HUNGER STRIKE 2019
Save Lives. Love Your neighbor. Feed Your Faith.
DATE:
April 13 -14, 2019
LOCATION:
St. Paul's Greek Orthodox Church, Irvine, CA
4949 Alton Parkway
Irvine, CA 92604
PHONE:
949-733-2366
AGE REQUIREMENT
A pan-Orthodox Lenten YOUTH retreat for 6th-12th grades
What is Hunger Strike?
Hunger Strike is a pan-Orthodox youth ministry retreat hosted by St. Paul’s. Hunger Strike helps teens to identify with the poor and respond compassionately to those living in harsh conditions in developing countries and in their local communities. Participating teens gain a deeper understanding of their Orthodox faith and a closer relationship to Jesus Christ and each other. Retreat attendees fast for 30 hours while they participate in activities to raise both awareness and money for the needs of those throughout the world who suffer the effects of poverty and who hunger for the hope found in Christ.
Why Strike?
UNPLUG AND GET CONNECTED
Most people are “plugged in” to their social media sites, spending hours a day engrossed in the constant stream of information, entertainment, and images our phones and computers churn out. Ironically, being “plugged in” to our Facebook, Instagram, and Snapchat accounts we run the risk of becoming disconnected from family, friends, and sometimes even our faith. Hunger Strike is the perfect opportunity for young people to ‘unplug’ and get connected to what is most important.
LEARN
Teens will learn about the plight of the needy and poor in developing countries and even here in the United States. They’ll learn about those who hunger for hope that we know is found in Christ. They’ll learn about how we, as Orthodox Christians, are called to go into the world (Matthew 28:19). To love our neighbor (Matthew 25:35) and to be a light in the world (Matthew 5:15). We are called to make a difference. Plus, Hunger Strike participants will learn about Orthodox Christianity in a more personal and real way and experience the responsibility of belonging to the universal Church.
DO SOMETHING GOOD
Standing up for what you believe in…for what is right… takes courage and strength. Hunger Strike participants will inspire their families, their neighbors, and their parish with their efforts to change the world around them and the lives of those around the world.
STRIKE OUT AND FAST!
Fasting isn’t anything new to Orthodox Christians around the world. Fasting allows our hearts and minds to seek out that which truly nourishes us, Christ’s love, and is a tool as we grow closer to Christ in repentance and humility.
Most Hunger Strike participants will strive to fast from all food during Hunger Strike retreat in order to experience the fullness of the fast. Teens will experience hunger firsthand and get a glimpse at life without food. By participating in Hunger Strike, not only will teens have the opportunity to grow spiritually, but they will also be able to connect emotionally, physically, and mentally with those around the world that will be helped by the funds they raise.
This year the funds the teens raise will benefit IOCC, OCMC, FOCUS, and the people of Tanzania.
