Songs of worship resonate from the University Student Center ballroom each Sunday morning as members of Aletheia, an on-campus Christian faith group, meet to sing, pray and discuss the Christian faith.
Former USF St. Petersburg student Emilio Marrero, 27, began Aletheia with his wife, Hannah Marrero, 24, about a year and half ago. While in the graphic design program at USFSP, Marrero discussed his faith with fellow students, which led to the formation of a bible study group. As the group grew, it evolved into Aletheia St. Pete as part of a national network that aims to connect with college students through God and elevation of the Bible.
The Greek word for truth, Aletheia literally translates to “being fully exposed.” This is important to Marrero, who believes absolute truth can only be reached through Jesus Christ. Marrero said he can relate to the struggles students are going through and understands their problems. He wants to help them find answers to their problems through Jesus.
“I want it to be a blessing to the city,” Marrero said. He explained that Aletheia targets key issues in St. Petersburg such as the racial/social divide, alcoholism, drug abuse and homelessness, primarily by teaching people about God.
“Underneath all of the artistic movements and cool downtown scene, there is a brokenness and loss of identity. People have no clue who they really are,” Marrero said. “Only in coming back to our designer can we unite and be restored to our original design. Every other way is insufficient.”
The group has held a basketball tournament and a rap concert in order to reach out to at-risk kids. It is also reaches out to the homeless in downtown and is uniting with Keep St. Petersburg Local, an organization that supports locally owned, independent businesses.
Aletheia invites people from all religious backgrounds to join them. Marrero, admittedly agnostic for 10 years, said many agnostics and atheists come to Aletheia, often looking for answers or guidance. He is interested in speaking with people of different religions through truth-guided conversations in which he can actually educate himself on the beliefs of others rather than simply tolerate them.
“We are open to everyone and here to serve. We are not isolationists.” Marrero said.
Since its beginning, Aletheia has been mobile, even being hosted inside Marrero’s home when necessary. For now, Sunday morning services take place in the USC ballroom at 11 a.m. and last for about an hour.
Aletheia also offers a women’s group on Tuesdays at 7:30 p.m., a coed bible study on Wednesdays at 6:30 p.m. and a men’s basketball and bible study night on Saturdays at 6:30 p.m. More information can be found at aletheiastpete.com.
