Orthodox Youth & Young Adult Ministries (OYM) Receives $1.25 Million Grant from Lilly Endowment Inc.

August 19, 2025 — FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

The official youth ministry agency of the Assembly of Canonical Orthodox Bishops of the United States of America, Orthodox Youth & Young Adult Ministries (OYM), has been awarded a $1.25 million grant from Lilly Endowment Inc. to launch a groundbreaking national program designed to engage children ages 5–12 in Orthodox Christian worship.

The program, titled Outdoor Orthodoxy, will offer training, spiritual resources, and a flexible curriculum to support approximately 50 urban and suburban parishes around outdoor, experiential and intergenerational activities. Rooted in the Orthodox tradition and inspired by the classic book, Way of a Pilgrim, the initiative will equip parishes across the country to lead spiritual activities that nurture children’s connection to God through prayer, nature, and community. The program will draw on the Jesus Prayer and patristic writings to help children experience prayer as a lifelong journey of union with Christ — both in church and in creation.

“This project represents a joyful step forward in our Church’s effort to reach the hearts of our youngest faithful,” said Dr. Christopher Krampe, Executive Director of OYM. “By praying together in gardens, forests, parks, and even city streets, we draw children into the splendor and majesty of God. This is not merely time spent outdoors, but a sacramental encounter with creation.”

The grant is part of Lilly Endowment’s Nurturing Children Through Worship and Prayer initiative, which seeks to enrich the worship experiences of children in Christian congregations across the United States. OYM is one of 170 organizations funded through three rounds of the initiative, which was launched in 2022. The grants are funding efforts to help organizations that serve congregations in a broad spectrum of Christian traditions develop new and/or enhance existing programs as they design worship services and prayer practices that more intentionally and fully engage children. 

For more information about OYM and its ministries, please visit www.theOYM.org. 

Contact:

Orthodox Youth & Young Adult Ministries (OYM)

info@theOYM.org