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The leadership of the Orthodox Church in America’s Clergy Wives, working under the Office of Pastoral Life, recently gathered for three days in Springfield, VA, planning the next steps in fulfilling their mandate to connect, encourage and support the clergy wives of our Church.
On the evening of Wednesday, August 7, His Beatitude Metropolitan Tikhon joined the group for a dinner meeting. Members described their current projects as well as upcoming work, including the quarterly newsletter, plans with clergy widows, online retreats, a directory and gatherings for clergy wives at the 21st All-American Council next year. His Beatitude offered thoughtful guidance and encouragement, assuring the group that he and the other members of the Holy Synod of Bishops see clergy wives as one of the Church’s greatest resources.
The next days were filled with intense discussion and planning for all aspects of their work, as well as consideration of ways to increase the group’s social media presence. An online meeting with His Grace Bishop Nikodhim was most helpful in working through these and other matters.
His Grace also offered practical suggestions concerning the group’s most immediate project: fundraising for the reliquary which will be made by native Alaskan carvers for Righteous Olga, Matushka of Alaska and North America.
The group took a break from work to visit the nearby temporary offices of the OCA Chancery, where Deacon Alexander Woodill graciously offered a tour. It was also a welcome chance to venerate the relics housed there.
On Saturday morning, members left for home. They will continue to gather for their their bimonthly Zoom meetings.
