Fellowship of Orthodox Christians in the United States [FOCUS]

FOCUS is a fellowship of Orthodox Christians projected for young adults aged 23 and up in the Malankara Orthodox American Diocese who do not feel as though they can connect with the older spiritual organizations as of yet. The intent of the group is to provide a forum for both spiritual and social issues which are not addressed in MGOCSM and to bridge the gap between the youngsters and the elders of the Church.

FOCUS deals with common issues which young adults in American society deal with on a daily basis. These issues include but are not limited to substance abuse, counseling (marital, premarital and youth), professional development, etc. FOCUS looks to strengthen the Holy Church by teaching and guiding young adults on utilizing their strengths as a group and overcoming these weaknesses.

Why is FOCUS so set upon doing this? The goal is to train ourselves so that the younger generation is prepared to shoulder the responsibility of leading our Holy Church into the future. FOCUS encourages the youth to get involved in events of the Holy Church and to provide guidance to the students that is so sorely needed in these times. FOCUS wants to be a unifying entity which is actively involved in the Holy Church.

FOCUS in Philly:

The Philadelphia Chapter of FOCUS includes all Orthodox Christian young adults who live in and around Philadelphia (PA and South Jersey) who are interested in worshipping, serving, and learning more about our Lord in this new era of our Church in America.

FOCUS in Philadelphia is set up with its strength, being at the grassroots level. It is inter-parish, with young adults from all the parishes in the Philadelphia area participating. Communication and the sharing of resources is essential for the success of this movement. Gatherings deviate from the traditional bible studies, or conference and this group benefits from the active participation of the priests, deacons in the local parishes.

Monthly Meetings:

This year FOCUS will provide a series of monthly meetings addressing the faith of Orthodox Church. FOCUS meets at 7 P.M. on First Thursday of every month at:

St. Thomas Indian Orthodox Church
1009 Unruh Avenue
Philadelphia, P.A. 19111

FOCUS Coordinators:

Dn. G. John          (914) 720 0136
Mr. Aju Jacob        (813) 857 3507

Goals of FOCUS:

1. To re energize young adults so as to have a strong relationship (bond) to the Church and help them maintain that relationship for their own edification and the growth of the Church.
2. To provide spiritual guidance such as premarital, marital, career, substance abuse, and family counseling to young adults from ages of 23 and up regardless of marital status, gender or profession.
3. To train young adults to provide leadership to youngsters in the MGOCSM, Sunday school, and OVBS programs in a mentoring relationship.
4. To educate young adults to better involve themselves in the spiritual, administrative and social activities of the Church so that they may become vital members of the Church.