Fellowship of orthodox Christians in the United States (FOCUS) is a spiritual organization that caters to the spiritual needs of the older youth (those who are working, studying, in graduate school, interested in getting married in the near future, recently married, and young families) in the American diocese.

Officially established by the diocene metropolitan kalpana in September 2005, it has slowly begun to root in many of the major cities of Houston, Chicago, Dallas, Philadelphia, and New York. Saint Stephens FOCUS is a growing ministry that provides its members with opportunities through devotions, service, and fellowships throughout the year.

Goals include:

• To provide spiritual enrichment for young adults and couples through prayer meetings, bible studies, fellowships, and counseling sessions led by trained professionals.
• To use the skills and experiences of young adults to provide a support system for the young people of our church through Sunday school, MGOCSM, and OVBS
• To identify and bring back young adults who have left the church for various reasons and provide them a way back into the Christian community.

FOCUS Posts/ Announcements:

To read and learn more information about FOCUS, please visit:

• stmarysdallas.org/focus
• stthomasli.org/ministries/focus
• northeastamericandiocese.org/ministries/focus.aspx
• https://facebook.com/FOCUSNortheast/

December Announcements:

• Town Hall Meeting: date TBD, but will be in January 2020. Will be discussing plans for the upcoming year, vision for FOCUS, and future endeavors.

November Announcements:

• Winter Summit 2020 (January 8-11): All college/ post-college/ young working professionals interested in attending next years winter summit being held at HTRC (Holy Transfiguration Retreat Center) please fill out the link. Deadline December 1, 2019.
• November 3rd – First official FOCUS fellowship. All FOCUS members are encouraged to attend this very first FOCUS fellowship as our guest speaker will be Reverend Father Abey George, and the topic will be balancing church, work, and marriage.
• NE Diocese Marriage Retreat; as our church is hosting the very first northeast diocese conference, all FOCUS members are encouraged to attend, and those interested in volunteering for retreat, please attend the November 3 meeting.
• NJSI GROW presents “Sari Not Sorry”. On Sunday, November 24, the GROW of NJSI will be hosting a women’s fellowship at SBGOC in North Plainfield. All GROW members (ladies) are encouraged to attend. For more information, please contact Shelby Varghese or Sherin Thomas.
• Service event: in honor of our beloved Mr. Titus Mathew, our church will be holding a service event from 9 AM – 11:30 AM to make sandwiches for the homeless with Eva’s Kitchen. All FOCUS members are encouraged to attend. For more information, please contact Lincy Thomas.

October Announcements:

• November 3rd – First official FOCUS fellowship. All FOCUS members are encouraged to attend this very first FOCUS fellowship as our guest speaker will be Reverend Father Abey George, and the topic will be balancing church, work, and marriage.
• NE Diocese Marriage Retreat; as our church is hosting the very first northeast diocese conference, all FOCUS members are encouraged to attend, and those interested in volunteering for retreat, please attend the November 3 meeting.
• NJSI GROW presents “Sari Not Sorry”. On Sunday, November 24, the GROW of NJSI will be hosting a women’s fellowship at SBGOC in North Plainfield. All GROW members (ladies) are encouraged to attend. For more information, please contact Shelby Varghese or Sherin Thomas.
• Service event: in honor of our beloved Mr. Titus Mathew, our church will be holding a service event from 9 AM – 11:30 AM to make sandwiches for the homeless with Eva’s Kitchen. All FOCUS members are encouraged to attend. Please fill out link. For more information, please contact Lincy Thomas.

September Announcements:

• First unofficial FOCUS meeting; all potential FOCUS members are encouraged to attend this interest meeting to discuss future endeavors.