The Orthodox Christian Fellowship at the University of New Mexico was originally chartered in 2002 by Deacon David Mascarenas and Subdeacon Columcille Garcia with the blessing of Fr. George Sondergaard. Since 2003 the OCF at UNM became dormant due to the lack of a formal blessing for an OCF Chaplain (Clergy Advisor) from a diocesan hierarch - see Constitution and By-Laws as required by SCOBA and UNM regulations. However, Fr. Paul Patitsas of St. George Greek Orthodox Church is ready to help re-establish this Pan-Orthodox campus ministry as His Eminence Metropolitan ISAIAH has given his formal blessing to Fr. Paul for this vital ministry to the Orthodox Community at UNM.

The Standing Conference of the Canonical Orthodox Bishops in the Americas (SCOBA) enthusiastically approved and offered its support for the very first annual College Student Sunday in 2003. This year it will be held on September 21, 2008. SCOBA has designated that the Sunday after the Elevation of the Cross will officially be recognized as College Student Sunday each year. On this day, our hierarchs are asking for the support of our clergy and parishes for the important ministry of Orthodox Christian Fellowship (OCF) to the thousands of Orthodox Christian students scattered on campuses throughout North America. Many of these students are not attached to a local worshipping community for the first time in their lives. OCF works to provide pastoral care to these young adults at this most critical juncture in their young lives.

In honor of College Student Sunday, Anastasia Estocin will speak about their experiences in the OCF after the Liturgy at St. George's Greek Orthodox Church in Albuquerque on September 21, 2008. Likewise, members of All Saints of North America Orthodox Church who attend UNM will be encouraged to participate in the OCF at UNM on the same date. Interested UNM Faculty and Staff are also encouraged to support the new OCF at UNM.

For more information about OCF, visit: http://www.ocf.net/