79th National Convention
ALEXANDRIA, VA [OCA Communications/FOCA] — Providing assistance to Hurricane Katrina victims, continuing support of the Orthodox Church in America’s youth department internship through the Fellowship of Orthodox Stewards, and developing a leadership training summit and strategic plan highlighted the 79th national convention of the Fellowship of Orthodox Christians in America [FOCA] held September 1-5, 2005 at the Hilton Alexandria Mark Center here.
Honored guests in attendance included His Beatitude, Metropolitan Herman, FOCA spiritual leader; His Beatitude, Metropolitan Theodosius, retired; Protopresbyter Robert Kondratick, OCA chancellor; and the Very Rev. Michael Dahulich, Dean of Saint Tikhon’s Seminary. More than 400 participants attended the event, sponsored by members of the FOCA’s Colonial District. The convention committee was cochaired by Walter Alesevich and Leda Dzwoncyck and included members from Saint Nicholas Cathedral, Washington DC; Saint Mark Church, Bethesda, MD; Saint Andrew Church, Baltimore, MD; Saint Stephen Cathedral, Philadelphia, PA; and Saint Vladimir Church, Trenton, NJ.
The plenary sessions began on Friday, September 2, following a service of prayer and the invocation of the Holy Spirit. Delegates moved to initiate a 2005-2006 FOCA “Gifts of Love” project earmarked for victims of Hurricane Katrina, with funds to be sent for distribution to International Orthodox Christian Charities. A floor drive to provide immediate aid netted approximately $6,000.00. Addressing a budget shortfall to meet continuance of all charitable projects, delegates approved a dues increase which was preferable to cutting programs. These programs included a $9,000.00 annual contribution to the Fellowship of Orthodox Stewards to support the internship program of the OCA’s youth department and $3,000.00 in grants-in-aid to individuals desiring to do missionary work through the Orthodox Christian Mission Center. Initiatives to strengthen the future work of the FOCA were passed to commence a FOCA leadership training summit and to develop a strategic plan for the next five to ten years.
Reelected to serve the FOCA for the ensuing year were president, Dr. John Schultz; vice-president, Mr. Michael Steffaro; recording secretary, Mrs. Kathleen Lazor; and treasurer, Mr. Michael Bowan. Mr. John Kruchok serves as immediate past president. The Very Rev. Eugene Vansuch was thanked for his service over the past six years as national spiritual advisor. [Father Eugene was recently named executive director of the Fellowship of the Orthodox Stewards.]
In addition to the business sessions, convention activities included the hierarchical Divine Liturgy, Vespers, and a Memorial service for departed members; the grand banquet and Sunday evening ball; a performance by “Harmonia” and the Slavic Male Chorus of Washington DC; group tours of the Hilwood museum and garden estate of Marjorie Post and Saint Nicholas Cathedral; and “Monuments by Moonlight”, a three hour tour of our nation’s capitol. Specialized programs during the event included “Fellowship Kidz” for children and a “Golden-Agers” reception. Young adult activities included a welcome reception, volleyball, and a young adult forum moderated by Father Kondratick.
The grand banquet was highlighted by the address of Metropolitan Herman. Also speaking at the banquet were president Dr. Schultz and the Very Rev. Mark Koczak, LCDR CHC USN, who spoke on his experiences as an Orthodox military chaplain. Seventeen scholarships totaling more than $15,000.00, including three seminarian awards, were formally announced. Metropolitan Herman presented Mrs. Elizabeth Slanta with a citation for her 20 years of service as FOCA “Mission Hotline” coordinator.
Prior to the conclusion of the plenary session on Monday, September 5, Father Dahulich, dean of Saint Tikhon’s Seminary, formally thanked the FOCA for its commitment to seminarian assistance.
The 2006 FOCA national convention will be held at Kingston Plantation, Myrtle Beach, SC. Future conventions were awarded to the Cleveland chapter, which will host the 2007 convention in Nashville, TN and Saint Stephen’s chapter, Longwood, FL, which will host the 2008 convention in Tampa Bay, FL.
Photo coverage of the FOCA national convention can be found in the September 2005 "Photo Gallery and Events" section of www.oca.org.
74th National Convention
Nearly 300 delegates, members and guests attended the 74th National Convention of the Fellowship of Orthodox Christians in America, held at the Inn at Saw Mill Creek Resort, Huron, Ohio, over Labor Day weekend. The event was sponsored by the Cleveland chapter 4/6, from St. Michael's parish, Broadview Heights, Ohio. Honored guests in attendance included His Beatitude, Metropolitan Theodosius, FOCA Spiritual Leader and a Life Member, His Grace, Bishop Job, Bishop of Chicago and the Diocese of the Midwest and Protopresbyter Robert Kondratick, Chancellor of the Orthodox Church in America.
The newly-elected National Executive Board includes Sandra Fedorko, who becomes the organization's 36th National President; John Kruchok as Vice-President; Nancy Boldish as Recording Secretary and Michael Bowan as Treasurer. The V. Rev. Fr. Eugene Vansuch, St. Nicholas parish, Bethlehem, Pennsylvania begins his second year as National Spiritual Advisor. John Petronko, Jr. becomes Immediate Past President.
The newly-elected leadership of the Fellowship is diverse, committed and multi-talented. National President Sandra Fedorko is a graduate of Western Connecticut State University with a B.S. in Elementary School Education. She recently relocated to El Paso, Texas with her husband John and is a member of the St. George Antiochian Church there. Prior to moving to Texas, Mrs. Fedorko served as Secretary of the OCA New York/New Jersey Diocesan council and was also a member of the Metropolitan Council. She was active in many leadership positions at Holy Trinity parish in Randolph, New Jersey before relocation.
Vice-President John Kruchok served as National President of the FROC in 1992-1994 and is presently the Editor of the Orthodox Christian Journal, the FOCA's official magazine. He is a graduate of Loyola Marymount University in Los Angeles and is Commercial Administrator for NBC Sports in New York City. John is a member of Holy Transfiguration parish in New Haven, Connecticut and is a past Governor of the Atlantic District, FOCA.
Recording Secretary Nancy Boldish is presently Governor of the Ohio District, FOCA and is a member of St. John's parish, Campbell, Ohio. She received a B.S. in Psychology from Slippery Rock University and a Master's degree in Education from Penn State. She resides in Sharpsville, Pennsylvania and is presently the Children's Services Director for Diversified Family Services in Hermitage, PA.
Treasurer Michael Bowan resides in Chicago, Illinois and is a graduate of Penn State with a B.S. degree in accounting. He was employed by the Consol unit of Dupont in Pittsburgh for more than twenty years prior to relocating to the Chicago area due to marriage. He presently is self-employed as a financial consultant to a medical university and hospital. A past FOCA Pittsburgh District Governor, Michael was active as a youth in Holy Ghost parish, Ambridge, PA and as a long-time member of St. Alexander Nevsky Cathedral in Allison Park, PA. He served the Archdiocese of Western Pennsylvania as an auditor and was Treasurer of the diocessan council. He received the diocese Man of the Year award in 1995. He currently is Treasurer of Holy Trinity Cathedral in Chicago.
Immediate Past President John Petronko served the FOCA as National President from 1998-2000, as was a Past Governor of the Central Pennsylvania District. He is a member of St. John's parish, Alpha, New Jersey. He is a graduate of Rutgers University and the University of Toledo School of Law. He is an Attorney at Law in the firm of Pryga and Petronko and in New Jersey and is also a Municipal Court judge.
In addition to plenary sessions, the program of activities organized by the sponsoring chapter included a pool-side open house, "perch and perogie" dinner, boat cruise on Lake Erie, a "Moscow Nights" entertainment evening, a private pavilion dinner at "Cedar Point" amusement park and the Sunday evening grand banquet and ball. Throughout the four day convention a regular schedule of religious services included Vespers, a Panikhida, and the Hierarchical Divine Liturgy. Junior/youth activities were organized by the sponsoring group, assisted by Fr. Michael Anderson.
A number of interesting interactive sessions were conducted during sessions. Drs. Daniel and Jane Hinshaw led a panel discussion on a "Christian ending to life." Mr. Ken Kovach, choir director of St. Theodosius Cathedral, Cleveland led an enlightening presentation on marketing the Fellowship in the 21st century.
Nicholas Finley and Robert Pfeiffer, interns this past summer with the OCA Youth and Young Adult Ministries unit addressed the convention body and discussed their experiences attending Orthodox camps including the FOCA Junior Olympics and camping program in Ohio. The interns also thanked the membership for the organization's $8,000 gift in support of the internship program.
Many issues concerning juniors members were discussed and several long-standing by-laws for junior membership admission were abolished, essentially deleting procedures similar to "clubs". A proposal to create a new program for youth 5-9, tentatively titled "Fellowship Kidz" was distributed and will be considered for implementation in the future. The 2001 FOCA National Basketball Tournament will be held in Minneapolis, Minnesota and the delegates agreed to a one-year trial of allowing Orthodox teams, not presently members of the Fellowship, to participate in this major FOCA youth event. A resolution concerning the upcoming 75th Anniversary Celebration of the Fellowship in 2001 was unanimously passed calling for the recognition of the accomplishments of the organization and inviting all Orthodox Christians to join our Fellowship and our common work of building up the Body of Christ in North America and serving His Holy Church. The official celebration will occur in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, July 10-15, 2001 during the 75th National Convention.
The 2000 FOCA National Scholarship Awards were formally announced at the grand banquet on Sunday, September 3rd, with each recipient receiving $1,000 awards. Those receiving awards include Erin Barrett, Charissa Bascik, Daniel Belonick, Natalie Brewer, Michael Butchko, Christina Jadick, Lara Kowalchik, Natasha Malackany, Julianne Mindala, Melissa Patrician, John Pusey, Tanya Rezanka, Kyra Specht and Kelly Witkowski.
The 2000 Stock Award winners. 1st - Mary L. Rogots, chapter #96 ($400), 2nd Elizabeth Dutko #50 $100, Tess Campana #57, $100; Stephanie Homyak #219, $100. Thanks to all who supported this fundraising project.
74th NATIONAL CONVENTION FELLOWSHIP OF ORTHODOX CHRISTIANS IN AMERICA
HURON, OHIO AUGUST 31-SEPTEMBER 4, 2000
RESOLUTION:
75th ANNIVERSARY CELEBRATION
We, the Fellowship of Orthodox Christians in America, gathered together at our 74th annual National Convention in Huron, Ohio from August 31-September 4, 2000, as we approach the 75th anniversary of our founding, do hereby:
REMEMBER the founders and original members of this Fellowship, led by Fr.Vladimir Prislopsky, who, in November 1927 at Pittsburgh, had the vision tosee the pressing need for a national lay organization of Orthodox Christians in North America and established the Federated Russian Orthodox Clubs;
CELEBRATE the founding of districts and individual chapters of thousands of adults and youths in subsequent years in parishes of various jurisdictions throughout the United States, which have helped to keep them in and serving the Orthodox Christian Church;
RECOGNIZE the many good deeds accomplished by our members in the areas of education, mission, service and fellowship, including the Orthodox Christian Journal, church school seminars and materials, choir conferences and music books, the United Fund, Heartbeat Sunday, leadership at all church levels (national, diocesan and parish), youth programs, sports and social activities, college scholarships and acts of charity;
ACKNOWLEDGE the ongoing need for a vanguard of lay Orthodox Christians to continue these good works for a new generation in our increasingly pluralistic, multi-ethnic and diverse parish communities;
INVITE all Orthodox Christians parents, children, families, single adults, clergy to join our Fellowship and our common work of building up the Body of Jesus Christ in North America and serving His Holy Church;
CALL UPON our officers, members, districts and chapters to undertake appropriate means of commemoration and celebration during our Diamond Anniversary year, including holding memorial services for departed members,honoring long-time members, sponsoring banquets, festivals, cultural events and services of thanksgiving, and hosting special charitable activities; and PRAY to Almighty God that we will all be able to gather together next year in Pittsburgh, the city of our founding, from July 10-15, 2001, for our 75thannual National Convention and the culmination of our jubilee anniversary.
RESOLUTION ADOPTED by the 74th Annual National FOCA Convention on September 4, 2000 at Huron, Ohio.
CONVENTION ATTENDEE SURVEY 75th 135 Responses were received.
1. Why do you come to a convention?
92 Conduct business of the organization
108 Meet old/new friends
26 Participate in religious activities
45 Visit a "new" location
·Other
Social Introduce our children to other "O" kids Learn about organizational matters & concerns.· Combine with before/after vacation
2. Our investigations have shown that we can get better prices for conventions held over Labor Day. With this in mind, when would you prefer a convention be held?
40 Middle of summer
56 Labor Day weekend
39 Doesn't matter
Other:
· My experience is that there are roadblocks which exist at any time and people/families will make the effort to attend if they want to regardless of when the convention is held.
3. Should conventions be held
64 In one calendar week (Wednesday p.m. Sunday a.m.)
9 Saturday p.m. Wednesday a.m.
62 Thursday p.m. Monday a.m. (Labor Day format)
Other: Hold business sessions from Friday all day to Saturday a.m. Reduces time off from work. The convention is not our primary vacation.
4. With regard to the official business of the convention, would you prefer -
76 Conducting business of the organization only as expeditiously as possible
33 Include religious workshops/discussions
22 Include religious presentations
31 Include break-out meetings
26 Present instructional/learning workshops (i.e., financial planning, etc.)
Other:
Social activities increased. Entertainment, spectator sports. At present thee is no reason for delegates; all business decisions are made by Board Board of Trustees Workshops on Membership/fund raising Provide an opportunity to visit the convention site city rather than be locked into an inflexible schedule. Business on 1 ½ days; events throughout remaining 2 days. (2) We can get religious workshops/discussion and presentations at home; AAC does this. Not the purpose of the convention. Speakers like Mother Raphaela (2) Religious discussions/presentations should be optional to go to; not included with business of organization. Half days without business should have an activity planned with advance notice (2). We need some excitement at these sessions. What we have now, I'm not interested in attending.
5. What types of non-business convention activities would you like to see sponsored?
66 Boat rides, if available
106 Tours to area points of interest
27 More than one dance
Other: Dance something more modern, like New Wave Museums, churches Interesting activities for youth because we are coming in the summer and want to bring them along. Tours of areas of national interest to US public. More than one dance which includes both ethnic and modern music to satisfy all ages. Include sporting events where available. Entertainment (folk music/dancing) (3) Dinner off site
Dance for Juniors Guest Speakers (3) Saturday night dance.
6. What's your idea of an ideal convention location?
62 Resort
47 Big city
45 Location where we get the best rate
52 Place we haven't been to in last 6 years
27 Location I can drive to
Other: Outdoor recreational activities Free parking included (4) Any place affordable (4) Place with good facilities: guest rooms, meeting rooms, outdoor pool (2)
7. What can we do to make our conventions more interesting to our membership what will make you "want to be there"?
· "Publicize" the activities, especially youth. People want to "socialize" with other Orthodox and share ideas of what works.
· Having continual items (functions) for young (youth) people.
· Family-friendly hotel extended pool hours, nearby kid food (cheap)
· Less structure, no "stuffy" reports. Have them with preparatory papers for open discussions.
· Tell the Executive board o make a decision to work together to conduct business expeditiously.
· To do some business. At present nothing seems to be done in sessions.
· Important issues. Good social program.
· I need for delegates to volunteer so I can see the sights. That is my club's problem.
· Camaraderie and an opportunity to make a viable contribution to the FOCA.
· Limit the discussions on the motions; sometimes we hear people to agree with the prior speaker just to get in the minut4es.
· Interesting location (2)
· Continued activities for the Juniors/Kids.(2)
· Songfest with music, words available to newcomers (4)
· Keep the k8ids a part of the convention. This is important to our growth in the FOCA.
· An innovative social program/activities.
· Propose constructive ideas to increase membership in FOCA.
· Allow more delegates and alternates per club.
· Friendliness of hosts like at Pittsburgh. Something to do on Saturday night (like a dance) and party like the "Happy Birthday Party" at Pittsburgh
· Need to continue working on the 18-40. Cut down on business sessions.
· Consolidate business sessions and meetings by streamlining the agenda. Too much time wasted on present set up.
· Quick, decisive and meaningful sessions; only questions on reports or additions.
· Hold conventions at sites never before visited. Hold different types of functions/form of entertainment.
· Preliminary committee discussion meetings on various phases and then bring to floor for action (4)
· Don't treat delegates like idiots and waste their time! The convention body should be included in debate. All decisions should not be made by the leadership.
· More social activities (4); well planned like this convention; more socializing of membership.
· This is only my second convention. I would like to attend many more but being in my mid 20's, I only have so much vacation time and only so much money. If I'm taking my vacation time, it's got to be fun and affordable.
· If held at a resort, we could hold some athletic competitions. Communicate that conventions can be an excellent family vacation.
· Get new ideas for progress; get an overall view of the workings of the Board and their progress.
· Limit debates on floor (2).
· Fun & Family!
· Prices are getting out of hand for banquets.(2)
· Allow a block of time on one day with no planned activities.
· We do not need to make this a religious event. This should be the social side of the church.
· Greater participation encouragement for 20-40 year olds to participate.
· There should always be a guest featured speaker as a drawing card (paid)
· Interesting fellowship activities and gatherings.
· Good talk on important religious issues such as "Healing (Body, mind soul, prayer), "Women in Church History". Set aside 2 hours, invite proper speaker Fr. & Matushka Belonick spoke on topic I; excellent, unforgettable.
· Keep the meetings to a minimum; lots of tours and fellowship time built into the schedule would be great.
· Get a location that has access to stores and shops near by without having to drive to it.
· Make the sessions exhilarating. These cut & dry Executive board decisions leave a bad taste. Why come here. Just have an Executive Board.
· More social affairs. Invite other Orthodox peoples. Make it "inclusive" rather than "exclusive"
· Conventions should be a meeting place for young adults. They are not family picnics nor religious retreats.
· Speakers, panel discussion (2)
· More free time; doing business expeditiously
