SERVICE (DIAKONIA )
“ For even the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve . . . ” Mark 10:45
Christ came to serve, not to be served. Young adults are urged to do the same. They honor and glorify God by loving and serving humanity in His name, as an offering of good works. Young adults can use their God-given talent to serve. For Orthodox Christians, service to God and community is a way of life, a way of living one’s Faith. As Jesus Christ our Lord said, “Let your light so shine for men, that they may see your good works and glorify you Father in heaven” (Matthew 5:16). Service is an integral part of the Orthodox Christian’s life.
Too often, we look at our young adults and wonder how we can help them. We need to inspire them toward a life of service . How can our young adults use their God-given gifts in service to those in need and less fortunate? How can they be the people who respond to His call in Matthew 25:31-46, to feed the hungry, clothe the naked, visit those in prison. Responding to these human needs is the true meaning of service .
Young Adults experience S ERVICE by:
- Offering their personal stewardship—giving of time, talents, and treasure—to both the Church and local community charities.
- Participating in work projects to beautify and maintain the parish or local community.
- Reaching out to the elderly, the sick, the shut-ins, etc.
- Supporting and participating in missions abroad and at home.
- Supporting Archdiocesan, Metropolitan, and Parish ministries like
Saint Basil Academy, Philoptochos, Hellenic College/Holy Cross, St. Michael’s Home, etc. - Supporting Inter-Orthodox organizations endorsed by SCOBA, the Standing Conference of Canonical Orthodox Bishops in the
Americas: International Orthodox Christian Charities (IOCC), Orthodox Christian Mission Center (OCMC), Orthodox Christian Fellowship (OCF), Eastern Orthodox Committee on Scouting (EOCS), Orthodox Christian Network (OCN), etc. - Volunteering for a local soup kitchen or other community charities.
- W orking with younger ministry groups in the parish or children in the local community.