Invitation from our FOCA President

Synaxis of the Holy, Glorious and All-Praised Twelve Apostles

To the Reverend Fathers and Mothers, Brothers and Sisters in Christ,

Glory to Jesus Christ!

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.

I write to you all on this day as it is most fitting to make a plea for all to gather for the 99th FOCA Convention in Cleveland, Ohio from July 24th through July 27th. Many have already made their reservations and filed their registration forms to attend. Ads are due today and should be plentiful. The Cleveland “R” Club has had several members work very diligently to line up a wonderful weekend filled with activity and services that are the hallmark of the FOCA.

Metropolitan Tikhon, Archbishop Daniel, and Bishop Gerasim will attend for the majority of the weekend with the pinnacle of Hierarchal Divine Liturgy being led by His Beatitude on Sunday. Activities for youth with a “mini-camp” on Saturday should draw families to attend. A wonderful Grand Banquet open to all follows Sunday’s Divine Liturgy. A social gathering on Friday and the Asian Lantern Festival at the Cleveland Zoo on Saturday are not to be missed. The business of the FOCA is crucial as we visit the complete revamping of bylaws for the organization. Now, it is time to act.

You are needed at this convention. As we celebrate those 12 Apostles, we have the responsibility to continue the good works that we have always done as the FROC and FOCA. You are needed to determine how we move into the future. This is not the same organization that it was 50 years ago. No organizations are. With the growth that so many Orthodox parishes are experiencing in the United States, we can seize this moment to introduce and reintroduce the organization to all Orthodox Christians by participating fully in how we can reshape this nearly century-old arm of the Church.

The FOCA has not reached this 99th anniversary by accident. The work of so many gone before us cannot be disregarded and ignored. The resurgence of faithful, catechumens, and inquirers filling our churches cannot be overlooked. We can embrace this moment and bring others to the friendships, connections, networks and service that make the FOCA invaluable. Pray, study, toil, and be temperate needs to be shared with all who come!

The deadline for hotel registration has been extended until Monday, July 6th. Call the Holiday Inn Independence at 216-524-8050 and make certain to ask for the Fellowship of Orthodox Christians rate. Check with your chapter president for paperwork or go to the FOCA website at www.orthodoxfellowship.org

Click on the website address and convention materials are immediately after a basketball photo under Latest National News.

In Christian Fellowship,

Rdr. Basil Kochan

FOCA President