Cyber-pals

Have you ever wanted to have more Orthodox Christian friends your age with whom you could talk?

Send an e-mail to youth@oca.org with the word "Cyber-pal" in the Subject line and the following information:

• full name
• address (e-mail and/or snail mail)
• date of birth (mm/dd/yy)
• name of the parish you call "home"
• the name and phone number of your parish priest
• a list of your hobbies and interests (type of music/movies you like, etc.)
  

Once we receive your e-mail, we will confirm your information and put you on the list to be set up with someone who has similar interests.

The reason for us requiring all this information is three-fold:

1. to confirm that you are who you say you are and not someone trying to play a prank
2. to weed out people who might masquerade as a youth or young adult in the hopes of entering into some type of improper relationship
3. to try and connect you with someone who you has similar interests.

Any information (such as your address, full name, etc.) you provide us is considered completely confidential and will not be shared with anyone outside our Office.

Inspite of our efforts, it is still extremely important for you to follow normal internet precautions. Many of you (hopefully!) know never to give out personal information over the Internet. As a reminder, whether you are in a chat room or e-mailing people be sure to:

• never agree to meet someone alone
• never meet someone without telling your parents, or in the case of college students, telling someone who will know where you are meeting
• never meet someone in a non-public secluded location
• never give out your full name, phone number, or address

We still strongly urge you to follow these guidelines.