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Applications for 2021 Church Planting Grants are now being accepted by the Orthodox Church in America’s Department of Evangelization.
“Grants of up to $24,000.00 are awarded to first-year recipients,” explained Archpriest Thomas Soroka, Project Manager of the Departments of the Orthodox Church in America. “The grant money must be used solely to assist in providing a salary for a full-time resident priest and be matched by the qualifying mission, deanery, or diocese.”
Grants may be renewed for a maximum of three years. Missions that received grants in 2020 or 2019 must apply anew for the coming year.
“A total of over $1,000,000 in Church Planting Grants has been awarded to missions since the program was initiated two decades ago. Our goal in this program is to help support missions transition to full parish status,” Father Thomas added.
Detailed information and application forms are available online. Applications must be received by the Department of Evangelization no later than September 30, 2020 to receive consideration.
Grant applications must be reviewed and approved by each mission’s respective diocesan bishop before they are submitted. After a review by the Department, recommendations for qualified missions will be submitted to the Holy Synod of Bishops for final approval. Grants are to be used in the 2021 calendar year.
For additional information, please contact Father Thomas Soroka at tsoroka@oca.org.
The Mission Planting Grant Program is made possible in part due to the generous support of the Stewards of the Orthodox Church in America. The generous gifts of Stewards fund the development of programs and resources to assist parishes, missions, and faithful thrive in effective ministry.
