Thirty-three clergy wives from eight dioceses and stavropegial institutions of the Orthodox Church in America gathered at the Antiochian Village from July 27–30 for the 2026 Office of Pastoral Life’s Clergy Wives Retreat.

Organized by Clergy Wives Ministry, the retreat carried the theme “Come Away and Rest: Blueprint for Renewal and Resilience in Our Journey with the Lord.” The gathering offered participants time away from the ordinary demands of family, parish, and professional life for prayer, reflection, fellowship, and the chance to rest in Christ.

The retreat was led by Dr. Ioana Popa of Team For The Soul® Institute, an experienced Orthodox Christian spiritual coach and theologically trained physician-psychiatrist with over twenty years of experience leading retreats.

Through presentations, journaling, contemplation, and small- and large-group conversations, Dr. Popa helped participants better understand the chronic stress many Christian women in ministry experience. Clergy wives were invited to identify practices of renewal and begin developing a personal “renewal blueprint” for living and serving in a more sustainable way.

Dr. Popa’s particular insight that taking on other people’s emotions is not necessary in order to be a loving listener was extremely helpful to many attendees. Some commented this was the single most important insight they would be taking away from the retreat, with one calling it “liberating.”

“The retreat was an opportunity for clergy wives to step away, cultivate inner stillness, and reconnect with the Lord. We also hoped to kindle lasting friendships from scratch. These were lofty goals,” said Matushka Carrie Foley, who leads the Office of Pastoral Life’s Clergy Wives Ministry. “As with any first effort, one must anticipate expectations will fall short. But I am thrilled to report, our expectations were surpassed. We shared prayers, tears, a-ha moments, laughter, hugs, and amens. The Lord was surely with us!” 

The Divine Liturgy was celebrated Thursday morning by Father Vjekoslav Jovicic with Matushka Marina Garcia directing. In his sermon, Father Vjekoslav recollected women saints throughout the Scriptures, persecutions, and desert monasticism who lived hidden yet crucial lives in the Kingdom of God.

Throughout the four-day gathering, participants shared meals, informal fellowship, and directed conversation with other clergy wives whose lives carry many of the same joys, responsibilities, and challenges. Strolls along the quiet beauty of Antiochian Village’s Meditation Trail, and veneration of the relics of St. Raphael of Brooklyn were other bright stars in the midst of the retreat.

For Matushka Jenn Franchak, of St. Basil the Great Church, in Simpson, PA, the retreat provided important relief from isolation: “For the first time in 17 years of being a clergy wife, I actually had the opportunity to connect with and learn from other women who understand this life and its challenges. Thank you so much for the care and effort that you put into this retreat. It was such a blessing for me, and has helped me in so many ways. I am so excited for next year!”

The retreat is part of the Office of Pastoral Life’s continuing effort to strengthen the lives of clergy families and foster deeper relationships among clergy wives throughout the Orthodox Church in America. Matushka Carrie expressed her heartfelt gratitude to all the hierarchs, parishes, and individuals whose concrete support made this retreat possible. Matushka Jenny Mosher and Matushka Jodi Mathews, who volunteered countless hours to the planning and logistics, were indispensable to the success of this inaugural retreat.

Clergy Wives Ministry is dedicated to providing avenues of connection and renewal for clergy wives. In addition to the annual retreat planned for next year (stay tuned for an announcement of dates coming soon), a downloadable companion guide designed for group discussion for One Book One Sisterhood is now available. The website is expanding, so check back frequently for more opportunities for fellowship and encouragement.

The Office of Pastoral Life supports the clergy and clergy families of the Orthodox Church in America through programs promoting spiritual, vocational, relational, and financial well-being. Additional information is available at opl.oca.org.

Delegates from across the United States gathered in Cleveland, OH from July 24th through the 27th for the 99th Fellowship of Orthodox Christians in America’s (FOCA) annual convention. Preparing for the centennial celebration of the organization, Cleveland was selected as the site of the 99th convention due to its historical significance for FOCA.

Archpriest Vladimir Prislopsky, founder of the FOCA, originally known as the Federated Russian Orthodox Clubs, served for 37 years as rector of Archangel Michael Orthodox Church in Cleveland. Fr. Vladimir founded the organization in Pittsburgh in 1927, and the second convention was held at Archangel Michael Church in 1928. The parish contributed extensively over the years, including providing local district governors through numerous executive offices.

The convention opened on Friday evening with a social event at Archangel Michael Orthodox Church. More than 100 participants gathered for an evening of fellowship and conversation about the future of the organization. His Eminence Archbishop Daniel, Archbishop of Chicago and the Midwest, and His Grace Bishop Gerasim of Fort Worth, Locum Tenens of the Diocese of the South and Episcopal Liaison to the FOCA, were also present for the evening.

On Saturday morning, youth participants took part in a FOCA-sponsored “mini-camp” led by Deacon Dan and Matushka Katrina Kovalak. The day included crafts, sports, and other activities for the children.

The adult delegates met throughout the day for convention business, including discussion of operations and governance matters. His Beatitude Metropolitan Tikhon joined the convention in the afternoon and offered words of encouragement to the delegates. The day continued with Great Vespers, at which Archpriest John Memorich, Rector of Archangel Michael Church, wore the vestments of Fr. Vladimir Prislopsky in honor of his memory. The evening concluded with an outing to the Cleveland Zoo and the Asian Lantern Festival.

On Sunday, July 26, His Beatitude Metropolitan Tikhon presided at the celebration of the Hierarchical Divine Liturgy. Concelebrating with His Beatitude were His Eminence Archbishop Daniel, His Grace Bishop Gerasim, and several clergy, including past and present National Spiritual Advisors of the FOCA.

At the conclusion of the Divine Liturgy, Nicholas Ressetar, on behalf of Matushka Theodora Ressetar, daughter of Fr. Vladimir Prislopsky, presented Archangel Michael Church with Fr. Vladimir’s gold pectoral cross. The cross, given to Fr. Vladimir by the parish at the time of his elevation to the rank of archpriest, was received with gratitude as a memorial to his priestly ministry and his foundational role in the life of the FOCA.

Following the Divine Liturgy, a Grand Banquet was held at Woodside Banquet Center, with nearly 200 people in attendance. During the banquet, a fund drive was held to benefit the Shrine to St. Olga of Kwethluk, sponsored by the Archdiocese of Alaska. Through the FOCA Gifts of Love campaign, nearly $4,500 had already been collected for the project, and the banquet raised an additional $2,300.

The convention concluded on Monday, July 27, with the election of officers, further deliberation on governance matters, and the awarding of future events to various FOCA chapters. During the elections, Nicholas Ressetar was elected to serve as president during the FOCA’s centennial year.

The Fellowship of Orthodox Christians in America gives thanks to God for the blessings of the 99th Annual Convention and asks the prayers of its patron, the Holy Apostle Andrew the First-Called, as the organization prepares to celebrate 100 years of service to the Church.

On Friday, July 24, His Beatitude Metropolitan Tikhon presided at the Special Nominating Assembly of the Diocese of the South, convened at Saint Justin Martyr Church in Jacksonville, FL, to nominate a candidate for election as Bishop of Dallas and the South.

The Assembly followed the retirement of His Eminence Archbishop Alexander, which became effective at the conclusion of the Diocesan Assembly on Thursday, July 23, after a decade of faithful archpastoral service to the Diocese.

Earlier that day, the Holy Synod of Bishops met in a special session under the presidency of His Beatitude and, in accordance with the Statute of the Orthodox Church in America, formally declared the See of Dallas and the South vacant.

Following the action of the Holy Synod, His Beatitude appointed His Grace Bishop Gerasim of Fort Worth as Locum Tenens of the Diocese of the South, effective immediately.

At Friday’s Special Nominating Assembly, the clergy and lay delegates of the Diocese nominated Bishop Gerasim as their candidate for Bishop of Dallas and the South.

In accordance with the Statute of the Orthodox Church in America, the nomination will now be forwarded to the Holy Synod of Bishops for consideration at its Regular Fall 2026 Session, to be held in early November. At that time, the Holy Synod will consider the canonical election of the next Bishop of Dallas and the South.

Reflecting on the Assembly and the Diocese’s next steps, Metropolitan Tikhon said:

“The Diocese of the South has been greatly blessed through the devoted archpastoral ministry of Archbishop Alexander, whose faithful service has strengthened the life of the Church for many years. As the Diocese now enters a new chapter, I ask the clergy, monastics, and faithful throughout the Orthodox Church in America to continue praying that the Holy Spirit will guide the Diocese, Bishop Gerasim in his service as Locum Tenens, and the members of the Holy Synod as they prepare to consider the election of a new diocesan bishop. May the Lord grant His abundant grace, wisdom, and peace to all during this important time of transition.”

Metropolitan Tikhon also expressed his gratitude to the clergy, monastics, and faithful of the Diocese of the South for the spirit of prayer and unity in both the Diocesan Assembly and the Special Nominating Assembly.

On July 15–17, 2026, His Beatitude Metropolitan Tikhon traveled to Calgary, AB, to preside at the 2026 Canadian Archdiocesan Assembly.

His Beatitude was accompanied by Archpriest Alessandro Margheritino, Chancellor of the Orthodox Church in America. Upon their arrival in Calgary on July 15, they were greeted at Calgary International Airport by Archpriest Phillip Eriksson, Chancellor of the Archdiocese of Canada, and proceeded to Ambrose University, the venue for the Assembly, where he was greeted by His Eminence Archbishop Irénée.

That evening, Vespers was served by Priest Matthew Francis and Deacon Micah Friesen. Following Vespers, His Beatitude addressed the gathered clergy and faithful, speaking about Saint Vladimir, Equal-to-the-Apostles, as a fitting example for the Assembly.

“Here was one man, in one generation, who received the faith and chose — freely, and at some cost — to hand it on,” His Beatitude said. “Everything that has followed from that choice: a thousand years of the Church’s life among the Slavic peoples, the planting of Orthodoxy in North America, in time, the establishment of this very Archdiocese, its expansion and flourishing, including the succeeding gatherings of clergy, monastics, and faithful at events such as this Assembly, and even our evening prayer this evening — all of this flows from a single act of transmission.”

Read the full text of His Beatitude’s address

On Thursday, July 16, following the Divine Liturgy in the chapel, His Beatitude and Fr. Alessandro met with members of the Archdiocesan Council to discuss matters pertaining to the life of the Archdiocese.

Later that morning, His Beatitude presided at the Assembly session. Archpriest Rodion Luciuk presented a proposal for a Canadian clergy pension plan, Priest Andrew Applegate offered a report from the St. Tikhon’s Archdiocesan Stewards, and the Assembly received nominations for the Archdiocesan Council and Metropolitan Council.

Following the session, His Beatitude had lunch with the clergy wives. During the afternoon session, His Beatitude answered questions from the clergy and assembled delegates.

That evening, His Beatitude, His Eminence, and Fr. Alessandro attended the Assembly Banquet, held in the parish hall of St. Demetrios Greek Orthodox Church. During the banquet, Archpriest Matthew Francis, who serves as Regional Director for British Columbia and Yukon of the Canadian Bible Society, presented His Beatitude and His Eminence with copies of a newly translated version of the Gospel of John in the Blackfoot language, spoken by the member nations of the Blackfoot Confederacy in southern Alberta.

His Beatitude also offered remarks at the banquet, reflecting on the meaning of a common meal in the life of the Church.

His Beatitude said, “On a fundamental level, the Church has never really handed down bare information. She has handed down a table — from the manna in the wilderness, to the bread and cup Christ gave His disciples, to the Divine Liturgy we will serve together before this Assembly ends. God feeds His people first, and only afterward asks them to tell the story of having been fed.”

Read the full text of His Beatitude’s remarks

On Friday, July 17, His Beatitude presided at the celebration of the Hierarchical Divine Liturgy at Holy Martyr Peter the Aleut Church in Calgary. Concelebrating with His Beatitude were His Eminence Archbishop Irénée, Fr. Alessandro, Fr. Phillip, the diocesan deans, and other clergy of the Archdiocese.

At the Little Entrance, His Beatitude awarded Igumen Vladimir Lysak the right to wear the jeweled cross and Priest Aleksey Isakov the right to wear the gold cross.

During the Divine Liturgy, His Beatitude delivered the homily, speaking about the need to hold knowledge and love together in the life of the Church.

“This is a gentle reminder to us that often the complexities we are presented with in life are not problems to be solved but opportunities to love God so that we might be known by him, that is, receive his divine grace,” His Beatitude said. “And in this simple movement is where healing begins and where worship flows forth.”

Read the full text of His Beatitude’s homily

The liturgical responses were sung by the Holy Martyr Peter the Aleut parish choir, joined by many Assembly delegates, under the direction of Mka. Barbara Eriksson.

Following the Divine Liturgy, His Eminence Archbishop Irénée thanked His Beatitude for his time and expressed the love of the clergy and faithful for him. His Beatitude, in return, expressed his gratitude to His Eminence, to the clergy and faithful of the Archdiocese, and to all who had worked in preparation for the Assembly. He also noted the blessing of seeing the growth of Orthodoxy in Canada and the strong faith of the Archdiocese.

On behalf of Holy Martyr Peter the Aleut Church, Priest Jonathan Goossen presented His Beatitude with an icon of the parish’s patron saint, the original painted by a Canadian monastic in British Columbia.

Following the Divine Liturgy, His Beatitude, the clergy, and the delegates returned to Ambrose University, where the Assembly concluded with a brunch, final presentation, and closing Molieben.

His Beatitude and Fr. Alessandro departed Calgary that afternoon.

His Beatitude Metropolitan Tikhon is encouraging dioceses, parishes, clergy, and faithful throughout the Orthodox Church in America to support clergy wives who wish to participate in the inaugural Office of Pastoral Life’s Clergy Wives Retreat, “Come Away and Rest,” July 27–30, 2026, at Antiochian Village in Ligonier, PA. At the launch of registration, His Beatitude said, “The Church has a responsibility to our pastors and their families and so does each parish community. This is why I’m so grateful for the Office of Pastoral Life for organizing … the Clergy Wives Retreat. [This is] not a luxury … not an extra. This is an act of stewardship. This is the Church stepping forward to say to her clergy wives ‘we value you and we care for you.’”

Registration for Clergy Wives Retreat closes June 29.

The retreat will offer clergy wives from across the Orthodox Church in America an opportunity to step away from their daily responsibilities, renew their strength, and reconnect with what matters most in their life with Christ. Alongside structured sessions, the schedule will provide time for prayer, quiet, conversation, walks, reflection, and unhurried fellowship.

Sessions will be led by Dr. Ioana Popa, MD, BCC, MTS, a physician-psychiatrist, board-certified chaplain, and Christian spiritual care, life, and leadership coach. Dr. Popa earned a Master of Theological Studies degree at Holy Cross Greek Orthodox School of Theology with a focus on spiritual care.

Under the theme “Come Away and Rest: A Blueprint for Renewal and Resilience in Our Journey with the Lord,” Dr. Ioana Popa will help participants explore the pressures Christian women face that can contribute to chronic stress and hidden burnout. Through prayer, reflection, journaling, silence, and small- and large-group conversation, participants will consider practices that foster renewal and begin developing a personal blueprint for healthier and more deeply grounded living.

“It is a true joy for me to support Christian women, especially clergy wives, who desire to serve their families, communities, and churches with a grounding presence and peace,” Dr. Popa said. “Our time together will be an opportunity to renew ourselves and reground our faith through prayer, reflection, contemplation, and more.”

Dr. Popa was also a featured speaker at a recent Thriving in Ministry Facilitators Retreat hosted by the Office of Pastoral Life.
“Dr. Ioana embodies the ability to bring peace into our daily lives,” said Shelby Giokas, Director of Thriving in Ministry. “With a strong focus on how our physical and spiritual wellness impacts our bodily health, Dr. Ioana offers gentleness and healing that is rooted in Christ. The kindness that she radiates is contagious.”

Retreat participants will not only discuss the need for refreshment, but practice it, guided by Christ’s words to the Samaritan woman:

“Whoever drinks of the water that I shall give him will never thirst. But the water that I shall give him will become in him a fountain of water springing up into everlasting life.” (John 4:14)

Each afternoon of the retreat will include an unscheduled block of time for rest, quiet, walks, or informal fellowship. Participants will also have opportunities to form friendships with other clergy wives through shared meals, prayer, and conversation.

His Eminence Archbishop Mark announced last week his commitment to pay for registration costs of every clergy wife and widow from the Diocese of Eastern Pennsylvania who wishes to participate in the retreat.

Parishes and dioceses are encouraged to assist clergy wives with registration and travel expenses, recognizing that supporting clergy wives’ renewal strengthens clergy families and enriches the life of the Church.

Additional information and registration are available at: opl.oca.org/programs/pastoral-retreats/clergy-wives-retreat-2026

About the Office of Pastoral Life

The Orthodox Church in America’s Office of Pastoral Life supports the well-being of clergy and their families, the foundation of parish life across North America. Believing the health of the Church is inseparable from the health of her clergy, the Office offers programs that build resilience, connection and pastoral joy. Programs include Thriving in Ministry peer-learning groups, Financial Health Initiatives, quarterly Synaxis Gatherings, Retreats and Clergy Wives Ministry. In partnership with bishops, dioceses, parishes and our generous donors, the Office of Pastoral Life helps create sustainable conditions in which priests, deacons and their families of the Orthodox Church in America can flourish spiritually, vocationally and personally through every season of parish ministry.

Clergy of the Orthodox Church in America are invited to register for the 2026 Office of Pastoral Life Pastoral Retreat, which will take place September 29–October 2, 2026, at the University of Saint Mary of the Lake Retreat Center in Mundelein, IL.

The theme of this year’s retreat is “The Fields Are Ripe for the Harvest.” The retreat will offer clergy time set apart for prayer, reflection, fellowship, and renewal in the company of brother clergy from across the Orthodox Church in America.

In many places, Orthodox parishes are experiencing significant growth, with new inquirers, catechumens, and seekers coming to the life of the Church. This is a blessing, and it also brings new pastoral challenges. At the same time, many priests continue to serve faithfully in quieter settings, in smaller communities, or in parishes facing their own particular burdens and opportunities. This retreat is offered for all of today’s pastors as they seek to serve Christ and His Church with faithfulness, discernment, and hope.

The retreat will include presentations from Mother Christophora, Abbess of Holy Transfiguration Monastery in Ellwood City, PA, and Archpriest John Parker, Dean of Saint Tikhon’s Orthodox Theological Seminary. Their presentations will invite clergy to reflect on the spiritual life of the priest, the work of pastoral ministry, and the hopeful labor of serving the Church in this season.

A highlight of the retreat will be the celebration of the Divine Liturgy for the Feast of the Protection of the Mother of God at New Gracanica Monastery on Thursday, October 1. The retreat schedule will also include opportunities for shared meals, conversation, rest, and informal fellowship.

“The Office of Pastoral Life is grateful to offer this gathering for our clergy,” said Archpriest Nicholas Solak, Director of the Office of Pastoral Life. “Our hope is that priests will come away encouraged, strengthened, and renewed for the pastoral work entrusted to them.”

Click here for more information and registration

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