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.

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.