2011 Romania Youth Work Team

2012 OCMC Mission Teams - Let the Little Children Come to Me

2012 OCMC Orthodox Mission Team Opportunities Now Available!

In 2011, over 135 Orthodox Christians shared their faith through loving service as part of an OCMC Orthodox Mission Team. They witnessed baptisms, healed the sick, strengthened the church, and brought smiles to the faces of children. They answered the call to make disciples of all nations. Is 2012 your time to share in this journey of faith?

OCMC is pleased to announce 2012 Orthodox Mission Team opportunities. Next year, team members will have the opportunity to share the Orthodox Christian faith by offering evangelism, catechism, healthcare, construction, and youth ministry in 9 countries around the world (including a first-time team to Mongolia). 2012 Mission Team dates and opportunities include:

Kenya – Teaching (3/2/2012)
Share the Gospel and teach the Orthodox Faith in Lodwar.

Uganda – Healthcare (6/2/2012)
Offer health services to the people in the Jinja region of eastern Uganda.

Mongolia – Teaching (6/5/2012)
Proclaim the Gospel and share the Orthodox Faith with Mongolian catechumens as part of a historic first Team to Ulaanbaatar.

Guatemala - Youth Work (7/5/2012)
Offer a youth camp program, "Tren de Chocolate," for the children at the Hogar Rafael Ayau Orphanage in Guatemala City.

Moldova - Youth Work (7/10/2012)
Participate in a youth camp outside the city of Orhei.

Romania - Youth Work (7/19/2012)
Participate in a youth camp outside the city of Cluj. Families with children are welcome.

Tanzania – Teaching (7/22/2012)
Teach the Orthodox Faith and experience the culture and zeal of Orthodoxy in Tanzania, by being a part of a teaching team in Mwanza.

Korea, South - Youth Work (7/25/2012)
Teach English at Orthodox youth camps in Chuncheon and Pusan.

Alaska - Youth Work (8/11/2012)
Travel to Kodiak Island and participate in a youth camp program in Old Harbor, Alaska. Families with children are welcome.

Alaska - Youth Work (8/11/2012)
Travel to Kodiak Island and participate in a youth camp program in historic Ouzinkie, Alaska. Families with children are welcome.

Moldova – Teaching (9/11/2012)
Teach and inspire Orthodox Church leaders in Orhei, Moldova and strategize on ways to bring the youth back to the Church.

Tanzania – Healthcare (10/1/2012)
Be part of a holistic outreach of the Orthodox Church of Tanzania, by offering health care to those who have limited access to medical care.

Tanzania – Teaching (12/5/2012)
Teach the Orthodox Faith and experience the culture and zeal of Orthodoxy in Tanzania, by being a part of a teaching team in Bukoba.

Please prayerfully consider your participation on an Orthodox mission team in 2012. Visit www.ocmc.org, or contact OCMC Teams Director Andew Lekos by phone at 1-866-463-6784 ext. 140 or by e-mail at teams@ocmc.org for more information or to apply.

OCMC Mission Teams- Welcome to Tanzania

Orthodox Family Mission Team

by the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese Center for Family Care


This past July, a unique groundbreaking international Orthodox Christian missionary effort took place-the first Family Mission Team traveled to Albania. The team was a collaboration between the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese Center for Family Care (CFC) and the Orthodox Christian Mission Center (OCMC), and part of a new family ministry initiative of the Orthodox Church of Albania. Families from America and Albania participated in “One Family in Christ” Family Camp led by the CFC’s Resource Coordinator, Panayiotis Sakellariou, and by OCMC short and long term missionaries.

The purpose of sending the Family Team was to offer a “family witness”-while sharing the Orthodox faith and growing as a family in Christ-and to answer the call of the Church of Albania to begin its own family ministry. Albanian leaders plan to build on this camp experience and the family resources that were provided, to create a strong foundation for their new family ministry. Team leader Panayiotis Sakellariou said, “We thank God for providing for all the families and granting success to our camp efforts, and we are grateful for everyone’s support and prayers. We pray this first Family Mission Team will be the beginning of an ongoing missions endeavor that gives families the opportunity to share their love of God and of neighbor, and to grow in their faith.”

“One Family in Christ” Family Camp consisted of 65 adults and children of various ages. The camp included parent, couple and children programs; family activities and Olympics; outreach endeavors and local excursions. In particular, team members presented on the following topics: Church of the Home, Child Spiritual Development, Parenting Skills, Social Networking, the Journey of Marriage, and Family Ministry.

For further information on this mission team or the involved agencies contact the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese Center for Family Care at 845-424-8175 or familycare@goarch.org, or Orthodox Christian Mission Center at 877-463-6784 or missions@ocmc.org.

OCMC Health Care Missions

Medical personnel are needed to conduct medical clinics and offer health instruction on OCMC Teams in 2011. Especially needed are doctors in Uganda and nurses in Tanzania. Most communities around the world do not have access to basic medical care or instruction, nor do they have the opportunity to visit with a physician or receive regular medical attention.

OCMC health care teams travel to regions where most clinics are set up in church buildings, existing health care facilities, schools or outside in remote locations that often do not have access to electricity. Stacy Loejos, a nurse on the health care team to Uganda in 2010, which treated over 3800 patients, reported how the team learned and applied “field medicine”: “Though overwhelmed at times, our team became a well oiled machine, learning from each day and applying it to the next, as the unending lines of people explained their many ailments to us.” She explains, “I was using my God given talents to help those in need, and that however small, we would somehow change their lives for the better.”

Participating on a health care outreach team, you will help treat various common illnesses found in other parts of the world - malaria, parasites and other tropical diseases. Medical personnel participate in an outreach of the local Church to heal the sick, care for the poor and needy and offer a living witness of Christ as our Lord and Savior.

The Orthodox Christian Mission Center (OCMC) offers two Health Care Mission Team opportunities in 2011. A Team to Uganda will minister to various communities in the Kampala area and a remote region in western Uganda, June 11-26. The Team to Tanzania will serve in an area around the Metropolis center of Mwanza and work with the long-term OCMC Health Care missionaries who serve there, October 4-16.

OCMC invites you to join this holistic ministry that offers both tangible and spiritual benefits to people as you offer primary health care where access is limited. For more information on how to apply, please visit our website, www.ocmc.org or email us at teams@ocmc.org.

Consider Joining an OCMC Short-term Orthodox Mission Team!

Be a living witness of your Faith on a Family Outreach Team in Albania or take part in the holistic mission of the Church on a Health Care Team to Uganda. If you are interested in joining a family mission trip or are a doctor desiring to serve in His vineyard, contact OCMC to experience and discover your faith in new and meaningful ways.

Mission Teams serve our Holy Orthodox Church’s unending mission effort to make disciples by sharing in a journey of Faith. Team applications and details are available online at www.ocmc.org or call the OCMC at 1 (877) 463-6787 (ext 142) for more information.

Family Mission: Work, Worship and Witness

An opportunity for families who have a desire to work, witness, and worship in a profound ministry is available in a new initiative involving families in foreign mission work. Families with children are invited to join Church leaders and their families in Albania to be a part of a family ministry outreach. OCMC Missionary Nathan Hoppe explains, “Offering a witness of family unity and faith will assist in developing a new family ministry initiative for the Orthodox Church of Albania.”

The primary focus is to offer a “family witness” while sharing the Faith and growing as a family in Christ. The group will also have the opportunity to serve the ministries of the Church in Albania. The Family Mission Team to Albania, July 17 – 29, 2011, is a collaboration between OCMC and the Center for Family Care (CFC) of the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese. Families from North America, along with Albanian families, will participate in this outreach assisted by OCMC missionaries and Albanian Church leaders.

This program will include family activities, parent and children programs, ministry visitations, and outreach endeavors of the Church of Albania in Tirana and surrounding areas. The Team is to provide a positive witness, and all participants are called to be exemplary role models as they minister as families and bear witness to Christ through their every action. Team Members will share their life experience, provide fellowship, and offer a visible witness of the Holy Orthodox Faith.

OCMC and the Center for Family Care hope that families will personally experience the joy of seeing God take the precious things He has been teaching Orthodox families and use them to bless families around the world. Pamela Filutowski, who participated with her son on a Team, reported, “From my perspective it appears that my son was initially wondering, ‘Is this real?’ as he tried to process the love and enthusiasm that openly flowed from the children and those who worked at Shen Vlash. He fully sensed and understood the reality of Christ’s love in the children, in our new lifestyle, and springing deep with us."

OCMC and CFC invite you to join this ministry that offers spiritual benefits to families. For more information on how to apply, please visit our website, www.ocmc.org or email us at teams@ocmc.org.

Be part of a Family Mission Team!

This year the Orthodox Christian Mission Center (OCMC) is proud to announce a collaboration with the Center for Family Care (of the Greek Archdiocese) by offering a Family Mission Team. Families from North America, along with Albanian families, will participate in this outreach assisted by OCMC missionaries and Albanian church leaders. The primary focus is to offer a “family witness” while sharing the faith and growing as a family in Christ. Consider being part of this first OCMC and Center for Family Care collaboration and family mission witness! Visit http://teams.ocmc.org, or e-mail teams@ocmc.org, for more information or to apply.

2011 OCMC Orthodox Mission Teams Now Available!

St. Augustine, FL – In 2010, the Orthodox Christian Mission Center (OCMC) sent 119 people on short-term mission teams around the world to offer a living witness to the Orthodox Christian faith through loving service and fellowship. Orthodox Mission Team opportunities are now available for 2011, and by the prayers of the Faithful in North America, OCMC hopes that even more people will answer the call to share in a journey of faith by spending one to three weeks abroad teaching the faith, providing healthcare, participating in outreach, ministering to youth, or helping to build and maintain churches.

OCMC is coordinating 13 Mission Teams that will serve in 9 countries, including a Team for families with children (8 years or older), in 2011. These Teams include the following (please note that Team fees do not include airfare):

Kenya – Teaching ($1,540, departs on 3/19/2011) Share the Faith in Lodwar with the first converts to Orthodoxy in northern Kenya, where the people are considered one of the least evangelized groups in the world.

Albania – Mission Institute Teaching Team (cost to be announced, only open to seminary students, departs on 5/23/2011) Earn credit hours while you are immersed in the daily renewal of faith in Albania, witness the resurrection of the Orthodox Church, and study missiology.

Uganda – Healthcare ($1,675, departs on 6/11/2011) Offer health services to children and adults who have limited access to medical care in western Uganda.

Guatemala - Youth Work ($840, departs on 7/6/2011) Offer a youth camp program in Guatemala City and assist in the daily activities of the Hogar Rafael Ayau Orphanage.

Romania - Youth Work ($1,585, departs on 7/7/2011) Be part of evangelizing and teaching young people in Romania about the Faith by participating in a youth camp outside the city of Cluj.

Albania –Youth Work Team open to families ($1,370, departs on 7/17/2011) Families with children are invited to join Church leaders in Albania and their families and participate in a camp-style program.

Alaska – Construction ($1,095, departs on 7/22/2011) Assist the local community in Bethel and help complete the Saint Sophia Orthodox Church.

South Korea - Youth Work ($1,700, departs on 7/23/2011) Teach English at youth camps in Pusan and Chuncheon.

Tanzania – Teaching ($1,475, departs on 7/25/2011) Participate in the annual seminar for church leaders and young adults by offering basic catechism and encouragement to the Faithful.

Alaska - Youth Work ($960, departs on 7/29/2011) Travel to Kodiak Island and participate in a youth camp program in Old Harbor.

Madagascar – Teaching ($1,475, departs on 8/1/2011) Offer catechism to people from isolated villages where Orthodoxy is spreading despite many obstacles.

Alaska – Outreach ($960, departs on 8/11/2011) Help with renovations and work on general maintenance for the community of Saint Nicholas Orthodox Church in Hoonah, just miles from Juneau.

Tanzania – Healthcare ($1,475, departs on 10/4/2011) Minister to the medical and spiritual needs of children and adults who have limited access to health care services.

Please prayerfully consider serving on an OCMC Orthodox Mission Team in 2011. They each provide unique ways to not only serve others but also come to a deeper understanding of the faith and to a closer relationship with Christ. Be open to having your own life transformed by helping to transform the lives of others.

Please contact Andrew Lekos or Pres. Renee Ritsi by phone at 1-877-GO-FORTH (463-6784) or by e-mail at teams@ocmc.org for more information. Visit http://teams.ocmc.org for additional details about, or to apply for, 2011 OCMC Orthodox Mission Teams.

My Trip to Korea was a Treasure

My Trip to Korea was a Treasure

by Korinna Garbis

My trip on an OCMC Mission Team to Korea had the ingredients of a wonderful adventure: one part do-good, mixed in with one part spiritual journey. Words don’t seem to adequately describe the sheer joy I experienced in Korea, or the love I feel for my Korean family. My experience was very personal and in hindsight seemed to be something I worked toward my whole life without even knowing it.

I loved the Korean culture, and I loved the Korean people. While the Japanese culture gets the credit for Sumo Wrestling, Origami, Tempura, Sushi, Pagodas, and fan dancing, the Koreans have their own similar versions. The Korean culture is more familiar than I originally anticipated and left me wondering if they conceived of some of these beloved treasures. Most importantly, I fell in love with the children I taught. They were bright, inquisitive, fun, sweet, and respectful. Every day was great in Korea, which was probably why it was so hard to leave.

Korea is an industrialized country with hard working people, efficient transportation systems, and a strong economy. The country has been able to rebound economically after struggling to overcome the ravages of centuries of wars and what the children simply described to me as their “sad history.” Father Alexandros, the priest from the church in Busan, explained to me that the children are the best natural resource their country has. Anything they can do to improve their children’s future success is important. Learning the English language from a native speaker is a marketable asset for the Church to offer, and I was happy to help in any way I could.

I never expected to meet a family of friends in Korea. I walked my path to the church in Busan everyday with an amazing new friend. My fellow mission team member was a warm, knowledgeable, and helpful theology student. She answered my questions about Orthodox theology, which helped fulfill an educational component of my journey. That, along with the devotion and love of the people I met in Busan, helped to solidify my faith even more than I could have anticipated.

I was welcomed into this refreshing community with bright smiles and open arms. The Busan church has a nucleus of members including Father Alexandros, his wife Presbytera Patapia, teachers at the school, children, and other parishioners. They routinely attend church, share meals together, help one another, sing in the choir, and all work toward the same goal: serving God through serving others. There is no pretense here, just goodness. These people go out of their way for one another happily, and they did so for us. They came to trust us and let us into their world, which is a haven. I never wanted to leave.

Most of the people that I worked with at the church attended the daily services along with their families. They sang in the choir. They help their neighbors. After liturgy on Sundays they have a big Korean-style family lunch the church provides. It’s a good opportunity for everyone to be together. Afterward there are Bible studies for children and adults, and the smaller children are looked after. It’s all figured out.

Every morning we’d wake up, get ready, and go to church. At the church building, you could feel sustained all day and never need to leave. The actual church is on the fourth floor, a general recreation room is on the third floor, classrooms for the pre-school are on the second floor, and a kitchen and dining area are on the first. We would attend church in the mornings to start the day off right. When adults weren’t present to offer the responses of the “people” during the service, the older children would do so beautifully in Korean.

Our daily routine included an English language camp during the first week, and then assisting with the regular pre-school the second week. There were classes and activities for the children throughout the day. The children were meticulous artists and wonderful singers and dancers. Aside from their academic work, the pre-school students learned how to perform Korean fan dances and Korean drum routines. By 5:00pm children headed home. The teachers were bright, enthusiastic, wonderful caretakers of the children. They gave 100% every day. It was inspiring. Thereafter, the teachers cleaned up the school. The whole school is scoured top to bottom. Finally, after over a week of being there, I was able to convince the teachers they should let me take part in this afternoon ritual. It felt good to do something so small for them, especially after seeing how hard they work to instruct the children so well. In the evening we often had another church service, or some straggling kids left to entertain, followed by dinner prepared by Presbytera or some of the teachers.

The food we were provided was fresh and local. Busan is known for its fresh seafood. The children ate healthfully, and if they wanted seconds they were happily given. The children didn’t seem to have the type of body image and food issues that American kids do. They are happy just being, and it was refreshing to see.

I felt so accepted by the Busan church and so appreciated for simply being myself. What little I had to give they were happy to receive. I appreciated the opportunity to be a part of a close traditional Orthodox community. I’m enthusiastic about any opportunity to speak at length about the Korean Orthodox Church and the people I met and easily grew to love. I knew almost as soon as I arrived that I wouldn’t be able to stay away for long. I look forward to seeing my friends again soon and to helping to teach their children again.

The only concern I had about going on this OCMC Team was trying to determine what I had to offer. This was a teaching trip, and I am not a teacher. I’m a businesswoman, and I couldn’t immediately wrap my head around what my skill sets had to offer. But after I was there, I began to realize I was trying too hard. All I needed I had the whole time, and I am fortunate enough to have a lot of it. Since I’ve been given a lot of love, I had a lot to give. I could show my love by playing with the children, making them laugh and patiently teaching easy things like their letters, numbers, colors, etc. I could smile, laugh and give a big hug. I could hold their hand or play “Duck Duck Goose” with them. I could throw them up in the air and spin them around. And so I did. And that was enough.

The important thing to note is that everyone has something to give, even if they don’t realize it. Presbytera and I discussed this in detail, and it provided me the encouragement I was looking for. She was so helpful and always gave wonderful advice. When I shared with her that I wasn’t sure how my future career path would satisfy my desire to passionately serve our world in some grand way, she quieted me. She told me to remember that people can give in different ways, including their time, talents or treasure. Each is important, and having a solid career can lead someone to provide a great deal to the world. She made me promise I would work hard to build my company, and she is praying for me to do so.

Many people talk about fate as though it’s magic or luck. They think things seem to work themselves out in the cleverest of ways because fate made it so. As I get older, I realize that blessings are the only reason why things happen. By traveling to Korea, I was offered the blessing of a lifetime. I continue to immediately disregard any thanks that I am offered for going to Korea, because I was the one who benefited immensely from the experience.

My being in Korea allowed me to take a break from my day-to-day thoughts and responsibilities. All I had to focus on was the children and church. It was perfect. And amidst that focus there were certain moments of clarity that I couldn’t deny. It was the push I needed to re-center myself. I feel more at peace with my life after going on this trip. Being halfway across the world provided me with an opportunity to reexamine my choices with fresh perspective, and I feel I have a renewed purpose and appreciation for the many opportunities I have in my life.

Sacred Ground in Alaska

Our OCMC mission team to Eklutna, Alaska was a wonderful experience, and we want each of you to know how much we appreciate the opportunity made possible by your support and prayers.

Alaska is a beautiful state with very warm and hospitable people. The weather was perfect (between 45-60 degrees). The mosquitoes were incredible, especially in Eklutna, but we had been warned and came prepared! On a more positive note, there are no fleas, ticks, termites, or snakes.

The Athabascan Alaska Natives moved the original St. Nicholas Russian Orthodox Church (completely constructed without nails!) from Knik to their sacred ground in Eklutna around the early 1900s. This area has since become a historical park, with up to 15,000 visitors each year from around the world. So as we worked in this remote spot, we watched people driving up and touring the grounds speaking many different languages.

The park is home to the Spirit Cemetery. When the monks arrived in this area from Russia, they converted the natives to Orthodoxy but did not try to completely change their customs and way of life as long as it did not conflict with Christianity. They were allowed to continue making their spirit houses but could no longer cremate. Believing the spirit hovers over the grave for a year, they cover the grave with a blanket to keep the spirit warm and build a house over the grave. In the house they place favorite items of the deceased person. The bright colors of the houses represent the tribes they are from or married into, and if they place a fence around the house it represents a chief.

In 1962 Chief Alex, thinking he was dying, was told by the bishop he would not die but would build a church, so the new St. Nicholas Church was where our Team of eight began work. Team members included Adam Bieker from Nevada, Amy and Chris Burdette from Florida, Dean Gionis from Florida, Nastassia Hill from Ohio, our team leader Charlie Varelos from Florida, and the two of us (Elaine and John Roussos from Alabama). The low ceiling in the altar and the old insulation was removed. New electrical wiring, insulation, and lights were installed in the new cathedral ceiling. Large new icons were hung in the sanctuary. The bell tower was repaired, and at the outside entrance a brick landing was laid. We gold-leafed a large piece of plywood, attached an icon of St. Nicholas, and hung it over the outside entrance door of the church. We dug huge stones from a pit and lined the outside of the entire church with the stones for a flower bed. Then we added plants and bark. We cut grass throughout the park and cleaned around the spirit houses and repaired and painted crosses. The picket fence around the park had to be repaired and then completely painted, along with many signs.

After our work was finished each day, we went to a parishioner’s home for dinner, fellowship, and to share our Orthodox faith with one another. Many days we attended services. Women wore scarves, and we did as well. There were no pews, and Divine Liturgy could easily last two hours or more, with standing room only for around fifty people. Although the worship service was the same, the customs were very different and very interesting. We enjoyed visiting after church with the parishioners. Everyone was most appreciative of the work we had done during our time there.

Because of this mission and the repairs to St. Nicholas, many more people will come not only to tour the Eklutna Historical Park, but also to visit and pray in St. Nicholas Russian Orthodox Church and continue to learn about Orthodoxy and the strong faith of the Alaskans.

Seminarians Have Life-Changing Experience as Part of an OCMC Mission Team

Eleven seminarians from Holy Cross Greek Orthodox School of Theology and St. Vladmir Seminary joined Fr. Luke Veronis, OCMC Missionary Nathan Hoppe, and Fr. Paisius Altschul on a short-term trip to Albania. This mission practicum was combined with a three credit academic course entitled “The Missiology of Archbishop Anastasios of Albania,” where seminarians studied the missiological writings of the one of the greatest contemporary Orthodox missionaries, and then visited and participated in the actual mission occurring in Albania.

This inaugural mission class and practicum reflected a cooperative effort between the newly established Missions Institute of Orthodox Christianity and the OCMC. The Missions Institute is a new entity which has a specific mandate to create and offer inspiring and educational programs for theological students studying at the Orthodox seminaries in the United States. “Our hope is that through the programs and courses this Missions Institute will offer,” noted its director, Fr. Luke Veronis, “No student will graduate from our Orthodox seminaries without having some knowledge of a missions-minded ministry. Simultaneously, we hope to challenge some students to seriously consider dedicating part or all of their lives to cross-cultural missionary ministry.”

The course ran from May 19 - June 6, 2010, and included one week of class work at Holy Cross, followed by two weeks of a mission practicum in Albania. The experience created an incredible enthusiasm and enlightenment for all the participants. “This was the greatest experience in my life,” emphasized Holy Cross seminarian Kosta Kollias. “It has opened up my eyes in ways I’ve never dreamed of before. My mission experience has helped me to understand the Church in a much healthier, more universal manner.”

Not only did the course readings challenge the students to understand the imperative nature and need of cross-cultural missions, but the practical experience of witnessing one of the most vibrant mission fields in the contemporary Orthodox Church, meeting Archbishop Anastasios and his indigenous co-workers and leaders of the Church of Albania, while also participating in the mission itself through outreach projects at the University of Tirana, at the Resurrection of Christ Theological Academy, at a Student Conference, and at the Children’s Home of Hope inspired the seminarians to understand missions in an unforgettably refreshing and even life-changing way.

A highlight of the trip was a pilgrimage with Metropolitan John of Korca. The group spent the first night in the Monastery of St. John the Forerunner in Voskopoja, and walked 12 miles to the Monastery of St. Peter and Paul in Vithkuq. Throughout the pilgrimage, Metropolitan John shared stories about life under communism, faith and persecution, life in America as an immigrant, his time as a seminarian at Holy Cross, and then his return and service back in Albania. Throughout all the stories the Metropolitan challenged the students to dedicate their lives in radical ways to serving Christ. The personal interaction and wisdom offered by His Eminence impacted all of the seminarians.

During the two week trip in Albania, as well as in the follow-up, six of the eleven seminarians expressed serious interest in possibly pursuing cross-cultural missionary service following their graduation from seminary, while the others affirmed that the entire experience solidified their understanding of missions and strengthened their commitment to creating Church communities that will support the missionary work of the Church.

Tanzania and James - Transfiguration 2010 Update

Dear Friends,

Furaha na amani! Joy and peace!

And greetings from Geita, Tanzania! I have spent the past two weeks here participating in a youth seminar at Holy Annunciation Orthodox Church. Teaching staff members at the seminar are mostly from overseas: I have joined OCMC Missionary Charita Stavrou as well as a Teaching Team sent from the Orthodox Church of Finland and from OCMC in the United States. Together we are nine foreigners working together with local staff directing a program for over seventy young adults from Geita region and the surrounding area.

Geita is a gold-mining town inland, about a two-hour drive from Mwanza. The mineral wealth of the soil is apparent: it is a deep red clay studded with iron ore and other rocks. The roads are lined with kilns and stacks of red bricks for sale; nearly all the local houses are built either from baked red brick or unbaked brown brick. In the dry season (right now), the soil turns into a powdery red dust that blankets everything-- buildings, trees, clothes, cars, even the beaks of the four-foot-tall marabou storks who are Geita's equivalent of pigeons. (Pigeons are prettier.)

I was grateful to be invited at the last minute to join the Finland/OCMC Teaching Team. We met in Dar es Salaam, and traveled together to Mwanza where we were greeted at the airport by His Eminence Metropolitan Jeronymos and diocesan staff. This was my first visit to the city where I will eventually live, and my first opportunity to meet my bishop face-to-face. At last!

Everyone says that Mwanza is beautiful. They say this because Mwanza is beautiful! It is a city of rocks. Nearly one million people live among huge granite boulders and steep stony hills cascading down to Lake Victoria. From anywhere in the city you can look up and see the great rocks, or you can look down to the shining Lake. Hawks, eagles, ibises, storks and cranes circle overhead. Some buildings are perched on top of boulders, and others have walls hewn from the living stone. The mineral wealth is staggering. I'm told that Heaven paves its streets with gold. I'm also told that Mwanza fills its potholes with amethyst.

This rich land provides rich food. Lake Victoria fish are as tasty as anything I can imagine. Geita pineapples are sweeter than anything I could ever imagine. The abundant fruits of this soil produce a cuisine that is varied and flavorful. I've never eaten better in my life. (Sorry, Mom.)

Spending this time in the Archdiocese of Mwanza, among the faithful of one of its regions, is giving me the opportunity to observe the local Church in action. I am very impressed. I'm impressed at how well local leadership has integrated us foreign visitors into their educational program, and at how well the local Church has been caring for the youth at the seminar. Every day begins either with Liturgy or Matins, and concludes with Vespers. Since the Dormition Fast began on 1st August, we also pray Paraklesis following Vespers. Being immersed in the liturgical life of the Church is a great joy-- and it's really helping my Kiswahili!

Our students are aged roughly 15 to 30, and are mostly from the regions surrounding Geita, from subsistence-farming families of the Sukuma ethnic group. All of them speak Kiswahili, most are literate, and many have completed a basic primary education. They are baptized Orthodox Christians who are serious about their faith, but there is a wide range in knowledge about the faith that they confess. Some are trained catechists, while others are still learning about the Incarnation.

Observing classes and listening to students' questions, I am getting a glimpse of the lives of local Orthodox Christian faithful. The challenges faced by people here are not trivial. There is real suffering, and there are great problems. The enormity of these problems, and the difficulties of daily life, seems overwhelming at times. I am reminded hour by hour that we can depend on God alone. At the same time, there is true and abundant beauty.

And so, profound difficulties are mixed with great blessings. There is unrivalled joy in Geita and Mwanza, in the midst of deep sorrow. The Orthodox Christian temples are monuments, built to proclaim Christ's Resurrection for generations to come. The ranks of the faithful increase daily. The bishop shines with love for his flock, and Church leadership is of the highest caliber and devotion that I've seen anywhere. By God's grace through your prayers, the Church of Mwanza strives to be worthy of the great task set before her.

And I really get to live here! I get to be part of it all!

God willing, I will return to Dar es Salaam on Sunday 8th August and begin preparation for a permanent move back to Mwanza. There are two immediate practical considerations. First, I have visa issues yet to be resolved. Second, I have to find a place to live. His Eminence has given me two criteria for a house: that it be safe, and that it be close to Church property so that I can participate fully in the daily liturgical life. Please pray as I work to finalize my immigration status and search for a suitable home in Mwanza.

Thank you for sending me here. Thank you for the financial support that allows me to live in Mwanza and participate in this great work. Thank you for your friendship, for your encouragement, and especially for your holy prayers that will sustain and enrich my joy in this beautiful and needy land. May the uncreated light of Tabor transfigure your lives on this joyous feast and, by your prayers, may the light of Christ shine ever more brightly here in Tanzania.

Please stay in touch.

By your prayers,

James Hargrave



PS I'd like to tell you a little about the Finland/OCMC Teaching Team that I was blessed to join at the youth seminar in Geita.

Our leader, Outi Vasko, is from Helsinki and serves on the board of the Finnish Orthodox Mission. This is her third time in Tanzania, and she is a leader in the missionary and inter-church activities of the Finnish Orthodox Church. She is joined by a fellow board member, Father Tapio Rautamaki, who pastors two Helsinki parishes in addition to his day job. This is his second visit to Tanzania. Outi and Father Tapio are here together with Jaso Possi, a young theologian from Jyuaskyla who is preparing for ordained ministry.

Among the Americans is Jean Jolly from Tampa, FL. It was a special joy to see Jean here because her home parish, St Philip's, welcomed me warmly last summer as I began raising support for my work in Tanzania. She is joined by Irene and Anastasios Sakkas, a young couple from Falls Church, VA. Irene and Taso's presence here together gives seminar participants a living example of healthy Christian marriage, which is as valuable as anything any of us could teach. The youngest member of the Team is Nicholas Petrogeorge from Pittsburgh, PA. Niko came here fresh from a month as a camp counselor back in the States-- and I'm not sure which was more challenging.

And of course, we are blessed to have fellow OCMC Missionary Charita Stavrou teaching with us. Mama Stavrou has been in Mwanza since March. She is creating vestments and liturgical fabrics for the parishes, teaching at events such as this one, praying faithfully and loving everyone. Wherever Mama Stavrou goes, joy and peace surround her.

There is only so much that a group of Americans and Europeans, working through translators, can accomplish during two weeks in rural Tanzania. If you can't understand the language, and if you aren't familiar with local culture, the ways that you can participate in people's lives are limited. These truths cannot be ignored.

Nevertheless, the Team's presence here has been of great value. Local Sukuma faithful are meeting fellow Christians whose love has brought them to the other side of the world. Team members know and love their faith, they are good teachers, and their work is making a real impact. They bear witness to the love that Christians of two distant nations have for the people of yet another country. Each of these Team members now will return home and spread the news of the life and witness of the Tanzanian Orthodox Church. This is of no small value to us who remain in Africa. It was also a personal encouragement for me to have the Team here, and I am eager to welcome next year's guests. If you'd like to come help us out in the summer of 2011, you can inquire by emailing teams@ocmc.org or by visiting http://teams.ocmc.org.

OCMC Uganda Healthcare Team Sees Record Number of Patients

Northern Uganda had been decimated by war and insurrection for many of the years since its independence from Britain in 1961. Now relatively secure, former residents are beginning to return, and their medical needs are tremendous. This June, an Orthodox Christian Mission Center (OCMC) Health Care Team was sent to Uganda to address the persistent needs that exist there.

Malaria is a scourge in East Africa, and intestinal worms are pandemic. Arriving in Kampala and first working out of Gulu and then moving to Lira, the team treated over 3,800 patients in nine rural clinics. The first day saw a new record for a one-day patient count when over 700 people were examined and treated. The Team pharmacy worked until 8:30 pm filling prescriptions by the light of a kerosene lantern.

The team, led by Fr. Joseph Ciarciaglino, utilized two doctors, one nurse practitioner, three RNs, one physical therapist, and one health care student to bring medical services to many who had not had any care since last year's OCMC Team treated them. These dedicated Orthodox medical professionals are a credit to themselves and to the Orthodox Church. The love and care with which they served God's children was a visible sign of the Gospel message of love of neighbor.

In addition to over $9,200 worth of medical supplies, the Team brought liturgical books and two sets of vestments for the priests. A set of icons, an icon cross for St. Basil Orthodox Church in Gulu, over 3,000 paper icons, and a set of church banners were also gifted by the Team. Financial contributions were made toward a day school and other needs as they arose.

On one occasion, a father brought his infant daughter to the Team. The child's mother had died the day before and, as one of the priests observed, the child's life was in danger. Milk is very expensive for the people of northern Uganda, the equivalent of about 50 cents US per liter; so the Team gave the priest enough money to support the child until she could be fed solid food. (To God belongs the glory!)

Team members were humbled to be in the presence of holy men such as the Ugandan priests that they worked with. “These men are truly ‘fathers’,” one Team member noted, “not only to their parishioners but to all in need in their areas. They try to provide for the people's temporal as well as spiritual needs.” In Uganda, many of the priests take from their own pockets to help those most in need, and no one is ever asked if they are Orthodox. “Each person is treated as the child of God that they are. All of this work is done with a smile and a joyful heart.”

Numerous Team members shared that the people of northern Uganda were a great joy to be with. Despite their poverty, they always insisted on feeding the Team lunch as a token of their appreciation. The spiritual highlight of the trip for the Team was Sunday Divine Liturgy celebrated in a mud walled, thatched roof church. The people sang with great joy and enthusiasm. Fr. Joseph delivered the sermon through a translator and delighted the congregation by blessing them in their own language.

Fr. Joseph was accepted as an altar brother and treated with love and kindness by the priests and by the people. He recalls, “Their celebration of the Divine Liturgy was done with awe and with care for the Holy Mystery. It was a great joy to concelebrate with them in a church that had mud walls and a thatched roof. The greatest cathedral never had a more joyful, reverential, and well-sung Liturgy.”

Historic Team Arrives in Albania

Following classes and orientation led by Fr. Luke Veronis, Missionary Nathan Hoppe, and Fr. David Rucker, a Team of 2 priests and 11 seminarians arrived in Albania for two very full weeks of ministry and learning on Tuesday, May 25th. This Team is historic in several ways: It is the first joint Team of the newly inaugurated Missions Institute of Orthodox Christianity and OCMC. It is also the first Team jointly made up of students from St. Vladimir’s Orthodox Theological Seminary and Holy Cross School of Theology. This is also the first fully accredited Team, offering three hours of seminary credit for the class work and time in Albania. The course will study in depth the life, missiology and writings of Archbishop Anastasios of Albania and examine how he has practically lived out this missiology through his ministry in the Church of Albania. The course will look at the foundation and calling of missions. The practicum includes the Team traveling to Albania, witnessing the resurrection of the Church of Albania, meeting missionaries and the indigenous leaders, and participating in an evangelism program within the country.

Please join OCMC and The Mission Institute of Orthodox Christianity in prayer for this historic Team to Albania. Support for this effort and the work of missions can be made on-line at www.ocmc.org. Also we ask for your prayers for the other 14 Teams involving over 121 Team members being sent this year to ten different countries and the state of Alaska. Will YOU be joining an OCMC Mission Team next year?

2010 Team Kenya Blog Part II

OCMC Kenya Travel Blog Day 7

We have witnessed the hand of God at work here in northwestern Kenya. These are the only words that I have to describe the time we spent among the Turkana of Lupala deep within, what the people here call, “the interior”.

Over the past few nights, we’ve been camping under the stars within the homestead of Fr. Zachariah (the Orthodox priest from Lupala who hosted us). During the day, the heat reached well over 100 degrees in the shade. Broken shards of clay and coarse sand were the only thing that filled Lupala’s nearest river. Though we provided food, many of the people (team members included) had very little to drink on the second day. The team had to pump and purify water from a borehole near the dry river simply to sustain ourselves.

We held our normal sessions while in Lupala, but Fr. Martin supplemented these teachings with a video about Jesus, which he displayed on a white sheet through a projector attached to his laptop. It was the first time many of these people had ever seen a movie.

The bonds between the team members and the people of Lupala formed quickly. We played a Turkana version of capture the flag; and learning that Stephanos and Alexandria were engaged the people performed a symbolic Turkana ceremony of betrothal. We began and ended each day with song and dance.

Today, however, we truly witnessed the Holy Spirit at work. In the morning, Fr. Zachariah asked that we join him on a journey to a nearby village. The reason for our visit: to ask the village magician (who serves like a chief) if a church could be established there. Apparently, among the Turkana you cannot gather the people of a village without permission from the local magician.
This particular village was situated on the other side of Lupala’s dry river. We were able to drive across this very river the day before; but this morning it flowed with water that came up to our knees. Water has followed the team where ever we have gone. The Turkana have seen this as a great blessing.

Carefully, we crossed the water on foot and hiked for another half hour to meet with this magician. As we approached we prayed that God would lead us and that He would open this man’s heart. Fr. Martin, Fr. Zachariah, and Fr. Vladimir spoke with him for several minutes while the team looked on. He said that he was happy that we had come; and that he knew we had been sent by God.
Fr. Zachariah warned us that this magician might want something before agreeing to the establishment of a church. The Holy Spirit, however, had preceded us and with no conditions the magician gave his permission to gather the people of his village. Fr. Zachariah will soon return to this village to begin evangelizing people, who until now, have not known Christ.
These are but a few of the things that we have seen while among the Turkana. Please continue to pray for the strength of our team as we conclude our mission.



OCMC Kenya Travel Blog Day 8

Today we stayed in Lodwar – the largest city in Turkanaland; and the city where we have been staying when not camping in the interior. We conducted our normal sessions with the adults at St. John the Baptist Orthodox Church; and Niko and Alexandria taught over 100 children who also attend school there.

In our time here we have heard many stories of how the faith has worked in the lives of individual people. Today was no exception. One man, who was in the midst of great personal struggle, did what we all do in such trying times – he began to pray. These prayers led him to the Church where he wept uncontrollably after emerging from the Baptismal waters and seeing the icon of Christ on the Crucifix. In that moment he experienced peace because he knew that he was not alone in his suffering. To this day he gets emotional when seeing the cross.

Another woman received Baptism after being diagnosed with tuberculosis. At that time in her life she was also struggling with alcoholism. In the faith she found strength to overcome both life threatening diseases. Feeling that our team was going to be speaking in Lodwar today, she traveled 60 kilometers (about 36 miles) to be with the team. A stranger even gave here 200 shillings so that she could make the journey.

These are but a few of the stories we have heard about people who have experienced real change in their lives through a relationship with God. They have found hope in the face of struggle. They have made peace with their enemies. And, they have discovered new ways to love their neighbors.

It has been an honor to have heard about these journeys of faith while experiencing our own and to have felt God’s hand guiding us along the way. Tomorrow is our last day with the Turkana and we will make our last post. Hopefully, we will all be able to share our favorite memories from this amazing trip.



OCMC Kenya Travel Blog Day 9

Today was our last day in Turkanaland. We spent it with the people of St. Mark Orthodox Church – a stick church about five miles from Lodwar. Again, the rain followed us, and again we felt the Lord’s blessing.

The things we saw and the experiences we shared could fill a book, but here are a few of our favorite moments from this mission team:

Fr. Martin Ritsi – “If I had to pick one moment from this trip that I will remember forever, I would say speaking with the magician named Silale. As I looked into his eyes and he looked into mine, I could feel the Holy Spirit at work between us. I am very happy that Fr. Zachariah will now be able to begin evangelizing the people of his village and establishing the Church there.”

Fr. Vladimir Aleandro – “Matushka Susan and I were blessed with being a part of the first OCMC team to Lodwar in 2007. Having returned to Lodwar this year while also visiting the new communities in Lokichar and Lupala gave us a real sense for where the Church has been and where the Church is going.”

Mat. Susan Aleandro – “Having had the opportunity to reunite with Fr. Vladimir and Papadia Caroline was an incredible gift. I am thankful to have returned to Lodwar and to the Turkana people.”

Stephanos Ritsi – “I really enjoyed dancing and singing with the people. It left me with a real sense of community. They freely shared their culture with us. The most memorable example of this was when the Turkana performed a traditional betrothal ceremony for me and my fiancé Alexandria.”

Alexandria Polychronopoulos – “The most awesome moment for me was when we had to take shelter from the pouring rain in someone’s hut after teaching at St. Mark’s just outside of Lodwar. As we stood there I looked around and there were people of all ages surrounding us. In everyone’s face Christ could be seen. I turned to ask the one man in the hut who spoke English if they ever get rain in their community often and he replied ‘No, never.’ In that moment I realized that in every community God had blessed our visit with rain and water.”

Nicolaos Tzetzis – “The most incredible experience for me was Trekking across the hot sand where not even goats would venture into the sun and through a fast flowing river unable see what was underfoot carrying with us neither gift nor great sum of money but the message of Christ on our backs.”

Christopher Zaferes – “Entering into the culture of the Turkana is beyond explanation. Singing with them, dancing with them, worshiping with them, and even sleeping among them in Lupala was beautiful. After such an intense experience you truly begin to see them as your family.”

Cameron Thorp – “Definitely, observing Fr. Martin’s interaction with a magician hoping to bring Christianity to a new group of Turkana and realizing that many of the stories that I read as a young Christian like “Eternity in their Hearts” by Don Richardson was playing our before me.”

Alex Goodwin – “To have had the opportunity to witness the Holy Spirit working so powerfully in the hearts of the Turkana and the team members will be something that will give me strength for the rest of my life. It was an honor to be surrounded by so many loving people and to have experienced such intense fellowship with our ever growing family in Christ.”

We would like to thank those who made this mission possible through their donations and heartfelt prayers. We would also like to thank all of those who followed this blog. All the members of the 2010 OCMC Mission Team to Kenya would like to offer special thanks to Cameron Thorp for taking and
sharing so many amazing pictures, and to OCN (Orthodox Christian Networks) for their coverage of this incredible journey of faith.

In these final moments, we would like to ask that you please continue to remember the Turkana people and the Orthodox Church in Kenya in your prayers.

2010 Team Kenya Blog Part I

The Mission Team Has Made It to Kenya!

After two days, and more free peanuts than you can shake a stick at, the 2010 OCMC Mission Team to Kenya arrived safely in Nairobi. We were greeted by Archbishop Makarios and treated to a wonderful meal before heading off to bed. We head off for Lodwar in northwestern Kenya at 5 am where the work of the team will finally begin. Please continue to keep us in your prayers.



OCMC Kenya Travel Blog Day 2

I can’t recall anything as vast as the arid landscape that surrounded us upon landing Lodwar in northwestern Kenya. Stepping off the plan we were greeted with a blast of dry heat. The only thing warmer were the smiles of Fr. Vladimir and Fr. Makarios who took time in the afternoon to teach us about Turkana culture and beliefs. This information proved invaluable to us as we prepared our teaching program. In the evening Fr. Martin Ritsi, our team leader, invited each of us to walk through the materials we developed and even led us in practicing some songs that we will perform for the people between lessons. With water for the coming days and food for the multitudes in hand we ended the day in prayer, looking forward to seminars that will begin tomorrow afternoon. Thank you for your continued prayers. To all of our friends, family, supporters, and prayer partners – we’ve arrived!



OCMC Kenya Travel Blog Day 3

Ma da ni Christoi! (Greetings in Christ) – these were the words that began a day for which the members the 2010 OCMC Mission Team to Kenya had spent months preparing. Finally, after days of travel we were able to share the message of love, hope, and fellowship that we had journeyed thousands of miles to deliver. In 99 degree heat, under a shade tree on the bank of a dry river we shared Christ with our Turkana brothers and sisters. Through the skillful translation of a Turkana interpreter (which on this day included Fr. Vladimir, Fr. Makarios, Fr. Zachariah, and the catechist Anthony) Fr. Martin offered words of thanks and greetings. This was followed by a presentation by Fr. Vladimir Aleandro about Christ’s love for us and the importance of prayer. The theme of prayer was carried on by Matushka Susan Aleandro in her time with the women. Stephanos Ritsi also shared with the women the importance of love in the Christian life by reflecting on his own personal journey of faith. Fr. Martin and Chris Zaferes spent time with the men discussing Christ and scripture while Alexandria Polychronopoulos and Nicholas Tzetsis taught the children by telling stories, coloring pictures of icons, and showing them how to make crosses out of popsicle sticks and thread. Following a common meal with the people Alex Goodwin offered a few brief words on the Creed. Song and dance was woven into the fabric of the day. We even felt the sprinkle of rain during our sessions. We thank God for this profound blessing and for the time we spent with our new friends. Tomorrow we will celebrate the Liturgy and continue our program with the same people. We know that you are with us in prayer. Please know that we, and the people of Turkana, are with you also.



Our Last Day with the Turkana of Lokichar

Today was our last day with the Turkana of Lokichar. We celebrated the Liturgy together and communed from a common cup. It was a powerful reminder to the team of the universality of the church. The words shared by team members today reflected the deep sense of family that has been growing as we’ve spent time with these gracious and beautiful people.

As we left our new found brothers and sisters, many of whom were hearing the Orthodox message for the first time, we sang and danced as one. The question of how we can continue to help the Church grow beyond Lodwar and Lokichar has come often as we’ve reflected on the mission. Perhaps answers to this question will be revealed as we travel into the interior of this remote region tomorrow. For two days we will camp with the people of Loupala. Again we will teach and be taught, and again we will celebrate the Liturgy. We look forward to posting our experiences upon our return. Until then “Ajok i noi” (thank you) for your continued prayers.

Opportunities Remain on 2010 OCMC Mission Teams

Opportunities still exist to serve on an OCMC Orthodox Mission Team in 2010. Volunteers for teams traveling to South Africa, India, Madagascar, Romania and Alaska are needed. The team to Romania will offer a youth camp, while the other teams will focus on teaching and catechism. Please prayerfully consider offering a living witness to Jesus Christ by serving on one of these teams. Clergy are especially needed. Contact Andrew Lekos by phone at 1-877-463-6784, or by e-mail at teams@ocmc.org for more information. You can learn about all of OCMC's 2010 mission teams or apply online at http://teams.ocmc.org.

OCMC Grants Offer Opportunities for Seminarians to Join Orthodox Mission Teams

The Orthodox Christian Mission Center (OCMC) has grants available for seminarians and theological students who are interested in serving on a short term Mission Team in 2010. Mission Teams are opportunities for individuals to grow spiritually, broaden their horizons, strengthen their leadership skills, and develop a vision for the needs of the world by offering a living witness to Christ through cross cultural service.

Individuals who serve on Mission Teams are visible expressions of love, unity, and support as they serve the Church around the world in different ways. In 2010, Team members will have the opportunity to teach catechism classes, preach on evangelism teams, assist in youth camp programs, or serve in orphanages. This year Teams will serve in Alaska, Albania, Guatemala, India, Kenya, Madagascar, Romania, South Africa, South Korea, Tanzania, and Uganda.

OCMC Mission Team Endowment Grants help make sharing the Gospel on a short-term Orthodox Team easier. There are currently five grants available: four grants provide $2,700 towards the participant cost of an Orthodox Mission Team and up to a $900 cash stipend, and one grant offers $1,200 toward the cost and a $400 stipend.

Those interested in applying for a Mission Team Grant must have completed at least one semester in an Orthodox seminary at the time of application, be in good standing academically, and have demonstrated church involvement. All applicants will be considered for the 2010 Orthodox Mission Teams. The application deadline is February 22.

For more information about the grants, application process, and Mission Teams, please visit our website: http://teams.ocmc.org or contact Andrew Lekos toll-free at 1-877-463-6784 or by email at Teams@ocmc.org.