| Other OCFs |
Our group is part of a nationwide
network of OCFs. Other regional OCFs include: Northwestern
University, Loyola
University, and University
of Illinois (Champaign-Urbana). Another Chicago area group that might be
of interest is the Greek Orthodox Young
Adult League, which organizes many events throughout the year. Coptic Christians
might want to explore The
Coptic Network or contact the Coptic
Youth Fellowship at UIC for more information on Coptic student activites.
If you are interested in looking further abroad, you might want to check out the OCF pages at Harvard, MIT, Columbia University, University of Kansas, University of Pittsburgh, University of Texas, and UC San Diego.
| What is Orthodoxy? |
A brief introduction to the Orthodox church can be found here. For links to Orthodox Churches worldwide, click here. A list of parishes in the Chicago area can be found here.
The three largest jurisdictions in the United States are the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese, the Orthodox Church of America, and the Antiochian Orthodox Christian Archdiocese.
The basic statement of faith for all Orthodox
Christians is the Nicene
Creed 
(without the addition of the "filioque" clause).
A brief explanation of the creed is offered here.
To get a sense of the OrthodoxDogmatic
Tradition, click here.
If you would like to study Orthodox teaching
inmore detail, an online
catechism is available.
If you are a history buff, Orthodox Christians in North America, 1794-1994, a book about about the development of the Orthodox Church in our country, is now available online.
OrthodoxWiki is an online wikipedia-style encyclopedia of Orthodox Christianity that offers a wealth of information.
| University Links |
The Late Antique and Byzantine Studies Workshop at the University of Chicago.
The Pro-Life Association at the University of Chicago
The University Calendar of Events and Academic Calendar
| Orthodox Media |
-
Highly recommended!
-
A nationally syndicated radio program
GOARCH.org Multimedia - Audio, video and live internet broadcasts, including the Internet School of Orthodox Studies
OrthodoxyToday.org - Commentary on Social and Moral Issues of the Day
Light and Life is the largest distributer of Orthodox books and supplies on the continent. SVS Press is the nation's largest Orthodox publisher. Conciliar Press is also a good source for Orthodox materials. Liturgica.com has an excellent selection of liturgical books and music. Another bookseller of note is Eighth Day Books.
| Opportunities for Involvement |
Do you need a ride to church? One of the best ways to be involved is by becoming an active member of a local Orthodox community. Although there are no Orthodox churches in Hyde Park, one of the clergy or student coordinators would be happy to arrange a ride for you.
Would you like to study Orthodox theology? The three major Orthodox seminaries in North America offer a variety of graduate degrees, as well as sponsoring retreats, conferences, and other opportunities to learn more about the Orthodox faith. Visit their websites to find out more: Holy Cross, St. Vladimir's, and St. Tikhon's.
Would you like visit a monastery? Are you in need of a retreat? Would you like to go somewhere to get away for awhile and renew your spiritual life? Local area monasteries include: St. John Chrysostomos Monastery for women in Kenosha, Wisconsin, Holy Transfiguration Monastery in Harvard, Illinois, St. Sava Sebian Orthodox Monastery in Libertyville, Illinois, Dormition monastery in Rives Junction, Michigan, and St. John the Baptist Monastery in Hiram, Ohio. Contact Fr. Nicholas Jonas for more information.
Would you like to be a missionary? The OCMC (Orthodox Christian Missions Center) is looking for full-time and summer volunteers to work in countries such as Albania, Guatemala, India, Kenya, Romania, and Tanzania. Even if you can't go, there are many other ways to help. Visit their website for more ideas: www.ocmc.org.
Would you like to help those
in need? The IOCC (International Orthodox Christian Charities) provides
disaster relief and works for socio-economic development worldwide. They are
always looking for volunteers to help with their humanitarian efforts in a myriad
of ways. Visit their website to find out how you can help: www.iocc.org.
Get involved today!
| Articles |
 |
Have you ever wondered about
the meaning of all the different symbols and cryptic words on some Orthodox
crosses? These two articles give a guided tour: the first,
based on a Slavonic prototype, and the second
with a Celtic twist.
Are you considering visiting an Orthodox Church for the first time? This article by Frederica Mathewes-Green explains some things you might want to know. Curious about spirituality? This article on the Jesus Prayer might be a good place to begin. Would you like to know more about icons? This article gives provides some background for approaching Orthodox Art and Architecture. Did
you know that Chicago has its own canonized Orthodox Saint? |