99th Convention Schedule of Events

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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.

Key Weekend Details

Friday, July 24

  • Golf Outing – Seneca Golf Course
    • 10:30 AM (18 holes)
    • 12:00 PM (9 holes)

  • Evening Gathering at The Shanty
    • 7:00 – 10:00 PM
    A relaxed, family-friendly evening to reconnect and kick off the weekend.

Saturday, July 25

  • Convention Sessions (All Day)

  • Youth Program (All Day)
    Our St. Vladimir’s Camp–inspired youth program (ages 2–18) will run throughout the day. Children may participate for all or part of the day.

  • Asian Lantern Festival – Cleveland Metroparks Zoo
    • 6:30 – 10:30 PM – Zoo Open
    • 8:00 PM - Ice Cream Social

If you’re not familiar with the Asian Lantern Festival, it is truly something special—and will sure to be a highlight of the weekend. The zoo is transformed after dark into a glowing, immersive festival of light, with hundreds of large-scale, illuminated lantern displays throughout the grounds. As you walk through the zoo, you’ll experience a colorful, vibrant atmosphere filled with light, music, and energy, along with live performances such as acrobatics and interactive elements for all ages.

It’s designed to be a fun, family-friendly evening—something both children and adults genuinely enjoy—and we are especially excited to experience it together as a group.

Wheelchairs ($12–$30) and strollers ($12) are available to rent at the Zoo gift shop.
To reserve, please call (216) 661-7603. Availability is limited, and electric wheelchairs are weather permitting.

If you need transportation to the Zoo, please let us know when you register on-site.

Sunday, July 26

  • Hierarchical Divine Liturgy
    • 9:30 AM

  • Festive Banquet 

• Immediately Following Liturgy
If you can only attend one part of the weekend, we warmly encourage you to join us for the banquet. Youth are also invited to participate in ethnic dancing.

Monday, July 27

  • Conclusion of Convention Sessions (Morning)

Important Deadlines (Coming Up Quickly!)

  • Hotel Reservations (FOCA Rate) Deadline: June 24

    • Hotel reservations must be made by June 24 to receive the FOCA rate at the Holiday Inn Cleveland South by IHG (216-524-8050) or SpringHill Suites by Marriott (216-264-4190) in Independence. We encourage you to reserve early, as rooms are limited.

    • A guide to Things to Do in Greater Cleveland is included for those extending their stay. – HYPERLINK TO CLE Guide and hotel links 

  • Program Book Ads Due: June 30 – CLICK HERE

  • Event Ticket Order Form Due: July 11 – CLICK HERE

A Final Note

Whether you are planning to attend the full weekend or just a portion, we are truly looking forward to welcoming you. This is a gathering for our entire Orthodox community—friends old and new—and we hope you will join us.

Thank you again for your support and participation. We can’t wait to share this special weekend together.

Should you have any questions, please reach out to Jennifer Pishko at mail4jenpish@yahoo.com or (248) 320-1138.

We look forward to greeting you in July.