The FOCA is working on many exciting opportunities relating to Young Adults. This year will mark the first time in many years a session is held specifically for us. This is our opportunity to meet with both OCA and FOCA representatives to discuss our thoughts and opinions on increasing attendance and Young Adult participation, what we would like to see out of the organization and ways we can help to better it.

Activities include:

• Young Adult breakout session on Friday morning, which will be combined with Convention Planning. The results of this breakout session will be discussed Saturday morning.
• Young Adult Reception on Friday night starting at 10:00 PM.
• Young Adult session titled "Focus - Young Adults in the FOCA and the Church." This will be on Saturday from 2:00 - 3:00 PM. Both the OCA and the FOCA will be well represented in this session.
• Vespers on Saturday at 4:00 PM.
• A Young Adult outing/barbeque at Busch Gardens Amusement Park on Saturday evening.
• An informal volleyball tournament on Sunday afternoon.
• Hierarchal Divine Liturgy onSunday morning.
• Grand Banquet and Ball on Sunday evening at the Williamsburg Lodge.

"Those of us who attend conventions regularly know what a truly wonderful and fun organization the FOCA is, " says Lara Herzak, longtime FOCA member and member of the OCA Department of Youth, Young Adult, and Campus Ministry. This organization was originally created for Orthodox Christian young adults to have an opportunity to create lasting friendships with others of the same faith and to get involved in expanding the ministry of the Church. If you have never been to a convention, we highly encourage you to come and experience first-hand what the FOCA is all about. The Young Adult "regulars" promise that you will meet many new people, have an enjoyable time and will want to get involved.

Below are a few testimonials from some convention "regulars" on what the FOCA has meant to them:

"The FOCA has been a main ingredient in my life that has made me who I am today. The key in this ingredient is the fellowship with other Orthodox people. I have been all over the United States for church services, tournaments, conventions and conferences. With all of the traveling and events I have done through the FOCA I have learned how to be sociable, responsible and committed to a faith and organization. I am thankful and appreciative that I am a part of the FOCA and truly do encourage all people to get involved!"
- Mary Woog, Minneapolis, MN

"Being brought up in a FOCA family, I was introduced to conventions at an early age. Family vacations were planned in conjunction with national conventions. I learned that friendships made at conventions have become lasting friendships. Today as an adult, I also plan my vacation so that I can attend the convention. On occasion, I might choose to miss a family gathering so that I could attend the convention and see people that I only get to see once a year. My grandparents and my parents were/are convention goers and it pleases me to be a third generation FOCA member."
- Neena Malinich, Orlando, FL

"I feel that it is crucial in today's society to be connected to a fraternal organization where Orthodox Christians of all ages, backgrounds, and living throughout the country can come together and worship in prayer and participate in discussion and activities. This absolutely helps our spiritual growth in all aspects. As I grow in Christ, I find it absolutely necessary to reach out to those individuals who are unaware of such a fraternal organization as the F.O.C.A., a fellowship which is a community where their lives can be impacted by beginning healthy friendships with new friends."
- John J. Mindala II, Long Island, NY

"When I finished college, I moved 8 hours from home. My parents called upon their FOCA friends to help me find a place to live. The FOCA became my family away from home. I have so many people I can call on to pick me up for church or simply go to dinner with. It has definitely given my parents peace of mind knowing there are people nearby who care."
- Lara Herzak, New York, NY

We encourage you to come and help shape the future of the FOCA. We look forward to seeing you there!

If you have questions or would like more information, please contact Lara Herzak at lherzak@yahoo.com or visit the 2003 FOCA Convention website at http://www.williamsburg2003.org or the FOCA website at http://www.orthodoxfellowship.org.