About the Ball

The Novogodny Ball, sponsored by St. Stephen’s Orthodox Catholic Fellowship (OCF) Chapter 82 of the Fellowship of Orthodox Christians in America (FOCA), has a long and rich history.

The event began in the 1930s as a formal New Year’s celebration, and it continues to this day, held annually on the Sunday before Martin Luther King, Jr. Day.

This tradition brings together Orthodox Christian families and friends, with attendees traveling from various states to participate. The Ball typically features dinner, dancing, live music from the Kauriga Orchestra, and other festivities such as door prizes, raffles, and a balloon drop at midnight.

In true Philadelphia fashion, there have even been Mummers at the ball over the years, regaling our guests with the tradition of string band music that is so popular at the new year in the City of Brotherly Love.

The Ball has always supported various Orthodox and local charities, with proceeds from recent events benefitting causes such as assistance for seminarians attending St. Tikhon’s Seminary.

Over its decades-long run, the Ball has remained a central social event for the Orthodox Christian community, fostering connections especially among young adults who met at church programs like St. Tikhon’s Summer Camp and Orthodoxy On Tap.

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