University Park, Pennsylvania, February 5, 2026
Photo: ocf.net
In October, OrthoChristian published an article from Christina Andresen, the Orthodox Christian Fellowship Director of Ministries, on the importance of campus mission work and the organization’s intention to continue placing full-time missionaries across the country, with Penn State as the next target campus.
And in an email to subscribers on Tuesday, OCF announced that it has raised the necessary funds to have a full-time missionary at Penn State beginning this summer.
“Thanks to the generous support of a diverse body of donors and a transformative matching grant, OCF at Penn State will have a full-time campus missionary starting this summer! This means more ministry opportunities, deeper connections, and richer discipleship for every Orthodox student in State College. And, God willing, a stronger Orthodox presence for the whole Penn State campus,” the announcement stated.
The organization acknowledged the support of parishes, alumni, parents, and parishioners who contributed to reaching this fundraising milestone, while emphasizing the need for ongoing community support to sustain the ministry long-term.
OCF invited supporters to continue their involvement through one-time or recurring donations, prayer, and by sharing the job posting for the missionary position with their communities.
According to the posting, the campus missionary’s ministry to Orthodox Christian students will involve the development, planning, implementation, and evaluation of a rhythm of worship, witness, fellowship, philanthropy, and education on and around campus. Outreach to non-Orthodox students will involve creatively generating opportunities for those unfamiliar with the Orthodox Church to experience the OCF community, the Orthodox theological tradition, and the liturgical life of the Church.
The Campus Missionary will work closely with the local parish to integrate the campus community into the broader life of the Orthodox Church and create a bridge between the lives of college students and the local Orthodox community.
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