EOCS

Orthodox youth
And Young Adult Ministries

As of March 15, 2024, The Eastern Orthodox Committee on Scouting (EOCS) is working in collaboration with Orthodox Youth and Young Adult Ministries (OYM) in accordance with the express wish of the Assembly of Bishops. As a ministry of OYM, EOCS will continue its mission to strengthen youth ministries in Orthodox churches and broaden the scope of Orthodox scouting.

“This collaboration between EOCS and OYM is a wonderful example of how the Assembly of Bishops brings ministries together into productive and synergistic relationships. The vision of EOCS goes back nearly seventy years, and by its renewal as a ministry within OYM, we will be fulfilling EOCS’s original mission with greater intensity, and bringing more opportunities for spiritual growth to our young people. I am grateful for the leadership of both teams to bring about this alliance,” says His Eminence Archbishop Elpidophoros of America, Most Honorable Exarch of the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of America and Chairman of the Assembly of Canonical Orthodox Bishops of the United States of America.

Through OYM, the EOCS will continue its mission  as it has done since its founding in 1960 by the Standing Conference of Orthodox Bishops in America. This includes but is not limited to the development and implementation of Religious Awards programs; support for scouting units chartered to or meeting at Orthodox parishes and individual Orthodox scouts; the organization of events such as camporees, religious retreats; and the administration and awarding of the EOCS George N. Boulukos Scholarship. Through OYM, the EOCS will also continue to be the officially recognized liaison for the Eastern Orthodox Churches to Scouting America, Girl Scouts USA, Campfire Boys and Girls, Trail Life USA, and American Heritage Girls.

“The EOCS at its core has been nurturing our future leaders of the church. Scouting is and has always been a viable youth program within the Orthodox Church,”  says Kyriako Bournis, National Chairman of EOCS. “With OYM’s reach and the blessing of the Assembly of Bishops we will continue to build tomorrow's leaders.”

“Duty to God is a foundational principle of the Scouting Movement.  Through this collaboration between the EOCS and OYM, we are able to broaden the scope of our missions by investing in the future of our youth, guiding them on a path of spiritual growth and community involvement.”    says Gregory Gounardes, National Committee Member of EOCS.

“OYM exists to help provide support for the many fine youth ministries and tireless youth workers across our country,” says Dr. Christopher Krampe, president of OYM. “For over 70 years, EOCS has engaged young people and provided opportunities for them to embody the church and encounter Christ.  We are honored to help this good work continue as a ministry through OYM, and look forward to the next 70 years to come.” 

About The Eastern Orthodox Committee on Scouting: Founded in 1960, the Eastern Orthodox Committee on Scouting was among the very first organizations approved by the Standing Conference of Orthodox Bishops in America. EOCS is committed to strengthening youth ministries in Orthodox churches and broadening the scope of Orthodox scouting.

About Orthodox Youth and Young Adult Ministries: OYM was founded in 2021 by the Assembly of Canonical Orthodox Bishops of the United States of America to help youth, young adults, and those who care for them be fully transformed through the Orthodox Faith. OYM seeks to help youth ministries pass on a faith where every young person encounters Christ, embodies His church, and engages the world in His name.