Who is welcome?
Orthodox students, students from other Christian backgrounds, and students who are simply curious are all welcome. We aim to provide an environment open to anyone curious about the Christian faith.
Start Here
This page is for first visits, practical questions, and the things people usually want to ask before showing up. If you are trying to figure out whether OCF is for you, what Orthodoxy is, where people meet, or how to get connected, start here.
Orthodox students, students from other Christian backgrounds, and students who are simply curious are all welcome. We aim to provide an environment open to anyone curious about the Christian faith.
"Right faith and good works; for whoever holds these two, the same is a good Christian, and has certain hope of eternal salvation, as the Scripture says (James 2.24): “You see then how that by good works a man is justified, and not by faith only”; and a little after (v. 6), “For as the body without the Spirit is dead; so faith without works is dead also.” Saint Paul affirms the same (1 Tim. 1.19): “Holding faith and a good conscience, which some having put away concerning faith, have made shipwreck.” And again (1 Tim. 3.9): “Holding the mystery of the faith in a pure conscience.”" The Orthodox Confession of St Peter Mogila
The easiest first step is to join the GroupMe, send an email, or come to the next gathering. If you want, someone can help you know where to go and who to look for.
What to do next
Email us or join the GroupMe if you want a name to look for, a quick answer about the week's plans
A lot of students join us for Bible study or the evening Vesperal service on Saturday.
Questions about Orthodoxy, church background, or what happens at services are welcome.
Where things happen
Fellowship gatherings usually happen on or near Grounds. Services like Great Vespers and Divine Liturgy happen at St. Nicholas Orthodox Church in Charlottesville.
If you are not sure where to go, check the events page or send a message first. We would much rather help you arrive than have you guess.
Open the events pagePlain-language Orthodoxy
In OCF, that usually means prayer, worship, Scripture, friendship, repentance, and learning to stay close to Christ in the life of the Church.
If that sounds unfamiliar, you do not need to master the vocabulary before coming. You can begin by showing up, listening, and asking questions as they come.
Start with catechism resourcesFAQ
No. OCF is rooted in Orthodox Christianity, but students who are learning, visiting, or exploring are welcome to come and see.
It depends on the event. Some are prayerful and liturgical, like Vespers or Divine Liturgy. Others are more conversational, like Bible study, dinners, or fellowship nights.
Weekly fellowship events are usually on or near Grounds like at the Center for Christian Study on the Corner. Church services happen at St. Nicholas Orthodox Church in Charlottesville. Check the events page or GroupMe for the exact location each week.
For fellowship events, casual clothing is fine. For church services, people usually dress a little more neatly (like a button-up and pants), but you do not need to own anything special to come.
Usually no. Even when most people already know each other, new students come throughout the year, and OCF expects first-time visitors.
That is okay. You do not need background knowledge to come. If you want a gentle place to start, the catechism resources page is a good next stop. As John 1:39 says: "“Come,” he replied, “and you will see.”"
Still not sure?
If you want help with location, rides, what kind of event to start with, or whether OCF feels like the right fit, reach out. A lot of people begin that way.