Dear OYM Friends, 

In this January Ministry Reflection, we at OYM invite you to reflect on the power of a "household of saints" and the impact of faith handed down through generations. The life of St. Basil the Great reminds us that holiness is rarely a solitary achievement; it is nurtured in the home, where faith is lived day in and day out. Just as St. Basil was shaped by the courageous witness of his grandmother and the piety of his parents, we are called to build communities where faith is the very air we breathe. In that spirit, we’re excited to share that What’s Your Ministry?, OYM’s new online resource hub for parents, clergy, and ministry leaders, will launch later this month, offering free tools to help you cultivate environments where the next generation of saints can flourish.

In honor of January being Human Trafficking Awareness Month, this month’s What’s Your Ministry? blog article highlights Father Peter Spiro, a priest and law enforcement chaplain dedicated to supporting survivors of human trafficking. Through his work with the Aristevi Foundation and the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of America’s Freedom Ministry, Father Peter bridges the gap between law enforcement and pastoral care to restore dignity to those in crisis. He reminds us that the Orthodox faith, expressed through the lives of the saints and the healing presence of the Church, provides a pathway for restoration even in the face of profound trauma. This ministry illustrates that when we combine our professional skills with our spiritual calling, we can offer tangible hope, transforming lives through compassion, presence, and the unwavering love of Christ.

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 help young people connect to their faith through stronger families, stronger communities, and a stronger Church.

Yours in Christ,

January Ministry Reflection: Building a Family of Saints

On January 1st, the Church honors St. Basil the Great, whose holiness was nurtured within a remarkable "household of saints." Rooted in the faith of his grandmother and the pious leadership of his parents, Basil’s home was a place where faith was lived daily, eventually producing five siblings who are also recognized as saints. This extraordinary family legacy serves as a powerful reminder that sanctity is not achieved in isolation, but is grown and passed down through intentional, faith-filled communities.

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What’s Your Ministry? Fighting for Freedom: An Orthodox Approach to Combating Human Trafficking

Through the Aristevi Foundation and the Freedom Ministry, Father Peter Spiro integrates law enforcement and pastoral care to support survivors of human trafficking. From providing essential aid like vocational training to offering spiritual healing at the "Shrine for Human Freedom," he helps survivors reclaim their lives and restore their dignity. By pairing professional expertise with the richness of the Orthodox faith, Father Peter demonstrates how the Church can provide tangible hope, walking alongside the most vulnerable on their journey toward healing and peace.

Click here to read.

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.

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The Theophany/Epiphany/Baptism Icon

The icon of Christ’s Baptism tells a much bigger story than you think. Check out the latest Patristix video to dive deep!

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Holy Theophany and the Blessing of the Waters

Age-appropriate lessons, hands-on activities, crafts, for children on Holy Theophany.

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Undergraduate Education in the Memoirs of Metropolitan Kallistos Ware

In the newly published memoirs of Metropolitan Kallistos Ware, we find a compelling defense of the classical "Greats" curriculum as the essential foundation for theological depth. Reflecting on his years at Oxford, the Metropolitan recounts how mastering the ancient classics provided the "best possible preparation" for his later work in the Church Fathers. This piece explores how Ware’s journey echoes the wisdom of St. Basil the Great, affirming a vision of education where the Great Texts and the Holy Scriptures are integrated into a single, robust pursuit of truth.

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January Coloring Pages

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

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The Youth Worker Reset

Register for the Youth Worker Reset, a 6-week online experience designed to provide clarity and direction for those walking alongside our young people. Led by an Effective Christian Ministry (ECM) Coach, this program offers the tools and community support you’ve been looking for. Scan the flyer’s QR code to sign up today!

Click here to learn more.

Center Director- FOCUS San Francisco

FOCUS North America is seeking a dedicated and organized Center Director to lead its ministry at Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Church. In this part-time role, you will spearhead the strategic growth of local outreach, transforming a monthly meal program into a robust weekly service. By managing onsite operations, coordinating volunteers, and partnering with the national development team to secure vital funding, you will serve as the primary leader of a ministry dedicated to serving the San Francisco community.

Click here to learn more.

Center Director- FOCUS Cincinnati

FOCUS North America is seeking a dedicated and organized Center Director to lead its ministry in Cincinnati. In this full-time role, you will oversee a multifaceted outreach operation that includes weekly meal services, food pantries, seasonal shelters, and local school support programs. By managing daily operations, coordinating volunteers, and partnering with the national development office to secure vital funding, you will serve as the primary leader of a ministry dedicated to providing consistent, compassionate support to the Cincinnati community.

Click here to learn more.

Applications Are Open for OVC Fall 2026!

The Orthodox Volunteer Corps (OVC) is excited to announce that applications for the upcoming service year are now open! This transformative program invites young adults to step into a season of purposeful service while deepening their professional, spiritual, and personal growth. With both an early deadline of January 26 and a regular deadline of February 19, now is the perfect time to discern your next step. Inspired by the call to serve with compassion and intention, OVC offers a unique opportunity to live out your faith in community and in the world. Visit their page to learn more and begin your journey.

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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.