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Delegates from across the United States gathered at St. Nicholas Orthodox Church (OCA) in Mogadore (Akron), Ohio from July 26th through the 29th for the Fellowship of Orthodox Christians in America’s (FOCA) annual convention. The four-day convening focused discussions and movement on issues very pertinent to the life of the Church. Welcomed by V. Rev. Nicholas Wyslutsky, FOCA National Spiritual Advisor and Rector of the parish and joined by His Beatitude Metropolitan Tikhon, His Eminence Archbishop Daniel of Chicago and the Midwest, and His Grace Bishop Gerasim of Fort Worth and the South and websiteHoly Synod liaison to the FOCA. The weekend was filled with family friendly activities culminating with a Hierarchical Divine Liturgy on Sunday. Activities included the Akron Zoo, Akron AA baseball, and a visit to the Pro Football Hall of Fame.
Basil Kochan, National FOCA president said, “our last convention in Williamsburg charged us with focusing our efforts on support of OCA camps and campers and assisting seminarians. This convention gave us even clearer direction on how to maneuver these paths to best serve the youth of our Church and the seminarians of the OCA. We now have groundwork approved and developing to move these initiatives forward.”
There was a near unanimous vote to hold the 2025 FOCA Convention embedded within the schedule of the upcoming All-American Council in Phoenix, AZ. Council Manager for the AAC, Protodeacon Peter Ilchuk, noted that it was very feasible to be included in the agenda as the planning was moving forward and that everyone is strongly encouraged to go to Phoenix next year.
The Grand Banquet on Sunday brought nearly 150 people together. The three visiting hierarchs spoke at the banquet. His Beatitude focused on discerning what FOCA was to do in the future. Archbishop Daniel focused on the good works that the FOCA continues to do, including recognizing a floor drive that brought in over $3,000.00 for the St. Theodosius Fire Restoration Project. Bishop Gerasim brought all to reflection on the motto of FOCA, as all were encouraged to continue their efforts, understanding that the results are not always seen immediately.
Key results from discussions at the convention include:
- Membership moving away from dues and towards a pledge system similar to the model instituted by the OCA.
- Scholarship and Grant committee to develop a plan for the distribution of awards to OCA camps and campers.
- Development of Emergency Assistance Fund to help OCA seminarians falling into financial distress.
- Contribute $1,540.00 earmark toward purchase of OCA Chaplain Award Crosses as presented by the Metropolitan of the OCA.
This convention brought a renewed sense of commitment to the works of the FOCA by its members. There is a very apparent focus on assisting those in need within the Church that, in turn, improves the spiritual health of all of us. Continue to pray for all of the members of the FOCA and plan now to join us in Phoenix in July of 2025.
