The Orthodox Fellowship of St John the Baptist

The Orthodox Fellowship of St John the Baptist (OFSJB) is a pan-Orthodox charitable organization based in the United Kingdom. Founded in 1979, it serves to unite members of the diverse Orthodox Christian traditions in the British Isles and Ireland, fostering spiritual growth, mutual understanding, and cooperation among its members through prayer, discussion, and fellowship.

Purpose and Activities

The Fellowship aims to deepen the commitment to and understanding of Orthodox Christian faith among English-speaking Orthodox Christians. It organizes a variety of national and international events, including conferences, pilgrimages, study weekends, and youth festivals, which are open to both members and non-members. These activities promote inter-Orthodox cooperation and provide opportunities for education, worship, and community building.

The organization also engages in the production and dissemination of several publications intended for the edification and information of Orthodox Christians. These include:

• Forerunner, a biannual journal published twice a year.
• An annual calendar and lectionary.
• A directory of Orthodox clergy and places of worship in the British Isles and Ireland.

In addition to publications, the Fellowship supports the Mosaic Choir and a Women’s Ministries initiative, which contribute to the spiritual life and outreach of the Orthodox community.

Membership

Membership in the Orthodox Fellowship of St John the Baptist is open to all Orthodox Christians, regardless of jurisdiction. Members receive the Forerunner journal twice annually and are encouraged to support the Fellowship’s ongoing work. While events are open to all, membership facilitates deeper involvement in the organization’s mission and activities.

Notable Leadership and Advocacy

The Fellowship was chaired by Metropolitan Kallistos (Ware) of Diokleia, a respected theologian and bishop in the Orthodox Church, until his passing in 2022. He was a prominent advocate within the Fellowship, notably urging the discussion and potential restoration of the female diaconate within the Orthodox Church, emphasizing the importance of recognizing the ministry of women alongside men.

Charitable Status

The Orthodox Fellowship of St John the Baptist is a registered charity in the UK (Charity Number: 1063713), reflecting its commitment to religious and educational purposes within the Orthodox Christian community.

Summary

In summary, the Orthodox Fellowship of St John the Baptist is a key organization promoting unity, education, and spiritual life among Orthodox Christians in the British Isles and Ireland. Through its events, publications, and advocacy, it plays an important role in strengthening Orthodox Christian identity and cooperation across diverse traditions.

This article is based on information from the official OFSJB website and OrthodoxWiki.[1][2][3][5]

[1] https://forerunner.org.uk [2] https://forerunner.org.uk/about/ [3] https://orthodoxwiki.org/Orthodox_Fellowship_of_St_John_the_Baptist [4] https://www.youtube.com/@orthodoxfellowshipofstjohn5414 [5] https://orthodoxdeaconess.org/wp-content/uploads/2013/11/WOMENBishK-OFSJB.pdf