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OCF Announces Fr. Michael Ellis Selected As North American Chaplain

Fr. Michael Ellis and familyFr. Michael Ellis and familyBrookline, MA (August 21, 2012) 

The North American OCF Office announces the recent appointment of Fr. Michael J. Ellis to the position of North American Chaplain.

The North American Chaplain works across all Orthodox jurisdictions, providing resources and assistance to the chaplains who work directly with the students on campus. Fr Michael will be coordinating the OCF Chaplaincy Network of regional,district and local OCF chaplains and handling ecclesiastical/spiritual issues brought to his attention from both the staff of the OCF North American Office and the local OCF chapters.

Fr. Michael and his wife Presvytera Jesica, both originally from upstate New York, currently reside in Mansfield, OH with their two children Alexander and Sophia.

Fr. Michael is a graduate of the State University of New York, College at Brockport where he completed his undergrad work, graduating with a Bachelor of Science Degree in Communications Studies, emphasis Interpersonal and Organizational Communications. Three years later he attended Christ the Saviour Seminary in Johnstown, PA where he completed his theological studies and was ordained to the Holy Priesthood in 2004. Upon ordination he was assigned as Director/Administrator of Camp Nazareth Retreat and Conference Center, wherehe remained for five years. During his tenure there, he was also appointed to the Diocesan Apostolate for Youth Ministry as well as served as Chaplain of the Westminster College OCF Chapter.

Upon the conclusion of his pastoral duties at Camp Nazareth, Fr. Michael accepted the invitation of His Eminence Metropolitan Maximos of Pittsburgh to begin serving as Pastor of Sts. Constantine and Helen Greek Orthodox Church in Mansfield, OH where he continues to serve. After transfer to his new assignment, Fr. Michael resumed his work with OCF after being appointed in February 2010 to the position of the Great Lakes Regional Chaplain of OCF.

"I believe very strongly in the mission of serving the needs of our Orthodox college students and I feel blessed to be a part of the process of helping those students who are truly seeking to 'work out' their own salvation," said Fr. Michael.

Jennifer Nahas, OCF Executive Director added, "I'm thrilled Fr. Michael will be joining us as our new North American Chaplain. His dedication, enthusiasm and love for our young people will be a blessing to many as OCF continues to expand its ministry in the years to come."

Father Michael Ellis is replacing Fr. Michael Nasser who has served as the North American Chaplain for the last 2 years. Fr. Michael Ellis began his duties as North American Chaplain effective August 15, 2012.