Orthodox Youth Mission Team

Providing Orthodox youth the opportunity to put their faith to work!

OYMT picks up where camps leave off, providing opportunities for high school-aged youth to put their faith to work and build connections with other Orthodox youth across jurisdiction.

View our Recruiting Presentation:

Who Are We?

OYMT is a pan-Orthodox team of high school-aged Youth and Adult Leaders led by Fr. Luke Mihaly of Holy Trinity Orthodox Church in Danbury, Connecticut. Since 2010, we have been providing youth with the opportunity to participate in short-term missions without the requirement of an accompanying parent. We have served with Appalachia Service Project (ASP) and Orthodox Christian Mission Center (OCMC).

Why Join?

As a member of the Orthodox Youth Mission Team (OYMT) you will have the opportunity to serve locally, build relationships with other Orthodox Youth across jurisdictions, and go on a short-term mission trip (9-14 days) each summer. Get ready to make Christ present and live in community with other Orthodox youth!

Who Can Join?

Youth who are currently in Grades 8-12, Adult Leaders (age 25+), and clergy. We recruit individual members, parishes that would like to form their own crews to participate with us, and satellite teams in parishes too far away to participate in our monthly trainings in-person. We also have a Young Adult Leader program for alumni aged 18-24.

What is the Commitment?

Membership is a year-long opportunity! In the Fall, we fundraise, recruit new members, and participate in local service and team-bonding activities. The Team meets monthly beginning in January to train for the upcoming summer mission trip. This includes a half-day session for safety and tool training and a full-day construction work day. Team members are required to attend all sessions.

When are the Trips?

OYMT goes on at least one mission trip per year. When we serve with Appalachia Service Project, the trip is 9 days in July and we travel to West Virginia, Kentucky, Tennessee, Virginia, or North Carolina. Crews work with families to make their homes “warmer, safer, and drier” and build relationships in the community. We have also served with OCMC on a 12 day mission trip to Napaskiak, Alaska, and look forward to offering additional trips in the future.

The 2025 summer mission trip will be with ASP from June 28 – July 6, 2025.

What is the Cost?

The cost per year is $375 per youth. Scholarships are available; OYMT will never turn away a youth who cannot afford the fee. There is no cost for Adult Leaders. All team members are required to help fundraise to cover other expenses.

How to Join?

Contact us with interest by December 1st! Email oymt.info@gmail.com and speak to our Team Coordinator, Lexi Klimaszewski. The deadline to join the 2025 mission trip is December 1, 2025. A $200 deposit and signed covenant must be submitted by this date to participate.

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