Welcome to St. Mary’s OCYM, Calgary
The Orthodox Church Youth Movement (OCYM) is the vibrant youth wing of the Malankara Orthodox Syrian Church. At St. Mary’s, Calgary, our OCYM unit serves as a spiritual home for young adults, providing a platform to grow in faith, fellowship, and service.
Our Roots & Vision
Since its inception at St. Mary’s, the OCYM has been dedicated to the motto: “Worship, Study, and Service.”
We believe that youth are not just the future of the church, but its living present. Our goal is to mold a generation that is rooted in Orthodox traditions while being actively engaged in the modern Calgary community.
Activities
Regular Gatherings
We provide a consistent space for our youth to reconnect and recharge. Our formal meetings are held:
When: Every 4th Saturday of the month.
Time: Immediately following the Holy Qurbana.
Structure: Each meeting includes the following:
Devotional: Opening prayer and soulful song sessions.
The Word: Scripture reading and reflections to deepen our biblical understanding.
General Body: Open discussions on upcoming activities, event planning, and youth initiatives.
Signature Events & Parish Support
The OCYM brings energy and spirit to our parish through events that blend our faith, culture, and communal responsibility:
* Cricket Tournament for Church Construction: One of our most significant achievements is the OCYM Cricket Tournament. This flagship event was organized as a major fundraising initiative specifically for the Church Construction Fund. By bringing the community together for a competitive day of sport, we have been able to contribute substantially toward building our permanent spiritual home in Calgary.
* Annual Onam Celebrations: Every year, the OCYM plays a vital role in our parish’s Onam festivities. While the community comes together for this cultural milestone, our youth members take the lead in organizing the event and serving the traditional Ona-Sadhya, ensuring that the spirit of hospitality and joy is shared seamlessly with every member of our church family.
Work & Charity
The OCYM is a community in action. Our work focuses on:
* Spiritual Growth: Bible studies, retreats, and active participation in liturgical life.
* Charity & Outreach: Beyond our building fund efforts, we are committed to giving back to the Calgary community and supporting global missions through various volunteer initiatives.
* Fellowship: From exploring the beauty of the Rockies to casual social meetups, we build lifelong friendships that strengthen our bond as a church family.
Get Involved!
Whether you are new to Calgary or a long-time member of the parish, there is a place for you here. Come share your talents, your questions, and your energy as we journey together in Christ.
For more information, please join us after the 4th Saturday Qurbana or reach out to the OCYM Secretary.