OYM MONTHLY NEWSLETTER

June 2025
Dear OYM Friends,
I hope that summer is off to a wonderful start for you and your families. For those of us in ministry, the Feast of Holy Pentecost is a perfect opportunity to find renewed inspiration and invigoration for this important work. As Christian Gonzalez writes in this month’s ministry reflection, “The Spirit gives life, but community nurtures it.”
The subject of this month’s What’s Your Ministry? profile, Jaleen Claassen, is a perfect example of this in her role as Executive Director of The Treehouse, a ministry dedicated to helping mothers and their children in Wichita, Kansas. The Treehouse’s ministry goes beyond meeting basic material needs, creating networks of support and providing ongoing resources to help their clients experience lives of dignity and the love of Christ.
As always, if you have job listings, events, or other resources you’d like us to share in this newsletter, please email us at newsletters@theoym.org. We also ask that you please consider making a donation to support us in this work. Together, we can keep young people connected to their faith through stronger families, stronger communities, and a stronger Church.
Yours in Christ,
Dr. Christopher Krampe [signature]
Dr. Christopher Krampe
President of OYM

LATEST FROM OYM

June Ministry Reflection: What Will You Do to Help Faith Flourish? [Header Image]

June Ministry Reflection: What Will You Do to Help Faith Flourish?

Baptisms and chrismations are wonderful events, but they are only the beginnings of new (and often) challenging journeys. As the story of Pentecost shows us, the Holy Spirit gives life — but it’s up to us as members of the community to nurture it.
What's Your Ministry? Supporting Moms, Strengthening Families [Header Image]

What’s your Ministry? Supporting Moms, Strengthening Communities

How one Orthodox mother and educator helped shape a haven where motherhood, faith, and healing walk hand in hand.
Chicagoland Newsletter Signup Page [Header Image]

OYM Chicagoland Ministry Support Coordinator Newsletter

Sign up for the new Ministry Support Coordinator Newsletter to get updates from Orthodox Youth & Young Adult Ministries, inspiring messages, and the latest news on what’s happening around the Chicagoland.

RESOURCES

The Pentecost Icon — Patristix [YouTube Thumbnail]

The Pentecost Icon (Video)

During the Feast of Holy Pentecost we remember the birth of the Church, the full revelation of the Holy Trinity, and the continuing life of the Church. Learn more about this profound event through its icon in this video video from Patristix.
Orthodox Pebbles [Logo]

Holy Pentecost Lesson & Activities

Printable resources, lesson plans, activities, and helpful tips to teach children about the Feast of Pentecost.
Saint Emmelia Ministries [Logo]

Database of Liturgical Activities

Saint Emmelia Ministries has helpfully compiled this extensive list of recommended activities for catechizing young people throughout the liturgical year.
On Orthodox Education [Featured Image]

The Parents of Saints: St. Iakovos of Evia

The Parents of Saints series from On Orthodox Education explores the vital role parents play in nurturing the spiritual lives of their children, drawing inspiration from the examples of the parents of saints.
Sparks 4 Orthodox Kids [Logo]

June Coloring Pages

Children will enjoy learning about the saints commemorated this month with free coloring pages from Sparks 4 Orthodox Kids.
Summer Camp Calendar — OYDNA [Featured Image]

Summer Camp Calendar

Help your kids grow in faith and fellowship this summer! OYDNA has compiled this helpful list of Orthodox Christian summer camps.

OPPORTUNITIES

Assembly of Bishops [Logo]

Call for Nominations: 2025 Medal of Saint Theodora Award

The Medal of St. Theodora is an annual award recognizing strong lay leaders of various backgrounds and fields who have contributed to the work and development of the Assembly of Bishops as well as Orthodox Christian Unity in general.
Saint Emmelia Ministries [Logo]

Saint Emmelia Ministries Internship Program

Saint Emmelia Ministries is seeking interns help support Orthodox homeschooling families and get valuable work experience. Tasks may include website design, letter writing, audiovisual editing, and others based on interests. Deadline June 10, 2025.
Applicants should email their name, age, parish, and reasons for interest to office@saintemmelia.com.
Orthodox Christian Prison Ministry [Logo]

OCPM Social Media Internship

Orthodox Christian Prison Ministry is seeking a part-time Social Media Intern to work within the Development Team to further establish strong, mutually beneficial connections between OCPM and our broader audience. This position aims to foster a sense of community and help grow monetary and
voluntary resources for OCPM programs.
Byzanfest 2025 Film Festival (Logo)

Byzanfest Film Festival

Byzanfest is a film festival dedicated to Eastern Orthodox Christians. Filmmakers are invited to submit short- and feature-length films as well as unproduced screenplays. Deadline June 9, 2025.
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