Having completed the fast and celebration of Ss. Peter and Paul, we come today to the Synaxis of the 12 Apostles of Christ. These twelve men chose to be gathered together to listen to the words of Christ and go do His work. None of their paths were easy in teaching the works of Christ and spreading His Gospel. It did not deter them from moving forward with their mission.

As we prepare to gather in Cleveland for the 99th FOCA National Convention, July 24–27, 2026 in Broadview Heights, OH, we wanted to share a few final details and reminders as plans come together.

We are grateful for the enthusiasm we’ve already heard and are looking forward to a joyful weekend of faith, fellowship, and community under the theme One Faith • One Fellowship.

Join Us in Cleveland as We Celebrate 99 Years of Fellowship

As FOCA approaches its 100th anniversary, Cleveland is honored to host the final convention before this historic milestone. 

Nearly a century ago, our beloved Archangel Michael pastor of 37 years, the Rt. Rev. Fr. Vladimir Prislopsky of blessed memory, together with several colleagues, founded the Federated Russian Orthodox Clubs (FROC) - today known as the Fellowship of Orthodox Christians in America (FOCA). With remarkable vision, he recognized the need for a strong lay organization to promote Orthodoxy, unite Orthodox Christians across parishes, and reflect the full breadth of Orthodoxy in America.

The Fellowship of Orthodox Christians in America is coordinating a “virtual” Christmas concert to be streamed live via YouTube on Thursday, December 25th, 2025. All Pastors and Parish Choirs are invited to participate by sending in a pre-recorded video including a greeting by your parish priest.

As we draw this 98th FOCA Convention to a close, thanks be to God for the work that you have put forth.  Your discussion has given all of us many things to think about.  The question was raised, “who are we, and what are we?” In the brief time that I have had to reflect on that, I have to say that we are the Fellowship of Orthodox Christians in America.  We pray, study, toil and be temperate.

First of all, we had a productive convention with an overwhelming show of support for the FOCA from the AAC Youth Directors, Fr. Jason & Matushka Ashley Foster.  The Grand Banquet of the FOCA and OCA was so overwhelming for the over 900 people present.  The youth program presented the founding of the Church in Alaska with a magnificent cardboard ship with emissaries traveling from Russia.

In a time in which many people feel no need to belong to an organization beyond their own local church, we are here in Phoenix to celebrate our 98th year and invite you to reactivate dormant chapters, start new chapters, or simply become a member.  

Per 98th Convention result, the 2025/2026 Gifts of Love Campaign has been designated  to be the Matushka Olga Church Fund in the Diocese of Sitka and Alaska.  Please be generous to help raise funds to support the needs of honoring our newest North American Saint.