Support for the educational ministries of the clergy, Church school teachers, families, and others engaged in faith formation on every age level is the focus of the Department of Christian Education.
The Department of Department of Christian Service and Humanitarian Aid promotes the involvement of clergy and laity in Orthodox witness and ministry programs in response to the needs of those within our parishes and in the communities in which we live. Resources are developed for outreach by and for people of all ages.
The Department of Evangelization combines the work of the former OCA Office of Church Growth and Evangelism and the former OCA Missions Ministries Unit, focusing its attention on studying and acting upon the Great Commission of Our Lord to “teach all nations, baptizing them in the Name of the Father, Son and Holy Spirit.”
The archives of the Orthodox Church in America, which contain a rich and unparalleled resource documenting the 209-year history of Orthodox Christianity on the North American continent, are maintained by the Department of History and Archives.
The Department of Institutional Chaplaincies supports the ministry of full and part-time hospital, hospice, long-term care, prison, fire, police chaplains, and those in other settings.
The Department of Liturgical Music and Translations serves as an advisory body to the Metropolitan and the Holy Synod of Bishops in matters concerning liturgical translations and music, liturgics, and other matters affecting the liturgical life of the Church.
The Department of Military Chaplaincies supports the ministry of Orthodox military chaplains who, while serving as full-time priests and non-combatant full-time military officers, celebrate Orthodox liturgical services and the Holy Mysteries, offer counseling on all levels, visit hospitals, units, barracks, flight lines and ships, attend command-level briefings, and advise commanders on religious, moral and social issues.
In recognition of the demands placed upon clergy in parish life and contemporary society, the Department of Pastoral Life and Ministry assists clergy in the fulfillment of their ministries through workshops, seminars, retreats, and publication of the “Pastors to Pastors” newsletter.
Recognizing that youth and young adults play a vital role in the present life of the Church, the Department of Youth, Young Adult, and Campus Ministry trains clergy, parents, and youth ministers in various aspects of ministry with, to, and by young people.
The Office of Development and Stewardship educates the faithful in recognizing that everything one possesses belongs to God, and that His People are called to wisely manage His gifts of time, talent and treasure for His glory and for the building up of His Body, the Church.
The Office of External Affairs and Interchurch Relations maintains and coordinates relations with Orthodox Churches in North America and with the sister Orthodox Churches throughout the world.
Established to advise and assist the Chancellor and Treasurer of the Orthodox Church in America, the Investment Board explores venues through which the wise use of the Church’s financial resources, designated funds and holdings, etc. are pursued utilizing the highest ideals of Christian stewardship.
Legal Advisory Board
The Legal Advisory Board advises the members of the Holy Synod of Bishops on a wide variety of legal issues and questions, recommending appropriate courses of action in situations in which legal assistance is required, and keeps abreast of current legal precedents and decisions which potentially affect the life of the Church in general and its dioceses, deaneries, and parishes in particular.
In an effort to provide appropriate financial support for retiring clergy and full-time Church workers participating in the Orthodox Church in America's Pension Plan, members of the Pension Board oversee the plan's administration and disbursement of benefits. The Pension Board is elected by the All-American Council to oversee the administration of the Pension Plan of the Orthodox Church in America.
The Board of Theological Education establishes, maintains, and oversees the general standards and curriculum for the education and formation of clergy in the Orthodox Church in America’s three seminaries.
The Canonization Commission is responsible for reviewing and compiling information concerning the lives and labors of those persons who may be considered for canonization by the Holy Synod of Bishops of the Orthodox Church in America.
The Commission on Canons and Statutes is responsible for researching and offering proposals to the Holy Synod of Bishops on canonical questions affecting contemporary Church life in North America.
The Medical/Ethics Board keeps informed of and offers advice on the latest developments in medical science, bioethics, and related fields on behalf of the Holy Synod of Bishops.
The Committee on Diaconal Vocations considers applications for Diaconal Vocations candidates, provides recommended programs of education and formation for those seeking ordination, and evaluates candidates completing such programs.
