College Student Programs

St. Photios the Great Faith & Learning Symposium – Each February, the OVM sponsors this unique symposium, where college students from all over the Boston area gather on campus to explore various disciplines and how they relate to our faith. Past F&L Symposium topics have included Faith & Psychology, “What is the vocation of an Orthodox Christian college student?”, Christ and Culture and many more! Experts in the relevant field are invited to speak on a panel, and students get the chance to ask them questions and reflect on what they heard in break-out discussion groups. It is a great way to learn more about how to learn faithfully in the world, and also provides a wonderful chane to meet local Orthodox college students!

Sophomore Retreat – Sophomore year marks the midpoint for all Hellenic College students, which is a very decisive time both in each student’s formation and in their future goals. As such, the OVM sponsors a retreat focused on developing the students’ talents into strengths that can be used upon graduation to find a job or pursue graduate studies.

Exploration of Priestly Vocation – To aid undergraduate seminarians in exploring the call to the priesthood, the OVM sponsors a program on priestly formation. The office invited an experienced priest or Church leader to speak to the group once a month, covering such topics as understanding and discerning the priestly call, personal spiritual growth, and balancing ministry and family. In addition to these monthly meeting, seminarians can participant in a weekly lunch-time book study on a pertinent topic (free pizza provided!). Also, there will be an opportunity for mentorship to take place between upperclassmen and incoming seminarians.

Women in Leadership & Service – Hellenic College young women who are interested in discussing and learning about servant-leadership opportunities within the Church, are encouraged to attend the WiLS group. Female graduate students in the School of Theology facilitate discussions, organize activities and offer their time as “older sisters” to the undergraduate students. The group acts as a vital support-network and educational forum for any young women interested in serving the Church.

Roundtable Discussion Group – once a month students meet over a hearty supper off-campus to discuss various contemporary issues and how they effect our Christian vocation. This group is primarily student-led and student-run. Anyone who is interested is asked to attend a planning meeting at the beginning of the year, where participants select topics and assign discussian facilitators. The only requirements are a voracious appetite and a desire for thoughtful reflection and discussion.

Career Services Counseling – twice a year the OVM offers Hellenic College juniors and seniors the chance to meet with career service specialists about their future hopes and goals. These trained professionals offer advice for anyone interested in graduate school, searching for a job or simply wanting to build and develop a resume.

Introduction to Community Engagement – This course focuses on developing students’ capacity to love, serve and learn from the neighbor through community service placements, structured reflection and academic study. It seeks to connect students’ professional and academic development to their moral and spiritual development. That is, it provides an opportunity for studetns to explore essential aspects of their vocation, their response to God, Who by His love for us calls us into a life of love for Him and our neighbors. The centerpiece of the course is four hours per week of service at an area non-profit agency, for two semesters. Class-time emphases include: critical reflection on the service experience, servant leadership, personal and professional development in human service settings, articulating an Orthodox Christian view of service, and gaining a basic understanding of the experiential education process. 3 credits (1.5 each semester).

OVM Volunteer Corps – If you are interested in getting involved in the community, but do not have time for the full ICE course, the OVM is pleased to announce a new non-credit opportunity for students. The OVM Volunteer Corp involves four hours per week of service at an area non-profit for two semesters. In addition students must attend mandatory orientation sessions and participate in twice-monthly reflection groups, to debrief your experiences and discuss items and questions arising from your work.