding the reach of Orthodox ministry to young adults and in nurturing their spiritual formation during their college years.
The conversation also included discussion of the upcoming Real Break 2026 pilgrimage to the country of Georgia, which will take place later this month under the leadership of His Grace Bishop Gerasim of Fort Worth. This program, which combines service, pilgrimage, and spiritual reflection, remains one of OCF’s most impactful offerings for Orthodox college students.
On behalf of the Orthodox Church in America, His Beatitude expressed his continued prayers, support, and gratitude for the work of OCF. He noted the importance of this growing ministry not only in supporting Orthodox students during their college years, but also as a powerful witness of the Orthodox faith on campuses, where many young people encounter the Church for the first time.
The Orthodox Christian Fellowship serves as the official campus ministry of the Assembly of Canonical Orthodox Bishops of the United States of America, working to support Orthodox students and connect them more deeply to the life of the Church. Through its programs and outreach, OCF continues to play a critical role in fostering the next generation of faithful Orthodox Christians.