Parables is a FREE Christian Bridge Program that helps freshmen & new students navigate the new waters of college life through connection with peers, mentors, and the Church.

Make friends. Build a firm foundation in Christ.

Three Part Program

i. Foundations Retreat

August 30th| 12pm-9pm 
lunch, dinner, & transportation provided

(all participants are also invited to start the day with Divine Liturgy at St Silouan Orthodox Church @10am)

Carpool to a nearby ranch, where we’ll spend the day building relationships, enjoying time in nature, and reflecting three NT parables that speak to life in college.

ii. First Friday Outing

Fri, Sept 4th | 5:30pm-8:30pm

transportation provided

Shuttle from campus to downtown Bryan where we’ll enjoy local music, art, and entertainment.

iii. Mind, Body, Soul Seminar

Tuesdays in September | 6:30pm-8:30pm
The Great Hall of the YMCA Building (on campus)

Engage in practical workshops on daily Christian living

  • Sept 8th: Healthful Food Habits w/ Dr. Mark Faries, Christian behavioral health specialist

  • Sept 15th: Mental & Spiritual Health w/ Constantina Boudouvas-Strickler, Licensed Christian Therapist

  • Sept 22nd: Time Management w/ Alexandros Pandazis, campus missionary

  • Sept 29th: Money Management w/ Alexandros Pandazis, campus missionary

Frequently Asked Questions

No problem! You’re welcome to participate in as many Parables events as you’re able to. The registration form will provide a space for you to indicate which events you’ll be attending, and if your plans change, you can email us at tamu@ocf.net.

If you have a car and space to drive others, that’s great! If not, no worries! We’ll give you a ride from wherever is most convenient for you.

Additionally, you’re welcome to drive yourself to events apart from the carpool if that’s best for you.

Carpool accommodations cannot be guaranteed for participants that want to arrive late/leave early from Parables events. If you are comfortable arranging your own transportation to/from an event AND you let us know about your plans ahead of time, you are welcome to arrive/depart as your schedule requires.

Nope! Parables is a program meant to benefit Christian students of all backgrounds who are new to BCS. Non-Orthodox Christians are welcome to attend in any capacity as long as you are open to enjoying the weekend in the Christian spirit.

The retreat will include ample free time that you will have the freedom to use as you wish.

If needed, you can request the temporary use of your phone/laptop and access to a building with Wifi during these periods for homework.

We try to accommodate all food allergies and sensitivities when providing meals at events. When filling out our registration form, you’ll have the opportunity to let us know whether you have an allergy so that we can plan your meal accordingly.

Want to meet with someone first?

It’s always helpful to have someone in your corner when starting a new phase in life.

Our campus missionary Alexandros is always available to help students with whatever practical and spiritual obstacles they may wrestle with in college.

Want to meet with someone first?

Alexandros Pandazis

Campus Missionary

Email | Phone

It’s always helpful to have someone in your corner when starting a new phase in life.

Our campus missionary Alexandros is always available to help students with whatever practical and spiritual obstacles they may wrestle with in college.

Alexandros Pandazis

Campus Missionary

Email | Phone