EOCS

Orthodox youth
And Young Adult Ministries

Orthodox Youth Ministries (OYM), an official agency of the Assembly of Canonical Orthodox Bishops of the United States, was established in 2021 to support all Orthodox jurisdictions and parishes in ministering to their youth and young adults. OYM’s mission is to pass on a faith where every young person can encounter Christ, embody His Church, and engage the world in His name. By working with local youth leaders, clergy, and families OYM is able to help provide services, training, and transformational experiences with the goal of enhancing spiritual growth and intergenerational faith communities within and outside corporate worship.

As of March 15, 2024, The EOCS is working in collaboration with Orthodox Youth Ministries. The EOCS looks forward to continuing to promote scouting in the Orthodox church as a ministry of OYM.

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OYM’s Outdoor Orthodoxy initiative seeks to make use of the growing body of research on the many benefits outdoor experiences can provide in childhood. Numerous studies now indicate that young people who regularly spend time outdoors have better mental and physical health outcomes. A smaller body of recent research also indicates that outdoor experiences can be powerful catalysts in growing spiritually and developing a broader sense of God’s image in creation.

OYM, in collaboration with Scouts BSA, the Assembly of Canonical Orthodox Bishops of the United States, and selected local Orthodox parishes across America, looks forward to presenting a proposal that will connect families with young children to the timeless wisdom of the Christian faith as it relates to human stewardship of creation, examples of Christian people whose lives exemplify connectedness to God through the contemplation of His creation, community bonding through local family camping experiences, and corporate worship in the form of Divine Liturgy and Vespers services in outdoor venues chosen for their beauty.

The multi-sensory experience of nature lends itself well to supporting the spiritual growth of young people because it interacts with the curiosity in a way that is necessary for a modern faith journey.