The 98th FOCA Convention has arrived.  We are looking forward to fruitful discussions and fellowship amidst the full engagement with the 21st All American Council.  The schedule for our portion is enclosed below.  We are expecting a bit under 50 in attendance which is a blessing considering early returns.  There are 590 delegates for the AAC and 900 attending the Grand Banquet.  We will have a brief, but important presentation within that banquet.

The 2025 National Summer Sports Tournament – Golf Tournament – will be held Friday and Saturday August 22 and 23. The Weirton “O” Club Chapter #58 host.

Registration for the 98th FOCA Convention in Phoenix is now open.  The schedule is complete in what promises to be a monumental time in the life of the Orthodox Church in America.  Our convention, with precedence with the OCA, is condensed to fit within the 21st All American Council.  This is a rarity of occasions as we gather to do not only our own work, but to be a very important part of the work of the Church.

It is time once again time to prepare for the annual FOCA convention. Unlike many conventions in the past, we are integrated in the 21st All American Council of the OCA. The primary reason for this lies in being a part of the final step in the canonization of St. Matushka Olga, our first American female saint. Services for her will take place on Wednesday evening and Thursday morning of both gatherings. The complete schedule for both the OCA and the FOCA is being finalized.

On May 28th, 2024, the nationally recognized historic St. Theodosius Cathedral in Cleveland, Ohio suffered a great tragedy with a devastating fire that caused millions of dollars in damages. Insurance coverage will assist the restoration, but the full cost of renovation will not be realized by that alone.

The Fellowship of Orthodox Christians in America is coordinating a “virtual” Christmas concert to be streamed live via YouTube on Wednesday, December 25th, 2024. All Pastors and Parish Choirs are invited to participate by sending in a pre-recorded video including a greeting by your parish priest.

I was blessed with the opportunity to attend the FOCA annual convention in Akron this Summer.  There was much prayerful discussion at that meeting about the organization's future.  I would like to update you on a project from the past, in hope it will inspire those members who worked so hard to bring it to fruition.

The 97th FOCA Convention was a wonderful gathering of its members and guests in Mogadore (Akron), Ohio from July 26th through the 29th.  As glad as we were to see all participants make it to the event safely, we were just as happy to hear no issues for the safe returns home.

Full Event Agenda as well as the Convention Report Book are now available!

Come to Akron, Ohio for the 97th FOCA Convention July 26-29, 2024!  Hosted by Akron 20/32, all meetings and services will be held at St. Nicholas Orthodox Church in Mogadore, Ohio.  This year’s convention is a family friendly event for all ages in both activity and cost.  Plans for kids of all ages include the Akron Zoo, Akron Rubber Ducks Baseball (with fireworks), and the ProFootball Hall of Fame.  Of course, adults will meet for convention business all day Saturday and Monday morning.