OCA Treasurer announces distribution of 2008 Seminary Appeal funds

SYOSSET, NY [OCA Communications] — The Treasurer of the Orthodox Church in America, Priest Michael Tassos, announced that donations collected for the 2008 Annual Seminary Appeal have been distributed.

About $78,000.00 was contributed by the faithful of the OCA during the appeal. These funds have been divided between St. Vladimir’s, St. Tikhon’s, and St. Herman’s Seminaries. All three seminaries are recognized for their respective achievements in preparing priests and lay workers for service in the Lord’s vineyard. While the institutions are part of the Orthodox Church in America and many of the graduates end up serving in the OCA, their alumni can be found in Orthodox Churches throughout North America and abroad.

The Annual Seminary Appeal will not be conducted in 2009. By resolution of the Metropolitan Council and with the approval of the Holy Synod of Bishops, only two appeals will be taken. One will be for the support of the Seminarian Internship Program, while the other will be for the Planting Grant Program that assists new mission communities. The decision to change the appeals was due in part to the fact that the seminaries have effective fund raising and development programs.