Volunteer Sunday 2025
Thursday, January 09, 2025
Volunteer Sunday 2025
“Whoever desires to become great among you, let him be your servant.” - Matthew 20:26
Dear Beloved in Christ,
The Assembly of Canonical Orthodox Bishops of the United States of America has blessed the last Sunday of January as Volunteer Sunday, raising awareness about a young and dynamic Agency of the Assembly, Orthodox Volunteer Corps (OVC). As the Episcopal Liaison to OVC, I invite you to join me in observing January 26 as Volunteer Sunday.
In the Gospel of Matthew, Christ reminds his disciples about the priority of service:
You know that the rulers of the Gentiles lord it over them, and those who are great exercise authority over them. Yet it shall not be so among you; but whoever desires to become great among you, let him be your servant. And whoever desires to be first among you, let him be your slave— just as the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give His life a ransom for many (Matthew 30:25-28).
Just as Christ called his first disciples to service, so he calls his followers today. Orthodox Volunteer Corps seeks to embody this call by providing a yearlong, domestic immersive service program for young adults (21-29 years old), combined with Orthodox formation, community living, and engagement with local parishes. Corps Members put their faith in action by serving alongside our most vulnerable neighbors–at homeless shelters, after-school programs, free medical clinics, and more.
Volunteer Sunday reminds us all, the faithful, of Christ’s command to, “love your neighbor as yourself (Mark 12:31),” through profound acts of service. Let us go forth and do likewise!
In Christ,
+ Bishop Andrei
Orthodox Church in America
Episcopal Liaison to OVC