OCN Launches New Show Reaching Out to Gen X and Y

Orthodox Christian Network
Contact Fr. Christopher Metropulos at 954-522-5567
frchris@receive.org.

Fort Lauderdale, Fla. (July 31, 2008) - The Orthodox Christian Network (OCN) is pleased to announce its newest weekly show, "Journeys to Orthodoxy," produced by Icon New Media Network and now available at www.myocn.net.

Journeys to Orthodoxy tells the personal stories of individuals who have searched for spiritual truth - often in remarkable ways - and ultimately found what they are looking for in the Orthodox Christian Church.

Jacob Lee, host of the new show, believes Journeys to Orthodoxy will help "members of Gen X and Y find out information about Orthodoxy, but in a non-threatening way."

"I think that through listening people will see how the Holy Spirit has moved in many lives and be inspired to share the Orthodox faith with their friends and neighbors," Lee said.

Fr. Christopher Metropulos, the Executive Director of OCN, believes this new series will be a powerful addition to OCN's current line-up of eight regular shows, all of which are available for free download on OCN's Web site and streamed in real time on its network of 27 online Orthodox radio stations.

"We are indeed honored to have Icon New Media as a partner in our sacred mission, blessed by the Bishops of America, to transmit Orthodox Christianity to the modern world," Fr. Metropulos said. "And we look forward to having many more individuals and organizations join this effort in the near future".

Lee, who started an online media group called Icon New Media Network last year, is also enthusiastic about the partnership.

"I hope that by OCN and Icon New Media working together, we will ultimately see Orthodox Christianity as the future of American spirituality," Lee said. "In the more immediate future, I look forward to reaching more people with quality Orthodox content."

Internet-based shows like Journeys to Orthodoxy - also called "podcasts" - are reaching a growing number of listeners.

According to the 2008 edition of an annual report entitled "Infinite Dial: Radio's Digital Platforms," 23 million Americans download at least one podcast each month, which they then listen to on portable media players like iPods or on their computers.

Podcasts are an especially effective means to reach younger listeners. This trend has led the Orthodox Christian Network and Icon New Media to start producing Orthodox podcasts that are accessible to young adults.

"There's a lot of theological content out there. I wanted to show people that Orthodoxy was more than knowing about the faith - that it transforms your whole life," Lee said.

With that in mind, Lee decided to focus his new podcast for OCN on personal stories of conversion and transformation.

"This show is for anyone interested in converting to Orthodoxy or anyone who wants to hear how people have come to the Holy Church."

To listen to Journeys to Orthodoxy, or any of OCN's other podcasts, visit www.myocn.net.
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The Orthodox Christian Network (OCN) is the media agency of SCOBA, the Standing Conference of Canonical Orthodox Bishops in the Americas. OCN produces Come Receive the Light, the only nationally syndicated Orthodox radio program, and many Internet-based programs, podcasts, Internet radio stations and Web TV broadcasts. OCN also helps Orthodox parishes and institutions with their own multi-media projects, advertising, DVDs & Internet media. Visit www.MyOCN.net for more information.