Dear OYM Friends, 

We hope that this newsletter finds you and your families well as we continue the Great Fast on our journey to Pascha. It is with great joy that we announce that OYM has acquired the Connect Conference, an annual pan-Orthodox gathering for young adults ages 21–39. You can read more about this acquisition in our press release, and more about the conference itself in this month's ministry reflection and What's Your Ministry? blog article.

In this March Ministry Reflection, Fr. Paul Lundberg recounts how the Connect Conference began as an unintentional "failure" in Atlanta that blossomed into a vital pan-Orthodox ministry. By prioritizing deep, local relationships over one-off events, the ministry empowers talented young adults to co-create a vibrant, Christ-centered life within their own communities.

In this month’s What’s Your Ministry? blog article, we feature Deanna Klein, a mental health counselor and ministry leader in Minneapolis, who serves at the intersection of professional expertise and pan-Orthodox innovation. Drawing on her experience as the Leadership Chair for the Connect Conference, Deanna highlights a vision for the Church rooted in authentic relationships, aligning the unique talents of young adults with the real-world needs of local communities. She emphasizes the importance of discerning the "prudent middle way", using digital tools to cultivate "fertile soil" where young adults can lead today. Through collaborative stewardship, this ministry demonstrates how the Church can thoughtfully engage the modern world while remaining anchored in the unchanging truths of our faith.

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,

OYM Acquires Connect Conference to Serve Orthodox Young Adults Nationwide

OYM is excited to announce that it has acquired the Connect Conference, a pan-Orthodox gathering for young adults ages 21–39.

Click here to read.

March Ministry Reflection: Building Belonging With the Connect Conference

The Connect Conference grew from a small, local "failure" in Atlanta into a thriving pan-Orthodox ministry for young adults. Over ten years, it evolved from a grassroots effort into a structured agency of Orthodox Youth Ministries (OYM), sustained by divine generosity and capable young leaders. The project's legacy is defined by shifting the focus toward the young adults who stay in the Church, fostering deep relationships rather than just "one-off" events.

Click here to read.

What’s Your Ministry: Building Belonging — Deanna Klein on the Connect Conference and Young Adults

Deanna Klein’s journey from attendee to Leadership Chair of the Connect Conference illustrates how professional skills and a collaborative mindset can transform a grassroots effort into a vital ministry. By focusing on each individual's unique strengths and nurturing their faith, local leaders can build opportunities for every member of the community to flourish.

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.

Click here to sign up.

OYM What's Your Ministry? Website

Our brand-new digital hub has launched to support those on the front lines of youth ministry. Whether you are a parent, priest, or youth leader, you can now access a full library of free tools and inspiring content designed to help you support and guide our young people in their spiritual journey.

Click here to view.

Great Lent

Experience Great Lent as a spiritual quest through this introductory guide to Orthodox traditions, fasting, and the journey toward the Resurrection. This video explores the meaningful services that define this journey of faith.

Click here to view.

Orthodox Lenten Resources

Age-appropriate lessons, hands-on activities, crafts, for children on Orthodox Lent.

Click here to view.

Preparing Your Family For Great Lent

Prepare your family for a transformative Great Lent by focusing on the four pillars of the season; fasting, almsgiving, study, and prayer; through practical activities like the Prayer of St. Ephraim and family meditations. This guide emphasizes making Lent a personal offering to God, encouraging parents to help children take ownership of their own spiritual journey.

Click here to view.

March 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.

2026 Summer Camp Calendar

Ready to plan your summer? From the East Coast to the West, Orthodox Youth Directors in North America has rounded up every major Orthodox camp session for the 2026 season. Register your children for a summer of faith, fellowship, and fun!

Click here to view.

Summer Camp Positions

MDSC is seeking energetic staff for the upcoming summer! They are hiring a creative Arts & Crafts Director, male and female Counselors, and certified Lifeguards. They also have leadership openings for Counselors in Training entering their senior year or first year of college. Join our team to mentor youth and build community this summer! If you are passionate about youth mentorship and community building, we invite you to apply and make an impact this summer.

Click here to learn more.

Advancement Officer

Orthodox Christian Fellowship (OCF) is seeking a dynamic, remote Advancement Officer to drive their mission forward. Reporting to the Executive Director, you will lead efforts in expanding OCF’s donor base and cultivating high-impact relationships with individual supporters, parishes, and organizations nationwide.

Click here to learn more.

Campus Missionary for Penn State University

Orthodox Christian Fellowship (OCF) is looking for a Campus Missionary to lead a brand-new ministry at Penn State University (Main Campus). Based in State College, PA, you will provide full-time pastoral care and evangelical discipleship, serving as a vital bridge between the university community and the local Orthodox parish.

Click here to learn more.

Office Administrator

The Office Administrator manages day-to-day operations to ensure a seamless work environment. Serving as the primary point of contact for administrative needs, this role provides direct support to the Directors and facilitates cross-departmental collaboration between Headquarters and field staff to maintain organizational efficiency.

Click here to learn more.

Community Support Program Manager

The Community Support Program Manager leads a multidisciplinary team providing vital crisis intervention and core services (food, clothing, and psychological support) to neighbors facing generational trauma. As the director of our Drop-in Center, you will cultivate a sanctuary of healing, supervising staff and contractors to ensure every interaction reflects our Christian values of love and compassion.

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.